Hydrogen Valve Assembly Bleed Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control valve assemblies for hydrogen gas in high-pressure containers risk direct discharge of high-pressure gas when a bleed valve is operated, leading to instability and increased safety risks, especially in vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
The fluid control valve assembly incorporates a fourth flow path connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path, with a bleed valve mounted on this path. This configuration allows high-pressure hydrogen gas to be discharged through a gas discharge outlet for decompression, preventing direct discharge to the outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bleed valve is mounted directly on the high-pressure container to discharge gas, then the discharge operation is simple and direct, but the high-pressure gas is discharged immediately to the outside causing instability and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate flow path (fourth flow path) between the high-pressure container and the external environment. When the bleed valve opens, gas flows through this intermediate path rather than directly to the outside, allowing pressure equalization and stable discharge. The intermediate path acts as a buffer that mediates between the high-pressure source and the external environment, resolving the contradiction between direct operation simplicity and system stability.
2Productivity
If the bleed valve discharges high-pressure gas directly to the outside, then the pressure release is rapid and efficient, but the risk of explosion or fire in the engine room increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fourth flow path serves as an intermediary channel that redirects the discharge path of high-pressure gas. Instead of direct discharge into the engine room, the gas flows through the intermediate fourth flow path connected to the first flow path, which presumably leads to a safer discharge location. This intermediary path maintains rapid pressure release while eliminating the direct safety hazard to the engine room.
3Reliability
If multiple flow paths are added to prevent direct discharge, then safety and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fourth flow path is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as an intermediate discharge path for the bleed valve, provides an alternative flow route for pressure equalization, and integrates with the existing first flow path structure. By making the fourth flow path multi-functional, the patent achieves improved safety and stability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural element performs multiple protective functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a valve assembly for controlling a fluid. The valve assembly includes: a high-pressure container for storing hydrogen gas; a first flow path that is connected to a charging unit for charging a hydrogen gas, and a gas consuming unit, so that the hydrogen gas for charge and use, passes through one flow path; a second flow path that is connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path; a third flow path that is connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path; a manual valve that is mounted on the first flow path to manually open and close the first flow path; a solenoid valve that is mounted on the third flow path to open and close the third flow path; a fourth flow path that is connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path; and a bleed valve that is mounted on the fourth flow path and opens and closes the fourth flow path to discharge the hydrogen gas inside the high-pressure container through the first flow path.