Double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of liquid hydrogen storage equipment and provides a double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank, comprising an inner tank, an outer tank, a cold shield, and multiple support columns; a vacuum is provided between the inner and outer tanks, and the cold shield is disposed between the inner and outer tanks; the support columns comprise outer struts, inner struts, insulating columns, and support units; the outer struts are connected to the outer wall of the outer tank, the inner struts, insulating columns, and support units are all disposed between the inner and outer tanks, one end of the inner strut is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank, the other end is connected to one end of the insulating column, the other end of the insulating column is connected to the support unit, and the inner tank is connected to the support unit. The present application solves the problem of poor thermal insulation in conventional liquid hydrogen spherical tanks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of liquid hydrogen storage equipment, and in particular to a double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank. Background Art

[0002] Liquid hydrogen, a highly efficient fuel, has widespread applications in aerospace and other fields. However, due to its cryogenic properties and volatility, the design and manufacture of its storage containers present numerous challenges. Traditional liquid hydrogen storage tanks typically utilize single-layer or simple double-layer structures. While these structures meet basic storage requirements, they often suffer from excessive heat transfer and rapid evaporation of liquid hydrogen during long-term operation.

[0003] To address these issues, the industry has proposed various improvements. For example, some designs employ multi-layer insulation structures to reduce heat transfer. A common approach is to create a vacuum layer between the inner and outer tanks to reduce heat conduction and convection. Another common approach is to wrap the tank with high-efficiency insulation material to further reduce heat conduction.

[0004] While existing technologies have improved the thermal insulation of liquid hydrogen storage tanks to a certain extent, they still have significant limitations, especially during extended operation. External heat inevitably transfers into the inner tank through radiation or through the tank body and supporting structure, causing the liquid hydrogen to evaporate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problem of poor effect of traditional thermal insulation methods, the present application provides a double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank.

[0006] The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank, comprising an inner tank, an outer tank, a cold shield and a plurality of support columns;

[0008] There is a vacuum between the inner tank and the outer tank, and the cold shield is arranged between the inner tank and the outer tank;

[0009] The support column includes an outer column, an inner column, an insulating column and a support unit. The outer column is connected to the outer wall of the outer tank. The inner column, the insulating column and the support unit are all arranged between the inner tank and the outer tank. One end of the inner column is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank, and the other end is connected to one end of the insulating column. The other end of the insulating column is connected to the support unit, and the inner tank is connected to the support unit.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank has the following effects:

[0011] 1. The vacuum environment between the inner tank and the outer tank effectively isolates the transfer of external heat, significantly improves the thermal insulation performance of the storage tank, and reduces the evaporation loss of liquid hydrogen.

[0012] 2. The cold screen is installed between the inner tank and the outer tank, so that the heat transmitted from the outside can be absorbed by the cold screen, further enhancing the thermal isolation effect and ensuring that the low temperature environment in the inner tank is more stable.

[0013] 3. The design of the support columns not only provides structural stability, but also prevents the loss of cold through the insulation columns.

[0014] Preferably, the cold shield includes a cold shield plate and a cold delivery pipe, the cold shield plate is spherical and wraps the inner tank, and the cold delivery pipe is provided on the cold shield plate and is used for delivering cold liquid.

[0015] By adopting this technical solution, the cold shield plate wraps around the inner tank, effectively preventing external heat from entering the inner tank and improving thermal insulation. The cold supply pipe is installed on the cold shield plate and can be fed with cold liquid to form an insulating barrier, reducing cooling loss in the inner tank and ensuring stable storage of liquid hydrogen.

[0016] Preferably, a first thermal insulation member is filled between the cold shield plate and the inner tank;

[0017] The interior of the cold shield plate is hollow, and the cold shield further includes a second heat insulation member filled in the cold shield plate.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the first thermal insulation member between the cold shield plate and the inner tank can effectively prevent heat radiation and improve the thermal insulation effect; the hollow structure inside the cold shield plate and the second thermal insulation member filled therein further enhance the overall thermal insulation performance of the cold shield, ensure the stability of the liquid hydrogen temperature, and reduce energy consumption.

[0019] Preferably, the cold delivery pipe is arranged in the cold shield plate, and the second thermal insulation member is filled between the cold delivery pipe and the cold shield plate.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the cold delivery pipe is arranged in the cold shield plate, and the second thermal insulation member is filled between the cold delivery pipe and the cold shield plate, which can slow down the cooling loss of the cold liquid.

