Portable Hydrogen Refueller With Horizontal Tank Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-highway vehicles require a separate infrastructure for hydrogen refueling, which disrupts their working schedule and is inefficient, as conventional solutions involve fixed storage tanks that are not portable.
Innovation Solution
A portable refueling storage device with horizontally arranged elongate cylinders in an enclosure, configured to be carried by a vehicle, featuring independently controlled tank valves, temperature responsive discharge valves, and a modular design for easy access and refueling, allowing on-site refueling of off-highway vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fixed storage tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then the fuel can be stored in sufficient quantity, but the refueling infrastructure becomes complex and disrupts the working schedule of off-highway vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple modular storage tanks (first plurality and second plurality) that can be independently managed and refueled. Each tank can be serviced separately, allowing the system to maintain operational fuel supply while individual tanks are being refueled, thus reducing overall refueling disruption without requiring a single large complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically switchable tank valves that can independently control the charging and discharging of each storage tank. This dynamic control allows flexible refueling operations where tanks can be selectively connected or disconnected from the refueling infrastructure, reducing the need for complex fixed infrastructure and minimizing disruption to vehicle operations
2Quantity of substance
If conventional fixed storage tanks are used, then hydrogen can be stored, but the refueling process causes disruption to the working schedule of off-highway vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage tanks allow the system to segment the refueling process into parallel operations. While one tank is being refueled, others can continue to supply fuel to vehicles, significantly reducing the overall refueling downtime and minimizing disruption to working schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous fuel supply capability through multiple tanks that can operate in parallel. As long as at least one tank contains fuel, the refueling operation can continue without interruption, ensuring continuous useful action and minimizing loss of time in the working schedule
3Length of stationary object
If storage tanks are arranged vertically, then the enclosure height is reduced, but the width and length increase requiring larger vehicle platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tanks are arranged horizontally rather than vertically, changing the spatial orientation from vertical stacking to horizontal positioning. This dimensional change allows the enclosure to have a more compact height suitable for vehicle mounting while distributing the volume across a larger horizontal footprint that can be efficiently utilized on vehicle platforms
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 flexible refueling of off-highway vehicles at their point of use, reducing the need for separate refueling infrastructure and minimizing disruption to their operations, while ensuring safe and controlled handling of hydrogen.
Implementation Method 1
Each storage tank may comprise a temperature responsive discharge valve configured to vent the gaseous fuel when the temperature rises to beyond a predetermined value
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a portable refueller (10) for storing a quantity of gaseous fuel, optionally hydrogen, for refuelling an end-user vehicle, comprising: a plurality of storage tanks (16a-16g), each storage tank comprising at least one cylinder which is horizontally arranged within an enclosure (18), wherein the enclosure is configured to be carried by a vehicle (12), and, a refuelling nozzle for discharging a quantity of the gaseous fuel to the end-user vehicle during refuelling.