Storage container

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage container (1) for storing a refrigerant (H2), comprising an inner container (3) for receiving the refrigerant (H2) and an outer container (10A, 10B) accommodating the inner container (3), the outer container (10A, 10B) having a reinforcing ring (22, 23, 28, 29) for reinforcing the outer container (10A, 10B) and the outer container (10A, 10B) having a support element (27, 33), the support element (27, 33) is made of a composite material and at least some portions of the support element (27, 33) are arranged within a gap (26, 32) between two adjacent reinforcing rings (22, 23, 28, 29) in order to support the reinforcing rings (22, 23, 28, 29).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage container for storing a refrigerant.

[0002] The applicant is aware of an internal double-walled storage container for liquid hydrogen, which has an outer container and an inner container arranged in the outer container for receiving the liquid hydrogen. The gap arranged between the inner container and the outer container is subjected to a vacuum. The gap can be at least partially filled with an insulating material. In order to strengthen the outer container, reinforcement rings can be provided, which are arranged spaced apart from each other along the central axis of the storage container. However, these reinforcement rings lead to an increase in the empty container weight of the storage container and an increase in the installation space of the storage container. This must be improved.

[0003] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved storage container.

[0004] Therefore, a storage container for storing a cryogen is proposed. The storage container comprises an inner container for receiving the cryogen and an outer container in which the inner container is accommodated, wherein the outer container has a reinforcement ring for reinforcing the outer container, and the outer container has a support element made of a composite material, at least some parts of the support element are arranged in a gap between two adjacent reinforcement rings so as to support the reinforcement rings.

[0005] Due to the provision of a support element to support the reinforcement ring, the distance between the reinforcement rings can be increased and / or the reinforcement rings can be made smaller, in particular up to the limit case without reinforcement rings, compared to a storage container without such a support element. This makes it possible to reduce the empty container weight of the storage container. It is also possible to reduce the installation space of the storage container. At the same time, the installation space of the inner container can be increased.

[0006] The storage container is also particularly suitable for transporting cryogens. Therefore, the storage container can also be referred to as a transport container. The storage container is at least double-walled and can therefore also be referred to as a double-walled storage container. The cryogen can be liquid hydrogen. Therefore, the term "cryogen" can be interchanged with the term "hydrogen". However, the cryogen can also be liquid helium, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, argon, neon, etc. Since the storage container is preferably suitable for receiving liquid hydrogen, it can also be referred to as a hydrogen storage container or hydrogen storage tank. The storage container can be part of a transport vehicle, in particular a ship. In this case, the storage container is suitable for mobile use. However, the storage container is also suitable for stationary use, for example in building technology.

[0007] The storage container is preferably rotationally symmetrical about a central axis or axis of symmetry. Thus, the inner container and the outer container are also rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry. The storage container is preferably arranged so that the axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. This means that the storage container is arranged horizontally. However, the storage container can also be arranged vertically. In this case, the axis of symmetry is oriented parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0008] The inner container and the outer container are preferably both cylindrical. The inner container and the outer container each have a cylindrical base portion that is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry. The base portion of the inner container and the base portion of the outer container are both connected to two outwardly curved cover portions at the ends. However, this is not necessarily the case. The cover portion may also be designed differently. In particular, the inner container is completely arranged in the outer container so that the outer container completely or partially encloses or wraps the inner container. The inner container may also be referred to as an inner tank. The outer container may also be referred to as an outer tank.

[0009] In particular, the reinforcement ring is part of the outer container. As mentioned above, the outer container has a base part, and the reinforcement ring is preferably arranged on the base part. The reinforcement ring can also be called a reinforcement ring. Therefore, the term "reinforcement ring" can be interchanged with the term "reinforcement ring" at will. The reinforcement ring is particularly suitable for reinforcing the outer container. In this document, "stiffness" is generally understood to refer to the resistance of the body to deformation imposed by external loads and conveys the connection between the load on the body and its deformation. The stiffness is determined by the material of the body and its geometry. With the help of the reinforcement ring, buckling or depression of the outer container can be prevented.

[0010] When viewed along the axis of symmetry, the reinforcement rings are spaced apart and arranged adjacent to each other. The number of reinforcement rings is arbitrary. The support element is arranged between two adjacent reinforcement rings. The support element has a cylindrical geometry that is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry. The gap arranged between two adjacent reinforcement rings extends in the radial direction of the storage container. The radial direction is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and is oriented away from the axis of symmetry.

