Pressure Accumulator Control Using Dynamic Reference Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pressure storage devices, such as high-pressure storage devices for gases like hydrogen, face challenges in maintaining optimal storage pressures due to temperature fluctuations, leading to potential damage from excess pressure or underutilization of capacity.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic reference temperature method is implemented, where the operating pressure in pressure storage devices is adjusted based on predicted or current temperatures, using dynamic reference temperature values that change over time to avoid excess pressures and maximize storage capacity without oversizing the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the operating pressure is set high to maximize storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the risk of overpressure damage increases due to temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidoverpressure damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference temperature time-dependent rather than static. The control device adjusts the reference temperature based on predicted future temperatures, allowing the operating pressure to dynamically adapt to anticipated temperature changes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high storage capacity when temperatures are expected to be low while preventing overpressure when temperatures are expected to rise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using predicted future temperatures to adjust the operating pressure in advance. The control device forecasts temperature changes and proactively adjusts the reference temperature and corresponding operating pressure before the actual temperature changes occur. This prevents overpressure conditions from developing while maximizing storage capacity during favorable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a static reference temperature is used to determine operating pressure, then the device design is simplified, but storage capacity is underutilized when temperatures differ from the reference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidstorage capacity utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static reference temperature to a dynamic, time-dependent reference temperature. The control device continuously adjusts the reference temperature based on predicted future temperatures, allowing the operating pressure to adapt to actual temperature conditions. This maintains relatively simple device design while dramatically improving storage capacity utilization across varying temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the pressure storage device is oversized to accommodate temperature-induced pressure increases, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against overpressureVSAvoiddevice oversizing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by predicting future temperature changes and adjusting the operating pressure in advance. The control device uses temperature forecasts to proactively reduce the operating pressure before temperature-induced pressure increases occur, preventing the need for oversized safety margins in the pressure storage device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the reference temperature parameter based on predicted future temperatures. This allows the operating pressure to be optimized in real-time according to anticipated temperature conditions, eliminating the need for conservative oversizing of the pressure storage device while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach prevents temperature-induced overpressure conditions, ensures the operating pressure is utilized to its maximum, and avoids the need for oversized components, thereby maximizing stored energy while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

When storing hydrogen, for example, it can be stored in the pressure storage device at pressures of up to 700 bar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The pressure in pressure storage systems fluctuates depending on the temperature, for example, the ambient temperature and/or the storage temperature. A temperature-related pressure increase is proportional.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3899348B1Method for storing a medium in a pressure accumulator device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 HPS HOME POWER SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP3899348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3899348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3899348B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method for storing a medium, in particular a gas, in a pressure accumulator device (31), wherein, in a preferred embodiment, a dynamic operating pressure, which is dependent on measured temperature values and up to which the medium can be stored in the pressure accumulator device (31), is determined. In particular, the invention aims to allow dynamic storing of medium in the pressure accumulator device (31) in respect of the accumulator pressure, in particular the operating pressure, with a simple design. This is achieved by the dynamic operating pressure being determined, in particular calculated, on the basis of dynamic reference temperature values as a function of time. The method is preferably carried out in an energy system (10), having at least one energy source device (21) for producing a medium and a pressure accumulator device (31), spatially separated therefrom, for storing the produced medium.