Horizontal solid hydrogen storage system

Abstract

The application discloses a horizontal solid hydrogen storage system, which comprises a conical hydrogen storage cylinder, the left end of which is fixedly connected with a distribution plate, and the right end of which is fixedly connected with a collecting plate, more than two shrink rings are uniformly arranged on the wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder, the distribution plate and the collecting plate are composed of a center plate, an expansion ring and a fixed sealing ring, and the distribution plate and the collecting plate are respectively sealed and connected with the two ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder through the fixed sealing rings; a heat exchange medium inlet box is arranged on the left side of the center plate of the distribution plate, a heat exchange medium outlet box is arranged on the right side of the center plate of the collecting plate, and the heat exchange medium inlet box and the heat exchange medium outlet box are communicated through a heat exchange pipe; the hydrogen storage cylinder is filled with solid hydrogen storage material, and the heat exchange pipe is embedded in the solid hydrogen storage material. The application simultaneously solves the heat and volume compensation problems in the hydrogen charging and discharging process, and improves the reliability of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydrogen storage technology, specifically relating to a horizontal solid hydrogen storage system. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is considered one of the cleanest and most efficient energy sources because its combustion process does not release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and it has a high calorific value. The utilization of hydrogen is inseparable from its storage, which currently includes three main methods: gaseous hydrogen storage, liquid hydrogen storage, and solid-state hydrogen storage. Solid-state hydrogen storage involves storing hydrogen in the lattice of a solid hydrogen storage alloy material (such as rare earth compounds (LaNi5)), and achieving physically reversible hydrogen addition and release processes by changing the temperature and pressure under certain temperature and pressure conditions. Compared to gaseous and liquid hydrogen storage, solid-state hydrogen storage does not require excessive energy consumption and has advantages such as higher volumetric hydrogen storage density, safety and efficiency, and a stable hydrogen release rate, making it a promising hydrogen storage technology.

[0003] Solid hydrogen storage materials typically expand in volume when absorbing hydrogen and contract in volume when releasing hydrogen. Furthermore, they release a significant amount of heat during hydrogen absorption and require substantial heat replenishment during hydrogen release. Temperature also significantly impacts the hydrogen absorption and desorption rates of the storage material. Therefore, to ensure the long-term use of hydrogen storage materials and the rapid and efficient absorption and desorption of hydrogen, it is essential to simultaneously address the heat and volume changes during hydrogen absorption and desorption, designing hydrogen storage devices with high-efficiency heat exchange performance and volume compensation. Otherwise, the absorption and desorption efficiency of solid hydrogen storage will decrease, and with each hydrogen charge and discharge cycle, the expansion and compression of the solid hydrogen storage alloy will cause lattice deformation, leading to a rapid decrease in its capacity. Additionally, the expansion of the solid hydrogen storage material subjects the storage shell to significant stress, posing a risk of bulging and cracking. Solving the problems of heat absorption / desorption and volume changes during the hydrogen absorption and desorption process of solid hydrogen storage is crucial for ensuring high absorption and desorption rates and directly affects the cost and safety of the hydrogen storage device.

[0004] Patent CN117307953A discloses a hydrogen storage and release device that facilitates the replacement of hydrogen storage materials. After the hydrogen storage alloy's hydrogen charging and releasing capacity deteriorates, a new hydrogen storage alloy is injected through the jacket inlet to replace the original hydrogen storage alloy without moving the entire device. This method is convenient and low-cost. However, the volume expansion absorption of the hydrogen storage alloy during the charging and releasing process is poor, and the capacity of the solid hydrogen storage material may decay rapidly. Patent CN103883874B discloses a hydrogen storage tank with an external heat exchange structure. Its structure is simple, easy to manufacture, and low-cost. It has a better heat exchange effect and excellent hydrogen release performance. However, this hydrogen storage tank only has a heat exchange effect and cannot absorb the volume expansion of the solid hydrogen storage material during the hydrogen absorption and release process. Therefore, it cannot simultaneously solve the problems of volume expansion and heat release, and the tank body is at risk of bulging and rupture. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems of poor absorption efficiency due to volume expansion during hydrogen charging and discharging in existing solid hydrogen storage devices, and the inability to simultaneously solve the problems of volume expansion and heat release during absorption, this invention provides a horizontal solid hydrogen storage system that solves the problems of volume expansion and heat release during solid hydrogen storage.

