Use of Z-pipes in a liquid hydrogen tank
View Patent ↗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.
1. A multi-channel conduit segment configured to transfer cryogenic fluid into and out of a cryogenic storage tank with minimal heat transfer, the conduit segment comprising:
a first channel having a first cross-sectional area and adapted to transport cryogenic liquid from a supply source to the storage tank;
a second channel having a second cross-sectional area and adapted to transport gas from the storage tank to an end user,
wherein the conduit is formed from a single piece of material having at least one welded fold along a longitudinal axis such that said first channel is separated from said second channel.
2. The conduit segment of claim 1 , wherein said first and second cross-sectional areas are substantially equal.
3. The conduit segment of claim 1 , wherein said first and second cross-sectional areas are substantially half-circle shaped.
4. The conduit segment of claim 1 , further comprising a third channel having a third cross-sectional area.
5. The conduit segment of claim 1 , wherein said first, second and third cross-sectional areas are substantially equal.
6. The conduit segment of claim 1 , further adapted for use with a manifold assembly.
7. The conduit segment of claim 1 , fabricated from a metal selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys and mixtures thereof.
8. The conduit segment of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of welded folds, each extending along a longitudinal axis.
9. The conduit segment of claim 1 , comprising a wall thickness between about 0.5 to about 2 mm.
10. The conduit segment of claim 1 , comprising a wall thickness of less than about 1 mm.
11. The conduit segment of claim 1 , wherein said conduit is fabricated using extrusion techniques.
12. The conduit segment of claim 11 , wherein said conduit is lined or plated with a metal selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys and mixtures thereof.
13. A cryogenic fluid storage tank comprising:
a tank reservoir adapted to receive, store, and discharge cryogenic fluid; and
a substantially circular conduit segment in fluid communication with said reservoir and adapted for both receiving and discharging a cryogenic fluid;
wherein said conduit segment comprises a unitary material having at least one welded fold along a longitudinal axis that forms at least two discrete channels therein.
14. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said conduit segment has an inner diameter of between about 10 to about 15 mm.
15. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said conduit segment comprises a plurality of welded folds, each extending along a longitudinal axis.
16. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said conduit segment comprises a wall thickness between about 0.5 to about 2 mm.
17. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said conduit segment comprises a wall thickness less than about 1 mm.
18. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said conduit segment comprises:
a filling channel adapted to provide fluid communication between said tank reservoir and an external cryogenic fluid source; and
a supply channel adapted to provide fluid communication between said tank reservoir and an external discharge line.
19. The storage tank of claim 18 , wherein a pressure differential between said tank reservoir and said external discharge line is less than about 10 bar.
20. The storage tank of claim 18 , wherein said conduit segment further comprises a heat transfer channel.
21. The storage tank of claim 18 , wherein at least a portion of said conduit segment extends to a bottom area of said tank reservoir.
22. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said conduit segment comprises a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys and mixtures thereof.
23. The storage tank of claim 13 , adapted for use with a PEM fuel cell assembly.
24. The storage tank of claim 13 , wherein said cryogenic fluid is hydrogen.
25. A method for transporting cryogenic fluid into and out of cryogenic storage while minimizing heat transfer, the method comprising:
providing an insulated storage tank enclosing a containment volume;
providing a unitary conduit segment having an integral inner wall separating first and second channels formed therein, wherein the unitary conduit segment includes at least one welded fold extending along a longitudinal axis that forms one of the first and second channels;
introducing a volume of cryogenic fluid from a source through said first channel to said containment volume; and
releasing a volume of gaseous fluid through said second channel to an end user for use with a PEM fuel cell assembly.
26. The method according to claim 25 , further providing a pressure differential of less than about 10 bar between said insulated tank and the ambient environment.