LNG Conversion Container With Gravity Separation Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for converting liquid natural gas (LNG) to compressed natural gas (CNG) face inefficiencies, including significant losses and reliance on distributed heat energy, and lack the ability to dispense gas voluntarily by a user without venting or using multiple containers, which limits their application in residential and small-scale commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable system that uses a dedicated container for LNG conversion, featuring horizontal and vertical elements for gravity-driven gas separation and warming, eliminating the need for pressure relief valves and allowing controlled conversion to CNG or low-pressure natural gas (NG) without external pipeline infrastructure, using a 1:2.4 container size ratio and enhanced by optional hydrogen input for improved fuel quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional systems convert LNG to CNG using distributed heat energy and multiple containers, then conversion capability is achieved, but significant energy losses and system complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (LNG storage, heating, CNG conversion, and dispensing) into a single integrated container system. The first container serves as both LNG storage and conversion chamber, eliminating the need for separate conversion equipment and reducing energy losses associated with transferring between multiple containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The first container is designed to perform multiple functions: storing LNG, heating it to convert to CNG, and dispensing both LNG and CNG. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and eliminates energy losses from sequential processing in separate devices.
2Device complexity
If conventional systems use multiple containers for LNG conversion, then conversion capability is achieved, but the number of containers and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LNG storage and CNG conversion into a single first container, reducing the system from multiple separate containers to just two containers total. This simplification maintains full conversion capability while improving ease of operation through reduced system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables user-controlled voluntary dispensing where the user can choose to dispense LNG, CNG, or both, without forced deinventory or pollution venting. The integrated design makes this user control more straightforward by eliminating complex multi-container coordination.
3Loss of substance
If conventional systems require forced dispensing or venting, then pressure management is achieved, but product loss and pollution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows voluntary user dispensing where gas is dispensed only when the user actively requests it, eliminating forced dispensing and associated product losses. The pressure management system maintains safety without requiring pollution venting, as users can control dispensing timing and quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and control mechanisms that monitor container pressure and provide feedback to prevent over-pressurization. This feedback system manages pressure safely without requiring forced venting, thereby preventing product loss and pollution.
4Power
If conventional systems use extra pressure building devices, then pressure conversion is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and pressure building function into the single first container. The heating element converts LNG to CNG while simultaneously building pressure, eliminating the need for separate pressure building devices and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the LNG by heating it, which simultaneously changes the pressure parameter as the gas expands and converts from liquid to gaseous state. This parameter transformation occurs within the single container, eliminating the need for additional pressure building equipment.
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
Enables efficient, scalable, and user-controlled conversion of LNG to CNG or NG, reducing energy consumption and waste, and providing a homogeneous fuel supply suitable for various applications, including vehicle fueling and emergency energy backup, while eliminating the need for semi-truck deliveries and pipeline infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
converting the cryogenic liquid of a gas into a beneficial pressurized gas such as liquid natural gas (LNG) to compressed natural gas (CNG)
Implementation Method 2
horizontal and vertical elements for gravity-driven gas separation
Data Source
AI summary
A system to convert and dispense pressurized gas(es) of cryogenic liquids of gas(es), and systems and methods to efficiently convert liquid natural gas (LNG) to compressed natural gas (CNG) and low pressure natural gas (NG) and other cryogenic liquids of gas. The system requires one dedicated pressure vessel of horizontal and vertical elements at the dispensing location to convert, retain, store, and dispense multiple pressures of gas from a cryogenic liquid supply such as a non-dedicated high pressure cryogenic personal supply tank. The system efficiently modifies and controls parameters of volume, pressure, and temperature in conversion scale to retain all converted product under human control to dispense without process required waste for use in commercial, industrial, and in particular single family residential applications and service can be accomplished by pickup truck and trailer, where semi trucks, big rig trucks and process pollution are not welcome.