Compressed Gas Dispensing Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for dispensing compressed gases, such as hydrogen into vehicle fuel tanks, often result in prolonged filling times due to conservative protocols aimed at preventing overheating, leading to inconsistent flow rates and customer confusion from start/stop processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that regulate the flow rate of compressed gas to match a prescribed target temperature profile, preventing overheating by continuously adjusting the flow based on the deviation between the actual and target temperatures, ensuring a steady and efficient dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conservative filling protocols are used to prevent overheating, then receiving vessel temperature is controlled, but dispensing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure ramp rate based on real-time temperature measurements and vessel conditions. Instead of using a fixed conservative rate, the controller continuously adapts the filling rate to match the actual thermal state of the receiving vessel, allowing faster filling when conditions permit while still preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the receiving vessel temperature, and the controller uses this information to adjust the pressure ramp rate. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to actual vessel conditions rather than relying on worst-case assumptions, optimizing both safety and speed.
2Temperature
If pressure ramp rate is reduced to prevent overheating, then receiving vessel temperature is controlled, but dispensing rate is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic pressure ramp rates that adapt to real-time vessel conditions. The controller adjusts the ramp rate continuously based on temperature feedback, allowing the dispensing rate to be as high as possible without exceeding temperature limits, rather than using a permanently reduced conservative rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure ramp rate parameter dynamically during the dispensing process based on measured vessel conditions. By adjusting this key parameter in real-time rather than fixing it beforehand, the system optimizes both temperature control and dispensing rate for each specific filling operation.
3Temperature
If start/stop methods are used to control temperature, then overheating is prevented, but customer experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous gas flow during dispensing by dynamically adjusting the pressure ramp rate instead of stopping and restarting. This continuous action eliminates the customer-noticeable interruptions that occur with start/stop methods, while still preventing overheating through real-time temperature-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using discrete start/stop actions, the system uses continuous dynamic adjustment of the pressure ramp rate. This creates a smooth, uninterrupted dispensing process that maintains temperature control without the abrupt flow changes that degrade customer experience.
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 approach allows for rapid and safe dispensing of compressed gases while maintaining the receiving vessel within a safe temperature limit, providing a consistent flow rate and reducing filling time, thus enhancing the efficiency and customer experience.
Implementation Method 1
Overheating may occur as a result of adiabatic compression of the gas
Implementation Method 2
If the gas is hydrogen or helium, the reverse Joule-Thompson effect will also contribute in heating the vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for dispensing a compressed gas into a receiving vessel wherein a target temperature profile for the receiving vessel during dispensing is provided, and the flow rate of compressed gas into the receiving vessel is controlled to conform the temperature profile for the receiving vessel during dispensing to the target temperature profile.