Dynamics of a type IV conformable pressure vessel for natural gas passenger vehicles. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yersak, Thomas A.; Abd Elhamid, Mahmoud; Dailly, Anne; Rogers, Michael; Prince, Jason; Cai, Mei
• Is Part Of: International journal of pressure vessels and piping. Volume 175(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Compressed natural gas (CNG) -- Conformable -- Dynamics -- Fast fill -- Type IV tank -- Natural gas vehicle; Pressure vessels -- Periodicals; Pipe -- Periodicals; Récipients sous pression -- Périodiques; Tuyaux -- Périodiques; Pipe; Pressure vessels; Periodicals; 681.76041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpvp.2019.103923
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-0161

Abstract

Abstract: In this study we report on the fast fill dynamics of a conformable 3.52 L (water volume) prototype Type IV compressed natural gas (CNG) tank with an aspect ratio of 52; aspect ratio being defined here as the ratio of tank length to tank diameter. Non-conformable CNG tanks with aspect ratios less than 3 typically do not develop significant longitudinal thermal gradients during fast filling because pressure work heated gas is efficiently recirculated with inflows of gas cooled by the Joule-Thomson effect. However, this study found that the poor recirculation of gas within the prototype conformable tank during an 18.2s refill resulted in the development of a 23.9 °C m −1 longitudinal thermal gradient and a 125.6 °C developed gas temperature at the rear of the tank; double what was expected. Data was collected during several refills ranging from 11.3s to 140.6s in length. This study is the first to report on the fast fill dynamics of a conformable Type IV CNG tank and the data presented here informs the engineering and design of conformable gaseous fuel storage systems. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: First report on the fast fill dynamics of conformable Type IV CNG pressure vessels. The tank tested in this study has an aspect ratio of 52 (L/D) and 3.52 L volume. A longitudinal thermal gradient of 23.9 °C m −1 developed during an 18.2 s fast fill. A developed gas temperature of 125.6 °C was measured at the rear of the tank. This work informs the engineering and design of conformable gas storage systems.