[0006] This invention provides a horizontal solid hydrogen storage system, including a horizontal hydrogen storage cylinder. The hydrogen storage cylinder is a conical cylinder with a smaller left end and a larger right end. Its left end is fixedly connected to a distribution plate, and its right end is fixedly connected to a collection plate. Two or more corrugated shrink rings are evenly arranged on the cylinder wall. The shrink rings extend along the axial direction of the hydrogen storage cylinder and are the same length as the hydrogen storage cylinder. The distribution plate and the collection plate are both circular plates and are composed of three parts, from the center outward: a circular flat plate, a circular expansion ring, and a circular fixing sealing ring. The distribution plate and the collection plate are each sealed to both ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder through their fixing sealing rings.

[0007] A heat exchange medium inlet box is located on the left side of the center plate of the distribution plate, and a heat exchange medium outlet box is located on the right side of the center plate of the collection plate. The heat exchange medium inlet box and the heat exchange medium outlet box are connected by a heat exchange pipe that penetrates the internal space of the hydrogen storage cylinder and is fixed to the center plate of the distribution plate and the collection plate. The hydrogen storage cylinder is not connected to either the heat exchange medium inlet box or the heat exchange medium outlet box. The hydrogen storage cylinder is filled with solid hydrogen storage material, and the heat exchange pipe is buried in the solid hydrogen storage material. A hydrogen storage material inlet pipe is located at the upper left end of the hydrogen storage cylinder, and a hydrogen storage material outlet pipe is located at the lower right end of the hydrogen storage cylinder. A hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are provided on the cylinder wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder.

[0008] The heat exchange medium inlet box is equipped with a heat exchange medium inlet, and the heat exchange medium outlet box is equipped with a heat exchange medium outlet. The heat exchange medium inlet, heat exchange medium inlet box, heat exchange tube, heat exchange medium outlet box and heat exchange medium outlet form a closed and connected cavity, which allows the heat exchange medium to remove heat from the solid hydrogen storage material filled in the hydrogen storage cylinder or to replenish heat to the solid hydrogen storage material.

[0009] The fixed sealing ring can be any type of connector that provides a fixed seal between the distribution plate and the collection plate and both ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder.

[0010] The fixed sealing ring can be a circular arc ring with an arc-shaped cross-section. The shape of the arc end of the arc ring is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the hydrogen storage cylinder. The arc radius of the arc ring is greater than 10% of the radius of the hydrogen storage cylinder. The distribution plate and the collection plate each form a sealed connection with the two ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder through their arc rings. The sealed connection can be achieved by welding or bonding the arc end of the arc ring to the two ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder.

[0011] The fixed sealing ring can also be a circular plate with a circular groove. The radial width of the groove is greater than the height of the contraction ring, and the groove depth should preferably be greater than 10 mm. The end of the hydrogen storage cylinder extends into the groove, and filler is used to fill the space between the end of the hydrogen storage cylinder and the groove to form a filler seal. When the diameter of the hydrogen storage cylinder increases due to the expansion of the solid hydrogen storage material, the filler seal is compressed more tightly during the diameter increase, resulting in a better sealing effect and a self-tightening effect. The compression and rebound of the filler seal in the radial direction of the hydrogen storage cylinder should be at least 1.1 times the expansion of the hydrogen storage cylinder diameter. During the expansion and contraction of the hydrogen storage cylinder, the filler seal should ensure tight contact with the end of the hydrogen storage cylinder, preventing the leakage of hydrogen and solid hydrogen storage material inside the cylinder.

[0012] The heat exchange tubes are arranged in a ring, equilateral triangle, or regular quadrilateral pattern on the cross-section of the hydrogen storage cylinder to ensure that heat can be evenly dissipated or replenished throughout the cylinder. The heat exchange tubes are preferably circular, with an outer diameter of 19–80 mm. When the heat exchange tubes are evenly distributed in a ring, the circumferential spacing between the tubes should be 30–100 mm, and the radial spacing should be 40–150 mm. When the heat exchange tubes are evenly distributed in an equilateral triangle, the side length of the triangle should be 25–150 mm; when the heat exchange tubes are evenly distributed in a regular quadrilateral, the side length of the quadrilateral should be 30–150 mm.

