A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank and its hydrogen storage method

Abstract

The application discloses a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank and a hydrogen storage method thereof, relates to the hydrogen storage technical field in the hydrogen energy industry, and comprises a hydrogen storage tank shell, a multilayer hydrogen storage module, a circulating heat exchange system and a bottom skirt, wherein a manhole is formed in the top of the hydrogen storage tank shell; a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are formed in the side of the hydrogen storage tank shell; the multilayer hydrogen storage module and the circulating heat exchange system are arranged in the hydrogen storage tank shell and are connected; the hydrogen storage tank shell is welded on the bottom skirt, and a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are led out from the bottom skirt. The modular metal hydride hydrogen storage tank can be used for a long time in a hydrogen atmosphere, can withstand the temperature change caused by hydrogen absorption and release, can withstand its own weight, avoids large deformation of the device in the use process, can be used for long-term cyclic hydrogen absorption and release, and safety, reliability and sustainability are maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen storage technology in the hydrogen energy industry, and in particular to a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank and its hydrogen storage method. Background Technology

[0002] With rapid economic and social development, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas can no longer meet the ever-increasing demands of humankind. At the same time, the use of fossil fuels inevitably causes damage to the ecological environment, such as the greenhouse effect and geological subsidence. Furthermore, fossil energy is a non-renewable resource with limited reserves.

[0003] Human societal development cannot rely on fossil fuels indefinitely. Hydrogen energy is a completely clean, easily convertible, and abundant secondary energy source. It is considered a significant potential alternative to current fossil fuels, addressing their pollution emissions and consumption. Furthermore, hydrogen's ease of large-scale storage and conversion allows it to be integrated with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power for storage, conversion, and grid connection of these unstable energy sources. Therefore, hydrogen energy is also a crucial potential solution for storing and connecting renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to the grid. These significant demands make hydrogen energy a promising candidate for large-scale application. As a clean and efficient secondary energy source, hydrogen is considered an ideal alternative to traditional fossil fuels. In hydrogen energy systems, the safe storage of hydrogen is the most critical aspect.

[0004] Hydrogen storage technology, serving as a bridge between hydrogen production and utilization, refers to the technology of storing hydrogen in a stable form of energy for convenient use. The mass energy density of hydrogen is approximately 120 MJ / kg, which is 2.7 times that of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. However, at normal temperature and pressure, the energy density of hydrogen per unit volume is only 12.1 MJ.

