Motor Vehicle Tank Vacuum Generation via Internal Fuel Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing tanks for storing fuels in a low-temperature state are energy-intensive and costly due to the need for external heating to generate a vacuum for thermal insulation, which increases manufacturing time and technical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an inner tank with a preheated fuel and an insulating layer between the inner and outer tanks, where heat is transmitted from the inner tank outward to generate negative pressure, reducing the need for external heating and enhancing thermal insulation, allowing for efficient fuel storage without high technical or energy outlay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external heating apparatuses are used to heat the outer skin for generating negative pressure, then a vacuum can be produced in the insulating layer, but the energy consumption and technical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating the outer skin from the outside to generate vacuum, the patent introduces heated fuel into the inner tank, which then heats the inner tank wall and transfers heat outward to the insulating layer. This inverted heating direction eliminates the need for external heating apparatuses while achieving the same vacuum generation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel itself serves as the heating source by being introduced at elevated temperature (30-120°C) into the inner tank. The fuel's thermal energy is utilized to heat the tank wall and subsequently the insulating layer, making the system self-sufficient without requiring separate external heating equipment
2Reliability
If external heating apparatuses are used to heat the outer skin, then a vacuum can be generated, but the manufacturing time and technical outlay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating direction is inverted from external to internal. Heated fuel is introduced into the inner tank, which then acts as the heat source, eliminating the need for complex external heating apparatuses and reducing technical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fuel's own thermal energy as the heating source, eliminating the need for separate external heating equipment and reducing both device complexity and technical outlay
3Reliability
If the outer skin is heated from outside, then negative pressure can be generated, but energy efficiency decreases due to environmental heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
Heating is performed from the inside out by introducing heated fuel into the inner tank, which then heats the tank wall and insulating layer. This internal heating approach minimizes energy loss to the external environment and improves overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel serves as its own heating source, and the heat is applied directly where needed (inner tank wall), reducing thermal losses to the environment and improving energy efficiency
4Productivity
If heated fuel is introduced into the inner tank, then the evacuation process is accelerated and energy efficiency improves, but additional heating steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The heated fuel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the stored energy resource and the heating source for vacuum generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating steps and simplifies the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel's thermal energy is utilized to accelerate the evacuation process, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional external heating equipment or process steps
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
This method significantly reduces energy consumption and manufacturing time, enabling cost-effective and location-independent production of fuel tanks with improved thermal insulation, allowing for efficient storage and use of low-temperature fuels like hydrogen.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is then transmitted to the adjacent insulating layer via the wall. This operation of transmitting heat from the inside outward is substantially more energy efficient
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for producing a tank, in particular a motor vehicle tank, for storing a fuel in a low-temperature state. The tank has an inner tank receiving the fuel, an outer skin surrounding the inner tank and an insulating layer arranged between the inner tank and the outer skin. The method i) introduces fuel into the inner tank, a temperature of 30° C. to 120° C., preferably of 70° C. to 85° C., being obtained by the fuel in the inner tank, and ii) generates negative pressure in an insulating layer arranged between the inner tank and the outer skin.