A double-layer adsorption type high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system and method
By utilizing the different materials and temperature and pressure control of the inner and outer tanks, the hydrogen storage efficiency and safety issues of single-layer structures are solved through the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system, achieving more efficient and safer hydrogen storage and release.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing adsorption-type hydrogen storage devices are mostly single-layer structures, and their hydrogen storage capacity is limited by material properties and operating conditions, making it difficult to fully utilize the potential of the adsorption material. Furthermore, they lack efficiency and flexibility under different temperature and pressure conditions.
The system employs a double-layer tank structure, with the inner and outer tanks filled with different types of adsorption materials, enabling relatively independent temperature and pressure regulation. Precise control is achieved through refrigeration pipelines and sensor systems, combined with the energy management of the phase change material layer and fuel cell, thus optimizing hydrogen storage performance.
It improves hydrogen storage density and safety, reduces operational pressure, enhances the economy and safety of hydrogen storage systems, and achieves more efficient hydrogen storage and release.
Smart Images

Figure CN119594316B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas storage tank technology, specifically to a double-layer adsorption type high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system and method. Background Technology
[0002] Hydrogen is an important clean energy source. However, due to its extremely low density at room temperature and pressure, achieving efficient, safe, and economical hydrogen storage remains a key technological bottleneck restricting the widespread application of hydrogen energy. Current hydrogen storage technologies mainly include three methods: high-pressure hydrogen storage, liquid hydrogen storage, and solid-state hydrogen storage. High-pressure hydrogen storage achieves storage by compressing hydrogen to high pressure (typically 35–70 MPa), but its hydrogen storage density is limited, and the cost and safety of high-pressure containers pose challenges. Liquid hydrogen storage requires cooling hydrogen to below -253°C for liquefaction, but the cryogenic storage process is energy-intensive and requires complex insulation techniques to reduce volatilization losses. Solid-state hydrogen storage includes metal hydride hydrogen storage, chemical hydride hydrogen storage, and adsorption hydrogen storage.
[0003] Among them, adsorption-based hydrogen storage can achieve high hydrogen storage density at relatively low pressure and temperature, and has good reversibility and cycling performance. Adsorption-based hydrogen storage technology typically uses porous materials (such as activated carbon, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), zeolites, etc.) as adsorbents. These materials have high specific surface area and unique pore structures, and can achieve efficient hydrogen storage through physical adsorption or chemical adsorption. Chinese patent (publication number CN 114754290 B, publication date 2022.07.15) provides a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank based on phase change thermal storage and a solid-gas coupled hydrogen storage system. It designs a three-layer distribution structure including a phase change material zone, a hydrogen buffer zone, and a metal hydride hydrogen storage zone, and proposes a hydrogen storage system design method that combines it with a gaseous hydrogen storage device. The proposed method of combining solid-state hydrogen storage with gaseous hydrogen storage not only achieves complementarity in hydrogen storage rate and storage space, but also greatly improves the volumetric energy density of the hydrogen storage system. However, most existing adsorption-based hydrogen storage devices are single-layer structures, whose hydrogen storage capacity is limited by material properties and operating conditions (such as temperature and pressure), making it difficult to fully utilize the hydrogen storage potential of the adsorption material. Furthermore, in actual hydrogen storage processes, the adsorption performance of the adsorption material varies significantly under different temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in insufficient efficiency and flexibility in hydrogen adsorption and desorption of single-layer structures. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system and method. The hydrogen storage tank adopts a double-layer tank structure, with different types of adsorption materials filled between the inner and outer tanks and within the inner tank. This enables relatively independent temperature and pressure control, thereby achieving synergistic optimization of hydrogen storage effect, increasing hydrogen storage density, and reducing the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage tank, thus improving the safety and economy of the hydrogen storage system.
[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a double-layer adsorption-type high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system, which adopts the following scheme:
[0006] Includes hydrogen storage tanks, which include:
[0007] The inner tank has an internal storage cavity filled with a metal-organic framework material. Refrigeration pipes are arranged inside the internal storage cavity and connected to an external refrigeration unit.