[0005] There are three methods for hydrogen storage: high-pressure gaseous storage, cryogenic liquid storage, and solid-state storage using hydrogen storage materials. (1) High-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage is relatively mature in technology and is currently the most common method for storing and transporting hydrogen in industrial applications. The industry has set an expected target of withstanding 70 MPa pressure and having a weight density of 6 wt%. Therefore, although this method has a high mass hydrogen storage density, the pressure is high, posing a significant safety hazard, and the energy consumption of the compression process is also high. (2) Cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage has extremely high mass and volume hydrogen storage density, but it requires an additional cooling system (cooling to -253 ℃). The energy consumption required for the liquefaction process is about 1 / 3 of the calorific value of the stored hydrogen. At the same time, liquid hydrogen is volatile during storage and transportation and is not easy to store for a long time. In addition, the insulation system technology of this method is complex and costly. From the perspective of safety and economy, both of these hydrogen storage methods need further development. (3) Solid-state hydrogen storage refers to storing hydrogen in a solid hydrogen storage material medium through physical or chemical adsorption. Specifically, solid-state hydrogen storage utilizes the reversible hydrogen absorption and release characteristics of the hydrogen storage material under certain temperature and pressure conditions. Hydrogen is first stored inside the hydrogen storage material, and when needed, the hydrogen storage material is heated and depressurized to gradually release the hydrogen. Solid-state hydrogen storage utilizes the physical or chemical changes between hydrogen and the hydrogen storage material to transform it into a solid solution or hydride for hydrogen storage. It can effectively overcome the shortcomings of high-pressure gaseous and low-temperature liquid hydrogen storage methods, and has the advantages of high hydrogen storage volume density, easy operation, convenient transportation, low cost, and good safety performance. Therefore, it is considered the most promising hydrogen storage method. However, the current research on solid-state hydrogen storage devices is mainly focused on miniaturization, and there are still many difficulties in the development of large-scale devices. In addition, the current hydrogen storage tanks are all filled with hydrogen storage alloys. Although they have the advantage of high solid-state hydrogen storage volume density, there is also the risk of damage to the outer shell of the container due to the thermal stress of the hydrogen storage alloy. From a safety perspective, the structural form needs to be further improved. Therefore, the key to hydrogen storage technology lies in how to increase the energy density of hydrogen while ensuring equipment safety and maintainability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank and its hydrogen storage method. In the field of high-density solid-state hydrogen storage systems, solid-state hydrogen storage systems using solid hydrogen storage materials as the medium have advantages such as high hydrogen storage density, low hydrogen storage pressure, compact structure, high safety, and high hydrogen purity, making them an ideal hydrogen storage technology. Modular metal hydride storage tanks can solve the challenges of large-scale solid-state hydrogen storage devices from multiple aspects, including hydrogen absorption / desorption rates, installation, and maintainability. While achieving high hydrogen storage density, they can be used for extended periods in a hydrogen atmosphere, withstand temperature changes caused by hydrogen absorption / desorption, and bear their own weight, avoiding significant deformation during use. They allow for long-term cyclic hydrogen absorption / desorption and reuse, maintaining safety, reliability, and sustainability. The modular design also provides a new approach for future large-scale solid-state hydrogen storage devices.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] This invention provides a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank, which includes: a tank shell, a multi-layer hydrogen storage module, a circulating heat exchange system, and a bottom skirt; wherein,

[0009] A manhole is provided on the top of the outer shell of the hydrogen storage tank;

[0010] The hydrogen storage tank has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet on its outer shell, and valves are provided on both the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet.

[0011] The outer shell of the hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a multi-layer hydrogen storage module and a circulating heat exchange system, and the multi-layer hydrogen storage module and the circulating heat exchange system are connected.

[0012] The outer shell of the hydrogen storage tank is welded to the bottom skirt; an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are led out from the bottom skirt.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom skirt seat includes a skirt ring; wherein,

[0014] The skirt ring is provided with reinforcing ribs on its side; the lower end of the skirt ring is provided with two semi-circular ring support base plates; the support base plates are fixed to the ground.

[0015] Furthermore, the interior of the hydrogen storage tank shell is vertically arranged with multiple layers of hydrogen storage modules from bottom to top, including: a first layer hydrogen storage module, a second layer hydrogen storage module, and a third layer hydrogen storage module; wherein,

[0016] The sidewalls of the multi-layer hydrogen storage modules all have the same curvature as the inner wall of the tank, and the bottom of the third layer hydrogen storage module is set on the bottom support plate.

[0017] Furthermore, the internal structures of the first, second, and third hydrogen storage modules are identical. Each individual hydrogen storage module includes: a hoisting positioning base, a hydrogen inlet and outlet, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a positioning groove; wherein,

[0018] The lower hydrogen storage module's hoisting positioning seat matches the positioning groove of the upper hydrogen storage module. The hydrogen inlet and outlet are connected to the hydrogen inlet and outlet pipelines. The water inlet is connected to the water inlet pipeline of a single hydrogen storage module, and the water outlet is connected to the water outlet pipeline of a single hydrogen storage module. Then, they converge into a single-layer ring-shaped collecting / dispersing water pipe.

[0019] Furthermore, each individual hydrogen storage module is equipped with a circulating heat exchange system, which includes: a single hydrogen storage module outlet water pipe, a single hydrogen storage module inlet water pipe, a main inlet water pipe, a main outlet water pipe, and a single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe; wherein,

[0020] The main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe extend from the lower end of the spherical shell to the outside of the shell and lead out to the bottom skirt. The main inlet pipe disperses the circulating water into the inlet pipe of each individual hydrogen storage module through a single-layer annular collecting / dispersing water pipe. The circulating water undergoes heat exchange through the internal pipes of each individual hydrogen storage module, and then is collected into the single-layer annular collecting / dispersing water pipe through the outlet pipe of each individual hydrogen storage module, and then flows out through the main outlet pipe.

