Temperature-Dependent Reflectivity Coating for Hydrogen Tank Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen refueling protocols for hydrogen fuel-cell-powered aircraft are inefficient and conservative, leading to long refueling times and increased costs due to excessive safety margins and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A system for gaseous hydrogen tank refilling that uses a temperature-dependent reflectivity coating on the tank exterior, combined with a remote sensor system and controller, to dynamically adjust refueling flow and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conservative refueling protocols with fixed pressure ramp rates are used, then safety is improved by preventing tank overheating, but refueling time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, conservative pressure ramp rates to dynamically adjusted ramp rates based on real-time tank temperature monitoring. The system continuously adapts the refueling rate according to actual thermal conditions, allowing faster refueling when safe and preventing overheating when risks are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through temperature sensors that continuously monitor tank temperature during refueling and feed this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time adjustment of the pressure ramp rate, optimizing both safety and refueling speed by responding to actual thermal conditions rather than relying on conservative fixed rates.
2Reliability
If conservative refueling protocols with excessive safety margins are used, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism monitors actual tank temperature and adjusts the refueling process accordingly, eliminating the need for excessive pre-cooling and conservative safety margins. The system only applies cooling or rate reduction when actually needed based on real-time conditions, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (pressure ramp rate, cooling activation) based on real-time temperature measurements rather than maintaining fixed conservative parameters. This allows the system to operate efficiently under normal conditions while automatically adjusting to maintain safety when temperature thresholds are approached.
3Productivity
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented, then refueling efficiency is improved by enabling dynamic rate adjustment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature sensing systems with optical interrogation of thermochromic coatings. The thermochromic material provides visual temperature indication that can be detected remotely, eliminating the need for direct contact temperature sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining refueling efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If thermochromic coating is applied to tank exterior, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermochromic materials that change color or optical properties in response to temperature changes. This provides passive, visual temperature monitoring capability that can be integrated into the tank coating process, offering a relatively simple manufacturing approach compared to installing active sensor systems.
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 allows for faster and more efficient hydrogen refueling while maintaining safety, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing the risk of deflagration.
Implementation Method 1
coating the surface of a GH2 tank exterior at least in part with a temperature-dependent reflectivity coating material... The coating material may comprise a thermochromic material
Implementation Method 2
A sensor system remote from the GH2 tank comprising an electromagnetic radiation emitter and a radiation detector is provided remote from the vehicle GH2 tank being filled... emit and detect radiofrequency (RF), infrared (IR) or other electromagnetic (EM) radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for controlling gaseous hydrogen (GH2) refueling of a GH2 vehicle, wherein a vehicle fuel tank is refilled with GH2 from an external supply tank. The system includes a target patch or a cell of a temperature-dependent reflectivity material on an exterior of the vehicle fuel tank, and a sensor package including an electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitter and a radiation detection system positioned remote from the vehicle tank being filled. The sensor package is located on or adjacent an external refueling device with a line of sight to the target patch or cell.