Inerting and releasing combined safety protection device for solid hydrogen storage tank

Abstract

The utility model discloses an inerting and discharging combined safety protection device for a solid hydrogen storage tank, and belongs to the technical field of hydrogen storage and supply. The device comprises a solid hydrogen storage tank main body, a pressure and temperature sensing module, an inert gas injection system, a flameless relief device and a hydrogen treatment unit, the pressure and temperature sensing module monitors parameters in the tank in real time, when the parameters exceed a preset threshold value, the inert gas injection system injects inert gas from the lower portion of the tank body at constant pressure, the air pressure is stabilized through flow control, and meanwhile hydrogen is pumped out of an opening in the upper portion of the tank body to the processing unit; and a discharge port is formed in the side surface of the tank body and is linked with the flameless discharge device. According to the device, through the design of inerting inhibition and safe release, the potential safety hazard of overtemperature and overpressure in the solid hydrogen storage process is solved, the stability and safety of a hydrogen storage system are improved, and the device is convenient to operate and adapts to transformation of an existing solid hydrogen storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of safety protection technology for hydrogen storage equipment, specifically a safety protection device for solid hydrogen storage tank that combines inerting and venting. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient secondary energy source, plays a crucial role in the energy transition. Solid-state hydrogen storage is considered the most promising hydrogen storage technology due to its advantages such as high volumetric hydrogen storage density, good safety, and long storage time. However, during the hydrogen adsorption, storage, and release processes, solid-state hydrogen storage tanks are prone to exponential increases in internal temperature and pressure due to factors such as exothermic reactions and pressure fluctuations. If effective protective measures are not taken in time, this may lead to safety accidents such as hydrogen leakage and explosion.

[0003] In existing technologies, safety protection for solid-state hydrogen storage devices often relies on single pressure relief devices or cooling measures. For example, patent CN114017667B discloses a portable solid-state hydrogen storage device that uses heat-conducting ring fins for heat dissipation, but it does not address inerting suppression designs for over-temperature and over-pressure. Patent CN119572936B focuses on improving hydrogen storage and supply efficiency, with its cooling and heat dissipation devices and steam heating devices primarily serving adsorption and release efficiency, lacking a dedicated combined inerting and relief protection mechanism. Single protection methods are insufficient to comprehensively address the complex safety risks in solid-state hydrogen storage. When the pressure and temperature inside the tank exceed critical values, pressure relief alone can easily lead to direct hydrogen leakage, while inerting alone is insufficient to quickly alleviate pressure accumulation. This results in incomplete safety protection and untimely response, severely hindering the widespread application of solid-state hydrogen storage technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a safety protection device that combines inerting and venting of solid hydrogen storage tanks, addressing the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a safety protection device for the combined inerting and venting of a solid hydrogen storage tank, the device comprising a solid hydrogen storage tank body, a support base, a hydrogen storage pipe, and a hydrogen supply pipe; the support base is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the solid hydrogen storage tank body to support the entire device; the hydrogen storage pipe and the hydrogen supply pipe are both connected to the solid hydrogen storage tank body and are used for the input and output of hydrogen, respectively;

[0006] The device also includes a pressure sensing module, a temperature sensing module, an inert gas injection system, a hydrogen extraction and processing unit, a flameless venting device, and a control module.

[0007] The pressure sensing module and temperature sensing module are both embedded in the inner wall of the solid hydrogen storage tank body, and are used to collect the pressure and temperature data inside the tank in real time, respectively.

[0008] The inert gas injection system includes an inert gas storage tank, an injection pipeline, a flow control valve, and a check valve. One end of the injection pipeline is connected to the inert gas storage tank, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the solid hydrogen storage tank. The flow control valve and the check valve are installed on the injection pipeline.

[0009] The hydrogen extraction and processing unit is connected to the solid hydrogen storage tank body through an extraction pipe and a control valve, and is used to extract hydrogen from the tank in a directional manner.

[0010] The solid hydrogen storage tank has a vent on its side, and a flameless venting device is installed at the vent. The flameless venting device is equipped with a deflation plate and a flame arrestor. When the pressure inside the tank reaches the venting threshold, the deflation plate opens.

[0011] The control module is electrically connected to the pressure sensing module, temperature sensing module, flow control valve, and check valve, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the pressure sensing module and temperature sensing module are provided in two sets, symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower parts of the solid hydrogen storage tank body.

[0013] Furthermore, the control valve in the hydrogen extraction and processing unit is electrically connected to the control module, and the hydrogen purification and processing device is filled with hydrogen purification molecular sieves.

[0014] Furthermore, the one-way valve of the inert gas injection system only allows inert gas to be injected unidirectionally into the solid hydrogen storage tank body, and the flow control valve is an electromagnetic flow valve.

