Sealed Container for Aircraft Hydrogen Supply Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing heat exchangers and high-pressure pumps for hydrogen fuel systems in aircraft is complex and costly, particularly in ensuring safety against hydrogen leakage.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the hydrogen supply device equipment, such as pumps and heat exchangers, in airtight containers outside the main container, which maintains a low oxygen content, thereby enhancing safety and allowing the use of existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen supply device equipment (pumps, heat exchangers) is designed with high safety standards to prevent hydrogen leakage, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen supply system is divided into two distinct zones: a sealed container interior housing hydrogen-sensitive equipment (pumps, heat exchangers) and the external hydrogen storage environment. This segmentation isolates equipment from direct hydrogen exposure, reducing the safety burden on individual components while maintaining overall system safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container acts as an intermediary barrier between the hydrogen supply equipment and the hydrogen fuel. By maintaining an oxygen-depleted atmosphere inside the container, it prevents hydrogen leakage from causing combustion or explosion, thereby protecting equipment without requiring each component to be individually hydrogen-proof.
2Reliability
If hydrogen supply device equipment is designed with high safety standards to prevent hydrogen leakage, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates safety-critical functions (atmosphere control in sealed container) from hydrogen handling functions, allowing standard off-the-shelf pumps and heat exchangers to be used without expensive hydrogen-resistant modifications, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container with controlled atmosphere serves as a cost-effective safety mechanism that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than hydrogen-resistant equipment. The container can be refilled or replaced more easily than replacing specialized hydrogen-proof components.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing equipment is used in hydrogen supply systems, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but safety against hydrogen leakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed container with oxygen-depleted atmosphere serves as a protective intermediary that enables the use of standard equipment in hydrogen applications. It mediates between the hydrogen environment and the equipment, preventing harmful interactions while allowing conventional components to function safely.
Solution Approach 2:
By maintaining an inert, oxygen-depleted atmosphere inside the sealed container, the system creates a safe environment for standard equipment to operate near hydrogen without risk of combustion. This inert environment protection allows existing equipment to be used without modification while ensuring safety.
4Reliability
If equipment is positioned inside sealed containers with low oxygen content, then safety against hydrogen explosion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: sealed containers housing equipment, hydrogen storage tanks, and connection systems. This modular segmentation makes the overall complex system manageable through standardized interfaces and independent safety zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects equipment from hydrogen exposure, maintains a safe atmosphere, provides structural housing, and enables modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional safety components, offsetting the added complexity.
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 configuration creates a safe hydrogen installation by reducing the risk of hydrogen leakage and explosion, while also utilizing existing equipment to minimize costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to heat the hydrogen which passes from the liquid state to the gaseous state
Implementation Method 2
a high-pressure pump to pressurize the hydrogen
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft comprising at least one hydrogen engine (38), at least one hydrogen fueling system (44) including at least one hydrogen tank (46), and at least one piece of equipment (48, 50) through which hydrogen flows, positioned between the hydrogen tank (46) and the hydrogen engine (38). According to the invention, the aircraft includes at least one airtight container (58) in which the equipment (48, 50) of the hydrogen fueling system (44) is positioned. This solution makes it possible to obtain a safe hydrogen installation using existing equipment.