Threaded Insert for Compact Cryogenic Pressure Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage technologies for vehicles face challenges such as large volume requirements, high weight, and evaporative losses due to limitations in compact cryogenic-capable pressure vessel designs, which hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A threaded insert for cryogenic-capable pressure vessels that provides a compact and lightweight interface between the tank and external components, capable of withstanding high pressures and cryogenic temperatures, reducing system volume and evaporative losses by containing highly diffusive gases like hydrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional ambient temperature pressure vessels are used for hydrogen storage, then the storage capacity is sufficient, but the volume occupied is relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from ambient to cryogenic conditions, enabling the pressure vessel to store hydrogen at higher densities. This parameter change allows the same hydrogen storage capacity to occupy less volume, directly resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the pressure vessel, combining materials that can withstand both cryogenic temperatures and high pressures. This composite approach enables compact design while maintaining sufficient hydrogen storage capacity, addressing the volume-capacity contradiction.
2Weight of stationary object
If conventional low pressure LH2 storage is used, then the weight is reduced, but evaporative losses occur during distribution and transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from low pressure to high pressure operation at cryogenic temperatures. This parameter change eliminates evaporative losses during transfer operations while maintaining lightweight construction, resolving the contradiction between weight and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable inner liner that can be easily replaced after showing signs of hydrogen embrittlement or damage. This approach maintains system lightweight construction while preventing hydrogen losses, as the liner provides a reliable barrier that eliminates evaporative losses without adding significant weight.
3Device complexity
If conventional components designed for single conditions are used, then the design is simple, but they cannot handle high pressure cryogenic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure vessel into distinct functional components: an inner liner for hydrogen containment, an intermediate structural layer for pressure resistance, and an outer insulation layer for thermal management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, resolving the contradiction between design complexity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate structural layer between the inner liner and outer insulation that serves as a mediator, transferring mechanical loads while maintaining the cryogenic environment. This intermediary component enables the system to handle high pressure cryogenic conditions without requiring complex integrated designs.
4Ease of operation
If conventional interface designs for external components are used, then the connection is straightforward, but they occupy a large amount of system volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the interface components within the pressure vessel structure itself, with mounting flanges and connection points integrated into the vessel wall. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate external mounting structures, maintaining ease of operation while significantly reducing the volume occupied by interface components.
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for a cryogenic capable pressure vessel for storage of hydrogen or other cryogenic gases at high pressure. The insert provides the interface between a tank and internal and external components of the tank system. The insert can be used with tanks with any or all combinations of cryogenic, high pressure, and highly diffusive fluids. The insert can be threaded into the neck of a tank with an inner liner. The threads withstand the majority of the stress when the fluid inside the tank that is under pressure.