Hydrogen System Integrated Ventilation for Leak Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrogen systems face challenges in efficiently discharging hydrogen from inside an apparatus to outside a casing, particularly in responding to hydrogen leaks and reducing apparatus size and cost.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen system configuration that includes a hydrogen production apparatus, a hydrogen storage apparatus, a first flow path for hydrogen discharge between the two, a second flow path for hydrogen use, and a third flow path for external discharge, with a controller to manage valve openings and potentially include detectors and ventilators for leak detection and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrogen production apparatus and hydrogen storage apparatus are housed in separate partitioned chambers, then hydrogen leak safety is improved, but device complexity and apparatus size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen leak safetyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hydrogen production apparatus and hydrogen storage apparatus into a single integrated housing without internal partition walls. The production apparatus and storage apparatus share the same housing space, eliminating the need for separate chambers while maintaining safety through integrated monitoring and ventilation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it houses both the production apparatus and storage apparatus, provides leak detection capabilities, and includes ventilation pathways. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate partitioned chambers with a unified system that performs safety and containment functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple hydrogen leak countermeasure apparatuses are provided in each chamber, then hydrogen leak response capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen leak response capabilityVSAvoidcountermeasure apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines leak detection and ventilation functions into a unified system. A single ventilation pathway is provided that can discharge hydrogen from both the production apparatus and storage apparatus, eliminating the need for separate countermeasure apparatuses in each chamber while maintaining comprehensive leak response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation pathway serves as a universal countermeasure that can handle leaks from any part of the system. The integrated design allows a single ventilation system to protect both the production and storage areas, reducing the number of specialized countermeasure devices needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If partitioned chambers are used for hydrogen production and storage, then hydrogen containment is improved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen containmentVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the production and storage functions into a single housing volume. By eliminating internal partition walls and using a unified containment structure with integrated ventilation, the overall apparatus size is reduced while maintaining effective hydrogen containment through the shared housing and discharge pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If complex leak countermeasure systems are implemented, then hydrogen safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple safety functions into a single integrated system. By providing one ventilation pathway that serves both the production and storage apparatus, and using a unified housing structure, the manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced compared to implementing separate countermeasure systems for each chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11332836B2Hydrogen system

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A hydrogen system including: a hydrogen production apparatus that produces hydrogen; a hydrogen storage apparatus that stores produced hydrogen; a first flow path, wherein hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen production apparatus flows into the hydrogen storage apparatus through the first flow path; a second flow path, wherein hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen storage apparatus flows into a hydrogen-using apparatus through the second flow path; a casing that houses the hydrogen production apparatus, the hydrogen storage apparatus, the first flow path and at least part of the second flow path; a third flow path, wherein hydrogen discharged from at least one of the hydrogen production apparatus, the hydrogen storage apparatus, the first flow path and the at least part of the second flow path flows outside the casing through the third flow path; a first valve provided in the third flow path; and a controller that opens the first valve.