[0015] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and can bring the following beneficial effects: The present invention monitors the parameters inside the tank in real time through the pressure sensing module and the temperature sensing module. When the data exceeds the preset threshold, the control module starts the inert gas injection system to inject nitrogen gas from the bottom of the tank at constant pressure, which quickly suppresses the reactivity of hydrogen gas. At the same time, the flow control valve accurately controls the gas pressure change to avoid damage to the solid hydrogen storage material caused by sudden pressure rise and fall, and realizes active suppression of over-temperature and over-pressure.

[0016] By combining a hydrogen extraction and processing unit, while injecting inert gas, hydrogen is directionally extracted from the tank to a purification device through a top extraction pipe. This reduces the hydrogen concentration inside the tank, lowers the risk of combustion and explosion, and also enables hydrogen recycling, avoiding resource waste. Compared to traditional direct release methods, this approach is more environmentally friendly and economical. The flameless venting device on the side of the solid hydrogen storage tank, together with the inert gas injection system, forms a double protection system. When the pressure inside the tank exceeds the inert gas suppression range, the explosion relief plate opens, rapidly releasing pressure through flameless venting. The flame arrestor effectively prevents the internal flame from spreading outward, overcoming the limitations of single-protection methods. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of the flameless venting device of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific implementation method of this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Solid hydrogen storage tank body; 2. Support base; 31. Pressure sensing module; 32. Temperature sensing module; 4. Inert gas injection system; 41. Inert gas storage tank; 42. Injection pipeline; 43. Flow control valve; 44. Check valve; 5. Hydrogen extraction and processing unit; 51. Control valve; 52. Extraction pipeline; 53. Hydrogen purification and processing device; 6. Flameless venting device; 61. Explosion relief disc; 62. Flame arrestor core; 7. Hydrogen storage pipe; 8. Hydrogen supply pipe; 9. Control module. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0022] A safety protection device for inerting and venting a solid hydrogen storage tank includes a solid hydrogen storage tank body, a support base, a pressure sensing module, a temperature sensing module, an inert gas injection system, an inert gas storage tank, an injection pipeline, a flow control valve, a check valve, a hydrogen extraction and processing unit, a control valve, a hydrogen extraction and processing unit, an extraction pipeline, a hydrogen purification and processing device, a flameless venting device, an explosion relief plate, a flame arrestor, a hydrogen storage pipe, a hydrogen supply pipe, and a control module.

[0023] The support base is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the solid hydrogen storage tank body to support the entire device; the pressure sensing module and temperature sensing module are embedded in the inner wall of the solid hydrogen storage tank body to collect real-time pressure and temperature data inside the tank and are connected to the control module signal; the inert gas injection system includes an inert gas storage tank, an injection pipeline, a flow control valve, and a check valve. One end of the injection pipeline is connected to the inert gas storage tank, and the other end extends to the bottom of the solid hydrogen storage tank body. The flow control valve and check valve are installed on the injection pipeline and are electrically connected to the control module to achieve constant pressure and quantitative injection of inert gas; the hydrogen extraction point... The processing unit includes a control valve, an extraction pipeline, and a hydrogen purification device. One end of the extraction pipeline is connected to the control valve, and the other end is connected to the hydrogen purification device. The control valve is electrically connected to the control module and is used to directionally extract hydrogen from the tank for processing. A vent is provided on the side of the solid hydrogen storage tank. A flameless venting device is fixedly installed at the vent and is used to perform flameless venting when the pressure inside the tank exceeds a safe threshold, preventing hydrogen combustion and diffusion. The control module is electrically connected to a pressure sensing module, a temperature sensing module, a flow control valve, and a check valve, respectively, and is used to receive monitoring data and control the coordinated operation of each component.

[0024] Furthermore, the inert gas injected by the inert gas injection system is nitrogen, and hydrogen is inertized by bottom injection.

[0025] Furthermore, the flameless venting device is equipped with a venting disc and a flame arrestor. When the pressure inside the tank reaches the venting threshold, the venting disc opens, and the flame arrestor prevents the flame from spreading outward.

[0026] Furthermore, the pressure sensing module and temperature sensing module are each equipped with two monitoring points, located at the upper and lower parts of the solid hydrogen storage tank body, respectively, to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the monitoring data.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the safety protection device for the combined inerting and venting of a solid hydrogen storage tank according to this utility model includes a solid hydrogen storage tank body 1, a support base 2, a pressure sensing module 31, a temperature sensing module 32, an inert gas injection system 4, an inert gas storage tank 41, an injection pipe 42, a flow control valve 43, a one-way valve 44, a hydrogen extraction and processing unit 5, a control valve 51, an extraction pipe 52, a hydrogen purification and processing device 53, a flameless venting device 6, an explosion vent 61, a flame arrestor core 62, a hydrogen storage pipe 7, a hydrogen supply pipe 8, and a control module 9.

