Sub-tank Fuel Exchange via Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for transporting and exchanging small, spherical sub-tanks used for storing gaseous fuels like hydrogen, which are essential for future mobile applications, due to difficulties in handling and managing these volume-demanding gas storage units.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fuel tank with a sealable inlet and outlet for pre-filled and return sub-tanks, connected to an exchanger unit that uses a compressor to generate a gas flow for sequential movement and exchange of sub-tanks, maintaining a closed loop and preventing gas loss, with sealable couplings and isolation valves for efficient handling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a multitude of small spherical sub-tanks are used for gas storage, then the storage efficiency and energy content are improved, but the handling and transportation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas storage system is divided into multiple small spherical sub-tanks instead of using a single large tank. Each sub-tank is independently fillable and exchangeable, allowing the system to maintain high gas storage capacity while improving handling efficiency through modular units that can be processed individually rather than as a bulk system.
Solution Approach 2:
A filling station with specialized equipment acts as an intermediary between the gas source and the sub-tanks. This intermediary system includes automated handling mechanisms, sealing devices, and pressure control systems that facilitate efficient filling and exchange operations, thereby resolving the handling difficulty while maintaining high storage capacity.
2Device complexity
If sub-tanks are exchanged sequentially one at a time, then the handling complexity is reduced, but the refueling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank system is segmented into multiple independent branches, each capable of receiving or releasing sub-tanks independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple sub-tanks simultaneously - while one branch is being filled, another can be emptied, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving refueling throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic exchange cycles where sub-tanks are systematically rotated through different branches in a coordinated sequence. This periodic action pattern allows the system to maintain simple sequential handling mechanisms while achieving high productivity through optimized timing and coordination of exchanges across multiple branches.
3Loss of substance
If sealable couplings and isolation valves are used for sub-tank exchange, then gas loss is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is designed to be self-actuating through pressure differential mechanisms. When a sub-tank is connected to a branch, the pressure difference automatically activates the isolation valves and sealing couplings without requiring external control systems. This self-service approach prevents gas loss through intelligent pressure-based control while minimizing the complexity of the sealing mechanism.
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 fast, reliable, and cost-effective exchange of sub-tanks, allowing for efficient refueling of vehicles without loss of working pressure, ensuring gas is delivered and collected in an ordered manner, thus addressing the challenge of handling and transporting gaseous fuels.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor arranged in between the vessels for generating a gas flow carrying filled sub-tanks from the supply vessel to the fuel tank and return sub-tanks from the fuel tank to the return vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and a system for handling gaseous fuels using sub-tanks (3) as gas emitting entities within a fuel tank (1). In particular the invention provides a system comprising an exchanger unit (2) for filling filled sub-tanks (3) to, and removing emptied sub-tanks (3) from, the fuel tank (1). Thanks to the invention the filling and removal is fast, efficient and safe.