Refillable Fuel Cell Transfer Station With Vapor Lock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel transfer stations are cumbersome due to the arrangement of the pump, limiting user access and efficiency, and previous systems face issues like vapor lock, safety hazards, and inefficiencies in fuel transfer.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop fuel transfer system with check valves, a pump, and a pressure relief valve ensures safe and efficient refilling of fuel canisters, allowing for secure connections and controlled fuel flow without vapor lock, using manual or thermal methods to generate pressure gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump is arranged in the conventional position in the fuel transfer station, then the fuel transfer function is achieved, but the user access area is limited and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is extracted from the conventional enclosed position within the fuel transfer station and repositioned to an external location. This extraction allows users to access and operate the pump independently from the main station structure, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the fuel transfer functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional fuel transfer systems are used, then fuel can be transferred, but vapor lock occurs and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
A condenser is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel source and the pump. The condenser cools the fuel vapor, condensing it back to liquid form, which prevents vapor lock in the fuel lines and improves the reliability of fuel transfer while eliminating safety hazards associated with vapor accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of fuel from vapor to liquid state through cooling in the condenser. This phase transition prevents vapor lock by converting vapor-phase fuel back to liquid phase before it reaches the pump, ensuring reliable operation and eliminating vapor-related safety hazards.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable fuel canisters are used, then fuel supply is simple, but waste is generated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding used fuel canisters, the system recovers fuel vapor that would otherwise be wasted. The condenser captures and condenses vapor from the canister, returning the fuel to liquid form for reuse. This recovering approach eliminates waste while maintaining the simplicity of using removable fuel canisters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by recycling fuel vapor back into usable liquid fuel. Rather than allowing fuel to be lost when canisters are emptied or replaced, the condenser continuously captures and recovers vapor, extending the effective life of each canister and reducing the frequency of replacement needed.
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 system enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective refilling of fuel canisters, enhancing user convenience and reducing waste by allowing reusable fuel cells, and enabling indoor operation of combustion-powered tools.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for secure connections and controlled fuel flow without vapor lock, using manual or thermal methods to generate pressure gradients
Implementation Method 2
using manual or thermal methods to generate pressure gradients
Implementation Method 3
A closed loop fuel transfer system with check valves, a pump, and a pressure relief valve ensures safe and efficient refilling of fuel canisters
Implementation Method 4
A closed loop fuel transfer system with check valves, a pump, and a pressure relief valve ensures safe and efficient refilling of fuel canisters
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.