Redundant Gas Valve Control for High-Pressure Tank Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing natural gas supply systems lack efficient and safe control mechanisms with 100% redundancy, particularly in scenarios where high-pressure tankers are used to meet demand or serve end-users without direct pipeline connections, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A gas supply system incorporating high-pressure tanks with redundant groups of valves, pressure gauges, and computing devices that electronically monitor pressure and flow rates, allowing for automatic or manual control of valve groups to ensure safe and efficient distribution, including 100% redundancy and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant control systems are implemented, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent redundant groups (first group with controller A and second group with controller B), each capable of independently controlling the valve groups. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while keeping each control module relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple redundant controller groups and valve groups before operation begins. The controllers and monitoring systems are set up in advance with automatic switching capabilities, so that when a failure occurs, the system can immediately switch to a standby configuration without requiring complex real-time decision-making or reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If electronic monitoring and automatic control systems are added, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic monitoring system and controllers are designed to perform multiple functions: they monitor pressure and flow rates, control valve operations, detect failures, and automatically switch between redundant groups. By consolidating these functions into integrated controller units, the system achieves high operational efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system includes automatic failure detection and switching capabilities that operate without human intervention. When a controller or valve group fails, the system automatically detects the failure and switches to the redundant group, maintaining continuous operation. This self-service capability improves efficiency by eliminating manual monitoring and intervention while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant valve groups are installed, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into multiple independent valve groups (first valve group and second valve group), each controlled by its own controller. This segmentation allows for modular installation where each valve group can be installed and tested independently, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining system reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant valve groups and their associated controllers are pre-configured and pre-tested before final installation. The system is set up with predetermined switching arrangements, so that during installation, the physical connections are straightforward and the complex control logic has already been established, reducing on-site installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a high-pressure tank, a controller, a valve, controlled by the controller, and a heater.