[0021] Furthermore, the single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe is connected to the main water inlet pipe, and each layer has 12 branch connectors evenly distributed along the horizontal circumference that are connected to the water inlet of each layer's hydrogen storage module.

[0022] Furthermore, the single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe is connected to the main water outlet pipe, and each layer has 12 horizontally circumferentially distributed branch connectors that are connected to the water outlet of each layer's hydrogen storage module.

[0023] Furthermore, each single circulating water path within a single hydrogen storage module is a U-shaped water pipe, with multiple trapezoidal heat exchange plates evenly distributed around the circumference of the vertical U-shaped water pipe, and the trapezoidal heat exchange plates are welded onto the U-shaped water pipe.

[0024] The present invention also provides a method for storing hydrogen in a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] Step S1, Hydrogen Absorption Process: Open the hydrogen inlet and close the hydrogen outlet. Hydrogen enters the outer shell of the hydrogen storage tank through the hydrogen inlet. Then, the hydrogen reacts fully with the hydrogen storage alloy through the hydrogen pore on the hydrogen storage module until the hydrogen storage tank reaches its rated pressure. After the hydrogen reacts fully with the hydrogen storage alloy, continue to fill the tank with hydrogen until the rated working pressure of the hydrogen storage tank is reached.

[0026] Step S2, Hydrogen release process: Close the hydrogen inlet and open the hydrogen outlet. The gaseous hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage tank is released first. When the pressure inside the hydrogen storage tank reaches the hydrogen release platform pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy, the hydrogen in the solid hydrogen storage part begins to be released.

[0027] Furthermore, in step S1, while hydrogen is being introduced, a cooled circulating medium is introduced into the circulating heat exchange system through the water inlet to absorb heat when the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs hydrogen.

[0028] In step S2, while releasing hydrogen, heated circulating medium is injected into the circulating heat exchange system through the water inlet to meet the heat absorption requirements of the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0029] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0030] 1. The present invention sets up a modular filling alloy powder unit inside the hydrogen storage tank. The size of the tank and the module can be adjusted according to the needs of hydrogen storage quality to achieve large-mass hydrogen storage. It combines the advantages of high mass density of high-pressure gas hydrogen storage and high volume density of solid hydrogen storage, and can store more hydrogen under the same pressure.

[0031] 2. The present invention enables hydrogen to fully contact with the hydrogen storage alloy through modular design, which facilitates the entry and exit of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage alloy and enables bidirectional diffusion of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage alloy, greatly improving the hydrogen absorption and desorption rate.

[0032] 3. This invention employs a multi-layer modular stack structure, with each module unit equipped with a positioning structure, greatly improving the ease of fixing between modules. Simultaneously, the protruding structure at the top of each module facilitates subsequent lifting using detachable lifting rings. Each module unit is individually equipped with a circulating heat exchange structure, with a circulating medium running through the middle of the hydrogen storage alloy. By setting up a circulating heat exchange system and heat exchange plates, heat exchange is achieved during hydrogen absorption / desorption by the hydrogen storage alloy, avoiding the large accumulation of alloy powder and promoting efficient heat exchange.

[0033] 4. This invention simplifies the loading operation by embedding the hydrogen storage alloy into the module unit. The heat exchange fins are arranged in a spoke-like pattern to isolate the hydrogen storage alloy, improving heat exchange efficiency, facilitating the dispersion of stress on the hydrogen storage alloy, and preventing excessive localized aggregation of the alloy after hydrogen absorption and desorption cycles, thus extending the device's service life.

