Hydrogen Transport UAV Using Low-Pressure Gas Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of hydrogen transport are economically restrictive due to the need for extensive infrastructure and high costs associated with densifying hydrogen for long-distance transport, limiting its adoption as a fuel source.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for low-pressure hydrogen transport, which reduces the need for extensive infrastructure by using a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with a gas reservoir capable of storing hydrogen at pressures up to 30 bar, allowing for flexible and cost-effective transportation without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is densified using conventional methods (compression to 70-700 bar, liquefaction, or chemical conversion), then the transport capacity and economic viability improve, but the infrastructure investment and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from conventional high-pressure (70-700 bar) or liquefied states to a low-pressure range (1-30 bar), eliminating the need for complex compression or liquefaction infrastructure while maintaining transport capability through optimized balloon design and material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hydrogen from its conventional denseified state and transports it in a gaseous low-pressure state using aerostatic balloons, removing the need for compression equipment, liquefaction plants, and specialized storage facilities at both origin and destination points
2Length of stationary object
If hydrogen is transported using pipelines or tube trailers, then the transport distance and volume improve, but the infrastructure investment and fixed route requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static infrastructure (pipelines, fixed routes) to a dynamic aerial platform that can change its position and route freely, allowing hydrogen transport to any location without being constrained by fixed infrastructure or predetermined paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves hydrogen transport from the ground level (2D constrained by roads and pipelines) to the aerial dimension (3D freedom), enabling transport across geographical barriers and direct point-to-point delivery without following surface infrastructure
3Productivity
If specialized facilities are constructed for hydrogen compression and liquefaction, then the hydrogen transport efficiency improves, but the capital investment and time to establish supply chain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydrogen-powered engines to propel the balloons, allowing the transport system to carry its own fuel without requiring external refueling infrastructure, thereby achieving self-sufficiency and eliminating the need for specialized service facilities along the transport route
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simpler, less expensive balloon materials and structures compared to permanent compression or liquefaction facilities, trading the longevity of infrastructure for the simplicity and low cost of deployment, allowing rapid establishment of hydrogen transport capability
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 UAV significantly reduces infrastructure and operational costs, enabling hydrogen transport to previously inaccessible locations and expanding market potential by eliminating the need for costly infrastructure and allowing for quick redeployment, with a high payload ratio and flexibility in operation.
Implementation Method 1
The gas reservoir is configured to receive and store a gas at a pressure no greater than 30 bar. The gas is hydrogen gas.
Implementation Method 2
The power generator is in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and communicatively coupled to the at least one engine
Implementation Method 3
at least one engine, each of the at least one engines coupled to a prop that is driven by the at least one engine using electricity generated by the power generator
Implementation Method 4
The box wing serves as the undercarriage of the UAV when the UAV is on the ground
Implementation Method 5
an airframe having a fuselage and a box wing. The fuselage is an airfoil enclosing a volume
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for gas transport is disclosed. The UAV includes a fuselage enclosing a volume, and a gas reservoir enclosed within the fuselage, filling at least a majority of the volume. The gas reservoir is configured to receive and store a gas at a pressure no greater than 100 bar. The UAV also includes a propulsion system having at least one engine, each of the at least one engine coupled to a prop that is driven by the at least one engine using energy derived from the gas stored in the gas reservoir. The UAV also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and configured to operate the unmanned aerial vehicle to autonomously transport the gas. The UAV may have a footprint while on the ground, and the footprint of the UAV may be no larger than three standard parking spaces.