[0011] Preferably, the support element completely fills the gap between two adjacent reinforcement rings. The reinforcement rings are supported on the support element. Thus, two adjacent reinforcement rings indirectly support each other via the support element. The reinforcement rings are "supported" by the support element in particular means that the support element absorbs forces from the reinforcement rings. In particular, forces acting on the reinforcement rings are absorbed by the support element and introduced into the outer container. However, the support element can also transmit forces directly to the outer container.

[0012] In this context, a "composite material" is a material having a matrix, for example a plastic material, in which a filler, for example in the form of fibers, is embedded. The plastic material can be a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material, such as an epoxy resin. The fibers can be long fibers or short fibers. In this context, "short fibers" are to be understood as fibers having a fiber length of less than 5 mm. Correspondingly, "long fibers" are to be understood as fibers having a fiber length of more than 5 mm. The fibers can be glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, natural fibers, etc. The reinforcing ring can also be made of a composite material.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the inner container is arranged within the reinforcement ring.

[0014] The reinforcement ring is in particular annular or disk-shaped and comprises a cylindrical outer surface and a cylindrical inner surface. The outer surface and the inner surface are each rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry. The inner container passes through the reinforcement ring. This means in particular that the reinforcement ring completely surrounds or encloses the inner container. The reinforcement ring may also only partially or incompletely surround or enclose the inner container.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the inner container is arranged within the supporting element.

[0016] As previously mentioned, the support element has a cylindrical or tubular geometry surrounding or enclosing the inner container. The support element thus surrounds or wraps the inner container.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the outer container encloses the support element, or the support element encloses the outer container.

[0018] In the former case, the support element is attached to the inner side of the outer container. In the latter case, the support element is attached to the outer side of the outer container. However, the outer container can also have a support element attached to the inner side and an additional support element attached to the outer side.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the reinforcement ring and the support element are attached to the inside of the outer container.

[0020] In this case, the reinforcement rings are connected by means of their cylindrical outer surfaces to the cylindrical inner surface of the outer container.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the outer container has an inner surface facing the inner container, wherein the reinforcement ring and the support element are materially connected to the inner surface at least in some sections.

[0022] In a material connection, the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. A material connection is a non-releasable connection which can only be separated by destroying the connection means and / or the connection partners. The material connection can be achieved, for example, by bonding, soldering or welding. In this case, the support element can be bonded to the inner surface of the outer container, for example. The reinforcement ring can be soldered, welded and / or bonded to the inner surface of the outer container. The support element and the reinforcement ring are also materially connected to each other. In particular, the support element is bonded to the reinforcement ring.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the reinforcement ring and the support element are attached to the outside of the outer container.

[0024] The reinforcement ring and the support element are particularly connected to the outer surface of the outer container. In addition, the reinforcement ring and the corresponding support element can also be arranged on the inner side of the outer container.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the outer container has an outer surface facing away from the inner container, wherein the reinforcement ring and the support element are materially connected to the outer surface.

[0026] The reinforcement ring has a cylindrical inner surface as described above, which is materially connected to the outer surface of the outer container.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, a gap which is subjected to a vacuum is provided between the inner container and the outer container, wherein the reinforcement ring and the support element are arranged in the gap.

[0028] Alternatively, the reinforcing ring and the supporting element can also be arranged outside the gap. In this case, the reinforcing ring and the supporting element are not arranged on the inner side of the outer container, but on the outer side of the outer container. In this case, "vacuum" is understood to mean less than 300 mbar, preferably less than 10 -3 mbar, more preferably less than 10 -7 The storage container is thus vacuum-insulated. The gap extends in particular in the radial direction.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, a spacer element is arranged in the intermediate space, which spacer element encloses the inner container.

[0030] Preferably, the insulating element does not completely fill the gap. A further gap may be provided between the insulating element and the supporting element, which further gap is part of the above-mentioned gap. This additional gap is optional. The insulating element and the supporting element may also completely fill the gap provided between the inner container and the outer container. The insulating element serves for thermal insulation. The insulating element is multilayer. This means that the insulating element comprises a plurality of layers. Therefore, the insulating element may also be referred to as a multilayer insulating element or a multilayer thermal insulation element. In particular, the insulating element is a so-called multilayer insulation (MLI). In this case, the insulating element comprises a plurality of alternatingly arranged layers of perforated and / or embossed aluminum foil as reflector and of cellophane as spacers between adjacent aluminum foils. Instead of the above-mentioned multilayer structure, the insulating element may also have a filler of perlite or the like.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the composite material is long fiber reinforced or short fiber reinforced.

