A solid-state hydrogen storage tank

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of solid-state hydrogen storage technology, and in particular, relates to a solid-state hydrogen storage tank. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank described in the technology includes a tank body, a hydrogen outlet is provided on the top of the tank body, the interior of the tank body includes a storage area for storing hydrogen storage materials, and the storage area is filled with hydrogen storage materials; the lower half of the tank body is a funnel structure, and the lower end of the funnel structure is a hydrogen inlet; a blocking portion is provided at the hydrogen outlet end of the hydrogen inlet to prevent the hydrogen storage material in the storage area from flowing out. The present invention can move the hydrogen storage material during the hydrogen inlet process, without considering whether the hydrogen storage material is magnetic or not, and is not restricted by the magnetic field environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of solid-state hydrogen storage, and in particular relates to a solid-state hydrogen storage tank. Background Art

[0002] As an efficient and clean energy carrier, hydrogen storage technology is crucial in the energy sector. Hydrogen storage methods include high-pressure gaseous storage, cryogenic liquid storage, and solid-state storage. Solid-state storage utilizes a physical or chemical reaction between hydrogen and a storage material, converting it into a solid solution or hydride for storage.

[0003] In existing solid-state hydrogen storage technologies, the performance of hydrogen storage materials gradually degrades over time and with changing usage conditions. This results in a complex, time-consuming, and costly replacement process for hydrogen storage materials once storage efficiency drops, limiting the widespread application of hydrogen storage systems. Furthermore, during adsorption storage, hydrogen is not evenly distributed upon addition, resulting in a low adsorption rate.

[0004] To address the above issues, an inventor has designed a device and method for hydrogen storage that prevents alloy pulverization and hardening called dynamic magnetically coupled electromagnetic rapid heating. Its application number is 202411326003.4. This technology mainly places a magnetic hydrogen storage material (also called a hydrogen absorbing material in the industry) in a magnetic field space, thereby suspending the hydrogen storage material particles. The suspended hydrogen storage material has a high specific surface area, which is conducive to the adsorption and dissociation of hydrogen. When this technology is applied, magnetic hydrogen storage materials are required to achieve suspension. If the non-magnetic hydrogen storage material is used, it needs to be doped with magnetic materials, alloyed, or pre-magnetized to make it magnetic and provide a magnetic field environment, which limits its industrial application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above deficiencies in the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a solid-state hydrogen storage tank that can move the hydrogen storage material during the hydrogen filling process, without considering whether the hydrogen storage material is magnetic or not, and is not restricted by the magnetic field environment.

[0006] The solid-state hydrogen storage tank comprises a tank body, a hydrogen outlet is provided on the top of the tank body, and the interior of the tank body comprises a storage area for storing hydrogen storage materials, and the storage area is filled with hydrogen storage materials;

[0007] The lower half of the tank body is in a funnel structure, and the lower end of the funnel structure is a hydrogen inlet;

[0008] A blocking portion is provided at the hydrogen outlet end of the hydrogen inlet to prevent the hydrogen storage material in the storage area from flowing out.

[0009] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material is in granular form.

[0010] When the hydrogen storage material is in granular form, it is easier to suspend, float or move during the hydrogen storage process, and it is also easier to load and unload. When loading, it can be fed in through the hydrogen outlet; when unloading, the material can be discharged from the hydrogen inlet by removing the obstruction.

[0011] The blocking portion is preferably in the following two forms:

[0012] Method 1: The blocking portion includes a hydrogen inlet pipe, which is detachably sealed and installed in the hydrogen inlet port, and the size of the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe is smaller than the hydrogen storage material.

[0013] The technical design of the hydrogen inlet pipe can be connected to the external hydrogen pipeline to transport hydrogen into the tank, and can also be used as a barrier to effectively prevent hydrogen storage materials from entering the hydrogen inlet pipe or flowing out of the tank during movement.

