Hydrogen Tank Cycling Facility With Segmented Fluid Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen tank cycling installations face challenges such as significant pressure losses, heating issues, complex maintenance, high energy consumption, and air bubble contamination due to the use of brine, which complicates temperature and pressure control during cycling tests.
Innovation Solution
A three-circuit system is implemented, comprising a low-pressure circuit for rapid pressurization, a high-pressure circuit with water to minimize pressure losses, and a third circuit using glycol water for extreme temperature control, along with a vertical multiplier design for easier maintenance and reduced pressure losses, and a shutter mechanism to facilitate fluid flow and reduce mechanical fragility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If glycolated water is used in the high-pressure circuit to enable cycling tests at negative temperatures, then temperature adaptability is improved, but pressure losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid circuit into three separate circuits: a first low-pressure circuit with oil for rapid pressurization, a second high-pressure circuit with water for low-pressure-loss operation, and a third high-pressure circuit with glycolated water for extreme temperature cycling. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between temperature adaptability and pressure losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glycolated water is used for cycling at ambient temperature, then temperature coverage is improved, but heating of the fluid increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates ambient temperature cycling operations into the second circuit using water, which does not heat up as significantly as glycolated water. Glycolated water in the third circuit is reserved exclusively for extreme temperature cycling where heating is expected and managed. This segmentation reduces unwanted fluid heating during ambient temperature tests.
3Area of stationary object
If the multiplier is arranged in vertical position for space saving and uniform seal wear, then space efficiency is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multiplier reconfigurable, allowing it to be positioned vertically during operation for space efficiency and uniform seal wear, and horizontally during maintenance for ease of access. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction between operational efficiency and maintenance ease.
4Device complexity
If manual filling and fluid connection is used, then system simplicity is improved, but air bubble contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic filling and fluid connection systems that self-prim e the circuits and eliminate air bubbles without requiring complex manual intervention. The system automatically detects and resolves air contamination, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall system design relatively simple.
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
This configuration allows for precise control of pressure and temperature variations, reducing energy consumption and ensuring bubble-free fluid circulation, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydrogen tank cycling tests across various thermal and pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first low pressure circuit for circulating a first fluid having a first viscosity and in which a hydraulic unit (CH) for generating pressure is arranged
Implementation Method 2
at least one multiplier arranged at the junction of the first circuit and the second circuit
Implementation Method 3
the installation may include means for cooling and controlling the temperature in the enclosure and the temperature of the third fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
Installation (8) for cycling a hydrogen tank comprising: - a first low-pressure circulation circuit (10) of a first fluid having a first viscosity and in which a hydraulic pressure generation unit (CH) is arranged, - a second high-pressure circulation circuit (12) of a second fluid having a second viscosity lower than the viscosity of the first fluid, - a third high-pressure circulation circuit (14) of a third fluid having a melting point lower than that of the first fluid and preferably of a maximum of -40°C, - at least one multiplier (M1, M2) arranged at the junction of the first circuit (10) and the second circuit (12).