[0021] Preferably, the support unit includes a connecting rod and a mounting seat, the mounting seat is connected to the thermal insulation column, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the inner tank, and the other end is slidably connected to the mounting seat.

[0022] By adopting this technical solution, the inner tank's support unit consists of a connecting rod and a mounting base. The mounting base is connected to the insulation column. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the inner tank, and the other end is connected to the mounting base in a sliding manner. This design allows the inner tank to expand and contract freely when subjected to temperature changes or mechanical stress, effectively reducing structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction, and improving the stability and reliability of the entire system. The sliding connection design also absorbs some vibration energy, further enhancing the overall seismic performance of the spherical tank.

[0023] Preferably, the mounting seat comprises a clamping member and a frame, the frame is rotatably connected to the heat-insulating column, and the rotation axis of the frame is parallel to the central axis of the heat-insulating column;

[0024] The clamping member is rotatably mounted on the frame body, a rotation axis of the clamping member is perpendicular to the connecting rod, and the connecting rod is slidably connected to the clamping member.

[0025] By adopting this solution, the connecting rod and the clamp are slidably connected, allowing the connecting rod to slide relative to the clamp to compensate for the inner tank's deformation as it expands and contracts. Furthermore, by providing a rotatable connection between the frame and the insulation column, and the clamp being rotatably mounted on the frame, the frame and clamp can rotate to accommodate changes in the connecting rod's position when different parts of the inner tank deform differently.

[0026] Preferably, the heat-insulating column is plugged into the inner support column, one of the heat-insulating column and the inner support column has a positioning portion, and the other has a limiting portion, and the positioning portion and the limiting portion are limitedly matched.

[0027] By adopting this technical solution, the plug-in structure between the insulation column and the inner support, as well as the positioning and limiting parts, effectively improve the overall stability of the support column, ensuring the safety and reliability of the liquid hydrogen spherical tank during operation. At the same time, this structural design simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves production efficiency.

[0028] Preferably, the inner support and the outer support are both provided with a support plate at one end facing the outer tank wall, and the support plate is adapted to the shape of the outer tank wall and the two are in contact with each other;

[0029] The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank also includes a connecting piece, and the support plates on the multiple inner pillars are connected by the connecting piece.

[0030] By adopting this technical solution, the support plates on the inner and outer supports facing the outer tank wall can better disperse the applied forces, preventing localized stress concentration and structural damage. Furthermore, the support plates on multiple inner supports are connected by connectors, further enhancing the rigidity of the entire support system and improving the overall stability and safety of the spherical tank.

[0031] Preferably, the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank further includes a hydrogen outlet pipe and an insulation layer, the hydrogen outlet pipe is communicated with the inner tank and passes through the outer tank, the hydrogen outlet pipe is limitedly matched with the connector, and the insulation layer is wrapped around the outside of the hydrogen outlet pipe;

[0032] The hydrogen outlet pipeline includes an inner pipeline, an outer pipeline and an insulation pad. The inner pipeline is connected to the inner tank and is located between the cold screen and the inner tank. The outer pipeline is connected to the outer tank and is connected to the outer pipeline, and the insulation pad is arranged between the inner pipeline and the outer pipeline.

[0033] By adopting the above technical solutions, the hydrogen outlet pipe design of the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank can effectively reduce the cooling loss of liquid hydrogen and improve the thermal insulation performance of the system. Specifically:

[0034] The limited fit between the hydrogen outlet pipe and the connector enhances the structural stability and prevents the pipe from loosening due to vibration or impact;

[0035] The insulation layer wrapped around the outside of the hydrogen outlet pipe further reduces the impact of the external environment on the liquid hydrogen temperature and improves the thermal insulation effect of the entire system;

[0036] The inner pipe is located between the cold screen and the inner tank, and an insulating pad is provided between the inner and outer pipes to further prevent external heat from being transferred to the liquid hydrogen through the hydrogen outlet pipe, ensuring that the liquid hydrogen always remains at a low temperature.