[0014] Method 2: The blocking part includes a hydrogen inlet pipe, which is detachably sealed and installed in the hydrogen inlet port. A blind plate is installed at the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe, and a plurality of hydrogen outlet holes are opened on the blind plate. The hydrogen inlet pipe is connected to the storage area through the hydrogen outlet holes, and the size of the hydrogen outlet holes is smaller than the hydrogen storage material.

[0015] The hydrogen inlet pipe with a blind plate can be connected to an external hydrogen pipeline when in use to transport hydrogen into the tank. Since the blind plate is used to block the hydrogen storage material, it is more convenient to process than the technical design in which the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe is smaller than the hydrogen storage material. When hydrogen is discharged through the hydrogen outlet hole opened on the blind plate, when the hydrogen flow rate is appropriate, it is possible to increase the unit hydrogen transmission area while preventing the hydrogen storage material from entering the hydrogen inlet pipe or flowing out of the tank during movement.

[0016] Furthermore, the blind plate has a spherical structure. This design allows hydrogen to be dispersed along the hydrogen outlet holes when blown out, facilitating quick contact of more hydrogen storage materials with hydrogen. It also ensures that even if some hydrogen storage materials fall to the bottom due to a low hydrogen flow rate, they remain mobile, thus facilitating hydrogen adsorption.

[0017] Furthermore, the funnel structure in the lower half of the tank serves as a storage area for the hydrogen storage material, while the area above the funnel serves as an expansion area for the hydrogen storage material as it absorbs hydrogen. This design helps hydrogen storage particles originally in the storage area move to the expansion area during hydrogen absorption, significantly increasing their mobility and further promoting hydrogen adsorption.

[0018] Furthermore, the volume ratio of the expansion area to the storage area is 1:4 to 1:3.

[0019] Furthermore, a detachable hydrogen outlet pipe is installed on the hydrogen outlet. The design of the hydrogen outlet pipe at the tank body can also be further referred to the design of the hydrogen inlet pipe at the tank body, so that even if the hydrogen flow rate is too high and rushes to the top hydrogen outlet, it will not rush out of the tank body, thereby facilitating hydrogen adsorption of the hydrogen storage material during high-speed movement.

[0020] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material is magnesium-based hydride.

[0021] The use of magnesium-based hydrides, due to their light weight, can be easily suspended, floated or moved, which helps to further improve the movement mode and promote the adsorption of hydrogen.

[0022] Furthermore, inductive sensors for sensing the position of the hydrogen storage material are installed at the top and middle of the tank body, and a regulating valve is installed on the hydrogen inlet pipe. The regulating valve and the inductive sensor are connected by a single-chip microcomputer. The single-chip microcomputer is used to receive the inductive sensor signal, and then process and output the control signal to the regulating valve to control the opening of the regulating valve, thereby adjusting the appropriate hydrogen flow rate according to the position of the hydrogen storage material, so that the hydrogen storage material is located at the appropriate position of the tank body during the movement to fully contact and adsorb hydrogen.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. The present invention can move the hydrogen storage material during the hydrogen feeding process. It does not need to consider whether the hydrogen storage material is magnetic or not, and is not restricted by the magnetic field environment. At the same time, the hydrogen storage material sometimes rotates during movement, which effectively increases the contact area between the hydrogen storage material and hydrogen, and has high hydrogen absorption efficiency. At the same time, the hydrogen storage material in motion can quickly transfer the heat in the middle of the tank body to the tank body, and can be used for subsequent heat exchange treatment of the tank body. In addition, due to the funnel-structured tank body design, when hydrogen is fed in, the hydrogen will blow upward the hydrogen storage material that can be blown to the middle part of the funnel, thereby moving the blown hydrogen storage material upward. At this time, the surrounding hydrogen storage materials will move toward the hydrogen inlet by their own weight, and will be blown up again when encountering the blowing force of hydrogen, and will circulate in sequence, thereby realizing the cyclic movement of the hydrogen storage material when absorbing hydrogen.

