Hybrid Pressure Vessel Array for Fast-Fill Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural gas storage tanks experience thermodynamically induced underfill due to temperature changes during refueling, leading to inefficient use of space and potential overheating during fast-fill systems, which can cause localized temperatures to exceed safe limits in high aspect ratio conformable tanks.
Innovation Solution
An array of pressure vessels comprising Type 4 and Type 1 pressure vessels, where Type 1 vessels with higher thermal conductance are used to dissipate heat efficiently, replacing Type 4 vessels in critical segments to prevent overheating, utilizing stainless steel or aluminum for enhanced thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If Type 4 pressure vessels with composite reinforcement are used, then weight is reduced and design flexibility is improved, but thermal conductance decreases leading to overheating during fast-fill refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the pressure vessel system. Specifically, Type 1 metal pressure vessels with high thermal conductance are placed in series with Type 4 composite pressure vessels. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain low weight overall while providing targeted thermal management at critical locations during fast-fill refueling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different material types (metal and composite) in a hybrid pressure vessel array. Type 1 vessels use metal construction for high thermal conductance, while Type 4 vessels use composite reinforcement for weight reduction. The series configuration creates a composite system that leverages the advantages of both material types to resolve the thermal management contradiction
2Productivity
If fast-fill refueling is implemented, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing thermodynamically induced underfill
Solution Approach 1:
Type 1 metal pressure vessels act as intermediary heat transfer components in the refueling system. During fast-fill operations, these vessels receive a portion of the incoming gas and use their high thermal conductance to dissipate compression heat to the environment. This intermediary function prevents excessive temperature rise in the overall system, maintaining higher gas density and storage capacity during rapid refueling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter (thermal conductance) of specific components in the pressure vessel array. By incorporating Type 1 vessels with high thermal conductance alongside Type 4 vessels, the system modifies its thermal response characteristics during fast-fill refueling, allowing heat dissipation that maintains lower temperatures and higher gas density for improved productivity without underfill
3Temperature
If Type 1 pressure vessels with high thermal conductance are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases due to mixed vessel types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure vessel system into distinct functional units: Type 1 metal vessels for thermal management and Type 4 composite vessels for weight-efficient storage. This segmentation allows each vessel type to perform its specialized function while maintaining a relatively simple series configuration. The modular segmented approach manages complexity by creating repeatable functional blocks rather than requiring complex integrated designs
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
The solution effectively reduces peak temperatures in the tanks, minimizing thermal stress on materials and ensuring better durability by acting as heat sinks, maintaining temperatures below 85°C during fast-fill refueling, thus optimizing space usage and extending tank service life.
Implementation Method 1
A metal wall of the at least one Type 1 pressure vessel has a Type 1 thermal conductance that is greater than a Type 4 thermal conductance of the at least one Type 4 pressure vessel
Implementation Method 2
The solution effectively reduces peak temperatures in the tanks, minimizing thermal stress on materials and ensuring better durability by acting as heat sinks
Implementation Method 3
During refueling, the gas compresses into the tank and the temperature inside of the tank increases
Implementation Method 4
The density of gases depends on the pressure and the temperature of the gas. For example, on a hot day, the gas will expand
Data Source
AI summary
An array of pressure vessels for storage of a compressed gas includes at least one Type 4 pressure vessel and at least one Type 1 pressure vessel. The Type 1 pressure vessel is in fluid communication with the at least one Type 4 pressure vessel. A metal wall of the at least one Type 1 pressure vessel has a Type 1 thermal conductance that is greater than a Type 4 thermal conductance of the at least one Type 4 pressure vessel.