Piston Gas Storage Device for Controlled Purge Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-scale energy systems face challenges in controlling the release of purge gas during the purging process, which can lead to explosive zones if not managed properly, and existing solutions from large-scale systems are not easily adaptable due to differences in component sizes and gas quantities.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with an expandable piston accumulator chamber, where purge gas is stored above atmospheric pressure without external deflection aids, using a liquid-filled chamber to seal and control the gas release through a gas inlet and outlet system, ensuring controlled and safe discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If purge gas is stored at elevated pressure in a small-scale storage device, then the gas can be stored efficiently and released controlled, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pressure management and safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested piston accumulator structure where a second piston accumulator element is inserted inside a first piston accumulator element. Both pistons are axially movable and work together to create an expandable storage chamber that can safely contain pressurized purge gas while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for small-scale energy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device utilizes dynamically movable piston elements that can expand and contract based on gas pressure. The pistons are axially movable within the chamber, allowing the storage volume to adapt to pressure changes automatically, thereby managing gas storage and release without complex external pressure control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a piston accumulator is used for gas storage, then the gas can be stored and released controlled, but the device requires external deflection aids which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the piston accumulator such that the gas pressure itself provides the deflection force needed to operate the pistons. The first and second piston accumulator elements are axially movable and respond automatically to pressure changes, eliminating the need for external deflection aids or complex control mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If purge gas is released uncontrolled to the outside, then the purging process is simple, but explosive zones may form creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage device as an intermediary between the purging system and the external environment. The piston accumulator chamber temporarily holds the purge gas and controls its release, acting as a buffer that prevents uncontrolled discharge while maintaining efficient purging operation and eliminating explosive zone formation risks.
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 allows for efficient and controlled release of purge gas, reducing the risk of explosive zones and optimizing the purging process by utilizing the gas pressure to deflect the piston element, ensuring safe and effective operation in small-scale energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston accumulator element (42) designed as a liquid chamber, into which liquid (46) is filled up to a defined liquid level (47)
Implementation Method 2
a second piston accumulator element (48) designed as a reciprocating piston element... the piston accumulator elements are axially movable relative to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates, inter alia, to a storage device (40) for receiving and/or temporarily storing gas, in particular purge gas discharged during a purge process, comprising an expandable storage chamber (41) designed as a piston storage unit, with a first piston storage element (42) designed as a liquid chamber, into which liquid (46) can be filled up to a defined liquid level (47) or into which liquid (46) is filled up to a defined liquid level (47), with a second piston storage element (48) designed as a reciprocating piston element, wherein the piston storage elements (42, 48) are, in particular concentrically, aligned in opposite directions and are nested inside one another, wherein the piston storage elements (42, 48) are axially movable relative to each other, and with a gas inlet line (54) and with a gas outlet line (56).To enable the stored gas to be released to the outside in a controlled manner, the first piston storage element (42) is located externally with respect to the second piston storage element (48), and a gap (53), in particular a circumferential one, is formed between an outer surface (81) of the second piston storage element (48) and an inner surface (82) of the first piston storage element (42). Furthermore, it is provided that the gas inlet line (54) and the gas outlet line (56) terminate above the defined liquid level (47) for the liquid (46) in the second piston storage element (48) (55, 57).