Thermal Conditioning Module for Underwater Cryogenic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In underwater vehicle fuel systems, the heat dissipation from boiling off liquid oxygen in storage tanks increases temperature and pressure in adjacent tanks, leading to inefficient use of space and potential fluid expansion, which conventional insulated vacuum gaps partially mitigate but not fully address.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with a thermal conditioning module that absorbs heat from gaseous carbon dioxide produced by the fuel cell to condition gaseous oxygen, allowing for efficient storage and supply to the fuel cell while converting excess carbon dioxide to liquid and storing it, thereby managing temperature and pressure within the storage vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat is supplied to one storage tank for boiling off liquid oxygen, then the oxygen can be supplied to the fuel cell in gaseous state, but the heat dissipates to adjacent tanks increasing their temperature and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal conditioning module as an intermediary between storage tanks. This module contains a refrigerant that circulates through heat exchange conduits, actively managing heat transfer between tanks to prevent unwanted temperature and pressure changes in adjacent tanks when one tank is being heated for oxygen boil-off.
2Loss of energy
If insulated vacuum gaps are used between storage tanks to reduce heat leak, then heat transfer is reduced, but the tanks take up larger volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters between storage tanks by introducing an active thermal conditioning system with refrigerant circulation, replacing or supplementing passive vacuum insulation. This allows for reduced insulation thickness while maintaining thermal isolation, thereby reducing overall tank volume.
3Stress or pressure
If tanks are made partially-filled to account for fluid expansion from heat leak, then pressure increase is managed, but greater tank volume is required
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning module implements a feedback control system where temperature and pressure sensors monitor the storage tanks, and the refrigerant circulation is adjusted accordingly. This active management prevents excessive pressure buildup from heat-induced fluid expansion, allowing tanks to be filled to optimal capacity without oversizing.
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 solution effectively reduces heat transfer between storage tanks, minimizing pressure increases and optimizing storage vessel volume, ensuring efficient operation and stability in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
The gaseous first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the gaseous second fluid
Implementation Method 2
The gaseous second fluid received from the fuel cell is converted to the liquid second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel.