Automatic Gas Tank Changeover System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure natural gas tank systems lack an efficient and safe method for automatic changeover between tanks without interrupting gas delivery to end-users, particularly when there is a lack of natural gas from utility providers or when users are not connected to a pipeline system.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes multiple high-pressure tanks, piping sections with valves, pressure, flow rate, and temperature monitoring devices, and computing devices that analyze data to automatically switch between tanks based on pressure, flow rate, and temperature thresholds, ensuring continuous gas delivery by opening and closing valves electronically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual changeover between high-pressure tanks is performed, then system complexity is reduced, but gas delivery interruption occurs and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors tank pressure levels and performs changeover operations without human intervention. The control unit detects when a tank's pressure falls below the threshold and automatically switches to a备用 tank, allowing the system to serve itself and maintain continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure levels in each tank and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to make real-time decisions about when to switch tanks, ensuring continuous gas delivery while automatically managing the complexity of the changeover process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple high-pressure tanks are used, then gas supply duration is extended, but the complexity of managing tank changeover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the multiple tanks by monitoring their pressure levels and performing switchovers when needed. This self-service approach allows the system to handle multiple tanks without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as the automated system manages the tank fleet independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors pressure in all tanks, determines when switchovers are needed, executes the switching operation, and ensures continuous gas delivery. This multi-functionality consolidates the complexity into a single control system rather than requiring separate management mechanisms for each tank.
3Reliability
If automatic monitoring and control systems are implemented, then changeover safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors provide continuous feedback on tank pressure levels to the control unit. This feedback enables automatic detection of when a tank needs to be switched, ensuring safe changeover operations without requiring complex manual monitoring procedures or increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control. The control unit electronically manages the valve operations and tank switching, substituting complex manual mechanical procedures with a simpler automated electronic system that enhances safety while reducing operational complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If pressure, flow rate, and temperature monitoring is performed, then gas delivery quality is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes threshold values for pressure, flow rate, and temperature that define acceptable gas delivery quality. By setting these thresholds in advance, the monitoring system can automatically detect deviations without requiring complex real-time analysis, maintaining gas quality while minimizing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, by a computing device, electronic information about pressure. The method further includes determining, by the computing device, the pressure is at a particular threshold. The method further includes sending, by the computing device, a communication to close a particular valve and prevent gas flow from a first tank. The method further includes sending, by the computing device, another communication to open another valve and allow gas flow from a second tank.