US20210332948A1 - Non-circular pressure vessel - Google Patents

Non-circular pressure vessel Download PDF

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Publication number
US20210332948A1
US20210332948A1 US17/259,582 US201917259582A US2021332948A1 US 20210332948 A1 US20210332948 A1 US 20210332948A1 US 201917259582 A US201917259582 A US 201917259582A US 2021332948 A1 US2021332948 A1 US 2021332948A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
pressure vessel
reservoir assembly
volume
section
pressure vessels
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Pending
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US17/259,582
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English (en)
Inventor
James McBride
William Perry
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Magna International Inc
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Magna International Inc
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Priority to US17/259,582 priority Critical patent/US20210332948A1/en
Assigned to MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC. reassignment MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MCBRIDE, JAMES, PERRY, WILLIAM
Publication of US20210332948A1 publication Critical patent/US20210332948A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/14—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of aluminium; constructed of non-magnetic steel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/02—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge involving reinforcing arrangements
    • F17C1/08—Integral reinforcements, e.g. ribs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/06—Closures, e.g. cap, breakable member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0123—Shape cylindrical with variable thickness or diameter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0128—Shape spherical or elliptical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0152—Lobes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0157—Polygonal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
    • F17C2203/012—Reinforcing means on or in the wall, e.g. ribs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
    • F17C2203/013—Reinforcing means in the vessel, e.g. columns
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/0126—One vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/21—Shaping processes
    • F17C2209/2181—Metal working processes, e.g. deep drawing, stamping or cutting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/221—Welding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/224—Press-fitting; Shrink-fitting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
    • F17C2209/232—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
    • F17C2209/234—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of closing end pieces, e.g. caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/031—Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/018—Adapting dimensions