[0008] The outer tank forms an outer storage cavity, and the inner tank is installed in the outer storage cavity. The outer tank wall is equipped with a heat insulation layer, and the space between the inner tank wall and the outer tank wall is filled with porous nano-adsorbent material.
[0009] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a branch valve, which includes a hydrogen passage and a refrigerant passage. The refrigerant pipeline is connected to an external refrigerant through the refrigerant passage, and the hydrogen passage is connected to the inner storage cavity and the outer storage cavity respectively, so as to control the hydrogen inlet and outlet of the inner tank and the outer tank.
[0010] Furthermore, sensors are installed in the inner and outer tanks respectively. The sensors are used to measure the state parameters of the inner and outer storage cavities and send them to the control system. The branch valve is provided with a sensor passage so that the state parameters of the sensors can be transmitted through leads.
[0011] Furthermore, the inner tank wall has a multi-layer structure, and the refrigerant pipeline is distributed in a spiral structure and arranged along the inner wall of the inner tank.
[0012] Furthermore, multiple support pillars connect the inner tank and the outer tank, fixing the inner tank inside the outer tank, with the inner tank wall separate from the inner wall of the outer tank.
[0013] Furthermore, the outer tank wall includes a protective shell, an aerogel layer, a phase change material layer, a carbon fiber layer, and an aluminum alloy layer distributed sequentially from the outside to the inside, wherein at least the aerogel layer and the phase change material layer serve as insulation layers.
[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a refrigerator, a fuel cell, and a control system. The refrigerator is connected to a refrigeration pipe, the fuel cell is connected to the inner and outer storage chambers through a branch valve, and the control system is used to obtain the status of the inner and outer storage chambers and control the operating status of the refrigerator and the fuel cell.
[0015] Furthermore, the discharge end of the fuel cell is connected to a storage battery, which supplies power to the refrigerator and control system.
[0016] A second objective of this invention is to provide a method for operating a double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system as described in the first objective, comprising:
[0017] During gas storage, the refrigeration pipeline cools the inner storage cavity, and the inner storage cavity can cool the outer storage cavity, so that the inner and outer storage cavities are at the required operating temperature.
[0018] Hydrogen gas is introduced into the inner and outer storage chambers respectively, so that the gas pressure in the inner storage chamber is greater than that in the outer storage chamber, and the pressure difference is maintained to store hydrogen.
[0019] During venting, the temperature of the inner and outer storage chambers is adjusted through the refrigeration pipeline to allow the hydrogen gas in the inner and outer storage chambers to be released.
[0020] Furthermore, when the hydrogen storage tank experiences temperature or pressure imbalance, the hydrogen in the storage tank is released into the fuel cell to generate electricity, and then stored and supplied to the system for use.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are:
[0022] To address the issue that current hydrogen storage systems, which employ a single-layer structure, cannot meet demand for hydrogen storage capacity, a double-layer structure is adopted for the hydrogen storage tank. Different types of adsorption materials are filled between the inner and outer tanks, and within the inner tank, respectively. This allows for relatively independent temperature and pressure control, thereby achieving synergistic optimization of hydrogen storage performance, increasing hydrogen storage density, and reducing the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage tank, thus improving the safety and economy of the hydrogen storage system.
[0023] The inner tank of the hydrogen storage tank has a high pressure and low temperature, enabling a higher hydrogen storage density. The outer tank has a lower hydrogen storage density compared to the inner tank. There is a pressure difference between the inner and outer tanks. The pressure of the outer tank provides a pressure buffer for the inner tank, effectively preventing pressure overload and providing a safer hydrogen storage environment for the inner tank, thus greatly improving the safety of the hydrogen storage tank. In addition, the refrigerant pipeline of the hydrogen storage tank is arranged in a spiral tube on the inner tank wall. The refrigerant first transfers cold energy to the inner tank and then gradually transfers it to the outside, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the inner and outer tanks. The resulting stepped temperature difference makes it more difficult for cold energy to transfer to the outside, reducing the cold energy loss of the hydrogen storage tank.