[0025] 2. This design utilizes a detachable hydrogen outlet pipe. This facilitates hydrogen delivery and the addition of new hydrogen storage materials when needed, achieving dual-use and reducing potential leaks. Similarly, this design also utilizes a detachable hydrogen inlet pipe, facilitating both hydrogen inlet and discharge.

[0026] 3. The present invention also distinguishes between a storage area and an expansion area within the tank, facilitating replacement of hydrogen storage materials. The storage area is formed as a funnel structure in the lower half, further ensuring the mobility of the hydrogen storage material. During use, the volume ratio of the expansion area to the storage area can be accurately determined based on the expansion behavior of different hydrogen storage materials, making the hydrogen absorption process simpler and clearer.

[0027] 4. When controlling the flow rate of the input hydrogen, the present invention is also designed to control the opening of the regulating valve by sensing the different positions of the hydrogen storage material in the tank, thereby achieving the purpose of intelligently controlling the flow rate of the input hydrogen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the top view structure;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention after partial cross-section in three-dimensional view;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0032] Figure numerals: 1. hydrogen inlet pipe; 2. support assembly; 3. jacket; 4. tank body; 4.1. tank body; 4.2. tank cover; 5. safety valve; 6. pressure gauge; 7. thermometer; 8. hydrogen outlet pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention will be further described below through specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] The solid-state hydrogen storage tank described in this embodiment includes a tank body 4, a hydrogen outlet is opened on the top of the tank body 4, and the interior of the tank body 4 is a storage area for storing hydrogen storage materials, and the storage area is filled with hydrogen storage materials.

[0036] The hydrogen storage material in this embodiment is a granular magnesium-based hydride, which has a low density, is light in weight, and is easy to move.

[0037] Tank 4 adopts Figures 1 to 4The funnel structure described above preferably comprises a funnel-shaped structure in the lower half of the tank body 4. The lower end of the funnel serves as the hydrogen inlet, and a detachable hydrogen outlet pipe 8 is mounted on the hydrogen outlet. During production, the funnel structure preferably serves as the storage area for the hydrogen storage material, while the area above the funnel serves as the expansion area for the hydrogen storage material after hydrogen absorption. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the expansion area to the storage area is 1:4. In practical applications, this ratio can be determined based on the expansion behavior of different hydrogen storage materials, such as 1:3 or other ratios between 1:4 and 1:3.

[0038] To prevent the hydrogen storage material from flowing out of the hydrogen inlet, a barrier is required at the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet to prevent the hydrogen storage material from flowing out of the storage area. In this embodiment, the barrier is a hydrogen inlet pipe 1, which is detachably and sealedly installed in the hydrogen inlet. The hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe 1 is smaller than the size of the smallest hydrogen storage material.

[0039] In order to facilitate the placement of the tank body 4, a support assembly 2 for support is provided on the outside of the tank body 4. The support assembly 2 adopts common support leg technology, and the number of support legs is generally 3 to 4. This embodiment adopts 4, such as Figure 4 As shown, they are evenly distributed on the outer side wall of the lower end of the tank body 4. This support leg technology is very common in the design of chemical reaction tanks and can be used as a reference during specific design.

[0040] In order to facilitate manufacturing, the tank body 4 adopts a common structural method in the chemical industry, and is composed of a tank body 4.1 and a tank cover 4.2.

