Multi-Walled Fuel Tank for Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of hydrogen fuel in aircraft is limited by the weight of existing fuel tank solutions, which are not satisfactory for efficient flight operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-walled fuel tank design for aircraft, featuring a blended wing body with an inner and outer wall, and an interstitial volume containing a reflective film layer and structural insulation, is proposed to store liquified gas fuel efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing fuel tank solutions are used, then the aircraft can store hydrogen fuel, but the weight of the storage tank increases, reducing flight efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-walled fuel tank structure where an inner wall containing hydrogen fuel is nested within an outer wall, with insulating material positioned in the interstitial space between them. This nested configuration allows the tank to maintain structural integrity and thermal insulation while minimizing overall weight compared to solid single-wall designs of equivalent capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining different materials with complementary properties: the inner wall uses materials compatible with hydrogen storage, the interstitial space contains insulating materials (such as foam or vacuum), and the outer wall provides structural support. This composite approach optimizes the weight-to-strength ratio and thermal performance of the fuel tank system.
2Volume of moving object
If hydrogen fuel is stored in liquid form to minimize volume, then storage efficiency improves, but thermal transfer increases, requiring additional insulation weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places insulating material in the nested interstitial space between the inner fuel-containing wall and the outer structural wall. This configuration provides thermal insulation that reduces heat transfer to the liquid hydrogen, maintaining its cryogenic temperature while utilizing the available volume efficiently without adding excessive external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material positioned in the interstitial space acts as a thermal intermediary between the liquid hydrogen in the inner wall and the external environment represented by the outer wall. This intermediary layer reduces thermal conduction and convection, minimizing energy loss from the cryogenic fuel while allowing compact liquid-phase storage.
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
This design reduces thermal transfer and enhances the storage capacity of hydrogen fuel, addressing the weight limitations of existing solutions and improving fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an interstitial volume between the inner wall and the outer wall comprising of at least a reflective film layer
Implementation Method 2
an interstitial volume between the inner wall and the outer wall comprising of at least a reflective film layer and at least a structural insulation layer
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft with a multi-walled fuel tank and method of manufacturing is presented. The aircraft includes a blended wing body and a fuel tank attached to the blended wing body configured to store liquified gas fuel. The fuel tank includes an inner wall, outer wall, and interstitial volume in between that is filled with insulation. The interstitial volume includes a reflective film layer and a structural insulation layer.