[0024] The hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a phase change material layer, which melts and absorbs heat when the external ambient temperature is high. This provides the hydrogen storage tank control system with sufficient time to activate the refrigeration unit and increase its power, reducing the loss of hydrogen storage capacity caused by changes in the external environment. The system monitors the state inside the hydrogen storage tank. If temperature or pressure imbalance occurs, the system controls the high-pressure valve to release a certain amount of hydrogen into the fuel cell to generate electricity. The generated electricity is stored in a lithium battery to supply the power needs of the hydrogen storage tank control system, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the hydrogen storage tank. Attached Figure Description
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank in Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system in Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention.
[0028] The components are as follows: 1. Hydrogen passage; 2. Sensor passage; 3. Refrigerant passage; 4. Hydrogen outlet of outer tank; 5. Sensor; 6. Valve; 7. Hydrogen outlet of inner tank; 8. Porous nano-adsorbent material; 9. MOF adsorbent material; 10. Refrigeration pipeline; 11. Phase change material layer; 12. Carbon fiber layer; 13. Aluminum alloy layer; 14. Inner tank; 15. Outer tank; 16. Support column; 17. Aerogel layer; 18. Hydrogen storage tank; 19. Control system; 20. Refrigeration unit; 21. Fuel cell; 22. Storage battery; 23. Branch valve. Detailed Implementation
[0029] Example 1
[0030] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, a double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system is presented.
[0031] Existing adsorption-based hydrogen storage devices are mostly single-layer structures, whose hydrogen storage capacity is limited by material properties and operating conditions (such as temperature and pressure), making it difficult to fully utilize the hydrogen storage potential of the adsorbent materials. Based on this, this embodiment provides a double-layer adsorption-based high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system 18. Employing a double-layer tank structure, different types of adsorbent materials are filled between the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15, and within the inner tank 14, breaking the limitations of single-layer structures in material application and condition dependence. This allows for more full utilization of the advantages of different adsorbent materials to improve hydrogen storage capacity. Furthermore, in actual hydrogen storage processes, the adsorption performance of adsorbent materials varies significantly under different temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in insufficient efficiency and flexibility in hydrogen adsorption and desorption of single-layer structures. To address this, the double-layer structure of the double-layer adsorption-based high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system 18 provided in this embodiment enables relatively independent temperature and pressure control. Temperature and pressure conditions can be flexibly adjusted according to the needs of different adsorbent materials, thereby optimizing the hydrogen adsorption and desorption process and improving the efficiency and flexibility of adsorption and desorption.
[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank 18 system includes a hydrogen storage tank 18, which has a double-layer tank structure, consisting of an outer tank 15 and an inner tank 14 arranged inside the outer tank 15, which can realize multiple functions and optimize the hydrogen storage effect.
[0033] Specifically, the inner tank 14 forms an inner storage cavity, which is the primary space for storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank 18, providing a place for the hydrogen to be contained. The inner storage cavity is filled with a metal-organic framework material 9 (MOF). MOF has a high specific surface area and a unique pore structure, and is very sensitive to temperature. The lower the temperature, the higher the hydrogen storage capacity. Matching its position inside the hydrogen storage tank 18, it can maintain a relatively low temperature state, thereby utilizing its temperature-sensitive characteristics to enhance the hydrogen storage capacity. MOF can efficiently store hydrogen through physical or chemical adsorption, playing an important role in improving the hydrogen storage density of the entire device.
[0034] To lower the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank 18, in this embodiment, a cooling pipe 10 is arranged inside the inner storage cavity, and this cooling pipe 10 is connected to an external refrigerator 20. The external refrigerator 20 provides cooling, which allows for temperature regulation within the inner storage cavity. Based on the influence of temperature on the adsorption performance of the adsorption material, the hydrogen storage tank 18 is kept at a low temperature to enhance the adsorption effect of the adsorption material on hydrogen and increase the hydrogen storage capacity.
[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer tank 15 forms an outer storage cavity, and the inner tank 14 is installed in the outer storage cavity. The space between the outer tank 15 and the inner tank 14 is the second space for storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank 18. The outer tank 15 provides an outer layer of protection and additional functional space for the overall structure.