[0032] Combinations of short and long fibers can also be provided. The fibers can be selected arbitrarily. For example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, natural fibers, etc. are used. Instead of fibers, the composite material can contain any other filler, such as cotton flakes, microspheres, etc.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the composite material is a laminate or a potting compound.

[0034] For example, the composite material may be wound or laminated onto an outer container. In this case, the composite material is a multilayer laminate having fibers, fiber fabrics, fiber layups or fiber mats embedded in a matrix of the composite material. Alternatively, the composite material may also be pourable or sprayable. In this case, the composite material is preferably short fiber reinforced.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the reinforcement ring is made of an aluminum alloy or a composite material.

[0036] This can result in a weight saving. The composite material can be a fiber-reinforced composite material. However, the reinforcement ring can also be made of, for example, stainless steel. In principle, any other metal can be used.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the inner container and / or the outer container is made of stainless steel.

[0038] Alternatively, for example, the outer container may be at least partially made of a composite material.The inner container may also comprise a composite material.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the outer container has a cylindrical base portion to which the reinforcement ring is attached.

[0040] The reinforcement ring is materially connected to the base part. As mentioned above, the base part is closed at the front by two cover parts that are arched away from each other. However, this is not mandatory. The reinforcement ring is preferably attached only to the base part.

[0041] In the present case, "a (kind)" is not necessarily understood to be limited to exactly one element. On the contrary, multiple elements, such as two, three or more, may also be provided. Any other numerical words used herein should not be understood to mean an exact limitation to the elements of the corresponding number. On the contrary, numerical differences upward or downward are possible.

[0042] Other possible specific implementations of the storage container also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. Those skilled in the art will also add various aspects as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the storage container.

[0043] Further advantageous embodiments of the storage container are the subject matter of the dependent claims and of the embodiments of the storage container described below. The storage container is explained in more detail below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the provided figures.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storage container;

[0045] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 Detailed view of II;

[0046] Figure 3 Shown is the Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outer container of a storage container; and

[0047] Figure 4Shown is the Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an outer container of a storage container.

[0048] In the drawings, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise indicated.

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a storage container 1 is shown. Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 Detailed view II. In the following, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0050] The storage container 1 may also be referred to as a storage tank. The storage container 1 is preferably suitable for receiving liquid hydrogen H2 (boiling point at 1 bara: 20.268K = -252.882°C). The storage container 1 may therefore also be referred to as a helium storage container or a hydrogen storage tank. However, the storage container 1 may also be used for other cryogenic liquids. Examples of cryogenic fluids or liquids (or simply cryogens) include, in addition to the above-mentioned hydrogen H2, liquid helium He (boiling point at 1 bara: 4.222K = -268.928°C), liquid nitrogen N2 (boiling point at 1 bara: 77.35K = -195.80°C) or liquid oxygen O2 (boiling point at 1 bara: 90.18K = -182.97°C).

[0051] The storage container 1 can be a transport container. For example, liquid hydrogen H2 can be transported with the storage container 1. The storage container 1 can be part of a transport vehicle, in particular a ship. In this case, the storage container 1 is suitable for mobile use. However, the storage container 1 is also suitable for stationary use, for example in building technology.

[0052] The storage container 1 is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis or axis of symmetry 2. The axis of symmetry 2 is oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity g. The storage container 1 comprises a first container or inner container 3, which is also rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. The inner container 3 comprises a tubular or cylindrical base portion 4, which is also rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. In a cross-sectional portion, the base portion 4 may have a circular or substantially circular geometry.

[0053] The base part 4 is closed on both sides at the front by means of cover parts 5, 6. The cover parts 5, 6 are arched. The first cover part 5 and the second cover part 6 are arched in opposite directions, so that the cover parts 5, 6 are arched outwardly relative to the base part 4. The inner container 3 is fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight. The inner container 3 is made of stainless steel.

[0054] Liquid hydrogen H2 is received in the inner container 3. As long as the hydrogen H2 is in the two-phase region, a gas region 7 with vaporized hydrogen H2 and a liquid region 8 with liquid hydrogen H2 can be provided in the inner container 3. After entering the inner container 3, the hydrogen H2 therefore has two phases with different aggregation states, namely liquid and gaseous. This means that in the inner container 3, there is a phase boundary 9 between the liquid hydrogen H2 and the gaseous hydrogen H2.

