Solenoid Shutoff Valve for Stable Hydrogen Tank Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutoff valves for hydrogen tanks exhibit uncontrollable opening and closing due to pressure equalization, leading to increased wear and space inefficiency, particularly when integrated into compressed gas containers.
Innovation Solution
A shutoff valve design incorporating a main valve with a solenoid coil to control the valve piston, allowing for controlled opening and closing, minimizing space requirements and integrating seamlessly into compressed gas containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If indirect control via electromagnetically actuatable control valve is used to achieve high flow rates with large main valve seat diameter, then productivity is improved, but the shutoff valve exhibits uncontrollable opening and closing due to pressure equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control chamber as an intermediary between the control valve and the main valve piston. This control chamber allows decoupling the control mechanism from the main valve operation, enabling independent control of valve opening/closing states. The control chamber receives control pressure from the control valve and uses it to actuate the main valve piston, providing stable operation even when outlet pressure equals storage pressure.
2Device complexity
If the shutoff valve is integrated into the bottleneck of compressed gas container to minimize space, then device complexity is reduced, but the valve requires compact dimensions that limit solenoid coil size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the control valve is positioned within the control chamber, and the main valve piston moves within the control chamber. The solenoid coil is integrated into the control valve assembly, and the entire valve system is designed to fit within the bottleneck geometry of the compressed gas container. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization while maintaining all necessary functional components.
3Reliability
If solenoid coil is used to generate holding force on valve piston to prevent unwanted closure, then reliability is improved, but the valve requires additional space for the solenoid coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the solenoid coil to act only on the valve piston when needed for holding or opening operations. The solenoid coil generates magnetic force locally at the valve piston interface, providing precise control without requiring a large overall valve structure. The control chamber geometry is optimized to concentrate the magnetic force where it is most effective, minimizing the space required for the solenoid coil while maintaining reliable holding capability.
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 solenoid-controlled shutoff valve prevents undesirable closure during pressure equalization, reduces wear, and enables compact integration while maintaining high flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coil (13) by means of which an opening and/or holding force acting on the valve piston (6) can be generated
Implementation Method 2
The automatic closing function is typically realized with the aid of a spring acting directly or indirectly on a reciprocating valve piston of the shutoff valve in the closing direction
Implementation Method 3
By opening the control valve, a control pressure applied to the valve piston of the main valve may be lowered, which applies a closing force to the valve piston. As the pressure drop increases, the main valve is thus able to open
Data Source
AI summary
A shutoff valve for hydrogen tank systems having at least one compressed gas container. The shutoff valve includes a main valve, and a control valve for controlling the main valve. The main valve has a reciprocating valve piston which interacts with a valve seat and delimits, at its end facing away from the valve seat, a control chamber which is connected to a storage volume of the compressed gas container via an inlet throttle and via an outlet throttle, connectable to a gas outlet depending on the switch position of the control valve. The main valve includes a solenoid using which an opening and/or holding force acting on the valve piston can be generated. A compressed gas container having the shutoff valve, and a hydrogen tank system comprising at least one compressed gas container and the shutoff valve, are also described.