Staged CNG Tank Array Refueling with Single-Compressor Pressure Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for storing and refueling natural gas in vehicles require complex and expensive equipment due to the need for high-pressure compression, making it impractical to use residential natural gas supply systems and limiting the practical storage capacity and travel range of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of staged tanks with increasing pressure set points and a single compressor to incrementally compress and store natural gas, allowing for efficient refueling from a residential gas supply system by sequentially connecting tanks to maintain optimal pressure and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If natural gas is compressed to high pressures (2000-3000 psig) for vehicle storage, then the on-board storage capacity and travel range are increased, but the refueling apparatus becomes complex and expensive, making it impractical to use residential natural gas supply systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the compression process into multiple stages using an array of storage tanks at different pressure levels (e.g., 2000 psig, 2500 psig, 3000 psig). The single compressor sequentially fills tanks in order of increasing pressure, breaking down the complex high-pressure compression task into simpler sequential steps that can be performed with standard equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of intermediate storage tanks acts as mediators between the residential natural gas supply and the vehicle fuel tank. These tanks serve as pressure-staging intermediaries, allowing a single compressor to gradually build up pressure levels without requiring complex direct high-pressure compression equipment.
2Device complexity
If a single compressor is used with an array of staged tanks, then the system becomes cost-effective and suitable for residential refueling, but the refueling process time may increase compared to multi-stage compressors
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tanks are pre-configured in an array with predetermined pressure set points before the refueling process begins. This preliminary arrangement allows the single compressor to efficiently sequence through tank filling without real-time complex control, reducing the overall refueling time while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter sequentially across different tanks rather than attempting single-stage high-pressure compression. By adjusting which tank receives compression at what pressure level, the system optimizes the balance between refueling speed and equipment simplicity.
3Productivity
If multiple storage tanks are used with increasing pressure set points, then the system achieves efficient incremental compression, but the physical space required for the tank array increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tanks are arranged in a compact nested or stacked configuration where smaller tanks are positioned within or adjacent to larger tanks. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint of the tank array while maintaining the necessary multiple pressure stages for efficient incremental compression.
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 cost-effective, compact, and modular refueling that can efficiently deliver compressed natural gas to vehicles, overcoming the limitations of high-pressure requirements and enhancing travel range without the need for expensive cryogenic equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (500) operatively connected to the tank array by the valve (100), wherein the compressor (500) compresses the natural gas from a first tank in the tank array to a second tank in the tank array, and from the second tank in the tank array to a third tank in the tank array
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying fuel to a gaseous fuel consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.