MEGC Trailer Gas Bank Layout for Flexible Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers for transporting and transferring pressurized gaseous fluids, such as hydrogen, face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to numerous fluid connections and the need for on-board compressors, which are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A Multiple-Elements Gas Container (MEGC) trailer with at least two gas banks, each with section valves, a fluid conduit system, and bank valves, allowing two-way gaseous fluid communication, enabling simultaneous flow and pressure management between banks for optimized reloading and refueling, reducing the need for external compressors and simplifying connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple gas vessels require three unique fluid connections to a fluid control unit, then complete control of transfer process is achieved, but number of individual connections increases which is time consuming and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas storage into multiple gas banks with independent control, allowing selective connection and control of individual banks rather than managing multiple connections to a single control unit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of connection management while maintaining complete control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid conduit system is designed to handle multiple functions (transfer, reloading, pressure equalization) through a unified system that can operate with fewer connections. The system can perform complete transfer operations and reloading operations through the same connection infrastructure, reducing the total number of unique connections needed.
2Reliability
If multiple gas vessels require three unique fluid connections to a fluid control unit, then complete control of transfer process is achieved, but number of individual connections increases which is prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas storage into multiple gas banks with independent control, allowing selective connection and control of individual banks rather than managing multiple connections to a single control unit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of connection management while maintaining complete control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valve control that can adapt the flow paths and connection configurations during operation. The valves can dynamically redirect fluid flow between different gas banks and external facilities, allowing the same physical connections to serve multiple functions and reducing the need for permanent complex connection arrangements.
3Quantity of substance
If single gas bank storage is used, then storage capacity is limited, but reloading efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas storage into multiple gas banks with independent control, allowing selective connection and control of individual banks rather than managing multiple connections to a single control unit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of connection management while maintaining complete control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous reloading operations by maintaining pressure differentials between gas banks. One gas bank can be loaded while another is being used for transfer or storage, ensuring continuous useful action without interruption. The pressure differential maintained between banks allows ongoing reloading activity.
Solution Approach 3:
The system utilizes pressure differential as a key parameter to control flow between gas banks. By maintaining different pressure levels in different banks, the system enables automatic flow direction control and continuous reloading operations. The pressure parameter change facilitates efficient mass transfer without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If gas banks volume is fixed, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility for different vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic valve control that can adapt the flow paths and connection configurations during operation. The valves can dynamically redirect fluid flow between different gas banks and external facilities, allowing the same physical connections to serve multiple functions and reducing the need for permanent complex connection arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the gas storage into multiple gas banks with independent control, allowing selective connection and control of individual banks rather than managing multiple connections to a single control unit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of connection management while maintaining complete control capability.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency by allowing simultaneous flow and pressure management between gas banks, optimizing trailer use for various vehicles, reducing installation costs, and minimizing connection errors, while facilitating flexible use across different refueling stations.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor can be used to increase pressure in one gas container connected to the compressor output using gas from a second container connected to the compressor input
Implementation Method 2
each gas section is associated with one of said plurality of section valves which is configured for controlling flow of said pressurized gaseous fluid to and from said gas section
Implementation Method 3
said first coupling valve is configured for establishing a fluid connection between a first of the at least two gas banks and a first outlet connection and said second coupling valve is configured for establishing a fluid connection between a second of the at least two gas banks and a second outlet connection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a MEGC trailer for transportation and temporary storage of a pressurized gaseous fluid, the MEGC trailer comprising: two gas banks each comprising one or more gas sections and a fluid conduit system. The fluid conduit system comprises a first and a second bank valve between which an additional gas section is connected to the fluid conduit system. Wherein the first and second bank valves are controllable so that the volume of at least one of the two gas banks can be changed with the volume of the additional gas section.