Peltier-Cooled Hydrogen Tank Wrap for Pressure and Leak Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in efficiently managing high-pressure gaseous fuels like hydrogen, particularly in vehicles, where uncontrolled gas leakage can occur due to thermal or mechanical stress, and there is a need for effective cooling and pressure management to prevent such leaks.
Innovation Solution
A tank system for a fuel cell system incorporating a band-shaped cooling device with Peltier elements thermally coupled to the tank, mechanically attached via fastening elements, which includes a fastening mechanism to enhance heat transfer and manage temperature and pressure through controlled cooling and valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety valve is installed to release gas when pressure or temperature limits are reached, then gas leakage is prevented, but gas is released into the environment causing loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier cooling device is activated before the safety valve releases gas to cool the tank and reduce pressure, preventing the need for gas venting. The control unit activates the cooling device when temperature or pressure exceeds thresholds but remain below safety valve activation levels, thereby maintaining tank safety without environmental gas release.
2Reliability
If the tank is cooled to prevent gas leakage, then safety is improved, but additional cooling equipment increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier cooling device is constructed as a band-shaped flexible structure that can be wrapped around the tank's outer surface. This band configuration uses thin-film Peltier elements that conform to the tank geometry, providing effective cooling contact area while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure compared to traditional rigid cooling systems.
3Temperature
If a band-shaped cooling device is used to cool the tank, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the cooling device requires secure mechanical attachment increasing fastening requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The band-shaped cooling device utilizes a flexible structure that can be wrapped around the tank and secured with fastening elements. The flexibility of the band allows it to conform to the tank surface and maintain intimate thermal contact, while the fastening elements provide secure attachment without requiring complex mechanical mounting structures.
4Loss of energy
If the Peltier element is thermally coupled to the tank, then heat transfer is improved, but thermal contact requires precise positioning and pressure application
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band structure of the Peltier cooling device allows it to conform to the tank surface irregularities and maintain consistent thermal contact. The flexibility compensates for minor positioning variations and surface imperfections, ensuring effective heat transfer without requiring extremely precise alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are designed to apply predetermined pressure to the Peltier cooling device, ensuring optimal thermal contact between the cooling element and tank surface. This pre-applied pressure guarantees sufficient thermal coupling effectiveness without requiring manual adjustment or complex positioning mechanisms during installation.
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 provides efficient cooling and pressure regulation, minimizing gas leakage by using Peltier elements to maintain the tank's thermodynamic state within safe limits, reducing the need for environmental release of gas and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
a band-shaped cooling device thermally coupled to the tank, comprising at least one Peltier element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A tank system for a fuel cell system comprises a tank which extends along a longitudinal axis for receiving gas, in particular hydrogen, comprising an outer circumferential surface which surrounds the longitudinal axis along a circumferential direction; a strip-shaped cooling device which is thermally coupled to the tank and comprises at least one Peltier element, wherein the cooling device is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the tank and extends along the circumferential direction of the tank; and a securing element which encloses the outer circumferential surface of the tank in the circumferential direction and presses the cooling device against the outer circumferential surface of the tank.