Nested High-Pressure Hydrogen Tanks for Leak Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure gas storage tanks, particularly for hydrogen, face safety issues in case of leakage or failure, leading to loss of entire gas content and susceptibility to fatigue effects.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure safety storage tank system with an inner tank within an outer tank, filled with a support fluid at a pressure higher than ambient, featuring separate supply lines, three-way valves, sensors, and a control system to manage pressure and gas recovery, ensuring continued safe operation and reduced fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-tank high-pressure storage system is used, then the structure is simple, but safety is compromised in case of leakage or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent tanks (first tank, second tank, etc.) instead of using a single large tank. Each tank can be independently isolated and managed, so that a failure in one tank does not compromise the entire storage system. This segmentation enables continued operation with remaining tanks while maintaining overall safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tanks are arranged in a nested or clustered configuration where they share common infrastructure (support structure, control system, etc.). The tanks are positioned within a shared containment area, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining individual tank integrity and independence for safety purposes.
2Quantity of substance
If high-pressure gas is stored in a single large tank, then storage capacity is maximized, but fatigue effects and pressure stress concentrate on one structure
Solution Approach 1:
The total gas storage capacity is distributed across multiple smaller tanks rather than concentrated in one large tank. Each tank experiences lower individual pressure stress and fatigue effects, while the cumulative storage capacity of all tanks together meets the required total volume. This distributes mechanical loads and reduces the risk of catastrophic failure.
3Productivity
If a leak occurs in a high-pressure tank, then the entire gas content is lost, but with multiple tanks the system can continue operating
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system uses multiple independently sealable tanks with individual valves and isolation mechanisms. When a leak is detected in one tank, that specific tank can be isolated and depressurized while other tanks continue to supply gas, minimizing gas loss and maintaining system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor the state of each tank. Upon detecting a leak or abnormal condition in one tank, the control system automatically isolates that tank and can redirect flow through other tanks, enabling continued operation and reducing gas loss.
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
Enhances safety by allowing continued operation despite leaks, reduces fatigue, and increases gas storage capacity by distributing pressure stress, preventing explosive mixtures, and facilitating gas recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The tank is characterised in that the free space contains fluid at a pressure greater than the ambient pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a system for a high-pressure safe tank for the storage of gases, in particular hydrogen, comprising a tank made up of an inner tank placed in an outer tank, wherein between the inner tank and the outer tank there is a free space and each of the tanks has a supply line led in, and wherein the free space is filled with a support fluid at a pressure greater than the ambient pressure. The system is characterized in that there are additional inner tanks (2) inside the outer tank (3), and each inner tank (2) has a separate feed line (4) leading outside the outer tank (3). The supply lines (4) of the inner tanks (2) are connected to a gas supply source (5) with a compressor (6). The supply line (10) of the outer tank (3) is connected to a supply source for the support fluid (11) with compressor (12). There is an actuated three-way valve (15) on each of the supply lines (4) of the inner tanks and on the supply line (10) of the outer tank (3). From the three-way valve (15) on the supply line (10) of the outer tank (3), there is a line (16) for emergency supply of support fluid, which is connected to the three-way valves (15) on the supply lines (4) of the inner tanks (2). Downstream of the three-way valves (15) on each of the supply lines (4) of the inner tanks (2) is a gas pressure sensor (17), and downstream of the three-way valve (15) on the supply line (10) of the outer tank (3) there is a support fluid pressure sensor (18). The outer tank (3) has a gas presence sensor (19) and an emergency drain valve (20). The system allows for increased safety in the use of the tank in the event of a failure, including ensuring its safe continued operation.