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to pressure vessels such as reservoir tanks for holding a fluid such as compressed air or other gas. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to such pressure vessels having a non-circular cross-section.
  • Pressure vessels made of extruded metal are commonly constructed having a circular cross-section, which may be produced using drawn-over mandrel extrusions. Such circular pressure vessels are generally good at withstanding elevated pressures of fluid contained therein. However, circular pressure vessels are not optimized for containment volume, particularly where packing requirements are generally rectangular. This causes packaging inefficiencies, which can render circular pressure vessels to be unsuitable where rectangular packaging space must be optimized to meet specific design requirements.
  • a reservoir assembly includes one or more pressure vessels having a non-circular shape. More specifically, one or more of the pressure vessels of the reservoir assembly have a cross-sectional shape of a rounded rectangle, having four generally flat sides with rounded corners.
  • the pressure vessels may be formed of extruded metal, such as aluminum, and may have a generally constant cross-section.
  • the non-circular pressure vessels may each include one or more stiffening ribs.
  • the non-circular pressure vessels may have varying wall thicknesses to improve strength and to minimize stresses when pressurized.
  • a cap of stamped metal may enclose each end of each of the non-circular pressure vessels.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir assembly with pressure vessels having oval-shaped cross-sections and fitting within an irregularly-shaped space in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a profile view of a reservoir assembly with pressure vessels having generally circular cross-sections in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3A is a top view of the reservoir assembly embodiment of FIG. 2 with welders;
  • FIG. 3B is another top view of the reservoir assembly embodiment of FIG. 2 with welders;
  • FIG. 4 is a profile view of another embodiment of a reservoir assembly with pressure vessels having circular cross-sections
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir assembly with pressure vessels having circular cross-sections and fitting within the irregularly-shaped space in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir assembly with pressure vessels having rounded rectangle shaped cross-sections and fitting within an irregularly-shaped space in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional CAE view of a first pressure vessel having rounded rectangle shaped cross-sections with stiffening ribs and with varying wall thicknesses and illustrating internal stresses therein;
  • FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional CAE view of a second pressure vessel having rounded rectangle shaped cross-sections with stiffening ribs and with varying wall thicknesses and illustrating internal stresses therein;
  • FIG. 8 is a dimensional drawing of an embodiment of a reservoir assembly with pressure vessels having rounded rectangle shaped cross-sections with stiffening ribs and with varying wall thicknesses;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an end of a pressure vessel having a rounded rectangle cross-section with stiffening ribs and with a cap disposed thereupon;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the of reservoir assembly embodiment with two pressure vessels each having rounded rectangle shaped cross-sections;
  • FIG. 11 is a flow chart of steps in a method of forming a reservoir assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • a reservoir assembly 20 includes a first pressure vessel 22 enclosing a first volume 24 for holding a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air.
  • the reservoir assembly 20 also includes a second pressure vessel 26 enclosing a second volume 28 for holding a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air.
  • the two pressure vessels 22 , 26 may be isolated from one another for example, to contain different fluids or for containing fluid at two different pressures. Alternatively, the two pressure vessels 22 , 26 may be in fluid communication with one another to provide a larger capacity than either of them alone.
  • the two pressure vessels 22 , 26 may have different sizes, with the first pressure vessel 22 being larger than the second pressure vessel 26 .
  • This provides for the reservoir assembly 20 to fit within an irregularly-shaped space 30 having a first region 32 holding the first pressure vessel 22 , and a second region 34 that is smaller than the first region 32 and which holds the second pressure vessel 26 .
  • Each of the regions 32 , 34 of the irregularly-shaped space 30 may be generally rectangular, and adjoining one another. Some irregularities, such as angles and rounded portions may be present on one or more edges and/or corners of the irregularly-shaped space 30 .
  • Brackets 36 join the pressure vessels 22 , 26 and may be integrally formed therewith, for example, as a single extrusion with the pressure vessels 22 , 26 .
  • the pressure vessels 22 , 26 of the reservoir assembly 20 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 each have an oval-shaped cross-section.
  • Design requirements may call for each of the pressure vessels 22 , 26 to have different volumes.
  • the second volume 28 enclosed by the second pressure vessel 26 may be between 25% and 50% of the first volume 24 that is enclosed by the first pressure vessel 22 .
  • the first volume 24 may be about 11 L
  • the second volume 28 may be about 4 L.
  • Each of the pressure vessels 22 , 26 have a design operating pressure that may be the same or different for the two pressure vessels 22 , 26 .
  • the operating pressure may be between 5 and 20 Bar.
  • each of the pressure vessels 22 , 26 have maximum rated burst pressure.
  • the maximum rated burst pressure may be about three (3) times the operating pressure. In some embodiments, the maximum rated burst pressure may be between 30 and 50 Bar.
  • one or both of the pressure vessels 22 , 26 may have maximum rated burst pressure of 35 Bar.
  • the combination of design operating pressure, maximum burst pressure, and packaging constraints of the irregularly-shaped space 30 may preclude use of oval-shaped cross-sections for the pressure vessels 22 , 26 .
  • FIG. 2 Another embodiment of a reservoir assembly 120 is shown in profile view in FIG. 2 .
  • the reservoir assembly 120 includes two pressure vessels 122 , 126 having a generally circular cross-section, and which are integrally formed with brackets 136 between them as a single extruded piece, which may be formed, for example, of extruded aluminum.
  • FIG. 2 also shows caps 140 attached to the ends of each of the pressure vessels 122 , 126 to enclose the interior volumes 24 , 28 within them.
  • the caps 140 may be formed, for example, of stamped aluminum that is welded around the ends of each of the pressure vessels 122 , 126 .
  • the reservoir assembly 120 embodiment shown in FIG. 2 may present challenges in access for welders 142 needed to weld the caps 140 to the ends of each of the pressure vessels 122 , 126 . This may inhibit the ability to complete a weld 360-degrees, completely around each of the caps 140 . In order to provide clearance required for welding, the radius of the caps 140 or the distance between each of the pressure vessels 122 , 126 would have to be increased. Each of those options would significantly reduce the volume within the pressure vessels 122 , 126 .
  • the reservoir assembly 220 includes two pressure vessels 222 , 226 having a generally circular cross-section, and which are formed separately, with caps 240 installed on the ends of each of the pressure vessels 222 , 226 , which are joined with brackets 236 between them.
  • the pressure vessels 222 , 226 may each be, for example, a segment of extruded aluminum tube.