[0034] 5. The internal components of this invention occupy a small volume, and the internal structure has ample reserved space to accommodate hydrogen storage of different mass densities. Simultaneously, the internal components are flexibly installed, ensuring the subsequent safety and maintainability of the hydrogen storage device, leveraging the advantages of solid-state hydrogen storage volume density, and achieving better hydrogen storage.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1a This is a front view of the metal hydride hydrogen storage tank of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 1bThis is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the metal hydride hydrogen storage tank of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the internal multi-layer modular structure and piping of the hydrogen storage tank of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3a For the present invention Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a single hydrogen storage module;

[0041] Figure 3b For the present invention Figure 2 A bottom view of a single hydrogen storage module;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circulating water circuit structure of a single hydrogen storage module of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5a This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gas pipeline and circulating heat exchange system of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5b This is a front view of the gas pipeline and circulating heat exchange system of the present invention;

[0045] In the attached diagram, the following are the reference numerals: 10, outer shell of hydrogen storage tank; 11, hydrogen inlet; 12, hydrogen outlet; 13, manhole; 110, water inlet pipe; 120, water outlet pipe; 20, bottom skirt; 30, first hydrogen pipeline; 40, second hydrogen pipeline; 41, first layer hydrogen storage module; 42, second layer hydrogen storage module; 43, third layer hydrogen storage module; 50, bottom support plate; 51, water outlet pipe of a single module; 52, water inlet pipe of a single module; 53, main water inlet pipe; 54, main water outlet pipe; 55, single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe; 61, hoisting positioning seat; 62, hydrogen inlet and outlet; 63, water inlet; 64, water outlet; 65, positioning groove; 70, hydrogen inlet and outlet pipeline; 80, U-shaped water pipe; 90, trapezoidal heat exchange fin. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention discloses a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank. Figure 1a This is a front view of the metal hydride hydrogen storage tank of the present invention; Figure 1b This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the metal hydride hydrogen storage tank of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1a , 1bAs shown, the hydrogen storage tank includes: a bottom skirt 20 and a top manhole 13 for the outer shell 10. The bottom skirt 20 includes a skirt ring with reinforcing ribs on its sides. Two semi-circular rings support a base plate at the lower end of the skirt ring, and the base plate is fixed to the ground. The outer shell 10 is welded to the bottom skirt 20. The upper base of the bottom skirt 20 supports the outer shell 10, thus ensuring greater stability of the storage tank during operation. A water inlet pipe 110 and a water outlet pipe 120 extend from the bottom skirt 20. The outer shell 10 has a hydrogen inlet 11 and a hydrogen outlet 12, both equipped with valves. The interior of the outer shell 10 includes a modular hydrogen storage alloy storage space, a gaseous hydrogen storage gap, and a circulating heat exchange system.

[0048] The modular hydrogen storage alloy storage space is filled with hydrogen storage alloy, and the circulating heat exchange system is used to absorb heat when the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs hydrogen and to heat the hydrogen storage alloy when it releases hydrogen.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the internal multi-layer modular structure and piping of the hydrogen storage tank of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, a manhole 13 is provided on the top of the hydrogen storage tank shell 10, and the manhole is sealed with a manhole cover and fastening bolts; the interior of the hydrogen storage tank shell 10 is vertically arranged with multiple layers of hydrogen storage modules from bottom to top, including: a first layer hydrogen storage module 41, a second layer hydrogen storage module 42, and a third layer hydrogen storage module 43, and the side walls of the multiple layers of hydrogen storage modules are all in contact with the inner wall of the tank; wherein, the bottom 43 of the third layer hydrogen storage module is set on the bottom support plate 50, and the cavity inside the multiple layers of hydrogen storage modules is used to provide hydrogen storage alloy storage space; the first hydrogen pipeline 30 passes through the hydrogen outlet 12 on the hydrogen storage tank shell 10, and the second hydrogen pipeline 40 passes through the hydrogen inlet 11 on the hydrogen storage tank shell 10; the first hydrogen pipeline 30 and the second hydrogen pipeline 40 are both connected to the hydrogen inlet and outlet pipelines 70.