[0013] The hydrogen inlet and outlet serve as the channels for hydrogen to enter and exit the hydrogen storage tank, respectively. Alternatively, the hydrogen inlet and outlet can be combined into one, serving as both the inlet and outlet. When the hydrogen inlet or outlet is below the axis of the hydrogen storage tank, a support mesh such as a wire mesh or slotted screen should be installed inside the inlet or outlet to prevent solid hydrogen storage material from entering under gravity. The wire mesh should preferably be multi-layered to enhance support for the solid hydrogen storage material. The gaps between the wire mesh or slotted screen should be smaller than the minimum particle size of the solid hydrogen storage material, preferably 30% to 50% of the minimum particle size.

[0014] When loading solid hydrogen storage material, the outlet pipe is closed and the inlet pipe is open. Under gravity, the hydrogen storage material enters the storage cylinder through the inlet pipe and is stored there. When the hydrogen storage material needs replacement due to its lifespan decline, the outlet pipe is opened, and the material leaves the storage system through the outlet pipe under gravity. The inlet and outlet pipes should preferably be cylindrical with a diameter of 50–400 mm.

[0015] Depending on the different needs of hydrogen filling and discharging, during hydrogen filling, a low-temperature heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange medium inlet box from the heat exchange medium inlet. Through the distribution function of the heat exchange medium inlet box, it enters the heat exchange tubes, absorbing the heat released by the solid hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen storage tank. The heat is then collected in the heat exchange medium outlet box and leaves the hydrogen storage system through the heat exchange medium outlet, thus lowering the temperature of the solid hydrogen storage material. When it is necessary to release hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage material, a high-temperature heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange medium inlet box from the heat exchange medium inlet. Through the distribution function of the heat exchange medium inlet box, it enters the heat exchange tubes, providing heat to the solid hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen storage tank. The solid hydrogen storage material absorbs heat and releases hydrogen. The heat exchange medium, after releasing heat, collects in the heat exchange medium outlet box and leaves the hydrogen storage system through the heat exchange medium outlet. By using the heat exchange medium to remove heat from the hydrogen storage system or replenish heat to the hydrogen storage system, the hydrogen absorption and release process is ensured to proceed at a high rate. Fluids such as water, nitrogen, and air can be used as the heat exchange medium.

[0016] When the hydrogen storage cylinder needs to increase in diameter due to the volume expansion of the solid hydrogen storage material, the expansion ring and contraction ring will stretch, increasing the cylinder's diameter. Conversely, when the hydrogen storage cylinder stops expanding due to the shrinking volume of the storage material, the expansion and contraction rings will retract, reducing the cylinder's diameter. The expansion and contraction rings adapt to the volume changes caused by the solid hydrogen storage material during hydrogen charging and discharging through stretching and contraction. When the expansion and contraction rings are single-layered, elastic alloys are preferable to provide good resilience. Copper-based, iron-based, and nickel-based high-elasticity alloys are suitable, utilizing their low elastic modulus and high elastic limit to give the expansion and contraction rings high resilience. When the expansion and contraction rings are made of multiple layers of stamped composite material, they can be arranged with separate pressure-bearing and resilience layers. The pressure-bearing layer bears the pressure of the hydrogen storage system, while the resilience layer provides the resilience. The resilience layer should preferably be made of an elastic alloy. In summary, the goal is to give the expansion ring and contraction ring low stiffness, allowing them to deform easily and possess a certain degree of resilience.

[0017] To facilitate better addition and removal of solid hydrogen storage material inside the hydrogen storage cylinder, the diameter of the larger end of the cylinder should be 1.2 to 2 times the diameter of the smaller end. The smaller end of the conical cylinder is connected to the hydrogen storage material inlet pipe, and the larger end is connected to the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe, so that the solid hydrogen storage material flows along the inclined cylinder wall towards the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe under the action of gravity.

