Pressurized Tank Volume Estimation Using Pressure and Temperature Change
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the volume of a tank to be filled with a pressurized fluid, such as in fuel cell vehicles, are inaccurate and require complex iterative calculations or correction factors, and may not converge to a volume value, especially with varying tank dimensions and filling scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Estimating the tank volume as a function of injection temperature, temperature variation, and pressure variation using a thermodynamic approach, eliminating the need for correction factors and iterative processes, by applying an equation of state and enthalpy balance to account for real gas behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods are used to estimate tank volume, then the estimation process can be completed, but the accuracy of volume estimation is poor and correction factors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters used in volume estimation from simple pressure-based measurements to a comprehensive set including pressure variation, temperature variation, and injection temperature. This parameter expansion enables direct calculation of tank volume using thermodynamic relationships, eliminating the need for correction factors and improving accuracy without adding complexity.
2Measurement precision
If iterative calculation methods are used to improve volume estimation accuracy, then more precise results can be obtained, but the calculation time increases and convergence is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the iterative mechanical calculation process with a direct thermodynamic calculation approach. By applying the first law of thermodynamics and using measured parameters (pressure variation, temperature variation, injection temperature), the system directly computes tank volume without iteration, ensuring both accuracy and computational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal volume estimation method is developed to work with any tank type, then adaptability improves, but the method must handle diverse tank dimensions and filling scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal volume estimation method that works with any tank type by incorporating temperature measurements and using thermodynamic relationships that are independent of tank geometry. The method adapts to different tank dimensions and filling scenarios through direct calculation based on measured parameters, providing both universality and simplicity.
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
Provides a more accurate and direct estimation of tank volume, applicable to any tank type without iterative calculations, using a polynomial interpolation for fast and precise results.
Implementation Method 1
a step of determining a pressure variation in the tank after the injection of the fluid flow, the pressure variation being determined relative to an initial pressure of the tank before the injection
Implementation Method 2
a step of determining a temperature variation in the tank after the injection of the fluid flow, the temperature variation being determined in relation to an initial temperature of the tank before the injection
Implementation Method 3
by applying an equation of state and enthalpy balance to account for real gas behavior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method (10) for estimating the volume (V) of a tank (2) to be filled from a pressurized fluid dispensing station (5), such as gaseous hydrogen, the method (10) comprising the following steps: - a step (S1) of injecting a pressurized fluid stream into the tank (2), - a step (S2) of determining a pressure variation (dp) in the tank (2) after the fluid stream injection, the pressure variation being determined relative to an initial pressure (p0) of the tank (2) before the injection, - a step (S3) of determining a quantity (dm) of the fluid stream injected into the tank (2), - a step (S4) of estimating the volume (V) of the tank (2) to be filled as a function of the quantity (dm) of the fluid stream injected into the tank (2) and as a function of the pressure variation (dp) in the tank (2) after the fluid stream injection.characterized in that the volume (V) of the reservoir (2) to be filled is also estimated as a function of an injection temperature (Tinj), i.e. a temperature of the fluid flow entering the reservoir (2), and as a function of a temperature variation (dT) in the reservoir (2) after the injection of the fluid flow, the temperature variation being determined relative to an initial temperature (T0) of the reservoir (2) before the injection.