Parallel Transfer Lines for Simultaneous Hydrogen Tank Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen gas refuelling stations using liquid hydrogen sources face issues with performance and modularity, as they do not guarantee satisfactory filling operations and are not easily adaptable for simultaneous filling of multiple tanks.
Innovation Solution
A device with two parallel transfer lines, each equipped with a pump, vaporizer, bypass branch line, distribution valves, and buffer storage connected in parallel, allowing for controlled gas flow and temperature management, enabling efficient filling of pressurized gas tanks by utilizing a variable speed pump and additional gas flow from storage buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single transfer line is used for hydrogen refuelling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited and cannot support simultaneous filling of multiple tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent transfer lines (first transfer line and second transfer line), each capable of operating independently to fill different tanks simultaneously. Each transfer line includes its own pump, vaporizer, and control valves, enabling parallel operations without interference between lines.
Solution Approach 2:
Each transfer line is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The pumps can operate at variable speeds to handle different flow rate requirements, the vaporizers can process different quantities of liquid hydrogen, and the distribution valves can direct flow to different destinations, making the system adaptable to various filling scenarios.
2Productivity
If liquid hydrogen is directly evaporated and pumped at high flow rates, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature control becomes difficult causing excessive temperature increase in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces localized temperature control at different stages of the transfer line. The vaporizer provides localized heating to evaporate liquid hydrogen, while the distribution valves enable selective mixing of cold and warm gas streams. This allows different sections of the system to have different temperature characteristics, with the final mixed gas achieving optimal temperature for tank filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaporation and temperature adjustment in the vaporizer before the gas enters the main transfer line. By pre-heating the liquid hydrogen in the vaporizer and then mixing it with colder gas in the distribution section, the system prepares the gas at the correct temperature before it reaches the tank, preventing excessive temperature rise during filling.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at maximum speed continuously, then the productivity is maximized, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is equipped with variable speed control capability, allowing it to operate at different speeds depending on the filling requirements. The control system can adjust the pump speed dynamically - operating at higher speeds when rapid filling is needed and at lower speeds when the tank is nearly full or when smaller flow rates are sufficient. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
4Reliability
If the system uses only the pump and vaporizer without buffer storage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain stable gas flow and temperature during varying demand is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage vessels are pre-filled with gas during periods of low demand or when the system is producing excess gas. When demand increases or the pump cannot provide sufficient flow, the buffer vessels release their stored gas to maintain the required flow rate and temperature. This preliminary storage action ensures stable operation without requiring continuous high-speed pumping.
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
The solution enhances modularity and performance by allowing simultaneous filling operations, reducing energy consumption by up to 50% and maintaining efficient gas flow and temperature control, ensuring rapid and efficient filling of hydrogen tanks.
Implementation Method 1
each of the two transfer lines comprises: a pump
Implementation Method 2
a unit for evaporating the pumped fluid (hereinafter vaporizer)
Implementation Method 3
a distribution valve(s) set configured to control the flow of fluid pumped and distributed between the vaporizer and the branch line
Implementation Method 4
a buffer storage(s) set (hereinafter storage buffer(s)), which storage buffer(s) is(are) connected in parallel to each of the two transfer lines
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method for filling pressurized gas tanks, particularly vehicle pressurized hydrogen tanks, the device comprising a liquefied gas source, a transfer circuit comprising two parallel transfer lines each having an upstream end linked to the liquefied gas source, at least two separate downstream ends intended to be each removably connected to a tank to be filled, each of the two transfer lines comprising: a pump, a vaporizer for evaporating the pumped fluid, a branch for bypassing the vaporizer and a distribution valve(s) set configured to control the flow of fluid pumped and distributed between the vaporizer and the branch line, the device further comprising a storage buffer(s), which storage buffer(s) is(are) connected in parallel to each of the two transfer lines via a set of valves.