Multi-Lobe Pressure Vessel Fluid Manifold Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CNG storage tanks are bulky and inefficient due to low gas volumetric density, requiring complex manifold assemblies that are prone to leaks and waste cargo space, limiting their use in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel design featuring a plurality of lobes with end caps and fluid manifolds, including external and internal manifold configurations, that optimize conformity and reduce external volume requirements, using bonds and sealing components to manage pressure and fluid flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional cylinders are used for CNG storage, then the storage tank can be simple in structure, but the gas volumetric density is low and the tank becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is divided into multiple lobes (typically 3-7 lobes) arranged in a polyhedral configuration around a central axis. Each lobe is a separate pressure-containing element, allowing the system to achieve higher volumetric density through compact geometric arrangement while maintaining structural simplicity at the component level.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple tanks are used to increase storage capacity, then the gas volumetric density improves, but complex manifold assemblies are required which are susceptible to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lobe chambers are fluidly connected through a common interior region that serves as a shared manifold space. This eliminates the need for separate external manifold assemblies and connecting tubes between tanks, reducing leak points while maintaining high storage capacity. The interior common region allows direct fluid communication between all lobes without external piping.
3Ease of operation
If complex external manifolds are used to connect multiple tanks, then fluid communication between tanks is achieved, but cargo space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid communication system is nested within the pressure vessel structure itself. The common interior region is positioned at the center of the polyhedral lobe arrangement, and end caps are nested within the lobe structures. This internal nesting eliminates external manifolds and maximizes cargo space while maintaining efficient fluid distribution to all lobes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pressure vessel fluid manifold assembly includes a pressure vessel having a plurality of lobes joined to each other, each of the plurality of lobes having a wall disposed in contact with an adjacent wall of an adjacent lobe, and wherein the manifold can be external or internal to the lobes.