Passive Closing Device for Thermal Protection of High Pressure Gas Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure gas vessels, particularly those used for storing compressed hydrogen, are sensitive to temperature changes during filling, which can affect their durability and integrity, and existing systems require external power or sensors to manage temperature-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A passive closing device with a thermally responsive element, comprising a sleeve and piston with a thermally responsive material like wax, that expands at a threshold temperature to seal the vessel and prevent further gas flow, providing thermal protection without the need for external power or sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive closing device with thermally responsive material is used, then thermal protection is improved and external power/sensors are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally responsive material (e.g., wax) automatically responds to temperature changes by expanding or contracting, actuating the piston to close or open the bore without requiring external power sources, sensors, or control systems. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external monitoring and control infrastructure while providing reliable thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally responsive material utilizes phase transitions (e.g., melting and solidification of wax) to convert thermal energy into mechanical motion. When the material undergoes phase change at a predetermined temperature, it expands or contracts to move the piston, thereby automatically closing or opening the flow path without external intervention.
2Reliability
If the piston seals the bore to prevent gas flow, then thermal protection is improved, but gas flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to dynamically move between two positions: open and closed. The thermally responsive material drives the piston to close the bore only when thermal protection is needed, while allowing gas flow to pass through during normal operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally responsive material provides automatic feedback about the thermal state of the system. When the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the material's phase change or expansion/contraction signals the need for protection, automatically actuating the piston to close the bore and interrupt gas flow, thereby preventing overheating without requiring external monitoring.
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 passive closing device effectively interrupts gas flow at a predetermined temperature, protecting the pressure vessel from adverse thermal conditions, offering robust and reliable thermal protection while reducing costs and eliminating the need for external monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
The thermally responsive material expands at a threshold temperature to urge the member toward the space thereby extending the first end of the piston from the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The thermally responsive material expands at a threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
High pressure gas vessels can have a sensitivity to temperature of the compressed gas. Over-temperature conditions in particular may cause decreased durability and/or vessel damage, including gas leakage to the environment. Articles of manufacture, methods, and systems are provided for over-temperature protection using a passive device. The passive closing device does not require electrical power and no controller, sensors, or wiring is needed. This affords cost savings in comparison to other systems. Pressure vessels using the passive closing device can protect themselves, independent of the compressed gas fueling station configuration.