[0050] Furthermore, Figure 3a For the present invention Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a single hydrogen storage module. Figure 3b For the present invention Figure 2 A top view of a single hydrogen storage module, as shown below. Figure 3a , 3b As shown, the internal structure of each individual hydrogen storage module is identical, including: a hoisting positioning base 61, hydrogen inlet and outlet 62, a water inlet 63, a water outlet 64, and a positioning groove 65; among which,

[0051] The lower hydrogen storage module's hoisting positioning seat 61 matches the positioning groove 65 of the upper hydrogen storage module. The hydrogen inlet and outlet 62 are connected to the hydrogen inlet and outlet pipes 70. The water inlet 63 is connected to the water inlet pipe 52 of a single hydrogen storage module. The water outlet 64 is connected to the water outlet pipe 51 of a single hydrogen storage module. Then, they converge into a single-layer annular collection / dispersion water pipe 55.

[0052] The gaseous hydrogen storage gap includes the internal storage gap of the multi-layer hydrogen storage module and the storage gap between the multi-layer hydrogen storage module and the outer shell of the tank. The multi-layer hydrogen storage module located inside the hydrogen storage tank forms a first gaseous hydrogen storage gap for storing gaseous hydrogen, and the area located inside the hydrogen storage tank and outside the multi-layer hydrogen storage module forms a second gaseous hydrogen storage gap for storing gaseous hydrogen. This part of the hydrogen is first filled and released.

[0053] Furthermore, the multi-layer hydrogen storage module has a sealable structure, with an inlet 63 and an outlet 64 provided on the inner side near the center of the sphere, and each individual hydrogen storage module in each layer is connected by pipelines.

[0054] Furthermore, a certain gap is left in the sidewall between adjacent hydrogen storage modules to facilitate the installation of the hydrogen storage modules. The hydrogen storage alloy is filled inside the multi-layer hydrogen storage module. The side of the multi-layer hydrogen storage module is provided with a porous mesh plate or a porous filter cylinder to increase the gas passage inside the hydrogen storage module and facilitate the absorption / release of hydrogen by the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0055] Preferably, the multi-layer hydrogen storage module is made of stainless steel plate to completely separate it from the hydrogen storage tank shell, so as to avoid damage to the outer shell 10 of the hydrogen storage tank by alloy stress;

[0056] Preferably, the bottom support plate 50 is used to support the weight of the entire internal multi-layer hydrogen storage module, and a support rib or support ring is added at the bottom.

[0057] Preferably, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circulating water circuit structure of a single hydrogen storage module of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, a single circulating water path in the hydrogen storage module is a U-shaped water pipe 80, with multiple trapezoidal heat exchange plates 90 evenly distributed around the circumference of the vertical U-shaped water pipe 80, and the trapezoidal heat exchange plates 90 are welded onto the U-shaped water pipe 80; the hydrogen storage alloy is filled in the gap formed between two adjacent trapezoidal heat exchange plates 90.

[0058] Furthermore, the trapezoidal heat exchange fins 90 are arranged in a spoke-like pattern to isolate the hydrogen storage alloy. By using the trapezoidal heat exchange fins 90 to separate the hydrogen storage alloy, local stress accumulation caused by the pulverization of the hydrogen storage alloy after repeated hydrogen absorption and desorption is avoided, thus improving the lifespan of the hydrogen storage module.

[0059] In this invention, the trapezoidal heat exchange plate 90 is a solid metal plate with high heat transfer rate, preferably a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.; the U-shaped water pipe 80 adopts a U-shaped structure to reduce the tube length and water resistance, which facilitates better heat exchange.

[0060] The circulating heat exchange system includes: a single hydrogen storage module outlet water pipe 51, a single hydrogen storage module inlet water pipe 52, a main inlet water pipe 53, a main outlet water pipe 54, and a single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe 55. The main inlet water pipe 53 and the main outlet water pipe 54 extend from the lower end of the spherical shell to the outside of the shell and lead out to the bottom skirt 20. The main inlet water pipe 53 disperses the circulating water into the single hydrogen storage module inlet water pipe 52 through the single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe 55. The circulating water undergoes heat exchange through the internal pipes of each hydrogen storage module, then collects through the single hydrogen storage module outlet water pipe 51 into the single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe 55, and finally flows out through the main outlet water pipe 54.

