Integrated Hydrogen Regulation Module for Leak-Safe Engine Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of components in hydrogen fuel supply systems for internal combustion engines is complex due to packaging challenges and the risk of hydrogen leakage, requiring careful assembly and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen regulation module (HRM) integrates a common body housing a shut off valve, pressure regulating valve, purge valve, filter, and pressure relief valves, along with temperature and pressure sensors, to simplify packaging and enhance safety by allowing for easier installation and testing as a single component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple components (shut off valve, pressure regulating valve, purge valve, filter, pressure relief valves, sensors) are integrated into a single common body, then packaging space is reduced and installation is simplified, but manufacturing complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple hydrogen regulation components (shut off valve, pressure regulating valve, purge valve, filter, pressure relief valves, temperature sensor, and pressure sensor) into a single common body. This merging of previously separate components into one integrated module reduces packaging space and simplifies installation while maintaining all necessary functions through careful internal arrangement and common sealing structures.
2Reliability
If multiple components are integrated into a single unit, then the number of sealing interfaces is reduced, but the sealing requirements for each interface become more critical due to hydrogen's high leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components into a single common body, the patent reduces the number of external sealing interfaces between separate components. The internal sealing requirements are managed through carefully designed sealing elements positioned at critical junctions within the integrated structure, thereby reducing overall leakage risk while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sealing elements as intermediary components between different functional parts within the common body. These sealing elements (such as seals and gaskets) act as mediators that prevent hydrogen leakage at critical interfaces while allowing the integrated structure to maintain its compact design.
3Reliability
If all components are assembled and sealed with great care, then hydrogen leakage is prevented, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of all components into a single common body reduces the total number of assembly operations required compared to assembling multiple separate components. The unified structure allows for pre-assembly and testing of the entire module before installation, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining sealing integrity through designed-in sealing features.
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 HRM provides improved packaging and safety by integrating all components in a single unit, facilitating easier installation and ensuring reliable operation with reduced risk of hydrogen leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit to retain particles beyond a predetermined particle size, arranged upstream of said shut off valve and pressure regulating valve
Implementation Method 2
a pressure regulating valve configured to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen stream towards the outlet
Implementation Method 3
a shut off valve to selectively open or close the flow of hydrogen through the gas flow path
Implementation Method 4
a pressure relief valve configured to open when the pressure downstream of the pressure regulator increases beyond a predetermined pressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen regulation module for a hydrogen internal combustion engine includes a common body that defines therein a gas flow path for a hydrogen stream, the gas flow path extending from an inlet port to an outlet port the common body integrating: a shut off valve to selectively open or close the flow of hydrogen through the gas flow path; a pressure regulating valve configured to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen stream towards the outlet; a purge valve configured to allow purging the gas flow path downstream of the shut off valve; a first pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the gas flow path downstream of the shut off valve and of the pressure regulating valve; and a filter unit to retain particles beyond a predetermined particle size, arranged upstream of the shut off valve and pressure regulating valve. A temperature sensor and a pressure sensor on the hydrogen stream are upstream of the shut off valve and of the pressure regulating valve.