Hydrogen Tank Pressure Control Using a Fuel Cell Power Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pressure increase in a liquid hydrogen tank due to evaporation when the aircraft is parked, necessitating a pressure control system that can operate autonomously without relying on external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage system with a fuel cell permanently connected to the tank, continuously supplying electricity to power a processing unit that controls a valve to release excess hydrogen, maintaining tank pressure within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure monitoring system is installed in the tank to control valve opening when pressure is too high, then the pressure inside the tank can be limited to prevent explosion, but the system requires external power sources (battery or ground power) which create safety risks and operational dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell serves dual purposes: it powers the aircraft propulsion system and simultaneously provides electrical power to the pressure monitoring system. The fuel cell's continuous operation during flight ensures the monitoring system is always powered without requiring separate batteries or external ground power sources, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electricity for the propulsion system during flight and also powers the pressure monitoring system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power sources for the monitoring system, reducing complexity and safety risks associated with multiple power sources.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is used to power the pressure monitoring system, then the system can operate autonomously, but ensuring sufficient battery capacity to power the system throughout the entire tank duration becomes difficult to implement safely
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a separate battery with limited capacity, the fuel cell continuously generates electricity during flight operations. This eliminates the need to design for extended battery duration, as the fuel cell's operational lifespan matches the aircraft's flight duration and hydrogen tank consumption rate.
3Ease of operation
If ground-based power sources are used to power the monitoring system, then the system can function during parking, but the aircraft becomes dependent on available ground resources which could lead to difficult-to-manage situations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure monitoring system is integrated with the fuel cell power system, allowing it to operate autonomously during all flight phases. The system does not require external ground power sources, making the aircraft independent from airport infrastructure and capable of operation at any location with appropriate hydrogen refueling capabilities.
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
Ensures autonomous operation of the pressure control system by utilizing hydrogen consumption from the tank, delaying depressurization and reducing the risk of tank explosion.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell (14) permanently connected to said hydrogen tank (12), said fuel cell (14) making it possible to produce electricity as long as there is hydrogen in said tank (12)
Implementation Method 2
a valve (22) mounted in series on a hydrogen pipe to release a portion of the hydrogen from said hydrogen tank (12) into the atmosphere
Data Source
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AI summary
The hydrogen storage system (10) includes a hydrogen tank (12) and a system for controlling the evaporation of hydrogen from the tank. This control system includes a hydrogen discharge line (18) connected on one side to the hydrogen tank and on the other to an operable valve (22), as well as a processing unit (16) configured to control the valve based on the pressure in the tank. The hydrogen storage system (10) further includes a fuel cell (14) permanently connected to the hydrogen tank, and the processing unit is electrically powered by the fuel cell.