[0061] Specifically, Figure 5a This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gas pipeline and circulating heat exchange system of the present invention; Figure 5b This is a front view of the gas pipeline and circulating heat exchange system of the present invention, as shown. Figure 5a , 5b As shown, a single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe 55 is connected to the main inlet pipe 53, and each layer has 12 branch connectors evenly distributed along the horizontal circumference, connected to the inlet 63 of each layer's hydrogen storage module; the single-layer annular collecting / distributing water pipe 55 is connected to the main outlet pipe 54, and each layer has 12 branch connectors evenly distributed along the horizontal circumference, connected to the outlet 64 of each layer's hydrogen storage module. Preferably, this water circuit design can ensure that the inlet and outlet water of each layer's hydrogen storage module remain stable and consistent, guaranteeing the heat exchange requirements for hydrogen absorption / desorption of the metal alloy powder inside each layer's hydrogen storage module.

[0062] The aforementioned circulating heat exchange system is used to cool the hydrogen storage alloy when it absorbs hydrogen and to heat it when it releases hydrogen.

[0063] The present invention also provides a method for storing hydrogen using the above-mentioned hydrogen storage tank, comprising the following steps:

[0064] Step S1, Hydrogen Absorption Process: Open the hydrogen inlet 11 and close the hydrogen outlet 12. Hydrogen enters the hydrogen storage tank shell 10 through the hydrogen inlet 11. Then, the hydrogen reacts fully with the hydrogen storage alloy through the hydrogen hole on the module until the hydrogen storage tank reaches its rated pressure. After the hydrogen reacts fully with the hydrogen storage alloy, continue to fill the tank with hydrogen until the rated working pressure of the hydrogen storage tank is reached.

[0065] While hydrogen is being introduced, a cooled circulating medium is introduced into the circulating heat exchange system through the water inlet 63 to absorb heat when the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs hydrogen.

[0066] Step S2, hydrogen release process: Close the hydrogen inlet 11 and open the hydrogen outlet 12. The gaseous hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage tank is released first. When the pressure inside the hydrogen storage tank reaches the hydrogen release platform pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy, the hydrogen in the solid hydrogen storage part begins to be released.

[0067] While releasing hydrogen, heated circulating medium is injected into the circulating heat exchange system through inlet 63 to meet the heat absorption requirements of the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank characterized by, The hydrogen storage tank comprises a hydrogen storage tank shell (10), a multi-layer hydrogen storage module, a circulating heat exchange system and a bottom skirt (20), wherein The hydrogen storage tank shell (10) is provided with a hydrogen inlet (11) and a hydrogen outlet (12) on the side surface, and the hydrogen inlet (11) and the hydrogen outlet (12) are provided with valves; The hydrogen storage tank shell (10) is internally provided with the multi-layer hydrogen storage module and the circulating heat exchange system, and the multi-layer hydrogen storage module and the circulating heat exchange system are connected; The hydrogen storage tank shell (10) is welded on the bottom skirt (20), and the bottom skirt (20) is provided with a water inlet pipe (110) and a water outlet pipe (120); The inside of the hydrogen storage tank shell (10) is vertically provided with the multi-layer hydrogen storage module from bottom to top, comprising a first layer hydrogen storage module (41), a second layer hydrogen storage module (42) and a third layer hydrogen storage module (43); wherein The side walls of the multi-layer hydrogen storage module are of the same curvature as the inner wall of the tank body, and the third layer hydrogen storage module (43) is arranged on the bottom support plate (50); The internal structures of the first layer hydrogen storage module (41), the second layer hydrogen storage module (42) and the third layer hydrogen storage module (43) are the same, and each single hydrogen storage module comprises a hoisting positioning seat (61), a hydrogen inlet and outlet (62), a water inlet (63), a water outlet (64) and a positioning groove (65); wherein The hoisting positioning seat (61) of the lower hydrogen storage module is matched with the positioning groove (65) of the upper hydrogen storage module, the hydrogen inlet and outlet (62) is connected with the hydrogen inlet and outlet pipeline (70), the water inlet (63) is connected with the single hydrogen storage module water inlet pipeline (52), the water outlet (64) is connected with the single hydrogen storage module water outlet pipeline (51), and then is collected to the single-layer annular collection / dispersion water pipe (55); The multi-layer hydrogen storage module inside the hydrogen storage tank forms a first gaseous hydrogen storage gap for storing gaseous hydrogen, and a second gaseous hydrogen storage gap for storing gaseous hydrogen is formed between the multi-layer hydrogen storage module inside the hydrogen storage tank and the external area of the multi-layer hydrogen storage module; The top of the hydrogen storage tank shell (10) is provided with a manhole (13), and the manhole (13) is sealed by a manhole cover and a fastening bolt.

