PASSIVE CLOSING DEVICE FOR THERMAL SELF-PROTECTION OF HIGH PRESSURE GAS VESSELS

摘要

High pressure gas vessels can have a sensitivity to temperature of the compressed gas. Over-temperature conditions in particular may cause decreased durability and/or vessel damage, including gas leakage to the environment. Articles of manufacture, methods, and systems are provided for over-temperature protection using a passive device. The passive closing device does not require electrical power and no controller, sensors, or wiring is needed. This affords cost savings in comparison to other systems. Pressure vessels using the passive closing device can protect themselves, independent of the compressed gas fueling station configuration.

主权项

1. A thermally responsive element, comprising:
a sleeve having a first opening and a second opening; and a unitary piston extending entirely through the sleeve and having a first end extending outwardly of the first opening, a second end extending outwardly of the second opening, and a member partitioning a thermally responsive material within the sleeve from a space within the sleeve; the thermally responsive material expanding at a threshold temperature to urge the member toward the space, thereby extending the first end of the piston from the sleeve and retracting the second end toward the sleeve.