Liquid hydrogen spherical tank and its support

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of cryogenic spherical tanks, and particularly to a liquid hydrogen spherical tank and its support structure. The liquid hydrogen spherical tank and its support structure include an upper inner spherical support fixed to the outer wall of an inner spherical tank, a lower inner spherical support fixed to the inner wall of an outer spherical tank, a sliding support and a heat-insulating column connecting the upper and lower inner spherical supports, and an outer spherical support fixed to the outer wall of the outer spherical tank and coaxially arranged with the lower inner spherical support. The two ends of the heat-insulating column are respectively connected to the lower inner spherical support and the sliding support. The sliding support has a sliding track, and the lower end of the upper inner spherical support has a sliding base plate that horizontally slides with the sliding track. This application uses the heat-insulating column to block heat conduction, reducing cold loss caused by heat conduction from the inner support. Simultaneously, the sliding support and the sliding base plate allow the upper inner spherical support to slide horizontally on the sliding support, thereby compensating for thermal expansion and contraction and reducing the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the support structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of cryogenic spherical tanks, and particularly to a liquid hydrogen spherical tank and its support structure. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid hydrogen storage is a cutting-edge energy storage industry that is fiercely contested worldwide and is a major national energy strategy. A liquid hydrogen spherical tank consists of an inner spherical tank, an outer spherical tank, and supporting pillars. The pillars support the weight of the inner and outer spherical tanks and the cryogenic medium, and resist various external loads such as wind and earthquakes.

[0003] The inner spherical tank is used to store liquid hydrogen at -253 degrees Celsius, while the surface temperature of the outer spherical tank reaches a maximum of 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the main challenge for liquid hydrogen spherical tanks is to shield the low-temperature medium inside the inner tank from heat transfer to the outside, ensuring adequate cooling and maintaining a critical performance indicator for liquid hydrogen spherical tanks—evaporation rate. Reducing the evaporation rate translates to energy savings. For example, evacuating the gap between the inner and outer spherical tanks during use is currently a crucial solution for minimizing cooling loss.

[0004] In addition, the inner and outer spherical tanks are connected by an inner support column. Compared with a vacuum environment, the inner support column has higher thermal conductivity. Therefore, reducing the thermal conductivity of the inner support column is also a key point to solve the problem of cold loss.

[0005] Meanwhile, due to the significant temperature difference between the inner spherical tank and the atmospheric environment, filling the inner spherical tank with liquid hydrogen will cause a sharp drop in temperature. Under the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, this will result in the expansion or contraction displacement of the inner spherical tank. If conventional internal supports are used to connect the inner and outer spherical tanks, the deformation force generated during the thermal expansion and contraction of the inner spherical tank will act on the internal supports, causing problems such as damage to the internal supports or reduced lifespan.

[0006] This further increases the design difficulty of the internal support column, which not only needs to consider the problem of cold loss, but also its own structural strength and the quality problems caused by the thermal expansion and contraction of the inner spherical tank. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to reduce cold loss and structural strength while solving the quality problems caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the inner spherical tank, this application provides a liquid hydrogen spherical tank and its support.

[0008] On the one hand, the support column for a liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A support for a liquid hydrogen spherical tank includes an upper inner spherical support fixed to the outer wall of the inner spherical tank, a lower inner spherical support fixed to the inner wall of the outer spherical tank, a sliding support and a heat insulation column connecting the upper inner spherical support and the lower inner spherical support, and an outer spherical support fixed to the outer wall of the outer spherical tank and coaxially arranged with the lower inner spherical support.

[0010] The two ends of the heat insulation column are respectively connected to the lower support column of the inner ball and the sliding support. The sliding support is provided with a slide rail, and the lower end of the upper support column of the inner ball is provided with a sliding base plate that slides horizontally with the slide rail.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, a segmented internal support structure is used, with heat-insulating columns placed between the upper and lower supports of the inner sphere to block heat conduction and reduce cold loss caused by heat conduction through the internal supports. Simultaneously, the sliding supports and sliding base plate allow the upper supports of the inner sphere to slide horizontally on the sliding supports, thereby compensating for thermal expansion and contraction and reducing the impact of thermal expansion and contraction on the supports. Since multiple supports are distributed around the center of the sphere, and the sliding direction of each upper support of the inner sphere is radial, the inner spherical tank can be effectively positioned and fixed without affecting its normal use. Furthermore, the sliding connection method simplifies the structure and installation, without increasing installation costs.

[0012] Optionally: the heat insulation column is fixedly connected to the lower support of the inner ball, and the heat insulation column is rotatably connected to the sliding support.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotatable connection between the insulation column and the sliding support can be coordinated with the sliding compensation of the upper support of the inner sphere. Especially when local unevenness occurs during the thermal expansion and contraction of the inner sphere tank, the upper support of the inner sphere can rotate slightly while sliding, achieving a better compensation effect.