[0037] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0038] 1. A vacuum layer is set between the inner tank and the outer tank, and a cold shield is added therein, which can significantly reduce heat transfer and effectively prevent the liquid hydrogen from evaporating too quickly;

[0039] 2. The support column design adopts a multi-level connection structure (external support, internal support, insulation column and support unit), which ensures the stability and reliability of the tank during long-term operation and prevents the external temperature from being transferred to the liquid hydrogen through the support column;

[0040] 3. The interior of the cold shield plate is hollow and filled with a second thermal insulation component, which further enhances the thermal insulation effect, reduces heat conduction between the inner and outer tanks, and improves the safety and economic benefits of the liquid hydrogen storage tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is the main view of the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application.

[0042] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application.

[0043] Figure 3It is a top view of the connector of the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the support column of the double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank provided in this application.

[0045] Description of reference numerals:

[0046] 1. Inner tank; 2. Outer tank; 3. Cold screen;

[0047] 4. Support column; 41. Outer support column; 42. Inner support column; 421. Positioning portion; 43. Heat insulation column; 44. Support unit; 441. Connecting rod; 442. Clamping member; 443. Frame; 45. Pull rod; 46. Support plate; 47. Bolt;

[0048] 5. Connecting piece; 51. Connecting block; 52. Connecting arm;

[0049] 6. Hydrogen outlet pipeline; 61. Inner pipeline; 62. Outer pipeline; 63. Insulation pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 4 This application is described in further detail.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application discloses a double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank, including an inner tank 1, an outer tank 2, a cold shield 3 and multiple support columns 4.

[0052] The space between inner tank 1 and outer tank 2 is vacuumed to reduce heat transfer between inner tank 1 and the outside world. The vacuum between inner tank 1 and outer tank 2 can be as low as 10 Pa. This environment not only reduces heat transfer but also prevents the inner tank 1 and outer tank 2 from being subjected to excessive pressure.

[0053] The cold shield 3 is installed between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2. It consists of a cold shield 3 plate and a cold supply pipe. The cold shield 3 plate is connected to one of the outer tank 2, the inner tank 1, or the support column 4. Thermal insulation pads can be installed at the connection point to reduce heat transfer. The cold shield 3 plate is spherical and wraps around the inner tank 1, isolating it from the outside world. The cold supply pipe is installed in the cold shield 3 plate and is used to transport cold liquid. The cold supply pipe and the cold shield 3 plate can be two separate components connected to each other, or they can be a single, integrated component. For example, a channel for transporting cold liquid can be formed in the cold shield 3 plate.

[0054] The cold liquid can specifically be liquid nitrogen. Since the boiling point of liquid hydrogen is approximately -253°C, the temperature difference between the inner tank 1 and the outside world is large, and liquid hydrogen is extremely easy to evaporate due to heat. By driving the liquid nitrogen to circulate in the cold transmission pipeline through a pump, a low-temperature insulation layer can be formed on the outside of the inner tank 1. Since the boiling point of liquid nitrogen is approximately -196°C, the temperature difference between the inner tank 1 and the cold shield 3 is much smaller than the temperature difference between the inner tank 1 and the outside world, which can effectively slow down the cooling loss of the liquid hydrogen. In addition, the heat transferred from the outside to the outer tank 2 can be absorbed by the cold shield 3, preventing heat from being transferred to the inner tank 1.

[0055] A first thermal insulation member is also filled between the cold shield 3 and the inner tank 1. The first thermal insulation member can be glass beads, which can effectively prevent heat radiation, thereby further isolating the external heat.

[0056] The interior of the cold shield 3 is at least partially hollow and is filled with a second thermal insulation member to further isolate heat conduction. The second thermal insulation member may be pearlite powder.

[0057] Furthermore, the cold delivery pipe is at least partially arranged in the cold shield 3 plate, and the second thermal insulation member is filled between the cold delivery pipe and the inner wall of the cold shield 3 plate, thereby slowing down the cooling loss of the liquid nitrogen.

[0058] The support columns 4 include outer columns 41, inner columns 42, thermal insulation columns 43, support units 44, and tie rods 45. The outer columns 41 are connected to the outer wall of the outer tank 2, and any two outer columns 41 are connected by at least one tie rod 45. The inner columns 42, thermal insulation columns 43, and support units 44 are all located between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2. One end of the inner column 42 is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank 2, and the other end is connected to one end of the thermal insulation column 43. The other end of the thermal insulation column 43 is connected to the support unit 44, and the inner tank 1 is connected to the support unit 44.

