Modular Hydrogen Tank Assembly for Aircraft Cargo Bay Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft lack sufficient space and efficient systems for housing hydrogen fuel tanks, making it costly and time-consuming to integrate hydrogen fuel into existing aircraft infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydrogen-fuel storage assembly with a housing designed to fit a Unit Load Device (ULD) cargo container, featuring a hydrogen fuel tank, plumbing system, quick connection assembly, and avionics bay, allowing easy loading and coupling to aircraft power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydrogen fuel storage systems are implemented in aircraft, then hydrogen fuel can be stored and delivered, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to install and load
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen fuel storage system is divided into separate modular components: a removable tank assembly that can be independently loaded and unloaded from the aircraft. This segmentation allows the complex storage system to be broken down into manageable units that can be quickly installed and removed without permanent modifications to the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable intermediary assembly serves as a mediator between the hydrogen tank and the aircraft fuel system. This assembly includes quick-connect fittings and coupling mechanisms that enable rapid connection and disconnection, eliminating the need for complex permanent installation while ensuring reliable fuel delivery.
2Reliability
If specialized space and equipment are provided for hydrogen fuel storage in aircraft, then hydrogen can be stored safely, but installation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen tank assembly is pre-configured with all necessary safety features, insulation, and coupling mechanisms before being loaded onto the aircraft. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the assembly is installed, no additional time is required for configuration or safety checks, reducing overall installation time while maintaining safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable tank assembly is designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can be quickly connected to standard aircraft fuel ports. The assembly serves multiple functions including storage, thermal insulation, and rapid connection/disconnection, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing installation time.
3Reliability
If hydrogen fuel tanks are permanently installed in aircraft, then fuel delivery is reliable, but adaptability and ease of refueling are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable assembly. The tank can be quickly coupled and decoupled from the aircraft fuel system, providing adaptability for different refueling scenarios while maintaining reliable fuel delivery when connected. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to various operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable tank assembly includes self-contained features such as integrated thermal insulation, pressure monitoring, and quick-connect fittings that enable independent operation. The assembly is designed to be self-sufficient during transport and storage, and can be rapidly connected to the aircraft fuel system without requiring complex support equipment or procedures.
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
Enables quick and efficient integration of hydrogen fuel tanks into aircraft cargo bays, reducing installation time and costs while ensuring safe and controlled delivery of hydrogen fuel to power systems.
Implementation Method 1
a refillable, reusable hydrogen fuel tank configured to contain hydrogen fuel... contained within the housing... liquid hydrogen fuel tank configured to contain liquid hydrogen fuel in a substantially cryogenic environment
Implementation Method 2
A cold box is contained within the housing, and at least a portion of the hydrogen fuel plumbing system is contained in the cold box
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides modular hydrogen-fuel storage assemblies with an external form factor corresponding to Unit Load Device (ULD) cargo containers, allowing the assemblies to be easily loaded into and stored in a cargo bay area of an aircraft. Each assembly can house one or more hydrogen fuel tanks containing liquid and gaseous hydrogen, which can be used to power an APU or other power system of the aircraft. Each assembly can include an internal cradle system for securing the tanks within the assembly, a ground servicing panel for refueling, a quick connection assembly for quickly coupling the assembly to the APU or other power system, a cold box for managing various fluid flow, and an avionics bay for controlling the various components of the assembly.