Hydrogen Pressurizing Rig With Closed-Loop Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage tanks in vehicles face challenges in efficient pressurization and purging processes, particularly in managing pressure ramp rates and compatibility with various hydrogen sources and storage types, which can lead to damage or inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen pressurizing rig equipped with a compressor, pressure sensors, and a controller that regulates the pressure ramp rate and hydrogen flow, along with modular connectors and valves, ensures safe and flexible pressurization and purging of storage tanks, accommodating different hydrogen sources and tank types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a compressor is used to pressurize hydrogen storage tanks, then pressurization efficiency is improved, but pressure ramp rate control becomes critical to prevent tank damage
Solution Approach 1:
A metering valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressor and the storage tank. This valve modulates the hydrogen flow rate from the compressor, controlling the pressure ramp rate into the tank to prevent damage while maintaining efficient pressurization. The metering valve acts as a mediator that decouples the compressor's high-flow output from the tank's pressure sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor monitors the pressure inside the storage tank and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback signal to dynamically adjust the metering valve position, ensuring the pressure ramp rate remains within safe limits. This closed-loop feedback system enables efficient pressurization while preventing tank damage through real-time pressure ramp rate control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are provided for different hydrogen sources and tanks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing outlet is designed with multiple connector types (e.g., Type 70, Type S, Type M) integrated into a single universal interface. This allows the same pressurizing outlet to accommodate different hydrogen source cylinders and storage tank types without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each application, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
3Reliability
If pressure sensing and control systems are added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is installed inside the storage tank to monitor pressure during pressurization. The sensor connects to a controller that automatically adjusts the metering valve based on the measured pressure, creating a simple closed-loop feedback system. This feedback mechanism enhances safety by preventing overpressurization and controlling pressure ramp rates without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple sensors.
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 rig effectively manages pressure ramp rates, prevents damage to storage tanks, and enhances efficiency by ensuring safe and adaptable pressurization and purging processes, allowing for the reuse of hydrogen.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor comprising a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet... the compressor pumps hydrogen from the supply inlet into the storage tank via the pressurizing outlet
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure sensor disposed for sensing a pressure during pressurizing of the storage tank and for outputting a first pressure signal based on the sensed pressure
Implementation Method 3
a metering valve fluidly coupled between the compressor outlet and the pressurizing outlet, the metering valve being connected for control by the controller so as to modulate a rate at which hydrogen is supplied to the storage tank
Implementation Method 4
a controller coupled to receive the pressure signal, and being programmed and configured to control operation of the compressor such that... a pressure ramp rate indicated by the pressure signal does not exceed a predetermined pressure ramp rate
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen pressurizing rig (100) for pressurizing, purging, and/or reclaiming hydrogen from a hydrogen storage tank of a vehicle, the hydrogen pressurizing rig comprising: a compressor (106) comprising a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet: a supply inlet (112) coupled or couplable to a hydrogen source, the supply inlet fluidly coupled or couplable with the compressor inlet: a pressurizing outlet (118) for coupling to a storage tank to be pressurized, the pressurizing outlet fluidly coupled or couplable with the compressor outlet: a first pressure sensor (124) disposed for sensing a pressure during pressurizing of the storage tank and for outputting a first pressure signal based on the sensed pressure, the first pressure signal being indicative of a pressure within the storage tank; and a controller (126) coupled to receive the pressure signal, and being programmed and configured to control operation of the compressor such that, in use, the compressor pumps hydrogen from the supply inlet into the storage tank via the pressurizing outlet, such that a pressure ramp rate indicated by the pressure signal does not exceed a predetermined pressure ramp rate.