[0018] As a preferred solution, to ensure that all solid hydrogen storage material is filled within an expandable hydrogen storage cylinder and to prevent the solid hydrogen storage material from expanding and clogging the outlet pipe during hydrogen filling, a hydrogen storage material outlet plug can be installed inside the outlet pipe. The outlet plug consists of a baffle, a packing seal, a baffle cylinder, a handle, and an installation ring. The baffle cylinder is a cylindrical tube with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet pipe, typically 4-10 mm smaller. One end of the baffle cylinder is closed by the baffle, while the other end is open. The baffle end is inserted into the outlet pipe to prevent solid hydrogen storage material from entering the outlet pipe during non-discharge operations. The baffle has the same shape as the bottom of the hydrogen storage cylinder. A handle, which can be made of round steel or angle steel, is provided at the open end for easy installation and removal of the outlet plug. Plug; The gap between the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe and the hydrogen storage material outlet plug is sealed with filler such as ceramic fiber rope to prevent solid hydrogen storage material from entering the gap between them. The diameter of the ceramic fiber rope should be 5-11mm. To ensure that the hydrogen storage material outlet plug is fixed inside the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe, an installation ring is set at the open end. The installation ring is a circular ring that is fitted over the baffle. A circular hole is made on the installation ring, and a threaded hole is made at the same position on the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe so that the installation ring can be fixed to the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe with screws.

[0019] As a preferred solution, to avoid problems such as caking or poor flowability of the solid hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen storage cylinder, which may cause difficulties in unloading, a loosening air inlet can be installed on the lower right side wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder. During the unloading process of the solid hydrogen storage material, inert gases such as high-pressure nitrogen and carbon dioxide can be introduced to facilitate the smoother discharge of the solid hydrogen storage material.

[0020] When filling the hydrogen storage system with solid hydrogen storage material, open the inlet pipe and close the outlet pipe to fill the storage cylinder. Keep both the inlet and outlet pipes closed during the charging and discharging process. When unloading the solid hydrogen storage material, open the outlet pipe to remove it from the cylinder. Alternatively, the inlet pipe can be opened as a vent during unloading to maintain pressure balance within the cylinder and prevent negative pressure from forming during rapid unloading, which could hinder material removal or cause the cylinder to collapse. If the solid hydrogen storage material is difficult to unload due to caking or compression, the loosening air inlet can be opened and inert gases such as nitrogen introduced to loosen the material and facilitate smoother unloading.

[0021] During the filling process of this horizontal solid hydrogen storage system, the hydrogen inlet is opened and the hydrogen outlet is closed, creating a sealed cavity within the storage tank where hydrogen can only enter and not exit. Hydrogen enters the storage tank through the inlet and, under pressure, is stored in the solid hydrogen storage material within the tank. During filling, the volume of the solid hydrogen storage material increases, causing the contraction and expansion rings to stretch, further increasing the tank volume. This increase compensates for the increased volume of the solid hydrogen storage material, preventing the tank from bulging. Because the solid hydrogen storage material releases heat during hydrogen absorption, the temperature inside the storage tank rises once the released heat reaches a certain level. At this point, a low-temperature medium is introduced into the heat exchange medium inlet box through the heat exchange medium inlet box, and then into the heat exchange tubes. The heat released during filling is absorbed by the heat exchange tubes, lowering the temperature of the solid hydrogen storage material and raising the temperature of the low-temperature medium. The medium then collects in the heat exchange medium outlet box through the heat exchange medium and exits the hydrogen storage system through the outlet.

[0022] When releasing hydrogen, this solid-state hydrogen storage system opens the hydrogen outlet and closes the hydrogen inlet, creating a sealed cavity inside the storage tank that allows only outflow and no inflow. Hydrogen is released from the solid storage material and exits the system through the outlet, supplying downstream devices or external equipment. After releasing hydrogen, the solid storage material decreases in volume, and the expansion and contraction rings retract, restoring the storage tank to its initial state before refilling. Since the solid storage material needs to absorb heat to release the stored hydrogen, a high-temperature heat transfer medium enters the heat exchange medium inlet box through the inlet, then flows into the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes transfer heat to the solid storage material inside the storage tank, causing it to absorb heat, heat up, and release hydrogen. The released heat is collected in the outlet box and then exits the system through the outlet.

[0023] The same medium can be used during hydrogen charging and discharging. By setting up external heaters or coolers, the heat exchange medium is cooled during hydrogen charging and heated during hydrogen discharging, so as to achieve the purpose of recycling.

[0024] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1) By storing hydrogen in solid hydrogen storage materials, there is no need for harsh conditions such as high pressure or low temperature. The hydrogen storage process does not require excessive energy consumption, and it is safe, efficient and has a stable hydrogen release rate.

