Parallel Gas Filling Loop for Simultaneous Tank Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for filling pressurized gas tanks, such as hydrogen gas tanks, are limited in their ability to simultaneously fill tanks with different initial pressure conditions without requiring bulky and expensive installations, and they typically fill buffer storage containers only after the tank is filled.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transfer circuit that includes multiple downstream ends connected in parallel, allowing for independent control of buffer storage containers and compressors to facilitate simultaneous filling of tanks with different initial pressures, using a loop configuration with isolation and linking valves to manage gas flow and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dedicated pressure sources are used for each filling line to enable simultaneous filling of tanks with different initial pressure conditions, then the ability to fill multiple tanks simultaneously is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to bulky installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pressure sources into a single shared pressure source that serves all filling lines. The loop configuration allows this single source to simultaneously supply multiple tanks with different pressure requirements by distributing gas through different paths in the loop, eliminating the need for dedicated pressure sources for each line.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop configuration serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure distribution network, a storage medium, and a flow control system. The same loop structure enables simultaneous filling of tanks at different pressures while also providing pressure stabilization and flow regulation, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Productivity
If buffer storage containers are filled only after the tank is filled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filling time and productivity are worsened due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-filling buffer storage containers with pressurized gas before the actual tank filling operation begins. This allows the buffers to be ready to immediately supply gas during tank filling, enabling parallel operations that reduce overall filling time without requiring complex sequential control.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop configuration maintains continuous gas flow and pressure throughout the system. The buffers remain pressurized and ready to supply gas continuously during the filling process, eliminating idle time and ensuring uninterrupted filling operation, which improves productivity while keeping the operation sequence manageable.
3Productivity
If multiple buffer storage containers are used to enable simultaneous filling of tanks with different initial pressures, then the productivity is improved, but the quantity of equipment and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of buffers to a loop configuration, adding a dimensional aspect to the system architecture. This loop structure allows the same physical buffers to serve multiple tanks simultaneously by distributing gas through different paths around the loop, reducing the total number of buffers needed while maintaining simultaneous filling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop is segmented into multiple sections with valves at different points, allowing independent control of gas flow to different tanks. This segmentation enables the same buffer storage containers to supply multiple tanks by directing gas flow through different segments of the loop, reducing the need for dedicated buffers for each tank.
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 efficient and cost-effective simultaneous filling of multiple tanks with different initial pressures, optimizing filling and repressurization times while reducing the number of necessary buffer storage containers and electricity consumption, thereby lowering costs and increasing availability for filling operations.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises at least one compressor comprising an inlet for gas to be compressed connected to at least one among: the source, at least one buffer storage container, and a compressed gas outlet connected to at least one from: at least one buffer storage container, at least one of the plurality of downstream ends of the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Device for filling tanks with pressurized gas, in particular hydrogen gas tanks of motor vehicles, the device comprising at least one gas source, a transfer circuit comprising at least one upstream end connected to the source and at least one downstream end intended to be connected in removable fashion to a tank to be filled, the transfer circuit additionally comprising, between its upstream and downstream ends, a set of buffer storage container(s) which is (are) connected in parallel to the transfer circuit via a set of respective connecting valve(s), the transfer circuit comprising a portion of pipe(s) forming a loop, a plurality of the buffer storage container(s) being connected in parallel to the said loop, characterized in that the transfer circuit comprises a plurality of separate downstream ends each intended to be connected in removable fashion to a respective tank to be filled, the said downstream ends being connected in parallel to the said loop and comprising a set of respective linking valves, so that control of the connecting valves and of the linking valves makes it possible to bring at least one first buffer storage container into fluidic communication, via the loop, with a first downstream end and, simultaneously, to bring at least one second buffer storage container into fluidic communication, via the loop, with a second downstream end and/or to bring two separate buffer storage containers into fluidic communication.