Hydrogen Fuel Tank Pressure Control via Heat-Exchanger Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of maintaining pressure in hydrogen fuel tanks of aircraft during flight, while optimizing fuel consumption and minimizing waste, is not adequately addressed by existing technologies, particularly due to the low energy density and specific storage conditions of hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that recirculates unfit fuel from the distribution line through a heat exchanger to adjust temperature and pressure, ensuring optimal conditions for reinjection into the fuel tank, thereby maintaining pressure and preventing fuel loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen is stored in fuel tanks at low temperature and pressure, then storage safety and structural integrity are improved, but fuel consumption efficiency deteriorates due to low energy density by volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature and pressure parameters of hydrogen fuel during storage and delivery. By maintaining optimal pressure in the fuel tank and controlling heat exchanger operation, the system balances safe storage conditions with efficient fuel consumption, addressing the contradiction between safety and energy density utilization
2Loss of substance
If recirculation system is implemented to maintain pressure, then fuel waste is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it conditions fuel for delivery to the engine, recirculates fuel to maintain tank pressure, and manages thermal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces fuel waste through recirculation while avoiding the need for separate dedicated pressure maintenance equipment, thus limiting complexity increase
3Reliability
If heat exchanger power is increased to maintain pressure, then pressure maintenance effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control where pressure sensors monitor fuel tank pressure and temperature sensors monitor fuel conditions. The controller adjusts heat exchanger power based on this feedback, increasing power only when pressure drops below thresholds and reducing power when pressure is maintained, thereby balancing pressure maintenance effectiveness with energy consumption
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 approach effectively maintains fuel tank pressure by recycling unfit fuel, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient hydrogen use, thus optimizing weight distribution and safety in aircraft fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
providing heat to the first recirculated fuel mass flow by means of the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of aircraft engines, and particularly, it belongs to a method for maintaining pressure in a fuel tank of a fuel consuming system of an aircraft and a fuel distribution system thereof.