2. A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, wherein The bottom skirt (20) comprises a skirt ring; wherein The skirt ring is provided with a reinforcing rib plate on the side surface, the skirt ring is provided with two semicircular ring support bottom plates at the lower end, and the support bottom plates are fixed on the ground.

3. A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, wherein The circulating heat exchange system comprises a single module water outlet pipeline (51), a single module water inlet pipeline (52), a total water inlet pipe (53), a total water outlet pipe (54) and a single-layer annular collection / dispersion water pipe (55); wherein The total water inlet pipe (53) and the total water outlet pipe (54) extend to the outside of the shell through the lower end of the spherical shell, and are led out of the bottom skirt (20); the total water inlet pipe (53) disperses the circulating water into the single hydrogen storage module water inlet pipeline (52) of each layer through the single-layer annular collection / dispersion water pipe (55); the circulating water exchanges heat through the internal pipeline of each single hydrogen storage module, and then is collected to the single-layer annular collection / dispersion water pipe (55) through the single hydrogen storage module water outlet pipeline (51) of each layer, and then flows out through the total water outlet pipe (54).

4. A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank according to claim 3, wherein The single-layer annular collecting / dispersion water pipe (55) is connected with the total water inlet pipe (53), and each layer has 12 branch joints evenly distributed along the horizontal circumference and connected with the water inlet (63) of each layer of hydrogen storage module.

5. A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank according to claim 3, wherein The single-layer annular collecting / dispersion water pipe (55) is connected with the total water outlet pipe (54), and each layer has 12 branch joints evenly distributed along the horizontal circumference and connected with the water outlet (64) of each layer of hydrogen storage module.

6. A metal hydride hydrogen storage tank according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that, The single circulating water path in each single hydrogen storage module is a U-shaped water pipe (80), and a plurality of trapezoidal heat exchange fins (90) are evenly distributed along the vertical U-shaped water pipe (80) circumference and welded on the U-shaped water pipe (80).

7. A method for storing hydrogen in a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank, said method employing a hydrogen storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Step S1, hydrogen absorption process: open the hydrogen inlet (11), close the hydrogen outlet (12), hydrogen enters the inside of the hydrogen storage tank shell (10) from the hydrogen inlet (11), then the hydrogen reacts with the hydrogen storage alloy through the hydrogen holes on the hydrogen storage module, until the hydrogen reaches the rated pressure of the hydrogen storage tank, after the hydrogen and the hydrogen storage alloy fully react, continue to fill hydrogen to reach the working rated pressure of the hydrogen storage tank; Step S2, hydrogen release process: close the hydrogen inlet (11), open the hydrogen outlet (12), the gaseous hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage tank is released first, when the pressure in the hydrogen storage tank reaches the hydrogen release platform pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy, the hydrogen in the solid hydrogen storage part begins to release.

8. The hydrogen storage method of the metal hydride hydrogen storage tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S1, while filling hydrogen, the cooled circulating medium is injected into the circulating heat exchange system through the water inlet (63) to absorb heat when the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs hydrogen; In step S2, while releasing hydrogen, the heated circulating medium is injected into the circulating heat exchange system through the water inlet (63) to meet the heat absorption requirement of the hydrogen storage alloy.

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