Adiabatic support and liquid hydrogen storage container for vehicles including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an adiabatic support and a liquid hydrogen storage container for vehicles including the adiabatic support. The adiabatic support is disposed between the inner container (110) and the outer container (120) of the liquid hydrogen storage container formed by the inner container (110) and the outer container (120) to form a vacuum, and is used to support the inner container (110). One end of the adiabatic support contacts the inner container (110), and the other end contacts the outer container (120), and is bent multiple times to form multiple layers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adiabatic support for a liquid hydrogen storage container and a liquid hydrogen storage container including the adiabatic support. In particular, the present invention relates to an adiabatic support using a composite material and a liquid hydrogen storage container for a vehicle including the adiabatic support. Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the development of industrialization and the increase in population, the demand for energy has also been continuously increasing. Therefore, with the depletion of fossil fuels, there is an urgent need for the supply and demand of alternative energy sources. For Korea, the energy consumption ranks among the top 10 in the world, and more than 90% of the energy used depends on foreign imports. Therefore, there is an urgent need to ensure energy measures at present.

[0003] In this regard, in order to solve the complex energy problems faced by the world, hydrogen fuel has attracted much attention as an alternative energy source.

[0004] Hydrogen fuel, as the most abundant element on Earth after carbon and nitrogen, during the combustion process, not only generates a very small amount of nitrogen oxides, but also does not emit any other pollutants. Therefore, as an environmentally friendly energy source, it can be generated using the abundant water resources existing on Earth as raw materials, and can also be recycled into water after use. Therefore, it can be regarded as the best alternative energy source without the risk of depletion.

[0005] In the process of using hydrogen fuel, the storage method of hydrogen is particularly important. For example, the compressed storage method of storing hydrogen compressed in high-pressure gas cylinders, underground with geological characteristics, or pipeline systems, etc., the solid adsorption storage method using metal hydrides, carbon nanotubes, glass microspheres, etc., and the method of storing in a container at an extremely low temperature in a liquefied state, etc.

[0006] In particular, when hydrogen in a liquefied state is stored at an extremely low temperature, if a small amount of heat is received from an external heat source through conduction, convection, and radiation, it will cause the vaporization of hydrogen, and the loss rate caused by this hydrogen vaporization depends on the size, shape of the container, and the type of adiabatic material.

[0007] Currently, the high-pressure hydrogen storage method used in vehicles generally does not require adiabatic, but in order to maintain the temperature of liquid hydrogen at -253°C, a storage method with extremely excellent adiabatic performance is required.

[0008] Such as Figure 1As shown, in Korean Patent No. 0937520 (Patent Document 1), the disclosed high and low pressure dual-purpose hydrogen fuel storage container for storing liquid hydrogen has a dual structure, which is composed of an inner container 10 and an outer container 20. An insulator 30 for heat insulation is installed between the inner container 10 and the outer container 20. A filling port 40 for filling hydrogen fuel and a vacuum port 50 for maintaining the space between the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 in a vacuum state are respectively provided on the outer container 20.

[0009] However, the hydrogen fuel storage container of Patent Document 1 is a structure that supports the central part of the vertical storage container. As the storage capacity increases, in the case of an increase in weight and size or receiving a heat load, there is a problem that it cannot be firmly supported in the radial direction. Moreover, since the hydrogen fuel storage container of Patent Document 1 needs to attach a support structure inside the outer container 20 to support the inner container 10, there is a problem of reduced heat insulation efficiency due to heat insulation defects generated in the internal attachment area.

[0010] As an existing technology such as a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles, the horizontal liquefied gas storage container disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0100675 (Patent Document 2) forms a support device 15 for supporting a first inner tank 2 inside a second outer tank 3 at one of the longitudinal ends. As Figure 2 shown, the above-mentioned support device 15 includes a rigid connection part, which is fixed along the longitudinal direction A between one end of the outer tank 3 and the adjacent end of the inner tank 2. The above-mentioned support device 15 is formed in a cantilever manner as a horizontal mechanical connection part that supports the first tank 2 inside the second tank 3 at the longitudinal end.

[0011] However, the horizontal liquefied gas storage container of Patent Document 2 can remove an extra support rod 17 opposite to the support device 15 to eliminate the heat insulation defects that may occur in the internal attachment area of the second tank 3, thereby improving the heat insulation of the tank. However, since the storage container of Patent Document 2 is a structure that supports along the central axis direction of the longitudinal direction in a cantilever manner, like Patent Document 1, as the storage capacity increases, in the case of an increase in weight and size or receiving a heat load, there is a problem that it cannot be firmly supported in the radial direction.