[0036] The outer tank 15 is provided with an insulation layer, which reduces heat transfer and maintains a relatively stable internal temperature of the entire hydrogen storage tank 18. This prevents changes in the external ambient temperature from causing significant interference between the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15, as well as within the inner tank 14, and helps maintain the adsorbent material under suitable adsorption temperature conditions.
[0037] The space between the inner tank 14 wall and the outer tank 15 wall is filled with porous nano-adsorbent material 8, which has a certain ability to adsorb hydrogen. With its high specific surface area and other characteristics, it provides adsorption sites for hydrogen, increases the hydrogen storage capacity, and works together with the MOF material in the inner tank 14 to adsorb and store hydrogen from different spaces.
[0038] By filling the inner tank 14 with metal-organic framework material 9 and filling the space between the inner tank 14 wall and the outer tank 15 wall with porous nano-adsorbent material 8, the two different adsorbent materials work together from different spatial positions, each using its high specific surface area and other characteristics to adsorb hydrogen. Compared with a single-layer structure adsorption hydrogen storage device, it can store more hydrogen, thereby increasing the hydrogen storage density.
[0039] By utilizing the dual-layer structure and the rational configuration of different adsorption materials, relatively independent temperature and pressure control is achieved, optimizing the hydrogen storage process. This allows for a reduction in the operating pressure required for the hydrogen storage tank 18 while achieving the same or higher hydrogen storage capacity. This alleviates the pressure resistance requirements of the hydrogen storage tank 18, improves the safety and economy of the entire hydrogen storage system, and reduces costs and potential safety risks.
[0040] By reducing operating pressure, the safety hazards caused by high pressure are minimized, ensuring the safety of the hydrogen storage system during operation. Simultaneously, the reduced operating pressure means that the requirements for materials and other aspects of related equipment such as the hydrogen storage tank 18 can be appropriately relaxed, lowering equipment costs. Furthermore, improved hydrogen storage efficiency also contributes to enhancing the economic benefits of the entire hydrogen storage system, making it more economically viable.
[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a branch valve 23 is installed on the hydrogen storage tank 18. The branch valve 23 has a hydrogen passage 1 and a refrigerant passage 3. The hydrogen passage 1 connects the inner storage cavity and the outer storage cavity respectively, which can precisely control the inflow and outflow of hydrogen in the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15. This facilitates targeted control in different usage scenarios, such as filling, releasing, or adjusting the hydrogen distribution in the inner and outer tanks 15, and achieves orderly management of hydrogen flow. The hydrogen passage 1 is a bidirectional channel. A valve 6 is installed on the hydrogen passage 1. The hydrogen passage 1 connects to the outer storage cavity of the outer tank 15 through the hydrogen outlet 4 of the outer tank, and connects to the inner storage cavity of the inner tank 14 through the hydrogen outlet 7 of the inner tank. The filling and releasing of hydrogen use the same channel and are controlled by the valve 6.
[0042] The refrigerant pipeline is connected to the external refrigerant through the refrigerant passage 3, which ensures that the refrigerant can smoothly enter the hydrogen storage tank 18 and pass through the refrigerant pipeline 10 to exchange cold energy with the inner tank 14, creating conditions for regulating the temperature inside the tank, and thus affecting the hydrogen storage performance of the adsorption material.
[0043] By separately controlling the flow paths of hydrogen and refrigerant through the branch valve 23, the flexibility and controllability of the entire hydrogen storage system are improved. The amount of hydrogen and the temperature environment of the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15 can be adjusted more precisely, which helps to better utilize the hydrogen storage advantages of the different adsorption materials in the inner and outer tanks 15. It also helps to maintain the stability of the internal state of the entire hydrogen storage tank 18, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the system.
[0044] Sensors 5 are installed in the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15 respectively to measure the state parameters of the inner and outer storage cavities. The state parameters include key information such as temperature and pressure. Temperature sensors 5, pressure sensors 5, or integrated temperature and pressure sensors 5 can be used to acquire these parameters. The sensors 5 transmit the acquired state parameters to the control system 19 via leads. In this embodiment, to facilitate the arrangement of the leads, a sensor passage 2 is provided on the branch valve 23 for the sensor 5 leads to pass through.
