Onboard Gas Cooling System for High Pressure Refueling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High pressure gas refueling systems for hydrogen and CNG vehicles face inefficiencies due to heat buildup during refueling, leading to reduced vehicle range, increased energy consumption, and longer refueling times, especially at higher pressures above 10,000 psi for hydrogen and 3600 psi for CNG.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes a heat evacuation system with an interior tank heat absorber interconnected to an external radiator, where the mechanical energy of the high pressure refueling gas powers a coolant circulation system to absorb and radiate the compression heat, eliminating the need for slow fills, precooling, and pressure overfills.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high pressure refueling is used to increase vehicle range, then tank capacity is improved, but heat buildup occurs causing reduced efficiency and longer refueling times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank capacityVSAvoidheat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat buildup during compression into a beneficial cooling effect by utilizing the heat to drive a coolant circulation system. The heat absorbed during refueling is transferred to a coolant loop that circulates through the tank, using the thermal energy to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent excessive heat accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coolant as an intermediary substance between the high pressure gas and the tank walls. The coolant circulates through channels in the tank, absorbing heat from the compressing gas and transferring it to the external environment via a radiator, thereby mediating the thermal management during refueling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If refueling speed is increased to reduce refueling time, then productivity is improved, but heat buildup increases causing efficiency loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling speedVSAvoidheat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous cooling action during the refueling process through a circulating coolant system that operates throughout the entire refueling duration. The coolant continuously absorbs heat from the compressing gas, allowing high-speed refueling without thermal accumulation, thereby maintaining both productivity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant serves as a continuous intermediary that transfers heat away from the refueling process in real-time. By maintaining this continuous thermal management, the system enables high refueling speeds while preventing the heat buildup that would otherwise reduce efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If pressure compensation is applied to achieve full tank refill, then tank capacity is improved, but additional energy consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the additional energy required for pressure compensation into a beneficial cooling effect. The extra energy input during pressure compensation is utilized to drive the coolant circulation system, which then dissipates the heat generated during the refueling process, thereby converting a harmful thermal effect into a useful cooling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system reduces energy and time required for refueling, increases vehicle range, and enhances refueling efficiency by maintaining optimal tank pressure without secondary gas cooling treatments, especially at higher refill pressures.

Implementation Method 1

a tank interior heat absorber is interconnected with an external heat radiator, thereby collecting interior tank heat and radiating the absorbed heat into the ambient atmosphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

radiating the absorbed heat into the ambient atmosphere or other system appropriate for the use, radiation, absorption, or disposal of the collected heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the interiors of the on board tanks become heated as a result of fuel gas compression as the tank pressure increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression heating: Adiabatic Heating

Data Source

PatentUS7637292B2Pressure powered cooling system for enhancing the refill speed and capacity of on board high pressure vehicle gas storage tanks

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Apparatus wherein the compression heat of refueling of an on board vehicle tank is evacuated from the interior of the on board tank by a heat absorber within the tank through a radiator external to the tank and in which a coolant circulating from the heat absorber within the tank to the external radiator [and/or an associated blower system] is powered by the mechanical energy of the refueling gas as the gas traverses a turbine from the high pressure refuel depot to the low pressure on board tank. The turbine powers the gas cooling system.