Hydrogen Compressor Sealing with Inlet Heating Against Seal Gas Liquefaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-temperature hydrogen gas impairs the function of conventional seal gases used in gas compressors due to liquefaction, leading to potential leaks and impaired compressor functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen gas transfer system that includes a gas compressor with a seal gas and a heater in the gas supply passage to heat hydrogen gas to a temperature above the boiling point of the seal gas, preventing liquefaction and maintaining seal gas functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal gas is used in a gas compressor to prevent hydrogen leakage, then sealing function is improved, but the seal gas is liquefied by low-temperature hydrogen gas and loses its sealing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heater that preheats the seal gas before it enters the compression chamber, raising its temperature above the dew point of hydrogen. This preliminary heating action prevents the seal gas from being cooled and liquefied by the low-temperature hydrogen gas, thereby maintaining its sealing capability throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater acts as an intermediary device between the seal gas supply and the compression chamber. It mediates the temperature of the seal gas, ensuring that the gas maintains sufficient temperature to remain in gaseous state and perform its sealing function effectively, preventing direct thermal interaction that would cause liquefaction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If low-temperature hydrogen gas is compressed directly, then energy consumption is reduced, but the seal gas is cooled and liquefied causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local heating only to the seal gas in the regions where temperature control is critical (near the sliding elements and compression chamber), rather than heating the entire hydrogen gas flow. This localized quality change allows the seal gas to maintain its gaseous state and sealing function while minimizing overall energy consumption of the compression process.
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
Ensures effective utilization of low-temperature hydrogen gas as fuel without compromising the sealing function of the seal gas, thereby preventing leaks and maintaining compressor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed in the gas supply passage and configured to heat the hydrogen gas to a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than a boiling point of the seal gas
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen gas transfer system (S) includes: a gas compressor (15) configured to compress hydrogen gas (HG) and enclosing therein a seal gas (SG) for sealing the hydrogen gas (HG); a gas supply passage (11) configured to supply the hydrogen gas (HG) to the gas compressor (15); and a heater (13) disposed in the gas supply passage (11) and configured to heat the hydrogen gas (HG) to a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than a boiling point of the seal gas (SG).