LNG Dispensing Unit Remote Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquified natural gas supply systems face issues such as vaporization in vehicle tanks causing pressure increases during refueling, rendering refueling impossible, and require on-site operator intervention for system adjustments and settings, leading to inefficiencies and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A liquified gas supply system with a dispensing unit connected to remote servers, featuring a return line with pressure sensors, a proportional filling valve, and a controller that adjusts valves and setpoints remotely to manage pressure and temperature, optimizing the refueling process without on-site operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tank is refueled when nearly empty, then gas vaporization occurs inside the tank causing pressure to rise above threshold, but refueling becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary degassing of the vehicle tank before refueling begins. The controller activates the gas return valve and by-pass valve to remove excess gas and reduce tank pressure to below the threshold level, preventing vaporization issues during subsequent refueling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The return pressure sensor continuously monitors tank pressure and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the gas return valve and by-pass valve positions based on this feedback to maintain pressure within acceptable limits during the refueling process
2Reliability
If the dispenser unit fails, then the system is out of duty until operator intervention, but operator intervention requires on-site presence increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-diagnosis and self-recovery capabilities through the controller that monitors system status and automatically responds to failures. When a failure is detected, the controller can autonomously adjust valve positions and system parameters to restore operation without requiring operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between system components and operators. It manages complex control logic and failure responses, allowing remote monitoring and control through communication interfaces, thereby eliminating the need for on-site operator presence during routine failures
3Adaptability or versatility
If operator intervention is required for system adjustments, then settings can be modified, but on-site operator presence is required reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that receives configuration commands through communication interfaces from remote locations. It translates these commands into actual system settings for valve positions and operational parameters, enabling remote system adaptation without on-site operator presence
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of valves and parameters with electronic control through the controller. Configuration is performed remotely via communication interfaces, substituting physical operator intervention with automated electronic control and signal transmission
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 system enables efficient and automated refueling by controlling the dispensing unit remotely, reducing downtime and operator intervention, and optimizing performance in real-time, ensuring safe and efficient transfer of liquified natural gas.
Implementation Method 1
a flowmeter to measure the gas flow rate supplied to the vehicle tank
Implementation Method 2
a return pressure sensor measuring the pressure of gas flowing into the return line
Implementation Method 3
pressure and temperature sensors measuring the pressure and the temperature of gas flowing into the supply line
Implementation Method 4
a proportional filling valve disposed between the flowmeter and the filling valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The liquified gas supply system (1) comprises a dispensing unit (5) for transferring liquified natural gas from a gas storage (2) to the gas tank (4) of a vehicle (3) and remote servers (8) located outside the dispensing unit.