Skid-Mounted CNG Dispensing System for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling systems require complex and costly installations, with fast-fill systems needing large high-pressure storage tanks and slow-fill systems being time-consuming, limiting flexibility and efficiency in refueling station setups.
Innovation Solution
The development of skid-mounted compressed gas dispensing stations that include a dryer assembly, compressors, a high-pressure storage tank, and a dispenser assembly, integrated with an electrical control system, allowing for flexible and rapid deployment as either fast-fill or slow-fill CNG refueling stations, with the ability to be mounted on various ground surfaces and requiring only a source of low-pressure natural gas and electricity for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fast-fill systems are used with large volume high-pressure storage tanks, then refueling speed is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a high-pressure storage tank system for rapid dispensing and a low-pressure compressor system for refilling. This segmentation allows the high-pressure storage to be smaller in volume while maintaining fast-fill capability, reducing overall system complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-compresses and stores gas in high-pressure tanks in advance during off-peak times using the compressor. When refueling is needed, the pre-compressed gas is rapidly dispensed without requiring the compressor to operate during the refueling process, enabling fast-fill operation with smaller storage capacity.
2Device complexity
If slow-fill systems are used without large high-pressure storage tanks, then system complexity and footprint are reduced, but refueling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges both fast-fill and slow-fill functionalities into a single integrated platform. The high-pressure storage tank system enables fast-fill operation when needed, while the low-pressure compressor system provides slow-fill capability. The system can operate in either mode or both simultaneously, providing versatility without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The skid-mounted platform is designed as a universal system that can function as either a fast-fill station, a slow-fill station, or both concurrently. The high-pressure storage tanks and compressor system work together to provide multiple refueling modes, allowing the same infrastructure to serve different operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If skid-mounted modular systems are deployed, then installation flexibility and deployment speed are improved, but integration complexity of multiple components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is packaged as a pre-integrated skid-mounted module containing all necessary components (high-pressure storage tanks, compressor, controls, and piping) configured and tested together. This segmentation into a single modular unit eliminates on-site integration complexity while maintaining installation flexibility, as the entire system can be delivered and deployed as one package.
Solution Approach 2:
The skid-mounted system is designed as a self-contained unit that requires minimal external integration. All components are pre-configured and interconnected on the skid, with self-contained control systems and support structures. The modular design allows for easy transport and deployment on various ground surfaces with minimal site preparation and integration work required.
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
Enables the creation of portable, self-contained, and flexible CNG refueling stations that can operate efficiently in both fast-fill and slow-fill modes, reducing installation complexity and costs while providing ease of deployment and operation, accommodating various ground surfaces and meeting safety and code requirements.
Implementation Method 1
one or more compressors... configured to compress natural gas received from the gas utility line to a pressure sufficient to dispense the compressed natural gas to the receiving vessel
Implementation Method 2
a dryer assembly... configured to receive natural gas from the gas utility line and provide dried natural gas to the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A skid-mounted compressed gas dispensing station comprises a skid-mounted assembly, with the skid adapted to be mounted to the ground; wherein the skid-mounted assembly comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a dryer assembly, one or more compressors, a compressed gas storage tank, one or more dispenser assemblies, and an electrical control system, either integral to or pre-mounted on the skid.