Hydrogen Check Valve Layout for Low-Resistance Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves for feeding gaseous media, such as hydrogen, have high space requirements, high flow resistance, complex structures, and potential leakage points, making them unsuitable for efficient and safe filling of pressure accumulators, and are not effective at low flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design with a reduced number of components and sealing points, featuring a shut-off body that allows gas to flow directly through outlet openings without flowing around it, combined with a spring element for simple operation and optimized outlet angles for improved flow and temperature distribution, reducing installation space and material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional check valve designs are used with multiple components and sealing points, then shut-off function is achieved, but device complexity and potential leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body and shut-off element into a single integrated component with a through-opening. The shut-off body forms an integral part of the valve housing, eliminating separate sealing components and reducing the number of potential leakage points while maintaining the shut-off function through the geometry of the through-opening and shut-off element arrangement.
2Reliability
If gas flows around the shut-off body in conventional designs, then shut-off is achieved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having gas flow around the shut-off body as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the flow path so that gas flows directly through the through-opening of the shut-off body. This eliminates flow resistance caused by flowing around the component while the shut-off function is maintained by the movable shut-off element that can block the through-opening when needed.
3Reliability
If conventional check valve designs are used, then shut-off function is provided, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve into a compact integrated structure where the shut-off body with through-opening serves as both the flow path and the shut-off mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate housing components and extends the valve in the flow direction only, reducing installation space requirements while maintaining shut-off capability.
4Reliability
If multiple sealing points are used in conventional designs, then shut-off reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated shut-off body with a through-opening. The movable shut-off element provides sealing by blocking the through-opening, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealing points and associated sealing components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining sealing reliability.
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 design achieves reduced flow resistance, improved shut-off behavior, and uniform temperature distribution, leading to lower material stress and reduced production costs, with enhanced efficiency and safety in filling pressure vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve (1) comprises an inlet opening (30), a shut-off body (20) and at least one outlet opening (40)... The shut-off body (20) is pressed against the valve sealing seat (60) by a spring element (50)...
Implementation Method 2
The gaseous medium is discharged from the inlet opening (30) directly through the at least one outlet opening (40)... The shut-off body (20) is not flowed around along its longitudinal direction.
Implementation Method 3
optimized outlet angles for improved flow and temperature distribution... The outlet openings (40) are arranged to form an angle alpha with a longitudinal axis L of the check valve (1)...
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A check valve (1) for introducing gaseous media, in particular hydrogen, comprises an inlet opening (30), a shut-off element (20), and at least one outlet opening (40). In a first state, the shut-off element (20) is positioned such that it closes off the inlet opening (30) and covers the at least one outlet opening (40). In a second state, the shut-off element (20) is displaced relative to the position of the first state such that the inlet opening (30) is no longer closed off and the at least one outlet opening (40) is only partially covered or completely open, allowing the gaseous medium to be discharged from the inlet opening (30) through the at least one outlet opening (40).