Hydrogen Tank Pressure Equalization Without Mechanical Relief Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage systems face issues with pressure differentials that can lead to operational failures and increased complexity, weight, and cost due to the use of mechanical devices to manage pressure differences, without ensuring redundancy or fail-safe operations.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage system with a controller that measures and adjusts pressure differentials by controlling valves and releasing hydrogen through a regulator, using temperature and pressure sensors to maintain equilibrium and prevent excessive pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical devices are added to manage pressure differences, then the hydrogen storage system can operate under pressure differential conditions, but cost and weight increase and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure management devices with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect pressure differentials and electronic control valves to regulate pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical pressure relief devices while achieving the same functional goal of safe pressure differential management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts valve opening durations and frequencies based on real-time pressure differential measurements. By changing operational parameters (valve control timing and duration) rather than adding mechanical complexity, the system adapts to varying pressure conditions efficiently.
2Reliability
If mechanical devices are added to manage pressure differences, then the hydrogen storage system can operate under pressure differential conditions, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical pressure management devices with more cost-effective electronic sensors and control valves. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving pressure differential management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing hydrogen storage infrastructure (tanks, pipes, existing valves) and adds only the necessary sensing and control elements. This self-service approach leverages existing components rather than requiring complete mechanical system replacements, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 system effectively manages pressure differentials by independently controlling tank pressures, reducing the risk of operational failures and maintaining system integrity while minimizing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may measure pressure for each tank, may measure a pipe pressure of pipe connected with the plurality of tanks
Implementation Method 2
The controller may measure a temperature for each tank using a temperature sensor mounted on each of the plurality of tanks and may convert the temperature for each tank into the pressure for each tank using a temperature-pressure conversion formula
Implementation Method 3
relieving differential pressure by releasing hydrogen through a regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen storage system for detecting and restricting a pressure difference generated in the hydrogen storage system and a method for adjusting differential pressure therein are provided. The hydrogen storage system includes a controller that controls valves of a plurality of tanks. The controller measures pressure for each tank, measures a pipe pressure of pipe connected with the plurality of tanks, compares the pressure for each tank with the pipe pressure to determine whether differential pressure between the tank and the pipe is generated, determines whether it is expected to generate differential pressure between the tanks in an expected equilibrium temperature, when it is determined that the differential pressure between the tank and the pipe is not generated, and performs pressure equilibrium control between the tanks, when it is expected to generate the differential pressure between the tanks.