Hydrogen Tank Array Discharge Using Auxiliary Control Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for using hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines face efficiency challenges due to the need for hydrogen injection at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure, which poses technical difficulties for existing tank and injector designs, and electric vehicle technologies have limitations in energy density and range for heavy-duty applications.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with a tank array and an auxiliary control fluid delivery system, including a reservoir, pipeline, and valve arrangement, allows for the transfer of auxiliary control fluid between tanks to manage the discharge of gaseous fuel, optimizing pressure and efficiency without re-pressurizing the fluid, using a separation element like a membrane to separate control fluid from hydrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogen is injected at pressures considerably higher than atmospheric pressure to maintain system efficiency, then fuel delivery efficiency is improved, but technical challenges for existing tank and injector designs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fuel storage into multiple separate tanks (first tank, second tank, third tank) instead of using a single large tank. This segmentation allows for more manageable pressure control in each tank and simplifies the overall system design by distributing the high-pressure storage across multiple smaller units, each with its own control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary control fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to manage hydrogen pressure. The control fluid is supplied to the tanks to discharge hydrogen at controlled rates, acting as a mediator between the high-pressure hydrogen storage and the engine injection system, thereby simplifying the pressure regulation mechanism
2Device complexity
If a single large tank is used for hydrogen storage, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain optimal pressure and extend operational range worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is divided into multiple tanks that can be used in sequence or parallel. This allows the system to extend operational range by having backup tanks while keeping each individual tank at manageable sizes and pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous fuel supply by having multiple tanks that can be switched between or operated simultaneously. The auxiliary control fluid system maintains continuous pressure regulation across all tanks, ensuring uninterrupted fuel delivery to extend operational duration
3Device complexity
If auxiliary control fluid is transferred between tanks through the reservoir, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency worsens due to repeated pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a continuous closed-loop circuit for auxiliary control fluid that allows direct transfer between tanks without returning to the reservoir. This continuous circulation eliminates repeated pressurization cycles, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid transfer pathways between tanks are merged into a single integrated circuit that shares the auxiliary control fluid. This merging eliminates redundant reservoir stops and allows efficient direct transfer, reducing the total energy required for fluid circulation
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
This system enhances the efficiency of hydrogen fuel delivery to internal combustion engines by maintaining optimal pressure and reducing the power input required, enabling continuous fuel supply and extending the operational range of hydrogen fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary control fluid is deliverable to the tank array so as to enable discharge of the gaseous fuel from the tank array to the power plant
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second tanks includes a separation element to separate the auxiliary control fluid from the gaseous fuel within the respective tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system for supplying gaseous fuel to a power plant comprises a tank array comprising at least first and second tanks, each tank being configured to receive pressurised gaseous fuel for supply to the power plant; and an auxiliary control fluid delivery system. The auxiliary control fluid delivery system comprises a reservoir of auxiliary control fluid; an auxiliary control fluid pipeline, configured to enable supply of the auxiliary control fluid to the tank array so as to cause discharge of the gaseous fuel held in the tank array and to enable return of the auxiliary control fluid from the tank array; and a valve arrangement which is operable to control the supply and return of auxiliary control fluid to and from the tank array, respectively, so as to control the discharge of the gaseous fuel.