Guided Wave Liquid Level Probe for Cryogenic Hydrogen Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid hydrogen gauging systems require direct electrical energy, which is undesirable for maintaining low temperature and pressure in liquid hydrogen tanks, risking tank damage or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive ultrasonic guided wave probe system using a wave guide strip and sensor array configured to withstand cryogenic temperatures, measuring liquid level through guided waves without direct electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrical measurement systems are used in liquid hydrogen tanks, then measurement functionality is achieved, but tank temperature and pressure increase risking damage or explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical measurement systems with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Acoustic waves propagate through the liquid hydrogen to provide level measurement without requiring electrical energy input into the tank, thereby avoiding temperature increase while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for measurement. Instead of directly applying electrical energy to the liquid hydrogen, the system uses sound waves that can traverse the liquid phase without causing significant heating, thus mediating between the measurement requirement and the temperature constraint.
2Measurement precision
If traditional electrical measurement systems are used in liquid hydrogen tanks, then measurement functionality is achieved, but risk of tank damage or explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical measurement systems with an acoustic measurement system. This replacement eliminates the direct electrical energy input that creates safety risks in cryogenic hydrogen environments, thereby improving reliability and tank safety while preserving measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the challenge of measuring in cryogenic environments into an opportunity by using acoustic waves that are naturally suited for such conditions. The low temperature environment that poses risks to electrical systems actually favors acoustic wave propagation, turning a harmful condition into a beneficial operating state.
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
Provides accurate and safe liquid hydrogen gauging by maintaining tank integrity, avoiding temperature and pressure increases, suitable for various tank designs and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
A noninvasive ultrasonic guided wave probe system using a wave guide strip and sensor array configured to withstand cryogenic temperatures, measuring liquid level through guided waves
Implementation Method 2
A noninvasive ultrasonic guided wave probe system using a wave guide strip and sensor array
Implementation Method 3
the at least one reflected wave includes at least one reflected wave reflected at a liquid-gas interface within the fluid tank back towards the sensor array
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 3B
AI summary
A liquid level measurement system includes a wave guide strip including a first end and a second end. The measurement system includes a sensor array positioned more proximate to the first end than the second end. The wave guide strip is configured and adapted to guide waves emitted from the sensor array. A method for determining a liquid level measurement in a fluid tank includes emitting an excitation from a transmitter of a sensor array along a wave guide strip into the fluid tank, thereby generating a plurality of guided waves. The method includes receiving at least one reflected wave with at least one receiver of the sensor array. The method includes determining a liquid level within the fluid tank by correlating at least one characteristic of the at least one reflected wave to a liquid level in the fluid tank.