[0014] Optionally: A baffle is provided inside the lower support column of the inner ball, and the heat insulation column is inserted into the lower support column of the inner ball and abuts against the baffle. An air extraction hole is provided on the baffle. The lower support column of the inner ball and the heat insulation column are bolted together.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection between the inner sphere lower support and the insulation column can be facilitated. At the same time, when a vacuum is drawn in the area between the inner and outer sphere tanks, a vacuum environment can also be formed in the inner sphere lower support, further reducing the thermal conductivity of the inner sphere lower support.

[0016] Optionally, the heat insulation column and the sliding support are interlocked, and the heat insulation column and the sliding support are fitted with a clearance.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the insulation column and the sliding support can be connected by insertion, and the stability of the connection between the insulation column and the sliding support can be guaranteed under the gravity of the inner spherical tank.

[0018] Optionally: a limiting element is provided on the side wall of the heat insulation column; a plug-in sleeve is provided at the bottom of the sliding support, a protruding ring is provided on the inner side wall of the plug-in sleeve, and a notch is provided on the protruding ring to cooperate with the limiting element.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting component can be inserted through the notch during installation, which is very simple. As long as the notch and the limiting component are misaligned when the inner spherical tank is installed, the sliding support and the heat insulation column can be axially limited during installation and use, ensuring a stable connection.

[0020] Optional: The limiting member is a protrusion integrally formed on the side wall of the heat insulation column.

[0021] Optionally: A through hole is provided radially through the heat insulation column, and a limiting rod is inserted into the through hole. The two ends of the limiting rod protrude from the side wall of the heat insulation column to form the limiting element.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the protrusion is achieved by inserting limiting components on the heat insulation column, thereby reducing the production cost of the heat insulation column.

[0023] Optionally: The heat insulation column has a through hole running radially through it, and a rod is inserted into the through hole. Both ends of the rod protrude from the side wall of the heat insulation column. The bottom of the sliding support is provided with a plug-in cylinder. The inner side wall of the plug-in cylinder is provided with a groove. The groove is provided with an installation port for the rod to pass through. The installation port passes through the side wall of the plug-in cylinder. The inner diameter of the groove is greater than or equal to the length of the rod.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, better structural strength can be guaranteed without setting a notch. At the same time, during installation, the heat insulation column is first inserted into the plug-in cylinder, and then the plug hole is aligned with the installation port before inserting the plug rod into the plug hole. This not only results in high structural strength but also convenient installation.

[0025] Optional: The insulation column is made of fiberglass.

[0026] Secondly, the liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0027] A liquid hydrogen spherical tank includes an outer spherical tank, an inner spherical tank located inside the outer spherical tank, and a support column. The minimum distance between the axis of the support column on the inner spherical tank and the inner spherical tank is greater than or equal to the inner radius of the inner spherical tank and less than the outer radius of the inner spherical tank. The lower part of the support column on the inner spherical tank extends towards the inner spherical tank and connects to the inner spherical tank, so that the lower end has a waist-shaped structure.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, on the one hand, the connection area between the upper inner sphere support and the inner sphere tank can be increased, and after setting the position of the axis of the upper inner sphere support, the connection strength between the upper inner sphere support and the inner sphere tank can be effectively improved; on the other hand, the waist-shaped structure formed can ensure the contact surface between the upper inner sphere support and the sliding support during the sliding process, and can optimize the force formed between the upper inner sphere support, the lower inner sphere support, and the outer sphere support, effectively improving the stability of the support. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of the liquid hydrogen spherical tank in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid hydrogen spherical tank in Example 1;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in Embodiment 1;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a front view of the support column on the inner sphere in Embodiment 1;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a top view of the support column on the inner sphere in Embodiment 1;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sliding support and heat insulation column in Embodiment 1;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper inner sphere support, sliding support, heat insulation column and lower inner sphere support in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sliding support and heat insulation column in Embodiment 2;

[0037] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sliding support and heat insulation column in Embodiment 3;

[0038] Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sliding support and heat insulation column in Embodiment 4;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a front view of the sliding support and the heat insulation column in Embodiment 4.