[0012] On the other hand, in order to reduce the heat insulation defects related to the support body that is combined between the outer tank and the inner tank and supports the inner tank, the liquefied gas storage container can use a support body made of a composite material such as fiber-reinforced plastic. Compared with the support body made of metal, although the support body made of composite material has better heat insulation performance, currently, a technology with more excellent heat insulation performance is needed.

[0013] Prior art documents

[0014] Patent documents

[0015] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent No. 10-0937520 (Publication Date: January 19, 2010)

[0016] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0100675 (Publication Date: August 17, 2021) Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention is proposed to solve the above problems of the prior art. The object of the present invention is to provide a heat-insulating support body having excellent heat-insulating performance for maintaining the temperature of liquid hydrogen and a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles including the heat-insulating support body.

[0018] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a heat-insulating support body for a liquid hydrogen storage container having a structure that can stably support the thermal load caused by load and thermal deformation in the case of increasing weight and size in order to increase the storage capacity. Preferably, a heat-insulating support body for a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles is provided, as well as a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles including the heat-insulating support body.

[0019] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a heat-insulating support body for a liquid hydrogen storage container having a structure that can absorb the thermal deformation of the storage container. Preferably, a heat-insulating support body for a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles is provided, as well as a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles including the heat-insulating support body.

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, the heat-insulating support body according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed between the inner container and the outer container of the liquid hydrogen storage container forming a vacuum, for supporting the inner container. One end of the heat-insulating support body is in contact with the inner container, and the other end is in contact with the outer container, and can be bent multiple times to form multiple layers.

[0021] Furthermore, the heat-insulating support body can be made of a composite material including a resin material and reinforcing fibers.

[0022] Furthermore, a vacuum can be provided between the layers of the multiple layers.

[0023] Furthermore, a cavity can be formed in the middle region

[0024] A filler can be filled between the stacked multiple layers.

[0025] Furthermore, a plurality of the heat-insulating support bodies can be provided along the circumferential direction of the inner container.

[0026] Furthermore, a liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles according to an embodiment of the present invention can include the heat-insulating support body.

[0027] Further, in the above-described liquid hydrogen storage container, one end portion of the inner container may be fixed to the outer container.

[0028] Further, in the above-described liquid hydrogen storage container, the other end portion of the inner container may not be fixed so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The heat insulating support for a liquid hydrogen storage container and the automotive liquid hydrogen storage container including the same according to the present invention having the above-described structure achieve the following effects, that is, excellent heat insulating performance is provided to maintain the temperature of liquid hydrogen.

[0030] Further, in the case where the weight and size are increased to increase the storage capacity, the heat insulating support can stably support the heat load caused by the load and thermal deformation.

[0031] Further, in the case of receiving the heat load, the heat insulating support can absorb the thermal deformation of the storage container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A diagram showing a conventional vertical hydrogen fuel storage container.

[0033] Figure 2 A diagram showing a conventional horizontal liquefied gas storage container.

[0034] Figure 3 A diagram showing an automotive liquid hydrogen storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 For showing Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of the storage container.

[0036] Figure 5 For showing Figure 3 And Figure 4 A structural diagram of the heat insulating support provided inside the storage container.

[0037] Figure 6 For showing Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heat insulating support.

[0038] Figure 7 A diagram for comparing the heat insulating performance of the heat insulating support for an automotive liquid hydrogen storage container of the present invention with that of a conventional heat insulating support.

[0039] Figure 8 A diagram showing the heat insulating support provided inside the automotive liquid hydrogen storage container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 A diagram showing the heat insulating support provided inside the automotive liquid hydrogen storage container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of reference signs

[0042] 100: Storage container

[0043] 110: Inner container

[0044] 120: Outer container

[0045] 130: Separated space

[0046] 140, 1140, 2140: Thermal insulation support

[0047] 141, 1141, 2141: Composite material body

[0048] 141a: Reinforcing fiber

[0049] 141b: Resin material

[0050] 143, 1143: Spacing

[0051] 145: Cavity

[0052] 150: Fixing body

[0053] 160: Vacuum nozzle

[0054] 2144: Filler Detailed implementation mode

[0055] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 3 to 9 the liquid hydrogen storage container for vehicles of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0056] Figure 3 FIG. is a view of the liquid hydrogen storage container for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 showing Figure 3 a side cross-sectional view of the storage container.

[0057] The liquid hydrogen storage container for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention is a horizontal storage container, and has a double structure composed of an inner container 110 and an outer container 120. The inner container 110 stores liquid hydrogen, and the outer container 120 surrounds and houses the inner container 110.

[0058] A filling port (not shown) for filling hydrogen fuel is provided in the outer container 120, and a vacuum nozzle 160 is provided at one end of the outer container 120 so that the separated space 130 between the inner container 110 and the outer container 120 is maintained in a vacuum state.