[0041] To facilitate observation of hydrogen absorption, temperature, and pressure, an observation window can be installed on tank body 4.1. A pressure gauge 6 and a thermometer 7 are mounted, in sequence, on top of tank lid 4.2. For safety reasons, a safety valve 5 is also installed on top of tank lid 4.2. When pressure gauge 6 indicates excessive pressure, the pressure can be reduced by reducing the amount of hydrogen entering the hydrogen inlet. When the thermometer 7 indicates excessive pressure, the heat exchange rate needs to be increased, such as by lowering the temperature of the heat exchange medium in jacket 3 or increasing the flow rate. Safety valve 5, also known as a pressure relief valve in chemical reactors, automatically opens to relieve pressure if excessive pressure within tank body 4 is not promptly addressed. These techniques are common in the chemical industry and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] During use, hydrogen storage material is added to the tank body 4, the hydrogen inlet pipe 1 is connected to the existing hydrogen input pipeline, and hydrogen is then introduced into the storage area. During the introduction of hydrogen, the hydrogen flow rate is determined based on the quality of the hydrogen storage material, as long as it is sufficient to move the hydrogen storage material. When adjusting the hydrogen flow rate, the primary consideration is the ability of the hydrogen storage material to move within the storage area. For example, if the hydrogen storage material is blown to the top of the tank body, the hydrogen flow rate needs to be reduced; if the hydrogen storage material is not blown up at the bottom of the tank body, the hydrogen flow rate needs to be increased.

[0043] When absorbing hydrogen, the hydrogen outlet pipe 8 is closed. Since heat is released during hydrogen absorption, when the temperature inside the tank body 4 rises and needs to be cooled, the temperature can be lowered by changing the outer temperature of the tank body 4, such as by blowing cold air into the tank body 4. When releasing hydrogen, the hydrogen inlet pipe 1 is closed, and the temperature inside the tank body 4 is raised by heating the outer side of the tank body 4, such as by electric heating or gas heating.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] This embodiment is based on the embodiment 1 and is illustrated by adopting another technical solution of the blocking portion. Other structures are the same as those in the embodiment 1.

[0046] The blocking portion used in this embodiment is a hydrogen inlet pipe 1, which is detachably sealed and installed in the hydrogen inlet port. A blind plate (not shown in the figure) is installed at the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe 1. A plurality of hydrogen outlet holes are opened on the blind plate, and the hydrogen inlet pipe 1 is connected to the storage area through the hydrogen outlet holes. The size of the hydrogen outlet holes is smaller than the size of the minimum hydrogen storage material.

[0047] In this embodiment, the blind plate preferably has a spherical structure. When hydrogen is blown out of the blind plate with a spherical structure, the hydrogen is emitted along the hydrogen outlet holes, which is conducive to more hydrogen storage materials coming into contact with the hydrogen quickly.

[0048] During use, as in Example 1, hydrogen storage material is added to the tank 4, the hydrogen inlet pipe 1 is connected to the existing hydrogen input pipeline, and then hydrogen is introduced into the storage area. When introducing hydrogen, the hydrogen flow rate can be determined based on the quality of the hydrogen storage material, as long as it is sufficient to blow the hydrogen storage material. When adjusting the hydrogen flow rate, the main consideration is to ensure that the hydrogen storage material can move within the storage area.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] This embodiment is a technical improvement based on embodiment 1. In order to improve the degree of automation, induction sensors for sensing the position of the hydrogen storage material are installed at the top and middle of the tank body 4. The induction sensors are existing known technologies, and common ones include displacement sensors, etc., which are not shown in the figure.

[0051] A regulating valve is installed on the hydrogen inlet pipe 1. The regulating valve and the inductive sensor are connected by a single chip microcomputer. The single chip microcomputer is used to receive the inductive sensor signal, and then process and output a control signal to the regulating valve to control the opening of the regulating valve.

[0052] The specific control method is: when the induction sensor at the middle position does not sense the hydrogen storage material, it sends a signal to the single-chip microcomputer, which receives the signal and then sends a control signal to the regulating valve to increase the opening of the regulating valve; when the induction sensor at the top position does not sense the hydrogen storage material, but the induction sensor at the middle position senses the hydrogen storage material, the regulating valve remains in position; when the induction sensor at the top position senses the hydrogen storage material, it sends a signal to the single-chip microcomputer, which receives the signal and then sends a control signal to the regulating valve to reduce the opening of the regulating valve.