[0026] 2) By setting expansion elements such as expansion rings and contraction rings and heat exchange tubes with heat conduction elements, the volume and heat compensation problems in the hydrogen charging and discharging process are solved at the same time, so that the hydrogen charging and discharging can be carried out at a higher rate; the expansion elements reduce the mutual expansion and compression of solid hydrogen storage alloy materials, and the internal lattice of solid hydrogen storage alloy materials can still maintain a good morphology after more hydrogen charging and discharging cycles, resulting in slower decay of hydrogen storage capacity and longer life of solid hydrogen storage materials.

[0027] 3) By creating an internal volume change through the expansion element, the stress applied to the hydrogen storage cylinder caused by volume expansion is greatly reduced, avoiding the risks of bulging and rupture of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder, improving the safety and reliability of solid hydrogen storage, and reducing the cost of solid hydrogen storage. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a horizontal solid hydrogen storage system according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle distribution plate;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a shrinkage ring installed on the wall of a hydrogen storage cylinder;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing connection when the fixed sealing ring is a circular flat plate.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structure for plugging the outlet of hydrogen storage materials.

[0033] In the diagram: 1-Hydrogen storage cylinder, 2-Solid hydrogen storage material, 3-Hydrogen storage material inlet pipe, 4-Annular arc ring, 5-Expansion ring, 6-Central plate, 7-Heat exchange medium inlet, 8-Heat exchange medium inlet box, 9-Heat exchange tube, 10-Hydrogen inlet, 11-Wire mesh, 12-Hydrogen storage material outlet pipe, 13-Hydrogen storage material outlet plug, 14-Heat exchange medium outlet box, 15-Heat exchange medium outlet, 16-Central plate, 17-Expansion ring, 18-Annular arc ring, 19-Wire mesh, 20-Hydrogen outlet, 21-Contraction ring, 22-Annular plate, 23-Groove, 24-Seal, 25-Baffle, 26-Seal, 27-Baffle cylinder, 28-Handle, 29-Mounting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figures 1-3An embodiment of the horizontal solid hydrogen storage system of the present invention is provided. This horizontal solid hydrogen storage system includes a conical hydrogen storage cylinder 1, smaller at the left end and larger at the right end. The distribution plate at the left end is composed of a central plate 6, an expansion ring 5, and an annular arc ring 4. The arc end of the annular arc ring 4 is welded to the left end of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 to achieve a sealed connection between the distribution plate and the hydrogen storage cylinder 1. The collection plate at the right end of the hydrogen storage cylinder is composed of a central plate 16, an expansion ring 17, and an annular arc ring 18. The arc end of the annular arc ring 18 is welded to the right end of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 to achieve a sealed connection between the collection plate and the hydrogen storage cylinder 1.

[0036] The structure of the collection plate and Figure 2 The distribution plate shown has the same structure.

[0037] Six corrugated shrink rings 21 are evenly arranged on the wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1. The length of the shrink rings 21 extends along the axial direction of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 and is the same length as the hydrogen storage cylinder 1.

[0038] A heat exchange medium inlet box 8 is provided on the left side of the center plate 6 on the distribution plate, and a heat exchange medium outlet box 14 is provided on the right side of the center plate 16 on the collection plate. The heat exchange medium inlet box 8 and the heat exchange medium outlet box 14 are connected by a heat exchange pipe 9 that penetrates the internal space of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 and is fixed on the center plate 6 and the center plate 16. The hydrogen storage cylinder 1 is not connected to the heat exchange medium inlet box 8 and the heat exchange medium outlet box 14. The hydrogen storage cylinder 1 is filled with solid hydrogen storage material 2, and the heat exchange pipe 9 is buried in the solid hydrogen storage material 2. A hydrogen storage material inlet pipe 3 is provided at the upper left end of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1, and a hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12 is provided at the lower right end of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1. A hydrogen storage material outlet plug 13 is provided in the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12. A hydrogen inlet 10 is provided on the lower cylinder wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder, and a wire mesh 11 is provided in the hydrogen inlet 10. A hydrogen outlet 20 is provided on the upper right cylinder wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1, and a wire mesh 19 is provided in the hydrogen outlet 20.