[0045] The control system 19 can comprehensively monitor the internal working status of the hydrogen storage tank 18 based on real-time data acquired by the sensor 5. The control system 19 can determine whether the refrigeration unit 20 needs to be started for temperature regulation based on temperature data, and assess whether there are any abnormal pressure conditions based on pressure data, thereby making corresponding control decisions.
[0046] The arrangement of sensor 5 enables real-time monitoring of the internal conditions of hydrogen storage tank 18, which is the foundation for the intelligent control of the entire hydrogen storage system. Since adsorption hydrogen storage is sensitive to conditions such as temperature and pressure, accurately acquiring these state parameters and feeding them back to the control system 19 in a timely manner can effectively avoid problems such as decreased hydrogen storage efficiency and safety hazards caused by excessively high temperatures or abnormal pressures, ensuring that the hydrogen storage process is always in a safe and efficient state.
[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner tank 14 has a multi-layered wall structure, and the refrigerant piping is spirally coiled and arranged along the inner wall of the inner tank 14. The multi-layered tank wall structure itself can ensure the strength and insulation performance of the inner tank 14 from different aspects. The spiral coiling distribution of the refrigerant piping can increase its contact area with the inner tank 14 wall, so that the refrigerant can transfer cold energy to the inner tank 14 more evenly and efficiently during circulation. This ensures that the overall temperature of the inner tank 14 can be well regulated, so as to meet the low-temperature environment requirements of the MOF adsorbent material in the inner tank 14, and thus maintain its good hydrogen storage capacity.
[0048] By arranging refrigerant pipelines, the accuracy and uniformity of temperature regulation in the inner tank 14 are improved, allowing the inner tank 14 to maintain a relatively stable and suitable low-temperature environment, which helps to increase the hydrogen storage density of the MOF adsorbent material. Compared with simple pipeline arrangements or non-multi-layer tank wall structures, this approach can more fully utilize the advantages of the adsorbent material, enhancing the overall hydrogen storage effect of the hydrogen storage tank 18 while ensuring hydrogen storage safety. In this embodiment, the tank wall of the inner tank 14 consists of three layers: the innermost and outermost layers are made of aluminum alloy, and the middle layer is made of carbon fiber. In other optional embodiments, the inner tank 14 can also have other numbers of layers and be constructed from other materials.
[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple support pillars 16 connect the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15, allowing the inner tank 14 to be fixed inside the outer tank 15, and the wall of the inner tank 14 to remain separate from the inner wall of the outer tank 15. In this embodiment, the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15 are connected by nine alloy support pillars 16, one of which is located between the bottom of the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15, and the other eight are distributed between the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15. The main function of the support pillars 16 is to provide structural support and ensure the stability of the double-layer tank structure, especially under the conditions of internal hydrogen pressure and thermal stress caused by temperature changes, to prevent the inner tank 14 from shifting or colliding with the outer tank 15, thus maintaining the integrity of the entire hydrogen storage tank 18 structure.
[0050] The hydrogen storage tank 18 operates at a pressure of 0-20 MPa, with a pressure difference of 5 MPa between the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 15, and an operating temperature ranging from -50℃ to 0℃. The inner tank 14 of the hydrogen storage tank 18 has a higher pressure and lower temperature, enabling a greater hydrogen storage density. The outer tank 15 has a lower hydrogen storage density compared to the inner tank 14. The pressure difference between the inner and outer tanks provides a pressure buffer for the inner tank 14, effectively preventing internal pressure overload and providing a safer hydrogen storage environment for the inner tank 14, thus significantly improving the safety of the hydrogen storage tank 18. Furthermore, the refrigerant piping of the hydrogen storage tank 18 is arranged in a spiral configuration along the wall of the inner tank 14. The refrigerant first transfers cooling energy to the inner tank 14 and then gradually transfers it outwards, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the inner and outer tanks 15. This stepped temperature difference makes it more difficult for cooling energy to transfer outwards, reducing the cooling energy loss of the hydrogen storage tank 18.
[0051] The presence of support pillar 16 avoids a series of problems caused by structural instability, such as hydrogen leakage and tank wall damage, and also ensures that the adsorbent material filled between inner tank 14 and outer tank 15 and various functional layers (such as phase change material layer 11) can function normally, which helps the entire hydrogen storage system to achieve hydrogen storage and related functions in a long-term and stable manner.