[0059] In the length direction ends of the above-mentioned inner container 110, one end of the above-mentioned vacuum nozzle 160 can be fixed to the above-mentioned outer container 120 through a fixing body 150 and a fixing frame 151 connected to the above-mentioned fixing body 150. Since the other end of the above-mentioned inner container 110 is not fixed, it can move freely along the length direction when receiving a heat load.

[0060] An adiabatic support 140 for supporting the above-mentioned inner container 110 is provided between the above-mentioned inner container 110 and the above-mentioned outer container 120. One end of the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 is in contact with the above-mentioned inner container, and the other end is in contact with the above-mentioned outer container.

[0061] The above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 is supported by a composite material with excellent adiabatic performance to minimize heat transfer from the outside in order to maintain the temperature of the liquid hydrogen stored in the above-mentioned inner container 110 at -253°C.

[0062] Moreover, the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 is made of a composite material containing resin. Since it is laminated in multiple layers, when the above-mentioned inner container 110 moves along the length direction ( Figure 3 the left direction), it can be supported and slide by the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140. That is, even when the above-mentioned inner container 110 undergoes thermal deformation due to a heat load, its deformation can be absorbed to improve durability.

[0063] As Figure 4 shown, the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 is arranged through the separation space 130 between the above-mentioned inner container 110 and the above-mentioned outer container 120. In order for the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 to play a firm supporting role along the radial direction of the storage container 100, preferably, a plurality of the above-mentioned adiabatic supports 140 should be arranged along the circumferential direction. When the required capacity or load of the storage container increases, a plurality of insulation supports 140 can be arranged along the circumferential direction in the above-mentioned manner to firmly support the increased capacity and load. Figure 4 An embodiment is an example of equally spacing and arranging 3 of the above-mentioned adiabatic supports 140.

[0064] Figure 5 To show Figure 3 and Figure 4 the structural diagram of the adiabatic support 140 arranged inside the storage container, Figure 6 To show Figure 5 the cross-sectional view of the adiabatic support.

[0065] The adiabatic support 140 is made of a composite material containing a resin material 141b and reinforcing fibers 141a. The above-mentioned composite material can be prepared by impregnating the resin material 141b with the reinforcing fibers 141a. As Figure 5 andFigure 6 As shown, the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 can be bent in multiple layers to form multiple layers. The reinforcing fibers 141a impregnated in the composite material can be long fibers or short fibers. The adiabatic support 140 made of such a composite material has excellent strength and adiabatic performance. Therefore, in order to support the inner container 110 in the outer container 120 of the storage container 100, it not only has sufficient strength, but also can perform an adiabatic function to minimize heat transfer from the outside.

[0066] The above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 is formed by laminating multiple layers of a composite material body 141, and there is a gap 143 between adjacent laminated layers. As the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 is compressed and arranged in the separation space 130 between the above-mentioned inner container 110 and the above-mentioned outer container 120, in this state, the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 can fully support the above-mentioned inner container 110. Therefore, even when moving along the length direction of the above-mentioned inner container 110 due to a heat load, the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 formed by laminating multiple layers can absorb the resulting thermal deformation.

[0067] Hereinafter, the adiabatic performance of the above-mentioned adiabatic support 140 will be described in detail.

[0068] In a liquid hydrogen storage container composed of an inner container for storing liquid hydrogen and an outer container surrounding the inner container, in order to achieve vacuum insulation, it is necessary to form a vacuum between the inner container and the outer container. Therefore, during the vacuum insulation process of the liquid hydrogen storage container, it is necessary to use a support to maintain a specified distance between the inner container and the outer container.

[0069] In a liquid hydrogen storage container, since the temperature of the liquid hydrogen in the inner container drops to -253 °C, if a wooden support commonly used for liquefied natural gas storage tanks is used, there will be limitations in not being able to simultaneously meet strength and adiabatic performance.

[0070] Therefore, in an extremely low temperature environment such as inside a liquid hydrogen storage container, a support made of a composite material such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) can be used as a support with excellent strength and adiabatic performance.

[0071] The thermal conductivity of fiber-reinforced plastic depends on the types of fibers and matrix resins, and is approximately 0.3 W / mK. On the other hand, like the adiabatic support 140 of the present invention, when a composite material structure formed by laminating multiple layers of fiber-reinforced plastic materials is in a vacuum state, the thermal conductivity changes with the vacuum state. According to NASA data, in a vacuum environment of 10 -3 Torr, the thermal conductivity is 6.5x10 -8 W / mK, which is 4.6 million times that of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0072] That is, when usingFigure 7 When the support is made of the existing fiber-reinforced plastic material shown in part (a), if heat from outside the storage tank penetrates into the tank, the heat will rapidly transfer along a short straight path (arrow direction) through the support made of the fiber-reinforced plastic material with a thermal conductivity of about 0.3 W / mK towards the inner container in the cryogenic environment. As the amount of heat penetration per unit time increases, the heat insulation performance will deteriorate.

