Liquid Hydrogen Tank Preconditioning for Low-Loss Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering liquid hydrogen face challenges due to its cryogenic nature, leading to sub-optimal thermodynamic conditions and hydrogen loss, especially when adapting intermediate tanks to multiple target tanks, which can result in hydrogen release into the atmosphere and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving determining initial and current state vectors, performance data, and configuration data to optimize the thermodynamic state of target tanks, using estimation models to adapt delivery plans and configurations dynamically, thereby maintaining favorable conditions for liquid hydrogen delivery and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the intermediate tank is adapted to the thermodynamic conditions of the target tank during delivery, then the delivery process can be completed, but the liquid hydrogen is delivered under sub-optimal thermodynamic conditions leading to hydrogen loss and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The target tank is configured in advance to reach a preset thermodynamic state before delivery occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when liquid hydrogen is delivered, the thermodynamic conditions are already optimized to prevent boiling off and hydrogen loss, rather than adapting during the delivery process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermodynamic parameters (temperature and pressure) of the target tank before delivery by adjusting insulation parameters, heating/cooling power, and venting strategies. This creates optimal delivery conditions that preserve hydrogen quality and prevent atmospheric release.
2Productivity
If the intermediate tank is adapted to the conditions of a first target tank, then delivery to the first target tank can be optimized, but the same intermediate tank cannot be easily adapted to the conditions of a second target tank
Solution Approach 1:
Each target tank is configured in advance to its specific preset thermodynamic state before delivery. This preliminary configuration allows the same intermediate tank to deliver to multiple different target tanks with different requirements, as each target tank is already prepared to receive liquid hydrogen under its specific optimal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each target tank has its own specific thermodynamic configuration (temperature, pressure, insulation characteristics) tailored to its particular requirements. This local customization allows the intermediate tank to serve multiple diverse target tanks without needing to change its own characteristics.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If heat leaks are present in intermediate and target tanks, then the cryogenic liquid can be stored, but boil-off gas is generated decreasing the liquid level and increasing pressure and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The target tank is pre-configured with appropriate insulation parameters and thermal management systems before delivery. This preliminary preparation minimizes heat leak penetration during the delivery process, preventing excessive temperature rise and boil-off gas generation that would otherwise occur during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts thermal management parameters including insulation thickness, heating/cooling power levels, and venting strategies to control the thermodynamic state. These parameter changes prevent uncontrolled temperature increase and pressure buildup caused by heat leaks.
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 method ensures optimized delivery of liquid hydrogen under better thermodynamic conditions, reducing hydrogen loss and safety risks, while adapting to changing system states and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A cryogenic fluid contained in a cryogenic tank receives energy from the external environment, which is at a temperature above the temperature of the cryogenic fluid, in particular in the form of heat leaks
Implementation Method 2
Because of such heat leaks in intermediate and/or target tanks, some of the cryogenic liquid boils off and generates boil-off gas (BOG)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for delivering liquid hydrogen to at least one target tank, in a system comprising the target tank, at least one source of liquid hydrogen such as a liquefier, and at least one intermediate tank intended to be replenished by the source and intended to deliver liquid hydrogen to the target tank, the method comprising the following steps of determining an initial state vector relating to an initial state of the system; determining initial performance data, using a performance estimation model and the initial state vector; determining configuration data of the target tank, using a configuration estimation model and the initial performance data; configuring the target tank, using the configuration data, so as to allow the target tank to reach a preset thermodynamic state for the delivery of liquid hydrogen by the intermediate tank.