[0055] The inner container 3 is completely arranged inside the second container or outer container 10. The storage container 1 is thus double-walled. The outer container 10 is also rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. Like the inner container 3, the outer container 10 comprises a tubular or cylindrical base portion 11, which is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. In a cross-sectional portion, the base portion 11 can have a circular or substantially circular geometry.

[0056] The base part 11 is closed at the front by a cover part 12, 13. In particular, a first cover part 12 and a second cover part 13 are provided. The cover parts 12, 13 are arched in opposite directions so that the cover parts 12, 13 are arched outwardly relative to the base part 11. The outer container 10 is fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight. The outer container 10 is also made of stainless steel.

[0057] Between the inner container 3 and the outer container 10, a gap 14 is provided which completely surrounds or encloses the inner container 3. The gap 14 is subjected to a vacuum. In this case, "vacuum" is understood to mean a pressure of less than 300 mbar, preferably less than 10 -3 mbar, more preferably less than 10 -7 The storage container 1 is thus vacuum-insulated. The gap 14 completely "wraps" or "encloses" the inner container 3, which in the present case means that the gap 14 completely surrounds the base part 4 and is also provided between the two cover parts 5, 12 and between the two cover parts 6, 13.

[0058] A heat insulating element or isolating element 15 is provided in the gap 14 ( Figure 2 ), the insulating element or insulation element completely encloses or surrounds the inner container 3. This means that the insulation element 15 surrounds both the base part 4 and the cover parts 5, 6 of the inner container 3. The insulation element 15 is used for thermal insulation. The insulation element 15 is multi-layered. This means that the insulation element 15 includes a plurality of layers. Therefore, the insulation element 15 can also be referred to as a multi-layer insulation element or a multi-layer insulation element.

[0059] In particular, the insulation element 15 is a so-called multi-layer insulation (MLI). The insulation element 15 comprises a plurality of alternately arranged layers of perforated and / or embossed aluminum foils 16 as reflectors and glass paper 17 as spacers between adjacent aluminum foils 16. The glass paper 17 may be perforated and / or punched. Figure 21, only two layers of aluminium foil 16 and two layers of cellophane 17 are provided with reference numerals. The cellophane 17 serves as a spacer between two adjacent aluminium foils 16, which allows the insulating element 15 to be exposed to the vacuum prevailing in the gap 14. The insulating element 15 only partially fills the gap 14. The insulating element 15 rests on the outside of the inner container 3.

[0060] The separating element 15 is assigned a metal foil 18 which seals off the separating element 15 in the direction of the outer container 10. The metal foil 18 completely surrounds or wraps the separating element 15 or the inner container 3. The metal foil 18 can be, for example, an aluminum foil or a copper foil. The metal foil 18 has a greater thickness or wall thickness than the aluminum foil 16. The metal foil 18 is optional. The metal foil 18 can be part of the separating element 15. The metal foil 18 is preferably not fluid-tight and is therefore fluid-permeable so that the separating element 15 can be drained.

[0061] Between the insulating elements 15 or between the metal foil 18 and the outer container 10 there is provided a gap 19 which completely surrounds or encloses the insulating elements 15. In particular, the gap 19 is part of the gap 14. The gap 19 can have, for example, a gap width of 100 mm. The gap 19 can be filled with a filler of perlite or the like. However, as an alternative to perlite, rock wool, glass wool or any other suitable insulating material can also be used. Instead of the above-described multilayer structure, the insulating elements 15 can also have a filler of perlite or the like.

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outer container 10A for the storage container 1 .

[0063] In particular, Figure 3 1 shows only the base portion 11 of the outer container 10A. The base portion 11 includes a cylindrical outer surface 20 that is rotationally symmetrical about the symmetry axis 2 and a cylindrical inner surface 21 that is also rotationally symmetrical about the symmetry axis 2. The outer surface 20 faces away from the inner container 3 (not shown). The inner surface 21 faces the inner container 3. When viewed along a radial direction R that is perpendicular to the symmetry axis 2 and oriented away from the symmetry axis 2, the inner surface 21 is placed inside the outer surface 20.

