Laser-Driven Plasma Shock Wave Hydrogen Compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrogen compression systems require rotating machinery, lubrication, and precise machining, leading to maintenance issues, contamination risks, and high costs, especially for large-scale hydrogen storage and transportation in the energy industry.

Innovation Solution

A laser-driven plasma-shock-acoustic wave compressor replaces traditional machinery with a pulsed laser, utilizing plasma generation to provide compression energy, eliminating moving parts and reducing maintenance needs, while maintaining high efficiency and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional piston compressors are used for hydrogen compression, then compression function is achieved, but moving parts require lubrication and maintenance, and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance-free operationVSAvoidmoving parts and lubrication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical piston-compressor system with a laser-driven plasma shock wave system. The laser beam generates plasma in a gas-filled chamber, creating a shock wave that compresses hydrogen gas without any moving parts. This substitution eliminates lubrication requirements and maintenance needs while achieving the same compression function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the working medium by using intense laser pulses to create plasma (ionized gas) temporarily. This plasma state generates extreme pressure and temperature conditions that drive the shock wave compression, allowing the system to achieve compression without mechanical contact or moving components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional compressors with tight sealing are used, then hydrogen leakage is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen sealingVSAvoidtight fit machining

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inert gas environment (such as helium or nitrogen) to fill the compression chamber. This inert atmosphere prevents hydrogen contamination and leakage issues while eliminating the need for extremely tight mechanical seals and precision machining. The inert gas acts as a barrier and cushion, allowing less stringent manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Productivity

If conventional compressor systems are deployed for large-scale hydrogen storage, then compression capacity is achieved, but transportation and equipment costs become prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen compression capacityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical compression equipment with a laser-based system. The laser-driven plasma shock wave mechanism achieves high compression capacity without requiring costly mechanical components, precision machining, or extensive maintenance infrastructure, thereby reducing overall equipment and operational costs for large-scale hydrogen storage applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If conventional compressors are used, then hydrogen compression is achieved, but the system weight and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidcompressor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical compression systems with a lightweight laser-based plasma shock wave system. The laser generation equipment and gas-filled chamber are significantly lighter than conventional piston compressors with moving parts, lubrication systems, and heavy-duty sealing mechanisms, while maintaining high compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective hydrogen compression with reduced noise and weight, suitable for large-scale applications, including hydrogen fueling stations and industrial processes, while ensuring safety and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

Pressure from plasma generation provides the compression action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma generation: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

A laser-driven plasma-shock-acoustic wave compressor replaces traditional machinery with a pulsed laser, utilizing plasma generation to provide compression energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser-induced breakdown: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

laser-driven plasma-shock-acoustic wave compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentUS10704540B2Ultrashort pulse laser-driven shock wave gas compressor

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 CALOMERIS ANTHONY

AI summary

Systems and method of compressing and storing fluids without rotating machinery or hydrated electrochemical. The system and method makes use of shock waves, created by plasma generated by exposing the fluid to an ultrashort wavelength laser pulse from a femtosecond laser, and the fluid guided by check valves that create vortexes to resist backflow. The fluid and plasma being accumulated and recombined in a storage chamber in a compressed state.