Hydrogen storage container

Abstract

A container configured for containing at least metallic particles, the metallic particles capable of absorbing hydrogen such that the metallic particles expand upon the absorption of hydrogen, the container including an inner surface, comprising: a liner disposed within the container such that a void space is provided between the liner and the inner surface, wherein the liner engages the inner surface to substantially prevent ingress of metallic particles, when the metallic particles are contained in the container, into the void space. A method of assembling a container for containing metallic particles capable of absorbing hydrogen is provided and comprises a container including an inlet and an inner surface defining a container space, rolling a magnetically responsive liner about a mandrel so that the liner assumes a spiral configuration about the mandrel, when the liner is rolled about the mandrel inserting the liner into the container space through the inlet, releasing the liner from the mandrel, removing the mandrel from the container space through the inlet, applying a magnetic force sufficient to urge the liner against the inner surface of the container, when the magnetic force is acting on the liner, inserting a plurality of tubes into the container space through the inlet so as to urge the liner into engagement with the inner surface so as to define (i) a storage space configured to contain the metallic particles and (ii) a void space configured to contract as the metallic particles expand upon the absorption of hydrogen, terminating the application of the magnetic force, and inserting a plurality of metallic particles into the storage space.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to hydrogen storage containers and, particularly, to containers for containing metallic particles capable of forming metal hydrides. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Metal hydrides, in the form of metallic particles, are used to store hydrogen in many different sizes and shaped containers. In order to facilitate the charging and discharging of the hydrogen, the metal hydride and, consequently, the container, needs to be cooled or heated. To facilitate good performance of the container (desorption rate, filling time, etc.), the inside of the container requires efficient heat exchange means to improve the charging / discharging kinetics. [0003] Repeated absorption and desorption cycles typically result in the decrepitation of the metal hydride particles. By virtue of the decrepitation, a localized increase in packing fraction of the metallic particles is observed. Such increase in packing fraction, coupled with particle expan...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a container for containing metallic particles that can absorb hydrogen and expand, as well as a liner that prevents the metallic particles from entering the container space. The liner is flexible and can deform in response to the expansion of the metallic particles. The container also includes a void space that contracts as the metallic particles expand. The liner engages the inner surface of the container to prevent the metallic particles from entering the void space. The container can be used for containing gaseous hydrogen and metallic particles, and the liner can be shaped to define the storage space and void space. The liner can be urged against the wall to prevent the metallic particles from entering the void space. The container can also include a thermally conductive structure for effecting heat transfer between the metallic particles and the liner. The invention provides a method of assembling a storage system for containing metallic particles."

Problems solved by technology

Repeated absorption and desorption cycles typically result in the decrepitation of the metal hydride particles.

Such increase in packing fraction, coupled with particle expansion during absorption, potentially creates localized stresses on the container.

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