[0029] The solid hydrogen storage tank body 1 is made of high-strength alloy steel. The tank wall thickness ensures that it can withstand normal pressure fluctuations during solid hydrogen storage. The tank surface is treated with anti-corrosion and anti-rust treatment to extend its service life. The support base 2 adopts a stainless steel welded structure and is fixedly connected to both sides of the lower surface of the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1. The bottom of the support base 2 is equipped with an anti-slip buffer pad, which not only ensures the stability of the entire device but also reduces the vibration generated by the tank during operation.

[0030] At least two pressure sensing modules 31 and temperature sensing modules 32 are provided, symmetrically embedded in the upper and lower parts of the inner wall of the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1, respectively. Both sensing modules are connected to the control module 9 via shielded cables to ensure the stability of monitoring data transmission, avoid external interference, and comprehensively and accurately collect pressure and temperature data at different locations inside the tank.

[0031] The inert gas injection system 4 includes an inert gas storage tank 41, an injection pipeline 42, a flow control valve 43, and a check valve 44. The inert gas stored in the inert gas storage tank 41 is high-purity nitrogen. The injection pipeline 42 is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, with one end connected to the inert gas storage tank 41 via a flange, and the other end extending to the bottom of the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1. The flow control valve 43 is an electromagnetic flow valve, and the check valve 44 only allows inert gas to be injected unidirectionally into the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1. The flow control valve 43 and the check valve 44 are installed on the injection pipeline 42 and are both electrically connected to the control module 9 via wires. The control module 9 can precisely adjust the opening of the flow control valve 43 according to the pressure and temperature data inside the tank to achieve constant pressure and quantitative injection of inert gas.

[0032] The hydrogen extraction and processing unit 5 includes a control valve 51, an extraction pipeline 52, and a hydrogen purification device 53. The extraction pipeline 52 is also made of stainless steel, with one end connected to the control valve 51 via a sealed joint, and the other end connected to the hydrogen purification device 53. The hydrogen purification device 53 employs a molecular sieve adsorption structure, filled with a special hydrogen purification molecular sieve. This molecular sieve has a high selective adsorption capacity for hydrogen, effectively removing impurities such as moisture, oxygen, and nitrogen from the hydrogen. The purified hydrogen can be recycled back to the hydrogen storage system or used for other purposes. The control valve 51 is connected in series on the extraction pipeline. The control valve 51 is an electromagnetic control valve, electrically connected to the control module 9, and used to control the opening and closing of the extraction pipeline.

[0033] The solid hydrogen storage tank body 1 has a vent near the top on its side. The diameter of the vent is set according to the tank volume and venting flow requirements. A flameless venting device 6 is bolted to the vent, and a sealing gasket is provided at the connection point to ensure a tight seal. The flameless venting device 6 contains a rupture disc 61 and a flame arrestor core 62. The rupture disc 61 is a positively arched rupture disc, and its burst pressure is set to 1.2-1.5 times the safe operating pressure of the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1. When the pressure inside the tank reaches the burst pressure release threshold of the rupture disc 61, the rupture disc 61 instantly opens to release pressure. The rupture disc is a single-use component and must be replaced promptly after use to restore the device to its normal safety protection function. The flame arrestor core 62 uses an alternating structure of stainless steel corrugated strip and metal mesh, providing excellent flame-arresting performance and effectively preventing the flame inside the tank from spreading outwards, thus avoiding external combustion and explosion accidents.

[0034] Both the hydrogen storage pipe 7 and the hydrogen supply pipe 8 are made of stainless steel and are fixedly connected to the upper and lower parts of the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1 by welding, respectively. The hydrogen storage pipe 7 is used to input external hydrogen into the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1 for storage, and the hydrogen supply pipe 8 is used to output the hydrogen stored in the tank for use.

[0035] The control module 9 is a programmable logic controller (PLC) with signal acquisition and valve control functions. Its triggering logic is as follows: the pressure sensing module 31 and the temperature sensing module 32 collect the pressure and temperature data inside the tank in real time and transmit them to the PLC in the form of electrical signals. After reaching the set threshold, the PLC outputs a control signal to close the solenoid valve for hydrogen inlet and outlet during normal operation on the left end, and open the solenoid valves at the top and bottom of the tank. Inert gas enters through the lower one-way valve; due to the low density of hydrogen, hydrogen will be discharged from the upper control valve under the action of pressure difference.

