Submarine Atmosphere Control via Nitrogen Generator and Fuel Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional submarines face challenges in maintaining a stable internal atmosphere for extended dives without nuclear propulsion, as existing methods for oxygen renewal are either discreet but inefficient, costly, or pose safety risks, and require consumables or high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An interior assembly that includes a nitrogen generator using pressure swing adsorption technology to selectively capture and release nitrogen and oxygen from the ambient gas, allowing for periodic renewal of the submarine's atmosphere with low energy consumption and no consumables, and a system for recycling and purging the gases to maintain internal pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If oxygen candles are used to provide additional oxygen during long dives, then oxygen supply is improved, but safety risks increase due to pyrotechnic initiation and handling dangers during diving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical pyrotechnic initiation system of oxygen candles with an electrochemical fuel cell system. The fuel cell generates oxygen through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, controlled by electrical current, eliminating the need for pyrotechnic initiation and associated safety risks during diving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses consumable fuel (hydrogen) in the fuel cell rather than expensive oxygen candles. The fuel can be stored in simple tanks and replenished, providing a cost-effective alternative to disposable oxygen candles while maintaining continuous oxygen generation capability.
2Quantity of substance
If oxygen storage tanks are implemented in the submarine, then oxygen supply is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase due to confined space and handling facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system generates oxygen on-demand from stored hydrogen and ambient air, eliminating the need for complex oxygen storage tanks and handling facilities. The system serves itself by continuously producing oxygen through electrochemical conversion, requiring only simple hydrogen storage and air intake systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the pneumatic properties of gases by storing hydrogen in pressurized tanks and using ambient air as the oxygen source. The fuel cell system converts these gaseous inputs into breathable oxygen through electrochemical reaction, avoiding the need for liquid or high-pressure oxygen storage systems.
3Quantity of substance
If an oxygen production plant using electrolysis of seawater is used, then oxygen supply is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen (which consumes large amounts of energy), the patent inverts the process by using a fuel cell to combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity and water, with oxygen available as a byproduct. This reverse approach significantly reduces energy consumption while producing oxygen.
4Quantity of substance
If the submarine snorkels the engine to ventilate the internal volume, then oxygen renewal is improved, but discretion is compromised by requiring the engine to run near the surface for significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system provides continuous oxygen generation throughout the submarine's operational life, eliminating the need for periodic snorkeling operations. The system operates continuously at low power levels, maintaining oxygen supplies without requiring the submarine to surface or run engines near the surface, thus preserving discretion.
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 continuous and discreet oxygen enrichment within the submarine, reducing energy consumption and eliminating risks associated with consumables, while maintaining autonomy without the need for oxygen storage or pyrotechnic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a nitrogen generator (52) for producing a treated stream rich in nitrogen and a discharge stream rich in oxygen by passing a gas stream through a bed of adsorbent material capable of selectively capturing the oxygen present in the ambient gas without significantly capturing the nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
passing a gas stream through a bed of adsorbent material capable of selectively capturing the oxygen present in the ambient gas without significantly capturing the nitrogen
Data Source
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AI summary
This assembly comprises a chamber (40) delimiting an internal volume (24) containing an ambient gas and a system (42) for treating the ambient gas. The treatment system (42) comprises an upstream inlet (68) for drawing off ambient gas from the chamber (40), a device (51) for treating the ambient gas and an assembly (50) for conveying the ambient gas from the upstream inlet (68) towards the treatment device (51). The treatment device (51) comprises at least one nitrogen generator (52) capable of generating a nitrogen-rich treated stream and an oxygen-rich discharge stream from the ambient gas tapped off. The treatment system (42) comprises a purge assembly (54) connected to the nitrogen generator (52) to discharge the nitrogen-rich stream to the exterior of the underwater vehicle (10).