Solar Air Pneumatic Controller for Low-Emission Tank Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural gas supplied controls often vent hydrocarbons when actuated, leading to increased emissions, necessitating a new method for supplying and venting pneumatic controls that reduces environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered air regulated controller system (SPARC) that uses pure air for pneumatic operations instead of pressurized gases, ensuring emissions are minimized by venting air rather than hydrocarbons, and includes a backup system to switch to natural gas if the SPARC is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If natural gas supplied controls are used for pneumatic operations, then the controls can be actuated, but hydrocarbons are vented leading to increased emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (air or inert gas) to replace natural gas in the pneumatic control system. This mediator enables control actuation while preventing hydrocarbon emissions, as the intermediary is vented instead of the process gas. The check valve ensures the intermediary cannot contaminate the natural gas supply, maintaining system reliability while eliminating emissions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If air regulated controller is used instead of natural gas supplied controls, then emissions are reduced, but the system requires solar power and backup mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses solar power to operate the compressor that generates pressurized air, making the emissions-reducing mechanism self-powered and economically viable. The solar energy sustains the air supply system without requiring external electrical infrastructure, enabling the controller to serve itself and eliminate hydrocarbon venting autonomously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If check valve is installed to prevent air from entering supply line, then gas contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is a simple, reliable, and inexpensive component that provides permanent protection against gas contamination. Its one-way flow control mechanism is straightforward and maintenance-free, offering a cost-effective solution that prevents supply line contamination without requiring complex active control systems.
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
Significantly reduces methane and carbon dioxide emissions, conserves valuable gas for sale, and provides cost-effective alternatives to traditional high-bleed systems, achieving a substantial reduction in environmental impact and economic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The array 101 is coupled to the charge controller 103 which ensures the battery 102 is properly charged
Implementation Method 2
The array 101 is coupled to the charge controller 103 which ensures the battery 102 is properly charged
Implementation Method 3
Virtually any type of compressor 105 can be used. In one embodiment the compressor 105 comprises a VIAIR 2 gallon 150 psi air tank/compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an air regulated controller. In one embodiment, a solar powered air regulated controller is disclosed. This allows the tanks to be pneumatically controlled via air rather than wet gas. The result is significant emissions reduction. Additionally, as less wet gas is used for venting, more is directed to the downstream sales line.