Mobile Container-Tank Module for Liquid Gas Fuel Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile container-tank modules for liquid gas face challenges in connection and leakage issues, require external processing units, and are not flexible enough for use on ships and other mobile consumers, with safety concerns due to stationary processing systems and complex installation needs.

Innovation Solution

A mobile container-tank module with integrated process devices such as evaporators, heat exchangers, and compressors within the container dimensions, featuring a protected internal energy source and gas-tight housings to ensure safety and flexibility, allowing direct fuel delivery to drive or power generation units with minimized risk of leakage and explosion hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If processing equipment is arranged stationary in ships or power plants, then processing capability is ensured, but safety risks increase due to transfer processes and filling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the processing function into separate mobile container modules that can be independently positioned near consumption points, eliminating the need for large stationary storage tanks and reducing risks associated with filling and transfer operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mobile container modules serve as intermediary units between central filling stations and consumption points, enabling safe transfer operations to occur at dedicated filling locations rather than at stationary installations on ships or power plants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile container tank module is placed close to drive or power generation units, then flexibility and direct supply are improved, but safety risks from proximity to fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in useVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container module concentrates safety-critical functions (pressure regulation, vaporization control, leakage detection) in localized protected zones within the container, allowing the module as a whole to be positioned flexibly near consumption units without compromising overall safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If all process equipment is integrated within container dimensions, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges storage, vaporization, pressure regulation, and gas delivery functions into a single integrated container module, eliminating the need for separate stationary installations and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced integration required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container module is designed as a universal unit that can serve multiple functions (storage, vaporization, pressure control, delivery) and be deployed in various applications (ships, power plants, mobile units), justifying the integration complexity through broad applicability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a safe, flexible, and efficient means of processing and delivering liquid gas as fuel, reducing the risk of accidents during handling and transport, enabling direct fuel supply to various consumers, including ships, with integrated components ensuring high safety standards and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

vaporizing the liquefied gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

absorbing process heat for vaporizing liquefied gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heating

Implementation Method 3

compressors for compressing and pressurizing the gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

heat exchangers for evaporating the liquefied gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3679238B1Mobile container-tank module
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 TECHNOLOG GMBH HANDELS UND BET FUR TECH
  • EP3679238B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3679238B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile container-tank module for liquid gas as fuel for drive units or energy-generation units as loads, wherein at least one process device for vapourising the liquid gas is provided in the container-tank module. In the claimed mobile container-tank module, all process devices for processing the liquid gas for direct fuel delivery to the drive units or energy-generating units are integrated within the dimensions of the container-tank module, wherein the container-tank module also comprises connections for an external energy source, in particular for receiving process heat for vapourising liquid gas, and for delivering processed gas to the drive units and energy-generation units. For safety reasons, the integrated process devices are arranged in a protected manner in the container-tank module.