Hydrogen storage device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hydrogen storage device. The hydrogen storage device includes a first casing, at least one hydrogen container, at least one stress buffering unit, and a second casing. The hydrogen container is set inside the first casing. The stress buffering unit is set between the hydrogen container and the first casing. The second casing surrounds the first casing forming a second space to contain heat transfer media, thereby controlling the temperature of the hydrogen container. While the hydrogen storage materials loaded in the hydrogen container absorb hydrogen gas, the stress buffering unit can eliminate the stress caused by the volume expansion of the hydrogen storage materials so as to prevent the first casing from distortion and deformation. Thus, the hydrogen gas can be stored efficiently and safely.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical FieldThe present invention relates to hydrogen storage devices, and more particularly, to a hydrogen storage device that stores hydrogen gas efficiently and safely.2. Description of Related ArtCurrently, hydrogen gas, which is used in fuel batteries, need to be stored in hydrogen storage devices. However, hydrogen gas is typically stored by means of hydrogen storage materials. One type of such hydrogen storage materials is metal hydride, which, in comparison with erstwhile approaches where hydrogen gas was liquefied under high pressure, is less likely bring about the problem of leakage and related dangers caused by mass hydrogen gas.Typically, existing hydrogen storage devices are made by filling hydrogen storage alloy powder in the device with a certain vacant space reserved for the expansion of the hydrogen storage alloy powder. When absorbing hydrogen gas, the hydrogen storage alloy powder expands in volume and the particles of the powder j...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a hydrogen storage device, which is equipped with a stress buffering unit and thereby eliminates the distortion and deformation of a hydrogen container thereof caused by expanded hydrogen storage material in hydrogen absorption.

The present invention provides a hydrogen storage device, which is provided with a flow channel that assists a heat transfer medium therein in performing heat exchange so as to modulate the temperature variation of the hydrogen storage material and in turn ensure effective absorption and desorption of hydrogen.

By implementing the present invention, at least the following progressive effects can be achieved:

1. With the stress buffering unit, the hydrogen container is prevented from distortion and deformation that otherwise might be caused by stress out of volume expansion of the hydrogen storage materials during hydrogen absorption.

2. By the heat exchange of the heat transfer medium, the temperature of the hydrogen storage material is controllable and in turn, effective absorption and desorption of hydrogen can be ensured.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, the casing of the hydrogen storage device may deform due to the stress caused thereby.

In addition, absorption of hydrogen accompanies the exothermic effect, which raises the temperature in the device and in turn reduces the efficiency of absorption.

Hence, how to effectively disperse the generated heat is also an issue to be considered in designing hydrogen storage devices.

Moreover, after repeated absorption and desorption of hydrogen, incineration and explosion are likely to happen to the hydrogen storage alloy powder.

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