Hydrogen Storage Safety Valve With Plug Ejection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for hydrogen storage tanks, such as thermally activated pressure relief devices (TPRDs), can create hazardous local conditions when activated, and there is a need to detect such activations promptly for safety intervention.
Innovation Solution
A safety valve with a detection device that includes a support, conductors, and a contacting element, which changes its electrical contact state when the plug is ejected from the gas exhaust outlet, allowing for the detection of over-pressure and over-temperature conditions and triggering a warning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a TPRD is installed on hydrogen storage tanks to prevent rupture or explosion, then safety is improved, but hazardous local conditions are created when the TPRD activates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection device with electrical contacts that provide feedback when the TPRD plug is ejected. The detection device includes a support with first and second conductors, and a contacting element that moves to interrupt electrical contact when the plug is ejected, signaling the activation state back to the monitoring system.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional heat detectors are installed to monitor TPRD activation, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the TPRD safety function with a detection function by integrating electrical contacts directly into the plug ejection mechanism. The detection device combines mechanical movement detection with electrical signaling, eliminating the need for separate heat detectors while maintaining detection capability.
3Stress or pressure
If the plug is ejected from the gas exhaust outlet to relieve over-pressure, then pressure relief is achieved, but the activation event needs to be detected for safety monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The TPRD plug serves dual functions: it mechanically relieves pressure by ejecting from the gas exhaust outlet, and simultaneously activates the detection device through its own movement. The plug's ejection motion directly triggers the electrical contact interruption, making the safety device self-reporting without requiring external 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
Enables quick detection and alerting of TPRD activation, allowing for timely safety interventions and reducing the need for additional heat detectors, thereby enhancing safety in hydrogen storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device also comprises a compression spring extending between a first and a second ends, fixed respectively to the support and to the contacting element; and in the deactivated conformation of the detection device, the compression spring is in a compressed state ; and in the activated conformation of the detection device, the compression spring is in a relaxed state
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a safety valve (10) for a storage tank (12) able to store dihydrogen, the safety valve comprising : a valve body (16) ; an inner chamber (18), formed in the valve body ; a gas inlet (20) and a gas exhaust outlet (22), opening in the inner chamber (18) ; and a plug (24), inserted in the gas exhaust outlet (22) ; the plug (24) being configured for being ejected from the gas exhaust outlet (22) in case of an overpressure and/or of an over-temperature in the inner chamber (18). The safety valve also comprises a detection device (26) coupled to the plug (24), the detection device being configured for being activated when the plug is ejected from the gas exhaust outlet (22).