[0052] like Figure 1As shown, the outer wall of the outer can 15 consists of a protective shell, an aerogel layer 17, a phase change material layer 11, a carbon fiber layer 12, and an aluminum alloy layer 13, distributed sequentially from the outside to the inside. The protective shell provides overall protection for the outer can 15, resisting damage from external physical impacts. The aerogel layer 17 and the phase change material layer 11 serve as insulation layers. The aerogel itself has extremely low thermal conductivity, effectively reducing heat transfer. The phase change material layer 11 absorbs or releases heat through a phase change process when the temperature changes. The phase change material layer 11 can be filled with n-decyl alcohol phase change material, whose phase change temperature is 6°C.
[0053] The aerogel layer 17 and the phase change material layer 11 serve as insulation layers, working together to maintain a relatively stable temperature environment inside the outer tank 15 and reduce the impact of external temperature fluctuations on the interior of the hydrogen storage tank 18. The carbon fiber layer 12 and the aluminum alloy layer 13, while ensuring the structural strength of the outer tank 15, also assist in achieving functions such as heat insulation to a certain extent.
[0054] The multi-layered structure of the outer tank 15 ensures its performance from multiple dimensions. The insulation function helps maintain suitable temperature conditions between the inner and outer tanks 15 and inside the inner tank 14. The structural strength-related layers ensure that the outer tank 15 can withstand internal pressure and external forces. Overall, it provides a stable, safe and temperature-appropriate external environment for the inner tank 14, which helps improve the safety and hydrogen storage efficiency of the entire hydrogen storage tank 18.
[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigeration unit 20 is connected to the refrigeration pipe, and can deliver cooling capacity to the inner tank 14 and other parts through the circulation of refrigerant in the refrigeration pipe 10 and the refrigeration unit 20, so as to regulate the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank 18. The refrigerant can be R404A or R290. The minimum temperature of the refrigerant when it is working can reach -45℃ to -50℃, which meets the hydrogen storage temperature requirements of the adsorption material.
[0056] Fuel cell 21 connects the inner and outer storage chambers via branch valve 23, allowing it to generate electricity using hydrogen from hydrogen storage tank 18 as fuel. Control system 19 plays a crucial coordinating role; after acquiring the state parameters of the inner and outer storage chambers, it uses this real-time information to control the cooling power of refrigerator 20 and the operating status of fuel cell 21. For example, it controls refrigerator 20 to increase power when the temperature is too high, or controls fuel cell 21 to generate electricity when additional power is needed, ensuring coordinated operation of all components and guaranteeing the normal operation of the hydrogen storage system.
[0057] The system integrates temperature regulation, power generation, and control management of the hydrogen storage tank 18. By rationally allocating the working states of the chiller 20 and the fuel cell 21, it can maintain a good hydrogen storage environment inside the hydrogen storage tank 18 and achieve rational energy utilization and power self-sufficiency to a certain extent, thereby improving the stability, economy, and ability to cope with changes in the internal state of the entire hydrogen storage system.
[0058] The discharge end of fuel cell 21 is connected to battery 22, which supplies power to refrigerator 20 and control system 19. When fuel cell 21 generates electricity, the electrical energy can be stored in battery 22, which then provides stable power support to refrigerator 20 and control system 19. When hydrogen storage tank 18 and control system 19 need to continuously acquire data from sensor 5, perform data analysis, and make control decisions, and when refrigerator 20 needs to run continuously to maintain the temperature inside the tank, battery 22 can ensure a stable power supply, preventing system malfunctions or shutdowns due to insufficient power.
[0059] As the power reserve and supply link of the entire system, the battery 22 ensures the power demand of key components such as the chiller 20 and the control system 19, enhances the reliability and continuity of the entire hydrogen storage system, and enables the system to work normally under different operating conditions, maintaining the safety, stability and efficient hydrogen storage function of the hydrogen storage tank 18.
