Hydrogen Tank Filling Coupling With Shrouded Boil-Off Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen tank filling systems face challenges with boil-off gas management, which can lead to the accumulation of liquid oxygen and pose safety hazards during the fueling process.
Innovation Solution
A boil-off shielded coupling system is introduced, which includes a shroud that surrounds the connection between the hydrogen fuel transfer line and the tank, capturing boil-off gas and routing it back for safe venting, thereby preventing liquid oxygen accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy vacuum-jacketed bayonet-type fittings are used for filling large hydrogen storage tanks, then reliability of the filling system is improved, but weight of the tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum jacketing and complex locking mechanisms from the filling connection, replacing them with a simpler threaded connection that achieves adequate sealing and connection reliability without the excessive weight of vacuum-jacketed bayonet fittings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, lighter threaded connection design that may be replaced more easily if needed, rather than relying on heavy, permanent vacuum-jacketed fittings, accepting that the connection may need replacement but gaining significant weight savings
2Device complexity
If liquid hydrogen filling is performed without boil-off gas management, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to liquid oxygen accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boil-off gas vent line as an intermediary pathway that allows boil-off gas to escape during filling, preventing the accumulation of liquid oxygen without requiring complex active management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful boil-off gas through a dedicated vent line, separating it from the filling process and preventing its accumulation near the filling connection where it could create hazardous conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional filling connections are used without shroud, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision must be increased to prevent liquid oxygen contact with operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shroud as a protective intermediary barrier that surrounds the filling connection, preventing liquid oxygen from contacting operators while allowing the connection itself to maintain simpler manufacturing requirements
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 system effectively manages boil-off gas, reducing the risk of liquid oxygen accumulation and enhancing safety during hydrogen tank filling, while also minimizing hardware requirements and weight on the tank.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid hydrogen tanks are typically chilled by filling with liquid hydrogen and vaporizing until the vessel walls have cooled enough to hold the hydrogen in its liquid state. The release of gaseous hydrogen during the fueling process is vented safely
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen fuel coupling system may include a hydrogen fuel tank and a hydrogen fuel supply connector. The tank has a first connector, and a second connector disposed around the first connector. The second connector has a boil-off inlet port for receiving gaseous hydrogen from the tank. The hydrogen fuel supply connector may include a hydrogen fuel transfer line, a third connector for operably sealably connecting the transfer line to a first connector of the tank for supplying liquid hydrogen, and a shroud extending around the third connector and the transfer line defining a gap therebetween. A fourth connector operably sealably connects a first end of the shroud to a second connector of the tank. A second end of the shroud is operably sealably engageable with the transfer line. A boil-off vent is connected to the shroud for venting gas from the gap.