[0040] In the diagram, 100 is the outer spherical tank; 200 is the inner spherical tank; 300 is the support column; 310 is the upper support column of the inner sphere; 311 is the stiffening plate; 312 is the sliding base plate; 320 is the sliding support; 321 is the fixed base plate; 322 is the side baffle; 323 is the top baffle; 324 is the first reinforcing rib; 325 is the plug-in sleeve; 3251 is the protruding ring; 3252 is the notch; 326 is the second reinforcing rib; 327 is the plug-in tube; 3271 is the groove; 3272 is the mounting port; 330 is the heat insulation column; 331 is the limiting component; 332 is the perforation; 333 is the limiting rod; 334 is the plug rod; 335 is the plug hole; 340 is the lower support column of the inner sphere; 341 is the baffle; 342 is the vent hole; and 350 is the outer spherical support column. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0043] Example 1:

[0044] A liquid hydrogen spherical tank, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system includes an outer spherical tank 100, an inner spherical tank 200, and support columns 300. Multiple support columns 300 are provided; this embodiment uses eight as an example, but it is not limited to eight. The specific number is set according to the required support strength. The eight support columns 300 are evenly arranged around the center of the outer spherical tank 100, and the lower ends of the support columns 300 are fixed to the ground.

[0045] Both the outer spherical tank 100 and the inner spherical tank 200 are mounted on the support column 300, and the inner spherical tank 200 is located inside the outer spherical tank 100, with the two arranged at the same center.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the support column 300 includes, from top to bottom, an inner spherical upper support column 310, a sliding support 320, a heat insulation column 330, an inner spherical lower support column 340, and an outer spherical support column 350.

[0047] The upper support column 310 of the inner sphere is cylindrical and is connected to the inner spherical tank 200 by welding. The lower part of the upper support column 310 extends towards the inner spherical tank 200, forming a structure that is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, giving the lower end an waist-shaped structure. Furthermore, one side of the extended upper support column 310 is connected to the inner spherical tank 200.

[0048] Combined with appendix Figure 1 The top of the upper support 310 of the inner sphere is higher than the horizontal plane passing through the center of the inner spherical tank 200. The minimum distance between the axis of the upper support 310 of the inner sphere and the inner spherical tank 200 is greater than or equal to the inner radius of the inner spherical tank 200 and less than the outer radius of the inner spherical tank 200. That is, the dimension a in the figure is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the thickness of the inner spherical tank 200. Preferably, dimension a is equal to the thickness of the inner spherical tank 200.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The lower end of the inner sphere upper support column 310 is provided with multiple stiffening plates 311, which are vertically arranged and whose two ends are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner sphere upper support column 310. A sliding base plate 312 is fixed to the bottom of the inner sphere upper support column 310. The width of the sliding base plate 312 is greater than the diameter of the inner sphere upper support column 310, and the stiffening plates 311 are fixedly connected to the sliding base plate 312.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the sliding support 320 includes a fixed base plate 321, two side baffles 322 vertically mounted on the fixed base plate 321, and two top baffles 323 horizontally mounted on the side baffles 322 respectively. The fixed base plate 321, the side baffles 322 and the two top baffles 323 surround each other to form a slide rail. The distance between the fixed base plate 321 and the top baffles 323 is greater than the thickness of the sliding base plate 312, the distance between the side baffles 322 is equal to the width of the sliding base plate 312, and the distance between the two top baffles 323 is equal to the diameter of the inner ball upper support column 310. The sliding base plate 312 is slidably installed in the slide rail in the horizontal direction.

[0051] Multiple vertical first reinforcing ribs 324 are provided on both sides of the side baffle 322. The bottom of the first reinforcing rib 324 is fixedly connected to the fixed base plate 321, the side is connected to the side baffle 322, and the top is connected to the top baffle 323.

[0052] The bottom of the fixed base plate 321 is provided with a plug-in sleeve 325, and multiple second reinforcing ribs 326 are provided between the plug-in sleeve 325 and the fixed base plate 321. The heat insulation column 330 is made of fiberglass. The upper end of the heat insulation column 330 is plugged into the plug-in sleeve 325, and there is a clearance fit between the heat insulation column 330 and the plug-in sleeve 325. The plug-in arrangement forms a rotatable connection structure between the heat insulation column 330 and the sliding support 320.

[0053] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The inner ball lower support column 340 is fixed to the inner wall of the outer ball tank 100 by welding. The lower end of the heat insulation column 330 is provided with several radially arranged mounting holes. A baffle 341 is welded and fixed to the upper inner wall of the inner ball lower support column 340. The baffle 341 is provided with an air extraction hole 342. The inner ball lower support column 340 is provided with several mounting holes, and the mounting holes on the inner ball lower support column 340 are higher than the position of the baffle 341.

[0054] The lower end of the heat insulation column 330 is inserted into the inner ball lower support column 340 and abuts against the baffle 341. It is then connected and fixed by bolts passing through the mounting holes on the heat insulation column 330 and the inner ball lower support column 340.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer spherical support 350 is fixed to the outer wall of the outer spherical tank 100, and the outer spherical support 350 and the inner spherical lower support 340 are coaxially arranged.