[0073] However, when the support is made of a composite material structure formed by laminating multiple layers of the fiber-reinforced plastic material shown in part (b) of Figure 7 , the heat transfer speed through each layer of the multi-layer composite material is faster than the heat transfer speed through the vacuum between layers, and the heat transfers along a zigzag path (arrow direction). That is, since the heat transfer path is relatively long, as the amount of heat penetration per unit time decreases, the heat insulation performance will be significantly improved.

[0074] Figure 8 FIG. is a diagram of the adiabatic support provided inside the automotive liquid hydrogen storage container showing another embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the adiabatic support 1140 is formed by laminating multiple layers of a composite material body 1141, and there is a gap 1143 between the laminated parts. A cavity 145 is formed in the middle region of the adiabatic support 1140 structure. There is no particular limitation on the size or shape of the above cavity 145, as long as the adiabatic support 1140 can exert sufficient supporting force to support the above inner container 110.

[0075] Hereinafter, the heat insulation performance of the support made of the composite material rigid body shown in part (a) of Figure 7 and the adiabatic supports 140 of the embodiment of the present invention shown in part (b) of Figure 7 (the same as Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and the adiabatic support 1140 of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 will be compared through numerical analysis.

[0076] That is, as a result of the finite element analysis using the ANSYS numerical analysis program, it was confirmed that Figure 7 the heat flux of the existing composite material rigid body support shown in part (a) of 2 is 735.17 W / m Figure 7 the heat flux of the adiabatic support 140 of the embodiment shown in part (b) of Figure 5 (the same as Figure 6 ) is 6.10 W / m 2 and Figure 8 the heat flux of the adiabatic support 1140 of the embodiment shown in 2If the heat fluxes in various cases are compared based on the above numerical analysis results, the adiabatic supports 140 and 1140 of the present invention can improve the adiabatic efficiency by about 120 to 220 times compared to the existing composite material support.

[0077] Figure 9 FIG. showing the adiabatic support provided inside the liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The adiabatic support 2140 of this embodiment is formed by laminating multiple layers of a composite material body 2141, and a filler 2144 is filled between the laminated portions. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the insulation support 140 of the embodiment shown, there is a gap 143. Since the thickness of the insulation support 140 can be reduced due to load compression, the filler 2144 can be filled into the gap 143, thereby maintaining the thickness of the adiabatic support 140 to the maximum extent to improve the support force. Also, as the filler 2144 is filled, the mechanical strength in the cryogenic environment can be enhanced.

[0079] Preferably, the above-mentioned filler 2144 is a material that can minimize heat transfer by conduction and radiation. For example, preferably, the above-mentioned filler 2144 is formed by laminating multiple layers of glass paper or glass net and a thin plate AL-file, and can perform the adiabatic function simultaneously. More preferably, the thickness of the above-mentioned filler 2144 and Figure 6 the value of the gap 143 can be determined within a similar range to increase the structural stability.

[0080] The above description is only an illustrative description of the technical idea of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications, changes, and substitutions without departing from the basic features of the present invention. Therefore, this embodiment is only for illustration and does not limit the technical idea of the present invention. The scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the scope of the invention claimed, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope belong to the scope of the invention claimed of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adiabatic support is disposed between the inner container and the outer container of a liquid hydrogen storage container formed by an inner container and an outer container to form a vacuum, for supporting the inner container, and is characterized in that One end is in contact with the above-mentioned inner container, and the other end is in contact with the above-mentioned outer container, and is bent multiple times to form multiple layers; A cavity is formed in the middle region of the above-mentioned heat insulation support.

2. The heat-insulating support according to claim 1, wherein It is made of a composite material containing a resin material and reinforcing fibers.

3. The heat-insulating support according to claim 2, characterized in that, A vacuum exists between the layers of the above-mentioned multiple layers.

4. The heat-insulating support according to claim 3, characterized in that, A filler is filled between the stacked above-mentioned multiple layers.

5. A liquid hydrogen storage container for an automobile, characterized in that, It includes the heat insulation support according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the above-mentioned liquid hydrogen storage container, one end of the inner container is fixed to the outer container.

7. The liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the above-mentioned liquid hydrogen storage container, the other end of the inner container is not fixed so as to be able to move along the length direction.

8. The liquid hydrogen storage container for automobiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, The above-mentioned liquid hydrogen storage container is provided with a plurality of the above-mentioned heat insulation supports, and the plurality of the above-mentioned heat insulation supports are arranged along the circumferential direction of the above-mentioned inner container.

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