[0039] The heat exchange medium inlet box 8 is provided with a heat exchange medium inlet 7, and the heat exchange medium outlet box 14 is provided with a heat exchange medium outlet 15. The heat exchange medium inlet 7, the heat exchange medium inlet box 8, the heat exchange tube 9, the heat exchange medium outlet box 14 and the heat exchange medium outlet 15 form a closed and connected cavity, which allows the heat exchange medium to remove heat from the solid hydrogen storage material 2 filled in the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 or to replenish heat to the solid hydrogen storage material 2.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing connection when the fixed sealing ring is a circular annular plate. As shown in the figure, the fixed sealing ring is a circular annular plate 22, and a circular annular groove 23 is formed on the circular annular plate 22. The end of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 is inserted into the groove 23, and a packing seal 24 is set in the groove 23 to seal the end of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 and the groove 23.

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram of a structure for a hydrogen storage material outlet plug. As shown in the figure, the hydrogen storage material outlet plug includes a baffle 25, a packing seal 26, a baffle cylinder 27, a handle 28, and an installation ring 29. The baffle cylinder 27 is a cylindrical tube with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12, typically 4-10 mm smaller. One end of the baffle cylinder 27 is closed by the baffle 25, while the other end is open. The baffle end is inserted into the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12 to prevent solid hydrogen storage material from entering the outlet pipe 12 during non-discharge periods. The baffle 25 has a shape similar to the bottom of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1. The baffle 27 is provided with a handle 28 at its open end. The handle 28 can be round steel or angle steel, etc. The gap between the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12 and the hydrogen storage material outlet plug 13 is filled with filler such as ceramic fiber rope to seal 26. The diameter of the ceramic fiber rope should be 5-11mm. The mounting ring 29 is a circular ring that is fitted over the baffle 27. A circular hole is opened on the mounting ring 29, and a threaded hole is opened at the same position on the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12 so that the mounting ring 29 can be fixed on the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12 with screws.

[0042] The operation process of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0043] 1) Loading and unloading of solid hydrogen storage materials

[0044] Close the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12 and open the hydrogen storage material inlet pipe 3. Under the influence of gravity, the solid hydrogen storage material 2 enters the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 through the hydrogen storage material inlet pipe 3 and is stored in the hydrogen storage cylinder. When the solid hydrogen storage material 2 needs to be replaced due to the decline in its lifespan, open the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12. Under the influence of gravity, the solid hydrogen storage material 2 in the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 leaves the hydrogen storage system through the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12. If the solid hydrogen storage material 2 cannot be discharged due to poor fluidity caused by caking, compression, etc., a loosening air inlet (not shown in the figure) can be set at the lower right part of the cylinder wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder 1. Inert gases such as nitrogen can be introduced as loosening air to loosen the solid hydrogen storage material 2 and discharge it more smoothly from the hydrogen storage cylinder 1.

[0045] 2) Hydrogen charging of solid hydrogen storage materials

[0046] Simultaneously close hydrogen outlet 20, hydrogen storage material inlet pipe 3, and hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12, and open hydrogen inlet 10. Hydrogen enters hydrogen storage cylinder 1 through hydrogen inlet 10 and is absorbed and stored by solid hydrogen storage material 2. During hydrogen charging, the low-temperature heat exchange medium enters heat exchange medium inlet box 8 from heat exchange medium inlet 7, and enters heat exchange tube 9 through the distribution action of central plate 6. After absorbing the heat released by solid hydrogen storage material 2 in hydrogen storage cylinder 1 due to hydrogen absorption, it is collected in heat exchange medium outlet box 14 through central plate 16 and leaves the hydrogen storage system through heat exchange medium outlet 15. During hydrogen charging, the volume of solid hydrogen storage material 2 increases, causing expansion ring 5 and expansion ring 18 to extend radially along hydrogen storage cylinder 1 and contraction ring 21 to extend circumferentially along hydrogen storage cylinder 1. The increase in volume of hydrogen storage cylinder 1 compensates for the increase in volume of solid hydrogen storage material 2, and hydrogen storage cylinder 1 avoids the risk of bulging.

[0047] 3) Hydrogen release from solid hydrogen storage materials

[0048] Simultaneously close the hydrogen inlet 10, hydrogen storage material inlet pipe 3, and hydrogen storage material outlet pipe 12, and open the hydrogen outlet 20. The high-temperature heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange medium inlet box 8 from the heat exchange medium inlet 7, and then enters the heat exchange tube 9 through the distribution action of the central plate 6, providing heat to the solid hydrogen storage material 2 in the hydrogen storage cylinder 1. The solid hydrogen storage material 2 absorbs heat and releases hydrogen gas, which leaves the hydrogen storage system through the hydrogen outlet 20. The heat exchange medium, after releasing heat, is collected by the central plate 16 into the heat exchange medium outlet box 14, and then leaves the hydrogen storage system through the heat exchange medium outlet 15. The heat exchange medium can be water, nitrogen, air, or other fluids. After the solid hydrogen storage material 2 releases hydrogen, its volume decreases, and the expansion ring 5, expansion ring 18, and contraction ring 21 retract under the action of elastic force, allowing the hydrogen storage cylinder 1 to return to its state before hydrogen filling as much as possible.

