Multi-Channel Z-Pipe Layout for Cryogenic Tank Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic storage tanks face significant heat transfer issues due to the exposure of inlet and outlet piping to the ambient environment, leading to increased hydrogen evaporation rates and pressure losses, which are detrimental to maintaining liquid hydrogen in a stable state.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel conduit segment, known as a Z-pipe, is used to minimize heat transfer by integrating the inlet and outlet channels into a single, unitary conduit with a separating wall, reducing the exposed surface area and material mass, thereby minimizing heat ingress from the ambient environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate inlet and outlet piping is used for filling and discharge, then fluid communication is achieved, but heat transfer from ambient environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate inlet and outlet piping into a single multi-channel conduit structure. This Z-pipe configuration merges two previously separate thermal pathways into one integrated conduit, reducing the total exposed surface area to ambient environment and thereby minimizing heat transfer while maintaining both filling and discharge functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear separate pipes to a three-dimensional integrated Z-shaped conduit with multiple channels. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the inlet and outlet channels to be arranged in a compact Z-pattern, reducing the overall exposed surface area and thermal exposure while maintaining functional separation of fluid paths.
2Productivity
If piping is exposed to ambient environment, then fluid transfer is enabled, but hydrogen evaporation rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging inlet and outlet functions into a single multi-channel conduit, the patent reduces the total surface area exposed to ambient environment. This consolidation minimizes the thermal pathways through which heat can reach the liquid hydrogen, thereby reducing evaporation rates while maintaining efficient fluid transfer capability.
3Reliability
If conventional piping is used, then material usage is sufficient, but heat transfer minimization is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-channel conduit that consolidates multiple piping functions into a single integrated structure with reduced total surface area. This merging approach inherently minimizes heat transfer exposure while maintaining all necessary fluid communication functions, providing superior thermal insulation performance compared to conventional separate piping arrangements.
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
The Z-pipe design effectively reduces heat transfer by up to 35% and material usage by up to 15%, maintaining the hydrogen in a liquid state and minimizing pressure losses, thus enhancing the thermal insulation and efficiency of cryogenic storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
The space between the inner vessel and the shell is commonly well insulated and under a vacuum. At least a portion of the piping is exposed to the ambient environment. As one of the primary sources of heat transfer, the piping bridges any insulation that is present, and allows heat from the ambient environment to penetrate into the inner vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A Z-shaped, multi-channel conduit segment configured to transfer cryogenic fluid into and out of a cryogenic storage tank with minimal heat transfer. The conduit segment comprises a first channel operable to transport a cryogenic liquid from a supply source to the storage tank, and a second channel operable to transport gas from the storage tank to an end user. The conduit is preferably formed from a single piece of material, such that the first channel is separated from the second channel.