구조 효율을 고려한 CNG 자동차 연료저장용기의 최적설계

Abstract

Type Ⅱ compressed natural gas(CNG) storage vessels for automobiles have been acknowledged for their excellence and have recently become established in local regions. Their supply is not only to automakers in Korea such as Hyundai Motors but they are being increasingly exported. Although the available products have undergone safety evaluations and are certified by an authorized institution they are still short of the optimal design that is possible for such storage vessels. This research investigates the shape and thickness of the dome with the aim of optimizing the type Ⅱ CNG storage vessels by using a finite element analysis technique. CNG storage vessels can be largely divided into 3 parts namely, the hear part, the cylinder part and the dome part. The head part is designed by means of a hot spinning process and this method is safer than that used in the design of the dome part even though its shape is similar. The thickness of the liners and reinforcing materials was optimized based on the requirements of the cylinder and dome parts. In addition, the shape of the dome, which is most suitable for Type Ⅱ CNG storage vessels, is proposed by a process of review and analysis of various existing shape, and then conducting a structural stability evaluation to ensure the optimal design plan.