  • the caps 240 may be welded in a 360-degree weld around each of the ends of the pressure vessels 222 , 226 .
  • the pressure vessels 222 , 226 may be joined to one-another, for example, by welding each of them to one or more brackets 236 .
  • the reservoir assembly 220 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes two brackets 236 between the pressure vessels 222 , 226 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the reservoir assembly 220 of FIG. 4 , with pressure vessels 222 , 226 having circular cross-sections, is shown within the irregularly-shaped space 30 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the reservoir assembly 220 not substantially filling the particular irregularly-shaped space 30 provided.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment for a reservoir assembly 320 that includes pressure vessels 322 , 326 each having a non-circular shape. More specifically, the pressure vessels 322 , 326 of the reservoir assembly 320 are each shaped as rounded rectangles, having four generally flat sides with rounded, or radiused corners.
  • the pressure vessels 322 , 326 may be formed of extruded metal, such as aluminum, and may have a generally constant cross-section. The radius of the rounded corners may be determined by the pressure requirements, such as operating pressure, and/or maximum burst pressure of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 .
  • this reservoir assembly 320 embodiment provides for a more substantial filling of the irregularly-shaped space 30 , therefore allowing the reservoir assembly 320 to meet the design requirements for volumetric capacity, while fitting within the packaging requirements in the irregularly-shaped space 30 .
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B show Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) studies of the reservoir assembly 320 that includes pressure vessels 322 , 326 with the addition of stiffening ribs 350 and with varying wall thicknesses to improve strengths and to minimize stresses when pressurized, such as during operation when filled with compressed gas.
  • the specific wall thickness may depend on the pressure requirements, such as operating pressure, and/or maximum burst pressure of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 .
  • the stiffening ribs 350 meet in the center of each of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 and divide the interior volumes 324 , 328 into four equal sections 352 .
  • one or more of the stiffening ribs 350 may extend outwardly from a center to a midpoint of an associated one of the generally flat sides of each of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 .
  • the stiffening ribs 350 may take other forms or arrangements.
  • FIG. 8 shows the reservoir assembly 320 with varying wall thicknesses. The design of the reservoir assembly 320 embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7B and FIG. 8A-8B provides for the design requirement volumes to be met within the packaging requirements.
  • the sections 352 of the interior volumes 324 , 328 may be joined in fluid communication with one another at one or more of the ends of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 and within the caps 340 . An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 9 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the reservoir assembly 320 embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and FIG. 8 with a cap 340 to enclose an end of one of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 .
  • Similar caps 340 may be installed on each of the ends of each of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 .
  • the caps 340 preferably provide a tight fit on the pressure vessels 322 , 326 with a gap that is configured to meet welding requirements and to provide a completely sealed joint.
  • the gap between each of the caps 340 and the corresponding one of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 may be 1 mm or less.
  • the ends of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 may be machined to provide for a consistent and precise size and shape to allow for optimal fitting of the caps 340 thereupon.
  • the caps 340 may be fitted and welded to enclose each of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 .
  • One or more fittings may extend through one or both of the caps 340 on each of the pressure vessels 322 , 326 to provide access to the interior volumes 324 , 328 for charging and for discharging fluid therefrom.
  • FIG. 10 shows the reservoir assembly 320 of FIGS. 7A-7B and FIGS. 8-9 in a more complete form.
  • the pressure vessels 322 , 326 of the reservoir assembly 320 may extend parallel to one-another and may be welded or otherwise attached to one-another to provide the reservoir assembly 320 as a single unit. In other embodiments, the pressure vessels 322 , 326 of the reservoir assembly 320 may be not directly attached to one another and may be independently secured to one or more portions of a larger structure.
  • the reservoir assembly 320 features two multi-void aluminum extrusions, each of which having two caps 340 of stamped aluminum that are fully welded to the respective one of the aluminum extrusions. One or both cap(s) 340 on each of the aluminum extrusions may have a pressure fitting to provide fluid communication to the internal volume of the respective one of the aluminum extrusions.
  • a method 400 of forming a reservoir assembly 320 is shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11 .
  • the method 400 includes forming a first pressure vessel 22 , 222 , 322 surrounding a first volume 24 , 324 and having a constant cross-section of a rounded rectangle having four generally flat sides with rounded corners along a first length between two ends at step 402 .
  • the step of 402 forming the first pressure vessel 22 , 222 , 322 further includes extruding aluminum into the constant cross-section of a rounded rectangle at sub step 402 A.
  • the step of 402 forming the first pressure vessel 22 , 222 , 322 further includes forming stiffening ribs 350 within the constant cross-section of the rounded rectangle at sub step 402 B.
  • the method 400 also includes sealing each of the two ends with a cap 340 to enclose the first volume 24 , 324 at step 404 .
  • the step of 404 sealing each of the two ends with a cap 340 further includes welding the caps 340 onto each of the two ends at sub step 404 A.
  • the method 400 further includes machining one or both of the two ends at step 403 prior to sealing each of the two ends with the caps 340 at step 404 .
  • the surface profile of one or both of the two ends may be machined. This step 403 may be necessary as a result of tolerances in forming the first pressure vessel 22 , 222 , 322 , such as extrusion tolerances that are not within the welding requirements and to provide a completely sealed joint.
  • the method 400 also includes forming a second pressure vessel 26 , 226 , 326 surrounding a second volume 28 , 328 and having a constant cross-section of a rounded rectangle having four generally flat sides with rounded corners along a second length between two ends at step 406 .
  • the method 400 also includes attaching the second pressure vessel 26 , 226 , 326 to the first pressure vessel 22 , 222 , 322 at step 408 .
  • the first pressure vessel 22 , 222 , 322 and the second pressure vessel 26 , 226 , 326 may be attached by welding or using an adhesive and/or with one or more fasteners.
  • One or more brackets 236 , braces, or other support structures may be used for coupling the pressure vessels 22 , 222 , 322 , 26 , 226 , 326 together.
  • the reservoir assembly 320 may include any number of the pressure vessels 22 , 222 , 322 , 26 , 226 , 326 that may be attached and/or not attached to one another.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
US17/259,582 2018-07-12 2019-07-12 Non-circular pressure vessel Pending US20210332948A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US17/259,582 US20210332948A1 (en) 2018-07-12 2019-07-12 Non-circular pressure vessel