[0060] It should be noted that the chiller 20, fuel cell 21, battery 22, and control system 19 together constitute the energy management system. The control system 19 monitors the real-time temperature and pressure data inside the tank. Once a temperature or pressure imbalance occurs, the hydrogen passage 1 of the branch valve 23 is controlled to release a certain amount of hydrogen into the fuel cell 21 to generate electricity. The generated electricity is stored in the battery 22 to supply the power needs of the control system 19. In addition, if an overheating phenomenon occurs (but not to the point of temperature imbalance), the chiller 20 is controlled to increase its power to cool the hydrogen storage tank 18. If the temperature and pressure inside the hydrogen storage tank 18 are within a safe range and have a certain margin, the chiller 20 is controlled to reduce its power to maintain the temperature inside the hydrogen storage tank 18.
[0061] Example 2
[0062] In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, a working method of a double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank 18 system is given, which utilizes the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank 18 system as in Example 1.
[0063] A method for operating a double-layer adsorption type high-pressure hydrogen storage tank 18 system includes:
[0064] During gas storage, the refrigeration pipeline 10 cools the inner storage cavity, and the inner storage cavity can cool the outer storage cavity, so that the inner and outer storage cavities are at the required operating temperature.
[0065] Hydrogen gas is introduced into the inner and outer storage chambers respectively, so that the gas pressure in the inner storage chamber is greater than that in the outer storage chamber, and the pressure difference is maintained to store hydrogen.
[0066] During venting, the temperature of the inner and outer storage chambers is adjusted through the refrigeration pipe 10 to allow the hydrogen gas in the inner and outer storage chambers to be released.
[0067] When the hydrogen storage tank 18 experiences temperature or pressure imbalance, the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank 18 is released into the fuel cell 21 to generate electricity, and then stored and supplied to the system for use.
[0068] Specifically, the working method of the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank 18 system is explained in detail.
[0069] Gas storage process:
[0070] During the storage phase, the cooling pipeline 10 first cools the inner storage chamber. Since the MOF adsorbent material filled in the inner tank 14 is extremely sensitive to temperature, its hydrogen storage capacity increases with lower temperatures. Therefore, reducing the temperature of the inner storage chamber through the cooling pipeline 10 significantly improves the hydrogen storage efficiency of the inner tank 14. Simultaneously, heat transfer occurs between the inner and outer storage chambers; the decrease in the inner chamber temperature leads to a decrease in the outer chamber temperature, gradually bringing the entire hydrogen storage tank 18 to the required operating temperature range (-50℃ to 0℃). This temperature conduction from the inner tank 14 to the outer tank 15 fully utilizes the cooling capacity of the inner tank 14, improving energy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the double-layer tank structure allows for relatively precise control of the temperature environment of the inner and outer tanks 15 to meet the temperature requirements of different adsorbent materials (MOF material in the inner tank 14 and porous nano-adsorbent material 8 in the outer tank 15), facilitating efficient hydrogen storage.
[0071] When hydrogen is introduced into the inner and outer storage chambers, the pressure in the inner chamber is intentionally made higher than that in the outer chamber to maintain a pressure difference for hydrogen storage. The higher pressure in the inner tank 14, combined with its low-temperature environment, further increases the hydrogen storage density of the inner tank 14, fully utilizing the hydrogen storage potential of the MOF adsorbent material within it. The relatively lower pressure in the outer tank 15 provides a pressure buffer for the inner tank 14, effectively preventing internal pressure overload. Furthermore, the outer tank 15 itself can utilize its porous nano-adsorbent material 8 to store a certain amount of hydrogen at a lower pressure, increasing the overall hydrogen storage capacity of the hydrogen storage tank 18. The 5 MPa pressure difference design between the inner and outer tanks is an optimized result after comprehensively considering factors such as hydrogen storage efficiency and structural safety. This pressure difference hydrogen storage method has significant advantages in both hydrogen storage capacity and safety compared to single-tank isobaric hydrogen storage or hydrogen storage systems without pressure difference design.
