Modular Pressurized Gas Distribution Blocks for Safer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaseous hydrogen distribution and regulation systems in fuel cell stations consist of heterogeneous components from different manufacturers, leading to complexity in implementation, maintenance, and safety due to the need for numerous connectors, welds, and disparate designs.
Innovation Solution
A modular distribution and regulation system is developed, comprising standardized modules with interchangeable components, such as pressure regulators and block valves, that can be easily assembled and reconfigured, featuring a universal cartridge design and interchangeable actuator types, reducing complexity and enhancing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous components from different manufacturers are used in conventional distribution and regulation systems, then functional requirements can be met, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates due to numerous connectors, welds, and disparate designs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular functional units (pressure regulators, block valves, filters, etc.), each housed in a standardized module with a common main body and subplate interface. This segmentation allows independent selection of different distribution or regulation devices while maintaining system standardization through universal mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal module design with standardized main bodies and subplates provides a common platform that can accommodate various distribution or regulation devices from different manufacturers. The standardized interface enables any compatible device to be integrated into the system without requiring custom connectors or welds, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous components with numerous connectors and welds are used, then functional requirements are satisfied, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated maintenance and service operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into modular units with standardized interfaces, maintenance personnel can easily isolate, remove, and replace individual modules without affecting the entire system. The standardized subplate connections eliminate the need for complex disassembly of custom connectors and welds, significantly simplifying maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized interfaces enables quick removal and replacement of distribution or regulation devices. Defective components can be rapidly discarded and replaced with new or refurbished units using the universal mounting system, reducing maintenance time and improving serviceability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous distribution and regulation devices are assembled together, then system functionality is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to the disparity of components and numerous connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized module architecture segments the system into discrete, independently testable units. Each module with its standardized main body and subplate can be manufactured and tested separately, ensuring consistent quality and reducing the reliability risks associated with integrating disparate components from multiple manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal module design with standardized interfaces reduces the number of unique connection points and integration interfaces in the system. This standardization minimizes potential failure points and ensures consistent connection quality across all modules, thereby improving overall system reliability despite the diversity of distribution or regulation devices used.
Data Source
AI summary
A module includes a parallelepiped main body having four lateral faces extending between an upper face and a lower face, in which an inner chamber is provided in the main body, opening in the top and bottom faces in order to receive, on the inside, a distribution or regulation device. The inner chamber includes, consecutively, an upper bore, an intermediate bore that has a smaller diameter than the upper bore, and a lower bore that has a smaller diameter than the intermediate bore. A plate is provided on each lateral face for attachment to a plate of a similar adjacent module, the plate having peripheral holes used for the passage of attachment screws and a central blind hole suitable for guiding a drill hole opening in the upper bore or in the intermediate bore.