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US201862696897P 2018-07-12 2018-07-12
US17/259,582 US20210332948A1 (en) 2018-07-12 2019-07-12 Non-circular pressure vessel
PCT/US2019/041572 WO2020014595A1 (en) 2018-07-12 2019-07-12 Non-circular pressure vessel

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US20210332948A1 true US20210332948A1 (en) 2021-10-28

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EP (1) EP3821165A4 (zh)
CN (1) CN112424524A (zh)
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US5577630A (en) 1995-02-02 1996-11-26 Thiokol Corporation Composite conformable pressure vessel
AU710621B2 (en) * 1995-09-05 1999-09-23 Donald Scott Robinson Dual chamber fluid storage vessel
JP4332475B2 (ja) * 2004-07-29 2009-09-16 本田技研工業株式会社 圧力容器
US7270209B2 (en) * 2004-08-10 2007-09-18 General Motors Corporation Modular fuel storage system for a vehicle
AT8860U1 (de) 2005-04-13 2007-01-15 Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik Ag Modularer behälter für kryogene flüssigkeiten
DE102006018639A1 (de) * 2006-04-21 2007-10-31 Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik Ag & Co. Kg Von einem Außenbehälter umgebener und zur Aufnahme einer kryogenen Flüssigkeit dienender Innenbehälter
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WO2020014595A1 (en) 2020-01-16
CN112424524A (zh) 2021-02-26
EP3821165A4 (en) 2022-04-06

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