Low-Pressure Hydrogen Transport UAV for Infrastructure-Light Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of hydrogen transport are economically restrictive due to the need for extensive infrastructure and high costs associated with densifying hydrogen for long-distance transport, limiting its adoption as a fuel source.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for low-pressure hydrogen transport, which reduces the need for extensive infrastructure by using a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with a gas reservoir capable of storing hydrogen at pressures up to 30 bar, allowing for flexible and cost-effective transportation without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is densified through compression or liquefaction for conventional transport, then the transport capacity and economic viability improve, but the infrastructure investment and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from conventional high-pressure (70-700 bar) or liquefied states to low-pressure (0-30 bar) storage, eliminating the need for complex compression or liquefaction infrastructure while maintaining transport capacity through optimized tank design and aerial delivery methodology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hydrogen from the complex ground-based infrastructure system (pipelines, compression stations, liquefaction plants) and delivers it directly through aerial transport, removing the intermediary densification infrastructure and simplifying the overall system
2Reliability
If specialized facilities are constructed for hydrogen compression and liquefaction at transport endpoints, then the hydrogen can be stored and distributed effectively, but the capital investment and time required for establishment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the UAV itself as the delivery and transfer mechanism, eliminating the need for external specialized facilities. The hydrogen is transferred directly from the UAV's low-pressure tank to storage containers at the destination, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external compression or liquefaction infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, lightweight, disposable-like delivery systems (UAVs with storage tanks) rather than investing in permanent, expensive infrastructure. The UAV delivers hydrogen and can be redeployed or replaced more easily than constructing permanent compression or liquefaction facilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ground-based transport methods are used for hydrogen, then the existing transportation network can be utilized, but the flexibility and accessibility to remote locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based two-dimensional transport to three-dimensional aerial transport, enabling delivery to remote, inaccessible, or geographically challenging locations that cannot be reached by conventional ground vehicles, pipelines, or shipping routes
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 UAV significantly reduces infrastructure and operational costs, enabling hydrogen transport to previously inaccessible locations and expanding market potential by eliminating the need for costly infrastructure and allowing for quick redeployment, with a high payload ratio and flexibility in geographical operation.
Implementation Method 1
The gas reservoir is configured to receive and store a gas at a pressure no greater than 30 bar. The gas is hydrogen gas.
Implementation Method 2
The power generator is in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and communicatively coupled to the at least one engine
Implementation Method 3
at least one engine, each of the at least one engines coupled to a prop that is driven by the at least one engine using electricity generated by the power generator
Implementation Method 4
The box wing serves as the undercarriage of the UAV when the UAV is on the ground
Implementation Method 5
The UAV is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for gas transport is disclosed. The UAV includes a fuselage enclosing a volume, and a gas reservoir enclosed within the fuselage, filling at least a majority of the volume. The gas reservoir is configured to receive and store a gas at a pressure no greater than 100 bar. The UAV also includes a propulsion system having at least one engine, each of the at least one engine coupled to a prop that is driven by the at least one engine using energy derived from the gas stored in the gas reservoir. The UAV also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and configured to operate the unmanned aerial vehicle to autonomously transport the gas. The UAV may have a footprint while on the ground, and the footprint of the UAV may be no larger than three standard parking spaces.