Hydraulic Cylinder With Removable Shutter for Hydrogen Tank Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic cycling facilities for hydrogen tanks face issues such as high pressure loss, energy-intensive cold cycling, complex maintenance due to vertical assembly/disassembly requirements, manual filling and connection leading to air bubbles, and inefficient thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic cylinder design with a removable shutter member and annular seals, allowing vertical maintenance, reduced pressure loss through separate fluid circuits, and efficient thermal management using distinct fluids with varying viscosities to minimize energy consumption and ensure bubble-free connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If glycol water is used as the working fluid to enable cycling tests at negative temperatures, then the facility can operate at all temperatures from -40°C to +85°C, but pressure loss in the circuit increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit is segmented into two separate circuits: a first circuit using a low-viscosity fluid (water or water-glycol mixture) for low-temperature operation, and a second circuit using a different working fluid for high-temperature operation. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific temperature range, reducing pressure loss in each while maintaining overall versatility across the full temperature spectrum.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glycol water is used for cycling at room temperature, then universal temperature coverage is achieved, but significant heating of the fluid occurs requiring additional heat exchangers
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit is segmented into two separate circuits: a first circuit using a low-viscosity fluid (water or water-glycol mixture) for low-temperature operation, and a second circuit using a different working fluid for high-temperature operation. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific temperature range, reducing pressure loss in each while maintaining overall versatility across the full temperature spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Different working fluids are selected for different temperature ranges based on their specific thermal and viscous properties. The first circuit uses a fluid optimized for low-temperature performance, while the second circuit uses a fluid optimized for high-temperature operation, allowing each part of the system to have the quality needed for its specific operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the multiplier is arranged in vertical position to save space and ensure uniform seal wear, then space efficiency and seal uniformity are improved, but maintenance becomes complicated requiring position switching facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplier is segmented into a stationary body and a removable piston assembly. The piston assembly can be extracted from the cylindrical body through an open end, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the piston and its seals while the multiplier remains in its space-efficient vertical position. This segmentation eliminates the need for position switching facilities while maintaining ease of repair.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual filling and connection of hydrogen tanks and multipliers is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but air bubbles are introduced into the circuit interfering with testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes automatic filling means that can pre-fill the multipliers and hydrogen tanks with the appropriate working fluid before testing begins. This preliminary automatic filling action eliminates air bubbles from the circuit, ensuring reliability and pure fluid circulation, while the system retains the option for manual operation when flexibility is 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
Facilitates easy maintenance, reduces pressure loss, ensures bubble-free fluid circulation, and achieves precise pressure control with minimal energy consumption, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen tank cycling tests.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (108) being mounted in the first cylindrical body part (100) and being connected at a first end of a piston rod (110)
Implementation Method 2
seals (127, 128) arranged between the shutter member (118) and the second cylindrical body part (102)
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic cylinder, in particular for a hydrogen tank pressurization installation
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic cylinder, in particular for a hydrogen tank pressurization installation, including a cylindrical body of longitudinal axis having a first low-pressure cylindrical body portion and a second high-pressure cylindrical body portion, a piston being mounted in the first cylindrical body portion and being mounted at a first end of a piston rod slidably extending in the second cylindrical body portion. A second end of the rod opposite the first end carries a removable cartridge slidably sealed in the second part of the cylindrical body, the second part of the cylindrical body being sealed by a removable shutter member arranged longitudinally opposite the removable cartridge.