[0059] The heat-insulating column 43, the inner support 42, and the outer support 41 are coaxially arranged. The heat-insulating column 43 is positioned between the cold shield 3 and the inner tank 1 to prevent external heat from being transferred to the inner tank 1 through the outer support 41. The heat-insulating column 43 can be made of fiberglass.

[0060] The inner and outer struts 42 and 41 are each provided with a support plate 46 at one end facing the wall of the outer tank 2, and are connected to the wall of the outer tank 2 via the support plate 46. The support plate 46 conforms to the shape of the wall of the outer tank 2 and is in close contact with the wall of the outer tank 2, thereby increasing the contact area and dispersing the applied force.

[0061] Further, if Figures 2 to 3As shown, due to the spherical wall of the outer tank 2, the support plates 46 have a tendency to slide laterally, which may cause deformation at the connection between the inner support 42 and the outer tank 2 over time. To address this, this embodiment further provides a connector 5 comprising a connecting block 51 and a plurality of connecting arms 52. The multiple support plates 46 are connected to the connecting block 51 in a one-to-one correspondence via the connecting arms 52. The provision of the connector 5 prevents the support plates 46 from sliding.

[0062] The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank also includes a hydrogen outlet pipe 6 and an insulation layer. The insulation layer is wrapped around the outside of the hydrogen outlet pipe 6 to provide insulation. The insulation layer can be made of materials such as foam or insulation cotton.

[0063] The hydrogen outlet pipe 6 includes an inner pipe 61, an outer pipe 62, and an insulation pad 63. The inner pipe 61 is connected to the inner tank 1, and the outer pipe 62 is connected to the outer tank 2. One end of the outer pipe 62 is connected to the inner pipe 61, and the other end is open to the outside world. The inner pipe 61 is located between the cold shield 3 and the inner tank 1, and the insulation pad 63 is located between the inner pipe 61 and the outer pipe 62 to prevent external heat from being transferred to the inner tank 1 through the hydrogen outlet pipe 6. The insulation pad 63 can be made of rubber, which not only provides thermal insulation but also improves sealing.

[0064] Furthermore, a valve is provided on the hydrogen outlet pipe 6 , which can be provided on the inner pipe 61 , so that during the hydrogen storage process, the liquid hydrogen is always located inside the cold shield 3 , thereby reducing cooling loss.

[0065] Furthermore, the connecting block 51 is provided with a through hole adapted to the outer pipe 62 , and the outer pipe 62 passes through the corresponding through hole on the connecting block 51 so that the connecting piece 5 and the hydrogen outlet pipe 6 can be mutually limited, thereby improving the stability of the structure.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the support unit 44 includes a connecting rod 441 and a mounting base. The mounting base is connected to the thermal insulation column 43. One end of the connecting rod 441 is connected to the inner tank 1, and the other end is slidably connected to the mounting base. By providing a slidable connection between the connecting rod 441 and the mounting base, when the inner tank 1 changes size due to thermal expansion and contraction, the connecting rod 441 can slide relative to the mounting base, thereby preventing the mounting base from being affected by the change in the size of the inner tank 1 and improving the service life of the mounting base.

[0067] Furthermore, the mounting base includes a clamping member 442 and a frame 443. The structure of the clamping member 442 is not strictly limited, as long as it can be slidably connected to the connecting rod 441. The clamping member 442 is rotatably mounted on the frame 443, with the rotation axis of the clamping member 442 being perpendicular to the connecting rod 441. The frame 443 is rotatably connected to the insulation column 43, with the rotation axis of the frame 443 being parallel to the central axis of the insulation column 43.

[0068] Specifically, when the inner tank 1 changes size due to thermal expansion and contraction or other reasons, the deformation of different parts of the inner tank 1 may vary. When the deformation of different parts of the inner tank 1 is inconsistent, the axial direction of the connecting rod 441 connected to the inner tank 1 may change. However, in this embodiment, the clamping member 442 is rotatably connected to the frame 443, and the frame 443 is rotatably connected to the insulation column 43. This allows the support unit 44 to flexibly adapt to the orientation changes of the connecting rod 441, thereby improving support stability.

[0069] The heat-insulating column 43 and the inner support 42 can be connected by plugging. For example, the top of the inner support 42 is provided with a slot, and the bottom of the heat-insulating column 43 is inserted into the slot. In addition, one of the heat-insulating column 43 and the inner support 42 has a positioning portion 421, and the other has a stopper. The positioning portion 421 and the stopper facilitate the rapid positioning of the heat-insulating column 43 and the inner support 42.

