Hydrogen Tank Filling Layout With Confluence Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen filling systems for vehicles with multiple hydrogen tanks are inefficient, particularly when filling large commercial vehicles and buses, as they require multiple receptacles and can be complicated due to limitations at existing hydrogen filling stations.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage device with a plurality of receptacles and hydrogen tanks, featuring a flow channel that merges hydrogen from multiple receptacles at a confluence point and branches into the tanks, with shorter lengths for receptacle-to-confluence connections and longer, larger-sectioned channels to the tanks to minimize pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single receptacle is used to fill multiple hydrogen tanks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filling time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into multiple independent paths that converge at a confluence point. Each path connects one receptacle to the confluence point, allowing simultaneous filling of multiple tanks while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular channel design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow channels from different receptacles are merged at a confluence point into a common flow channel that distributes to multiple hydrogen tanks. This merging strategy enables parallel filling operations, significantly reducing total filling time while keeping the receptacle configuration simple
2Productivity
If multiple receptacles are provided to fill multiple hydrogen tanks simultaneously, then the filling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receptacle flow channels are merged at a confluence point into a common distribution channel. This configuration enables simultaneous filling of multiple tanks (improved productivity) while using a standardized merging topology that does not significantly increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The common flow channel downstream of the confluence point serves multiple functions: it distributes hydrogen to multiple tanks and can adapt to different tank configurations. This multi-functionality improves filling efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Productivity
If multiple receptacles are provided to fill multiple hydrogen tanks simultaneously, then the filling efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to nozzle connection limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The confluence point merges multiple receptacle inputs into a single common output path. This allows a single nozzle to connect to one receptacle while hydrogen is distributed to multiple tanks simultaneously, improving filling efficiency without requiring multiple nozzle connections or receptacle changes
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution is segmented at the receptacle level rather than requiring multiple nozzle connections. Each receptacle can be independently filled through a single nozzle connection, and the segmented flow channels independently deliver hydrogen to different tanks, simplifying operation while maintaining high productivity
4Adaptability or versatility
If long flow channels are used to connect receptacles to multiple hydrogen tanks, then the adaptability to different tank configurations is improved, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel system uses different channel lengths and diameters optimized for local requirements: shorter channels with appropriate diameters for receptacle-to-confluence connections, and longer channels with larger diameters from the confluence point to tanks. This local optimization reduces pressure loss while maintaining adaptability to different tank configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel parameters (length, diameter, cross-sectional area) are changed along the flow path to optimize performance. Channels from receptacles to confluence point have different characteristics than channels from confluence point to tanks, with the latter having larger cross-sectional areas to compensate for longer lengths and reduce pressure loss, while maintaining flexibility for different tank arrangements
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 efficient hydrogen filling into multiple tanks without the need to change receptacles, reducing filling time and complexity, even at hydrogen stations with limited nozzle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the length of a flow channel from every receptacle to the confluence point is shorter than the length of a flow channel from the confluence point to every hydrogen tank... with shorter lengths for receptacle-to-confluence connections and longer, larger-sectioned channels to the tanks to minimize pressure loss
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A hydrogen storage device (20) provided in a vehicle that uses hydrogen as a fuel includes a plurality of receptacles (22a, 22b), a plurality of hydrogen tanks (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), and a flow channel (23) through which hydrogen flows from the receptacles (22a, 22b) to the hydrogen tanks (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d). The flow channel (23) has a confluence point (A) configured such that the hydrogen merges into one on a downstream side of the plurality of receptacles (22a, 22b). The flow channel (23) branches from the confluence point (A) into the plurality of hydrogen tanks (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d).