Integrated Aircraft Fuselage LH2 Tank Structure for Lower Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft designs face challenges in efficiently integrating and safely storing liquid hydrogen due to the need for separate hydrogen tanks and additional structural support, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft fuselage design that integrates a liquid hydrogen tank within the fuselage structure using strengthened skin panels, frames, and pressure bulkheads, eliminating the need for separate tanks and additional support structures, and incorporating features like thermal insulation and pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate hydrogen tank is added in the cabin, then hydrogen storage capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrogen tank with the fuselage structure by making the tank wall formed by fuselage skin panels, frames, and bulkheads. The tank volume is defined by these structural elements rather than being a separate container. This integration eliminates the need for additional separate tank structures while maintaining hydrogen storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuselage structural elements (skin panels, frames, bulkheads) serve dual functions: providing structural support for the aircraft and forming the containment wall for hydrogen storage. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating redundant structures.
2Reliability
If a separate hydrogen tank with additional support structures is used, then hydrogen storage safety is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen containment function is merged with the fuselage structure. The same skin panels, frames, and bulkheads that provide structural support also serve as the tank wall, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall weight while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuselage structural elements perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, pressure containment, and hydrogen storage boundary definition. This reduces the total weight by eliminating redundant components.
3Strength
If tank stringers and tank frames are disposed within the tank volume, then tank wall strength is improved, but tank volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frames and stringers serve dual purposes: they provide structural strengthening for the tank wall to withstand hydrogen pressure, and simultaneously define the boundaries of the tank volume. By making the structural elements themselves form the containment boundary, the volume loss is minimized while achieving necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural reinforcement is applied locally at critical areas where strength is needed, rather than uniformly throughout. The frames and stringers are positioned to provide strength where required while minimizing impact on overall tank volume.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces weight, manufacturing time, and costs while ensuring safe and efficient storage of liquid hydrogen, achieving a lightweight and integrated solution.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid hydrogen tank has a thermal insulation that is disposed on the tank wall
Implementation Method 2
the tank wall is formed by the tank skin panels, tank stringers, tank frames, and the pressure bulkhead... the tank wall is strengthened such that it can withstand a tank pressure in the tank volume above 1 bar, preferably up to 5 bar, more preferably up to 3 bar
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In order to improve liquid hydrogen storage on aircraft (10), the invention proposes a liquid hydrogen tank (36) that is integrated into the fuselage (12) of the aircraft (10). At least one portion of the tank wall (38) is formed by specially adapted tank skin panels (42) and/or a pressure bulkhead (48). The parts forming the tank wall (38) are strengthened so as to contain a tank pressure (PLH2) of about 3 bar.