[0036] The working process of this device is as follows: During the entire process of hydrogen adsorption, storage, and release in the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1, the pressure sensing module 31 and temperature sensing module 32 continuously collect the pressure and temperature data inside the tank in real time and transmit the data to the control module 9. When the data does not exceed the preset threshold, the hydrogen storage pipe 7 and the hydrogen supply pipe 8 maintain normal working status. The hydrogen storage pipe 7 delivers external hydrogen to the tank for storage, and the hydrogen supply pipe 8 adjusts the flow rate to output hydrogen according to the hydrogen demand. All other components are in standby mode, and the device performs hydrogen storage or hydrogen supply operations normally. When the pressure or temperature inside the tank exceeds the preset threshold, the control module 9 immediately starts the inert gas injection system 4, opens the flow control valve 43 and the one-way valve 44, and the nitrogen in the inert gas storage tank 41 is delivered to the bottom of the solid hydrogen storage tank body 1 through the injection pipe 42. At the same time, the hydrogen is directionally discharged from the control valve 51 by utilizing the pressure difference between the upper and lower parts of the tank, thereby maintaining a constant pressure and avoiding damage to the solid hydrogen storage material caused by sudden pressure rises and falls. While nitrogen is being injected, the control module 9 controls the control valve 51 of the hydrogen extraction and processing unit 5 to open, and the hydrogen in the tank is directionally extracted through the extraction pipe 52 and transported to the hydrogen purification and processing device 53 for purification. The purified hydrogen can be recycled.

[0037] If the pressure inside the tank continues to rise under the combined action of inert gas injection and hydrogen extraction, and reaches the release threshold of the flameless release device 6, the explosion relief disc 61 will automatically break and open, and the high-pressure gas inside the tank will be quickly released through the release port, thereby rapidly reducing the pressure. The flame arrestor core 62 will effectively prevent any flames that may be generated inside the tank from spreading outward, thus avoiding external safety accidents.

[0038] This device effectively solves the safety hazards of over-temperature and over-pressure in solid hydrogen storage through the synergistic design of inerting suppression and safe release, improves the stability and safety of the hydrogen storage system, and is easy to operate. It can be adapted to the transformation of existing solid hydrogen storage tanks and has broad application prospects.

[0039] This utility model provides a safety protection device for a solid hydrogen storage tank that combines inerting and venting. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technology.

Claims

1. A safety protection device for inerting and venting of a solid hydrogen storage tank, comprising a solid hydrogen storage tank body (1), a supporting seat (2), a hydrogen storage pipe (7) and a hydrogen supply pipe (8); the supporting seat (2) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1) and is used for supporting the whole device; the hydrogen storage pipe (7) and the hydrogen supply pipe (8) are both connected to the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1) and are respectively used for input and output of hydrogen; characterized in that The device further comprises a pressure sensing module (31), a temperature sensing module (32), an inert gas injection system (4), a hydrogen extraction and treatment unit (5), a flameless venting device (6) and a control module (9); The pressure sensing module (31) and the temperature sensing module (32) are both embedded in the inner wall of the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1) and are respectively used for real-time collection of pressure and temperature data in the tank; The inert gas injection system (4) comprises an inert gas storage tank (41), an injection pipeline (42), a flow control valve (43) and a one-way valve (44); one end of the injection pipeline (42) is connected to the inert gas storage tank (41), the other end is connected to the bottom of the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1), and the flow control valve (43) and the one-way valve (44) are arranged on the injection pipeline (42); The hydrogen extraction and treatment unit (5) is communicated with the top of the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1) through an extraction pipeline (52) and a control valve (51) and is used for directional extraction and treatment of hydrogen in the tank; A venting opening is formed in the side surface of the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1), and the flameless venting device (6) is installed at the venting opening; the flameless venting device (6) is internally provided with a venting sheet (61) and a fire blocking core (62), and the venting sheet (61) is opened when the pressure in the tank reaches a venting threshold value; The control module (9) is electrically connected with the pressure sensing module (31), the temperature sensing module (32), the flow control valve (43) and the one-way valve (44).

2. The safety device for inerting and releasing of a solid hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensing module (31) and the temperature sensing module (32) are provided in two groups and are symmetrically arranged on the upper part and the lower part of the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1).

3. The safety device for inerting and releasing of a solid hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control valve (51) in the hydrogen extraction and treatment unit (5) is electrically connected with the control module (9), and a hydrogen purification molecular sieve is filled in a hydrogen purification treatment device (53).

4. The safety device for inerting and releasing of a solid hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, wherein: The one-way valve (44) of the inert gas injection system (4) only allows inert gas to be injected into the solid hydrogen storage tank body (1) in one direction, and the flow control valve (43) is an electromagnetic flow valve.

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