Claims

1. A horizontal solid hydrogen storage system, characterized in that: The system includes a horizontal hydrogen storage cylinder, which is a conical cylinder with a smaller left end and a larger right end. Its left end is fixedly connected to a distribution plate, and its right end is fixedly connected to a collection plate. Two or more corrugated shrink rings are evenly arranged on the cylinder wall. The shrink rings extend along the axial direction of the hydrogen storage cylinder and are the same length as the hydrogen storage cylinder. The distribution plate and the collection plate are both circular plates, which are composed of three parts: a circular flat plate, a circular expansion ring, and a circular fixed sealing ring, from the center outwards. The distribution plate and the collection plate are respectively sealed to both ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder through their fixed sealing rings. A heat exchange medium inlet box is located on the left side of the center plate of the distribution plate, and a heat exchange medium outlet box is located on the right side of the center plate of the collection plate. The heat exchange medium inlet box and the heat exchange medium outlet box are connected by a heat exchange pipe that penetrates the internal space of the hydrogen storage cylinder and is fixed to the center plate of the distribution plate and the collection plate. The hydrogen storage cylinder is not connected to either the heat exchange medium inlet box or the heat exchange medium outlet box. The hydrogen storage cylinder is filled with solid hydrogen storage material, and the heat exchange pipe is buried in the solid hydrogen storage material. A hydrogen storage material inlet pipe is located at the upper left end of the hydrogen storage cylinder, and a hydrogen storage material outlet pipe is located at the lower right end of the hydrogen storage cylinder. A hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are provided on the cylinder wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder. The heat exchange medium inlet box is equipped with a heat exchange medium inlet, and the heat exchange medium outlet box is equipped with a heat exchange medium outlet. The heat exchange medium inlet, heat exchange medium inlet box, heat exchange tube, heat exchange medium outlet box and heat exchange medium outlet form a closed and connected cavity, which allows the heat exchange medium to remove heat from the solid hydrogen storage material filled in the hydrogen storage cylinder or to replenish heat to the solid hydrogen storage material.

2. The horizontal solid hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed sealing ring is an annular arc ring with an arc-shaped cross-section. The shape of the arc end of the arc ring is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the hydrogen storage cylinder. The distribution plate and the collection plate are respectively connected to the two ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder through their arc rings. The sealing connection is achieved by welding or bonding the arc end of the arc ring to the two ends of the hydrogen storage cylinder.

3. The horizontal solid hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed sealing ring is a circular plate with a circular groove. The radial width of the groove is greater than the height of the shrinkage ring. The end of the hydrogen storage cylinder extends into the groove, and filler is filled between the end of the hydrogen storage cylinder and the groove to form a filler seal.

4. The horizontal solid hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet pipe of the hydrogen storage material is equipped with a hydrogen storage material outlet plug.

5. The horizontal solid hydrogen storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The hydrogen storage material outlet plug includes a baffle, a packing seal, a baffle cylinder and a handle; the baffle cylinder is a cylindrical tube with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe, one end of the baffle cylinder is closed by a baffle, the other end of the baffle cylinder is open, the baffle end is inserted into the inside of the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe to prevent solid hydrogen storage material from entering the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe when not unloading, and the baffle has the same shape as the bottom of the hydrogen storage cylinder. A handle, made of round steel or angle steel, is provided at the open end to facilitate the installation and removal of the hydrogen storage material outlet plug. A packing seal is installed between the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe and the hydrogen storage material outlet plug to prevent solid hydrogen storage material from entering the gap between them.

6. The horizontal solid hydrogen storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The baffle is provided with a mounting ring at the open end. The mounting ring is a circular ring that is fitted over the baffle. A circular hole is made on the mounting ring, and a threaded hole is made at the same position on the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe so that the mounting ring can be fixed to the hydrogen storage material outlet pipe with screws.

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