[0070] Furthermore, the positioning portion 421 cooperates with the limiting portion to limit the position. For example, the positioning portion 421 is provided on the bottom wall of the slot, and the limiting portion is provided on the bottom of the insulation column 43. The positioning portion 421 is a vertically arranged positioning plate, and the limiting portion is a limiting groove, and the positioning plate is plugged into the limiting groove. The positioning plate is connected to the inner wall of the slot, thereby acting as a reinforcement rib.

[0071] Furthermore, the heat insulating column 43 may be connected to the positioning plate by means of components such as bolts 47 to improve the connection strength.

Claims

1. A double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank, characterized in that: include: An inner tank (1), an outer tank (2), a cold shield (3) and a plurality of support columns (4); There is a vacuum between the inner tank (1) and the outer tank (2), and the cold screen (3) is provided between the inner tank (1) and the outer tank (2); The support column (4) includes an outer support column (41), an inner support column (42), an insulating column (43) and a support unit (44), wherein the outer support column (41) is connected to the outer wall of the outer tank (2), the inner support column (42), the insulating column (43) and the support unit (44) are all arranged between the inner tank (1) and the outer tank (2), one end of the inner support column (42) is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank (2), and the other end is connected to one end of the insulating column (43), the other end of the insulating column (43) is connected to the support unit (44), and the inner tank (1) is connected to the support unit (44); The cold screen (3) comprises a cold screen (3) plate and a cold delivery pipe, the cold screen (3) plate is spherical and wraps the inner tank (1), and the cold delivery pipe is provided on the cold screen (3) plate and is used for delivering cold liquid; The heat-insulating column (43) passes through the cold screen; The support unit (44) comprises a connecting rod (441) and a mounting seat, wherein the mounting seat is connected to the heat-insulating column (43), one end of the connecting rod (441) is connected to the inner tank (1), and the other end is slidably connected to the mounting seat; The mounting seat comprises a clamping member (442) and a frame (443), the frame (443) is rotatably connected to the heat-insulating column (43), and the rotation axis of the frame (443) is parallel to the central axis of the heat-insulating column (43); The clamping member (442) is rotatably mounted on the frame (443), the rotation axis of the clamping member (442) is perpendicular to the connecting rod (441), and the connecting rod (441) is slidably connected to the clamping member (442); The inner support (42) and the outer support (41) are both provided with a support plate (46) at one end facing the tank wall of the outer tank (2), and the support plate (46) is adapted to the shape of the tank wall of the outer tank (2) and the two are in contact with each other; The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank further includes a connector (5) and a hydrogen outlet pipe (6); the hydrogen outlet pipe (6) is in communication with the inner tank (1) and passes through the outer tank (2); The connecting member (5) comprises a connecting block (51) and a plurality of connecting arms (52), and the plurality of support plates (46) are connected to the connecting block (51) in a one-to-one correspondence via the plurality of connecting arms (52); The hydrogen outlet pipe (6) is positioned in conjunction with the connecting block (51).

2. The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A first thermal insulation member is filled between the cold screen (3) plate and the inner tank (1); The interior of the cold screen (3) plate is hollow, and the cold screen (3) further comprises a second thermal insulation member, which is filled in the cold screen (3) plate.

3. The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The cold delivery pipe is arranged in the cold screen (3) plate, and the second heat insulation member is filled between the cold delivery pipe and the cold screen (3) plate.

4. The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The heat-insulating column (43) is plugged into the inner support column (42), one of the heat-insulating column (43) and the inner support column (42) has a positioning portion (421), and the other has a limiting portion, and the positioning portion (421) is in limiting cooperation with the limiting portion.

5. The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The double-layer liquid hydrogen spherical tank further includes a heat-insulating layer, which is wrapped around the outside of the hydrogen outlet pipe (6); The hydrogen outlet pipeline (6) includes an inner pipeline (61), an outer pipeline (62) and an insulation pad (63), wherein the inner pipeline (61) is connected to the inner tank (1), and the inner pipeline (61) is located between the cold shield (3) and the inner tank (1), the outer pipeline (62) is connected to the outer tank (2), the inner pipeline (61) is connected to the outer pipeline (62), and the insulation pad (63) is provided between the inner pipeline (61) and the outer pipeline (62).

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