Modular Fuel Deoxygenator System Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel deoxygenation systems are not scalable to accommodate varying oxygen removal requirements and often require significant size increases with increased oxygen removal efficiency, leading to operational inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel stabilization system using multiple fuel deoxygenators arranged in series or parallel configurations, allowing for tailored oxygen removal and temperature management, enabling flexible operation and increased system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fuel deoxygenator is used to remove dissolved oxygen from fuel, then the device size increases proportionally with oxygen removal requirements, but the system lacks scalability to accommodate varying operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel deoxygenation system is divided into multiple independent deoxygenator modules that can be arranged in series or parallel configurations. Each module processes a portion of the fuel stream, allowing the system to be scaled by adding or removing modules rather than increasing the size of a single unit. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to varying oxygen removal requirements while maintaining reliable operation.
2Productivity
If the deoxygenator size is increased to achieve higher oxygen removal efficiency (from 90% to 99%), then oxygen removal capability improves, but the device size nearly doubles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of scaling up a single deoxygenator unit, the system uses multiple smaller deoxygenator modules working in parallel or series. Each module removes a portion of the dissolved oxygen, and their combined effect achieves high overall removal efficiency without requiring any single unit to be excessively large. This approach distributes the processing load across multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple deoxygenator modules are combined in a modular architecture where they work together to achieve the cumulative oxygen removal effect. The modules can be arranged in series for sequential processing or in parallel for distributed processing, merging their individual capabilities to reach high overall efficiency without the size penalty of a single large unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operational requirements change requiring different oxygen removal rates, then system adaptability improves, but a single deoxygenator cannot adjust readily to accommodate variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modular units that can be individually activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. When oxygen removal requirements change, operators can adjust the number of active modules or their configuration (series vs. parallel) without affecting the entire system, providing easy adaptability to varying demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular deoxygenation system provides dynamic configurability where modules can be added, removed, or reconfigured between series and parallel arrangements based on changing operational requirements. This dynamic architecture allows the system to adapt readily to varying oxygen removal rates without requiring complex adjustments to a fixed single-unit design.
4Reliability
If multiple fuel deoxygenators are used in series or parallel configurations, then system reliability improves as failure of one unit does not cause complete loss of functionality, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deoxygenation function is segmented into multiple independent modules, each capable of operating autonomously. If one module fails, the others continue to provide deoxygenation service, maintaining system reliability. The modular design actually simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting compared to a single complex unit, as failed modules can be independently identified and replaced.
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 modular system effectively increases fuel temperature capacity, enhances engine efficiency, and provides scalable oxygen removal, allowing for higher combustion temperatures and improved system reliability by distributing the deoxygenation function across multiple modules.
Implementation Method 1
As fuel passes along the permeable membrane, oxygen molecules in the fuel diffuse out of the fuel across the gas-permeable membrane. An oxygen partial pressure differential across the permeable membrane drives oxygen from the fuel
Implementation Method 2
a selective gas-permeable membrane disposed within the fuel system... oxygen molecules in the fuel diffuse out of the fuel across the gas-permeable membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fuel stabilization system (10) includes a first deoxygenator (18) and a second deoxygenator (20) both for removing dissolved oxygen from a hydrocarbon fuel. The first and second deoxygenators (18, 20) are arranged in parallel or series (Figs. 2 & 3) to sequentially remove a portion of dissolved oxygen from the hydrocarbon fuel. The arrangement of several deoxygenators (18, 20) for a single fuel stream improves removal of dissolved oxygen and provides for scalability of the fuel system to meet application specific demands. The arrangement also provides for the preservation of partial system functionality in the event of the failure of one of the deoxygenator modules.