[0064] The base part 11 can be made of a steel alloy, in particular stainless steel or carbon steel. The base part 11 is tubular. The base part 11 is rotationally symmetrical about the symmetry axis 2. In order to form the outer container 10A, the base part 11 is sealed at the front by means of cover parts 12, 13 (not shown). The cover parts 12, 13 are materially connected to the base part 11. In a material connection, the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. A material connection is a non-releasable connection that can only be separated by destroying the connection method and / or the connection partner. The material connection can be achieved, for example, by bonding, brazing or welding.

[0065] A plurality of reinforcement rings 22, 23 are attached to the base portion 11. The number of reinforcement rings 22, 23 is arbitrary. Figure 3 , exactly two reinforcement rings 22, 23 are shown. The reinforcement rings 22, 23 may have the same structure. When viewed along the axis of symmetry 2, the reinforcement rings 22, 23 are spaced apart from each other by a distance a. Each reinforcement ring 22, 23 is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. The reinforcement rings 22, 23 may be made of a steel alloy or a fiber composite material.

[0066] Each reinforcement ring 22, 23 has a cylindrical outer surface 24 which is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2 and a cylindrical inner surface 25 which is also rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. When viewed in the radial direction R, the inner surface 25 is arranged inside the outer surface 24. The inner container 3 is placed inside the reinforcement rings 22, 23. This means in particular that the inner container 3 passes through the reinforcement rings 22, 23. On the outer surface 24, the reinforcement rings 22, 23 each have a diameter d24. On the inner surface 25, the reinforcement rings 22, 23 each have a diameter d25. The diameter d24 is greater than the diameter d25.

[0067] The reinforcement rings 22, 23 are connected with their outer surface 24 to the inner surface 21 of the base part 11. For this purpose, a material connection is provided. For example, the reinforcement rings 22, 23 are glued, brazed and / or welded to the inner surface 21 on their outer surface 24. The reinforcement rings 22, 23 are thus placed inside the base part 11. When viewed along the axis of symmetry 2, each reinforcement ring 22, 23 has a width b. Between two adjacent reinforcement rings 22, 23, a gap 26 is provided along the axis of symmetry 2, which gap separates the reinforcement rings 22, 23 from each other by a distance a.

[0068] The gap 26 is at least partially filled with a support element 27. The reinforcement rings 22, 23 can be supported on each other via the support element 27. The support element 27 forms a hollow cylindrical geometry that is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 2. The support element 27 contacts the inner surface 21 of the base part 11 and is materially connected to it, for example bonded. The inner container 3 is placed in the cylindrical support element 27.

[0069] The support element 27 is made of a composite material. In this case, "composite material" is understood to mean a material having a matrix (e.g., a plastic material) in which a filler, e.g., in the form of fibers, is embedded. The plastic material may be a thermoplastic or an elastomer, such as an epoxy resin. The fibers may be long fibers or short fibers. The fibers may be glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, natural fibers, etc. In addition to fibers, any other filler may be used. The support element 27 may be a multilayer laminate having fibers, fiber fabrics, fiber stacks or fiber mats embedded in a matrix. The composite material may also be pourable or sprayable. In this case, the composite material is preferably short fiber reinforced.

[0070] Compared to the reinforcement rings 22, 23, the support element 27 has a reduced density. When viewed opposite to the radial direction R, the support element 27 does not protrude beyond the inner surface 25. Since the support element 27 is arranged between the reinforcement rings 22, 23, the reinforcement rings 22, 23 can support each other via the support element 27. Therefore, the distance a between the reinforcement rings 22, 23 can be increased and / or the reinforcement rings 22, 23 can be made smaller. This means, for example, that the width b of the reinforcement rings 22, 23 can be reduced.

[0071] By using the support element 27, the weight of the outer container 10A and therefore the weight of the storage container 1 itself can be reduced. Since, in particular for transporting the storage container 1 filled with hydrogen H2, its total weight must not exceed a predetermined value, it is advantageous for the empty container weight of the storage container 1 to be as low as possible, so that a larger amount of hydrogen H2 can be transported compared to a storage container (not shown) with a higher empty container weight.

[0072] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an outer container 10B for the storage container 1 .

[0073] The structure of the outer container 10B corresponds substantially to that of the outer container 10A. In contrast to the outer container 10A, the outer container 10B does not have inner reinforcement rings 22, 23, but has outer reinforcement rings 28, 29. Each reinforcement ring 28, 29 has a cylindrical outer surface 30 and a cylindrical inner surface 31. The outer surface 30 has a diameter d30. The inner surface 31 has a diameter d31. The diameter d30 is greater than the diameter d31.