[0072] venting process
[0073] During venting, the temperatures of the inner and outer storage chambers are adjusted via the refrigeration pipe 10. In adsorption-type hydrogen storage, temperature and pressure have a crucial impact on hydrogen adsorption and desorption. Changing the temperature alters the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent material for hydrogen. By appropriately increasing the temperature (within a safe range), hydrogen can be desorbed from the surface of the adsorbent material, thus smoothly venting the hydrogen from the inner and outer storage chambers. The refrigeration pipe 10 not only cools the gas during storage but also precisely controls temperature changes during venting by adjusting the cooling supply or reverse heating, achieving orderly hydrogen release and improving the controllability and efficiency of the venting process.
[0074] Furthermore, when temperature or pressure imbalances occur in the hydrogen storage tank 18, hydrogen is released from the tank to the fuel cell 21 for power generation, and then stored for later use in the system. Utilizing the intelligent and energy recovery mechanism of the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank 18 system, the system can proactively take measures to convert potentially dangerous hydrogen into electrical energy in the event of an anomaly. This avoids safety accidents caused by imbalances (such as hydrogen leakage or tank rupture due to excessive pressure) and provides additional power support for the system's operation. During normal operation, if the temperature and pressure inside the hydrogen storage tank 18 are within safe limits and have a certain margin, the chiller 20 can be controlled to reduce its power to maintain the temperature inside the tank. This further demonstrates the system's rational allocation and efficient utilization of energy, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and improving the stability, safety, and economy of the entire hydrogen storage system.
[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A double-layer adsorption type high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system, characterized in that, Includes hydrogen storage tanks, which include: The inner tank has an internal storage cavity filled with a metal-organic framework material. Refrigeration pipes are arranged inside the internal storage cavity. The inner tank wall has a multi-layered structure, and the refrigerant pipes are spirally coiled and arranged along the inner wall of the inner tank. The refrigeration pipes are connected to an external refrigeration unit. An outer tank forms an outer storage cavity, and an inner tank is installed in the outer storage cavity. Multiple support pillars connect the inner tank and the outer tank, fixing the inner tank inside the outer tank. The inner tank wall is separate from the inner wall of the outer tank. The outer tank wall is provided with a heat insulation layer, and the space between the inner tank wall and the outer tank wall is filled with a porous nano-adsorption material. The outer tank wall includes, from the outside to the inside, a protective shell, an aerogel layer, a phase change material layer, a carbon fiber layer, and an aluminum alloy layer, wherein at least the aerogel layer and the phase change material layer serve as heat insulation layers. The hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a branch valve, which includes a hydrogen passage and a refrigerant passage. The refrigerant pipeline is connected to an external refrigerant through the refrigerant passage to maintain a low temperature environment inside the inner tank. The hydrogen passage connects the inner storage cavity and the outer storage cavity respectively to control the hydrogen inlet and outlet of the inner tank and the outer tank, and maintains a pressure difference between the inner tank and the outer tank for hydrogen storage. Sensors are installed in the inner and outer tanks respectively. The sensors are used to measure the status parameters of the inner and outer storage cavities and send them to the control system. The branch valves are provided with sensor passages so that the status parameters of the sensors can be transmitted through leads.
2. The double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a refrigerator, a fuel cell, and a control system. The refrigerator is connected to a refrigeration pipe, the fuel cell is connected to the inner and outer storage chambers through a branch valve, and the control system is used to obtain the status of the inner and outer storage chambers and control the operating status of the refrigerator and fuel cell.
3. The double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The discharge end of the fuel cell is connected to a storage battery, which supplies power to the refrigerator and control system.
4. A method for operating a double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system, utilizing the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, include: During gas storage, the refrigeration pipeline cools the inner storage cavity, and the inner storage cavity can cool the outer storage cavity, so that the inner and outer storage cavities are at the required operating temperature. Hydrogen gas is introduced into the inner and outer storage chambers respectively, so that the gas pressure in the inner storage chamber is greater than that in the outer storage chamber, and the pressure difference is maintained to store hydrogen. During venting, the temperature of the inner and outer storage chambers is adjusted through the refrigeration pipeline to allow the hydrogen gas in the inner and outer storage chambers to be released.
5. The operating method of the double-layer adsorption high-pressure hydrogen storage tank system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the hydrogen storage tank experiences temperature or pressure imbalance, the hydrogen in the storage tank is released into the fuel cell to generate electricity, and then stored and supplied to the system.
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