Gas Storage Tank Refueling with Controlled Chamber Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas storage tanks face damage during refueling due to high pressure differentials, and using a low-pressure case is not feasible during filling.
Innovation Solution
A refuel system with a pressure control unit that maintains a predetermined pressure difference between the gas storage tank and a refuel chamber, using a pressurizing substance to manage pressure differentials, including a mechanical press and a pressurizing device to control pressure within the refuel chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure gas is supplied directly into the gas storage tank during refueling, then the refueling speed and efficiency are improved, but the gas storage tank is subjected to high structural loads that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A refuel chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the operation gas supply device and the gas storage tank. The refuel chamber receives high-pressure operation gas and gradually supplies it to the gas storage tank, acting as a buffer that mediates the pressure transmission. This allows fast refueling while protecting the gas storage tank from direct high-pressure冲击
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure parameters are dynamically adjusted during the refueling process. The pressure control unit controls the pressure difference between the refuel chamber and the gas storage tank to be equal to or less than a predetermined value. This gradual pressure change prevents sudden high structural loads on the gas storage tank while maintaining efficient refueling
2Weight of stationary object
If a low pressure case is used to surround the gas storage tank, then the overall system size and weight are reduced, but the case cannot withstand high pressure during filling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the gas storage tank, the refuel chamber, and the low-pressure case. The refuel chamber is specifically designed to withstand high pressure and serve as a buffer zone, while the outer case can remain lightweight since it only needs to contain the refuel chamber and withstand atmospheric pressure. This segmentation allows the light case to coexist with high-pressure filling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The refuel chamber serves as a pre-established cushioning zone between the high-pressure gas supply and the gas storage tank. By controlling the pressure difference across this chamber, the system prepares for and absorbs pressure variations before they reach the gas storage tank, enabling the use of a lightweight outer case
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
Reduces structural loads on the gas storage tank, ensuring safe and efficient refueling by maintaining a controlled pressure difference, preventing deformation and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control unit which is configured to control a pressure difference between a pressure in the gas storage tank and a pressure in the refuel chamber to be equal or less than a predetermined difference pressure
Implementation Method 2
the refuel chamber can comprise at least one mechanical press which is configured to press the gas storage tank directly
Implementation Method 3
the refuel chamber may be filled with a pressurizing substance such as a gas, liquid, or solid medium, to which a pressure load is applied
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A refuel system (1) for a gas storage tank (3) comprising: a refuel chamber (2) which is configured to accommodate the gas storage (3) tank therein; an operation gas supply device (4) which is configured to supply the gas storage tank (3) with an operation gas. In order to improve the refuel operation, a pressure control unit (5) is provided which is configured to control a pressure difference between a pressure in the gas storage tank (3) and a pressure in the refuel chamber (2) to be equal or less than a predetermined difference pressure at least temporarily while the gas storage tank (3) is supplied with the operation gas.