[0053] Example 4

[0054] This embodiment further improves the technology on the basis of the above three embodiments. This embodiment is mainly for facilitating heat exchange during the hydrogen storage process. Heat exchange technology is very common in the prior art, especially in the chemical industry, where many reaction tanks or reactors have heat exchange.

[0055] The heat exchange technology used in this embodiment is jacket heat exchange technology, which is well-established in the chemical industry. Specifically, a jacket 3 is mounted on the outside of the tank body 4. The jacket 3 and the tank body 4 form a sealed heat exchange chamber. The upper end of the jacket 3 is provided with a heat exchange medium outlet communicating with the heat exchange chamber, and the lower end of the jacket 3 is provided with a heat exchange medium inlet communicating with the heat exchange chamber. The heat exchange medium can be any heat exchange medium familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0056] During hydrogen absorption, hydrogen outlet pipe 8 is closed. Since hydrogen absorption requires heat release, external cooling water is introduced into the heat exchange chamber through the heat exchange medium inlet. The heat exchanged cooling water then flows through the heat exchange medium outlet to the external cooling water return line. During hydrogen release, hydrogen inlet pipe 1 is closed, and heated heat exchange medium is added to the heat exchange chamber, also through the heat exchange medium inlet and out through the heat exchange medium outlet. Commonly used heating media include steam.

[0057] When using this design, a cooling circulation system can be established at the hydrogen absorption site, and a heating circulation system can be established at the hydrogen discharge site or on the transport vehicle. Both the cooling and heating systems can refer to technologies in the chemical industry. Of course, other existing heating or cooling methods can also be used for heat exchange, such as air cooling or air heating. For example, the heating and cooling principles of air conditioning can be directly applied to this technical solution.

Claims

1. A solid-state hydrogen storage tank, comprising a tank body (4), wherein a hydrogen outlet is provided on the top of the tank body (4), and characterized in that: The tank body (4) includes a storage area for storing hydrogen storage materials, and the storage area is filled with hydrogen storage materials; the hydrogen storage materials are in granular form; The lower half of the tank body (4) is in a funnel structure, and the lower end of the funnel structure is a hydrogen inlet; A blocking portion is provided at the hydrogen outlet end of the hydrogen inlet to prevent the hydrogen storage material in the storage area from flowing out; Inductive sensors for sensing the position of the hydrogen storage material are installed at the top and middle of the tank body (4), and a regulating valve is installed on the hydrogen inlet pipe (1). The regulating valve and the sensing sensor are connected by a single-chip microcomputer. The single-chip microcomputer is used to receive the sensing sensor signal, and then process and output a control signal to the regulating valve to control the opening of the regulating valve.

2. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking portion comprises a hydrogen inlet pipe (1), which is detachably sealed and installed in the hydrogen inlet port, and the size of the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe (1) is smaller than the size of the minimum hydrogen storage material.

3. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The blocking portion comprises a hydrogen inlet pipe (1), which is detachably sealed and inserted into the hydrogen inlet port. A blind plate is installed at the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen inlet pipe (1), and a plurality of hydrogen outlet holes are opened on the blind plate. The hydrogen inlet pipe (1) communicates with the storage area through the hydrogen outlet holes, and the size of the hydrogen outlet holes is smaller than the size of the minimum hydrogen storage material.

4. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The blind plate is a spherical structure.

5. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The funnel structure portion of the lower half of the tank body (4) is a storage area for storing the hydrogen storage material, and the tank body (4) above the funnel structure portion is an expansion area for the hydrogen storage material when absorbing hydrogen.

6. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The volume ratio of the expansion area to the storage area is 1:4 to 1:

3.

7. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: A detachable hydrogen outlet pipe (8) is installed on the hydrogen outlet at the top of the tank body (4).

8. The solid-state hydrogen storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen storage material is magnesium-based hydride.

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