[0056] Example 2:

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the side wall of the heat insulation column 330 is provided with a number of limiting members 331. In this embodiment, there are two limiting members 331. The inner side wall of the plug sleeve 325 is provided with a protruding ring 3251, and the protruding ring 3251 is provided with a notch 3252 that cooperates with the limiting member 331.

[0058] The limiting member 331 can be a protrusion integrally set on the side wall of the heat insulation column 330.

[0059] During installation, insert the plug sleeve 325 onto the heat insulation column 330, rotate it a certain angle, and then slide the inner ball upper support column 310 into the groove.

[0060] Example 3:

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 2 is that the heat insulation column 330 is provided with a through hole 332, which is provided through the heat insulation column 330 in the radial direction. A limiting rod 333 is inserted into the through hole 332. The length of the limiting rod 333 is greater than the outer diameter of the heat insulation column 330. After the limiting rod 333 is inserted into the through hole 332, the two ends of the limiting rod 333 protrude from the side wall of the heat insulation column 330 to form a limiting member 331.

[0062] Example 4:

[0063] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the bottom of the sliding support 320 is provided with a plug-in tube 327, and the heat insulation column 330 is inserted into the plug-in tube 327.

[0064] A groove 3271 is provided on the inner side wall of the insertion cylinder 327, and an installation opening 3272 is provided on the groove 3271 for the insertion rod 334 to pass through. A insertion hole 335 is provided radially through the heat insulation column 330, and the insertion rod 334 is inserted into the insertion hole 335. Both ends of the insertion rod 334 protrude from the side wall of the heat insulation column 330. The inner diameter of the groove 3271 is greater than or equal to the length of the insertion rod 334.

[0065] During installation, first insert the heat insulation column 330 into the plug-in tube 327, then align the plug hole 335 and the mounting port 3272, and then insert the plug rod 334 and rotate it a certain angle.

[0066] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A support pillar for a liquid hydrogen spherical tank, characterized in that: It includes an upper inner sphere support column (310) fixed to the outer wall of the inner sphere tank (200), a lower inner sphere support column (340) fixed to the inner wall of the outer sphere, a sliding support (320) and a heat insulation column (330) connected between the upper inner sphere support column (310) and the lower inner sphere support column (340), and an outer sphere support column (350) fixed to the outer wall of the outer sphere and coaxially arranged with the lower inner sphere support column (340). The two ends of the heat insulation column (330) are respectively connected to the lower inner ball support column (340) and the sliding support (320). The sliding support (320) is provided with a slide rail, and the lower end of the upper inner ball support column (310) is provided with a sliding base plate (312) that is horizontally sliding and cooperating with the slide rail. The heat insulation column (330) is rotatably connected to the sliding support (320), and the heat insulation column (330) and the sliding support (320) are inserted into each other, with a clearance fit between the heat insulation column (330) and the sliding support (320); the heat insulation column (330) is fixedly connected to the inner ball lower support column (340); a limiting member (331) is provided on the side wall of the heat insulation column (330); an insertion sleeve (325) is provided at the bottom of the sliding support (320), and a protruding ring (3251) is provided on the inner side wall of the insertion sleeve (325), and a notch (3252) is provided on the protruding ring (3251) to cooperate with the limiting member (331); the heat insulation column (330) is made of fiberglass.

2. The support pillar of a liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle (341) is provided inside the inner ball lower support column (340), and the heat insulation column (330) is inserted into the inner ball lower support column (340) and abuts against the baffle (341). An air extraction hole (342) is provided on the baffle (341). The inner ball lower support column (340) and the heat insulation column (330) are bolted together.

3. The support pillar of a liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting member (331) is a protrusion integrally disposed on the side wall of the heat insulation column (330).

4. The support pillar of a liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat insulation column (330) has a through hole (332) extending radially through it, and a limiting rod (333) is inserted into the through hole (332). The two ends of the limiting rod (333) protrude from the side wall of the heat insulation column (330) to form the limiting member (331).

5. A liquid hydrogen spherical tank, comprising an outer spherical tank (100) and an inner spherical tank (200) located within the outer spherical tank (100), characterized in that: It also includes a support column as described in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the minimum distance between the axis of the upper support column (310) of the inner sphere and the inner spherical tank (200) is greater than or equal to the inner radius of the inner spherical tank (200) and less than the outer radius of the inner spherical tank (200); the lower part of the upper support column (310) of the inner sphere extends toward the inner spherical tank (200) and connects with the inner spherical tank (200) so that the lower end has a waist-shaped structure.

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