[0074] On the inner surface 31, the reinforcement rings 28, 29 are materially connected to the outer surface 20. Between each two adjacent reinforcement rings 28, 29, a gap 32 is provided, which keeps the reinforcement rings 28, 29 spaced apart from each other by a distance a, as described above. The gap 32 is filled with a support element 33, which is also made of a composite material. In contrast to the support element 27, the support element 33 is not attached to the inner side of the outer container 10B, but to the outer side of the outer container 10B. This means that the support element 33 contacts the outer container 10B on the outer surface 20. The support element 33 is bonded to the outer surface 20.

[0075] Although the invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it can be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims.

[0076] Reference symbols used

[0077] 1 Storage container

[0078] 2 Axis of symmetry

[0079] 3 inner container

[0080] 4 Base part

[0081] 5. Capping part

[0082] 6. Capping part

[0083] 7 Gas Zone

[0084] 8 Liquid Zone

[0085] 9 Phase boundary

[0086] 10 external container

[0087] 10A external container

[0088] 10B outer container

[0089] 11 Base

[0090] 12 Capping part

[0091] 13. Capping part

[0092] 14 Gap

[0093] 15 Isolation element

[0094] 16 Aluminum foil

[0095] 17 Cellophane

[0096] 18 metal foil

[0097] 19 Gap

[0098] 20 External surface

[0099] 21 Inner surface

[0100] 22 Reinforcement ring

[0101] 23 Reinforcement ring

[0102] 24 External surface

[0103] 25 Inner surface

[0104] 26 Gap

[0105] 27 Support element

[0106] 28 Reinforcement ring

[0107] 29 Reinforcement ring

[0108] 30 External surface

[0109] 31 Inner surface

[0110] 32 Gap

[0111] 33 Support elements

[0112] a Distance

[0113] b Width

[0114] d24 diameter

[0115] d25 diameter

[0116] d30 diameter

[0117] d31 diameter

[0118] gDirection of gravity

[0119] H2 refrigerant / hydrogen

Claims

1. A storage container (1) for storing a cryogen (H2), comprising an inner container (3) for receiving the cryogen (H2) and an outer container (10A, 10B) for accommodating the inner container (3), wherein the outer container (10A, 10B) has a reinforcement ring (22, 23, 28, 29) for reinforcing the outer container (10A, 10B), and the outer container (10A, 10B) has a supporting element (27, 33), the supporting element (27, 33) is made of a composite material and at least some parts of the supporting element (27, 33) are arranged in a gap (26, 32) between two adjacent reinforcement rings (22, 23, 28, 29) so as to support the reinforcement ring (22, 23, 28, 29).

2. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein the inner container (3) is arranged within the reinforcement ring (22, 23, 28, 29).

3. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner container (3) is arranged within the supporting element (27, 33).

4. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer container (10A) encloses the support element (27), or wherein the support element (33) encloses the outer container (10B).

5. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcement ring (22, 23) and the support element (27) are attached to the inner side of the outer container (10A).

6. A storage container according to claim 5, wherein the outer container (10A) has an inner surface (21) facing the inner container (3), and wherein the reinforcement ring (22, 23) and the support element (27) are at least partially materially connected to the inner surface (21).

7. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcement ring (28, 29) and the support element (33) are attached to the outside of the outer container (10B).

8. The storage container according to claim 7, wherein the outer container (10B) has an outer surface (20) facing away from the inner container (3), and wherein the reinforcement ring (28, 29) and the support element (33) are materially connected to the outer surface (20).

9. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a gap (14) subjected to vacuum is provided between the inner container (3) and the outer container (10A), wherein the reinforcement ring (22, 23) and the support element (27) are arranged in the gap (14).

10. The storage container according to claim 9, wherein a separation element (15) enclosing the inner container (3) is arranged in the gap (14).

11. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composite material is long fiber reinforced or short fiber reinforced.

12. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composite material is a laminate or a potting compound.

13. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reinforcement ring (22, 23, 28, 29) is made of an aluminum alloy or a composite material.

14. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inner container (3) and / or the outer container (10A, 10B) are made of stainless steel.

15. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the outer container (10A, 10B) has a cylindrical base portion (11), the reinforcement ring (22, 23, 28, 29) being attached to the cylindrical base portion (11).

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