Large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank additionally provided with overfilling area

Abstract

The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank additionally provided with the overfilling area comprises an inner tank, a middle tank and an outer tank, and the inner tank is used for storing liquid hydrogen; an opening is formed in the top of the intermediate tank, an isolation barrel is arranged at the opening, the intermediate tank is arranged on the periphery of the inner tank, a gap is formed between the intermediate tank and the inner tank, and the gap forms a first annular area; the outer tank is arranged on the periphery of the intermediate tank, a gap is formed between the outer tank and the intermediate tank and forms a second annular area, and the top of the isolation barrel is connected with the inner wall of the outer tank; an overfilling area is formed between the top of the inner tank and the top of the outer tank; according to the storage tank, the storage amount of the cold insulation material is increased by arranging the overfilling area, when the cold insulation material in the first annular area settles, the cold insulation material in the overfilling area descends under the action of gravity and fills the gap, the annular area between the inner tank and the outer tank can be prevented from being exposed due to lack of the heat insulation material, consumption of the cold insulation material is greatly reduced, and the service life of the storage tank is prolonged. And the utilization rate of the cold insulation material is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of liquid hydrogen storage tanks, and particularly relates to a large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area. Background Technique

[0002] Cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage is to first liquefy hydrogen and then store it in a cryogenic adiabatic container. Liquid hydrogen is mainly used as a cryogenic propellant in the aerospace field. Liquid hydrogen storage tanks as fuels to provide power for vehicles and drones have also become a hot topic of current research. The application of hydrogen energy in automotive fuel cells has put forward higher requirements for the hydrogen storage density and hydrogen storage efficiency of hydrogen storage tanks. The density of liquid hydrogen is 70.78 kg / m 3 , which is nearly 850 times the density of hydrogen at standard conditions (0.08342 kg / m 3 . Considering from the energy storage density, cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage is a very ideal method. However, due to the extremely low boiling point of liquid hydrogen (20.37 K), there is a large temperature difference with the environment, which requires very high adiabatic requirements for the container, and the liquefaction process consumes a large amount of energy. Therefore, for large-scale and long-distance storage and transportation, the cryogenic liquid method may only show its advantages. Cryogenic adiabatic technology can be divided into two major methods: passive adiabatic and active adiabatic according to whether there is external active energy supply. Active adiabatic technology requires external energy input, with low efficiency and poor economy of the refrigerator; passive adiabatic technology reduces heat leakage and cold loss through physical structure design. The structure of the storage tank generally includes an inner spherical tank, an outer spherical tank, and a cold insulation layer is arranged between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank to achieve adiabatic. And large liquid hydrogen storage tanks generally use spherical containers. The stress distribution of the spherical shell is uniform. Under the same internal pressure, the wall thickness of the spherical storage tank can be thinner, thus saving more materials.

[0003] The cold insulation methods of the cold insulation layer mainly include piled insulation, high vacuum, vacuum powder, vacuum multi-layer, vacuum winding, variable density multi-layer adiabatic structure, coordination hydride hydrogen storage materials, etc. The cold insulation materials can be divided into two types: organic and inorganic according to the chemical properties of the materials, and can be divided into plate-shaped materials and bulk fillers according to the use form. At present, commonly used cold insulation materials include glass microspheres, aerogels, closed-cell expanded polystyrene, and pearlite sand. It is difficult and costly to maintain only by the method of evacuating the cold insulation layer for cold insulation. There will be a problem of settlement of the cold insulation materials when only using the cold insulation materials for adiabatic. That is, after storing liquid hydrogen with a temperature as low as 20K in the storage tank, the inner tank shrinks due to cooling, resulting in the settlement of the bulk cold insulation materials. When the settlement height is greater than the thickness of the cold insulation layer, it will cause the inner tank to be exposed and local overheating. To ensure that the inner tank is not exposed and to ensure a certain cold insulation effect, generally, the method of thickening the cold insulation layer is selected to double the storage of the cold insulation materials, which in turn leads to problems such as excessive consumption of cold insulation materials and low utilization rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of at least one of the above problems in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a large-capacity liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area. By adding an overfill area and optimizing the cold insulation structure of the storage tank, while ensuring the cold insulation effect, the consumption of cold insulation materials can be greatly reduced, and the utilization rate of cold insulation materials can be improved.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A large-capacity liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area, comprising: An inner tank for storing liquid hydrogen; An intermediate tank with an open top, and an isolation barrel is provided at the opening. The intermediate tank is arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tank and has a gap with the inner tank, and the gap forms a first annular region; An outer tank is arranged on the outer periphery of the intermediate tank and has a gap with the intermediate tank, and the gap forms a second annular region. The isolation barrel is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank; an overfill area is formed between the top of the inner tank and the top of the outer tank, and the overfill area communicates with the first annular region to form a first cold insulation layer; the second annular region and the first cold insulation layer are isolated by the isolation barrel to form a second cold insulation layer; the first cold insulation layer is filled with cold insulation materials.

[0006] Preferably, the inner tank, the intermediate tank, and the outer tank are all spherical structures.

[0007] Preferably, it further includes a plurality of support columns. The support columns include an inner support column and an outer support column that are concentric inside and outside. The inner support column is used to support the inner tank, the outer support column is used to support the outer tank, and the outer support column is provided with an intermediate tank support column to support the intermediate tank.

[0008] Preferably, a support column cold insulation layer is provided between the inner support column and the outer support column, and the support column cold insulation layer is filled with cold insulation materials.

[0009] Preferably, a support plate is provided between the inner tank and the inner support column.

[0010] Preferably, a heat insulation structure is provided between the support plate and the inner support column.

[0011] Preferably, the heat insulation structure is plate-shaped fiberglass.

[0012] Preferably, a plurality of the support columns are circumferentially and evenly arranged at the lower part of the liquid hydrogen storage tank, and a pull rod is provided between adjacent support columns.

[0013] Preferably, the pull rod is provided with two, and the two pull rods are arranged crosswise between the two support columns.

[0014] Preferably, the cold insulation material is glass microsphere material. Due to the above technical solutions adopted by the present invention, it has the following advantages: 1. For the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area provided by the present invention, the storage capacity of the cold insulation material is increased by setting the overfill area. When the cold insulation material in the first annular area settles, the cold insulation material in the overfill area descends under the action of gravity and fills the gap, which can prevent the lack of thermal insulation material in the annular area between the inner tank and the outer tank from being exposed. While ensuring the cold insulation effect, the consumption of the cold insulation material is greatly reduced, and the utilization rate of the cold insulation material is improved. 2. For the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area provided by the present invention, an intermediate tank is arranged between the inner tank and the outer tank, so that the storage tank has a double cold insulation layer structure, optimizing the cold insulation structure of the storage tank and further improving the cold insulation effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is the front view of the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is the top view of the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area provided by this embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is the cross-sectional view of the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area provided by this embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is the enlarged cross-sectional view of the overfill area part provided by this embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is the cross-sectional view of the storage tank support structure provided by this embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals in the drawings: 1 is the inner tank, 2 is the intermediate tank, 3 is the outer tank, 4 is the isolation barrel, 5 is the overfill area, 6 is the first annular area, 7 is the second annular area, 8 is the support column, 9 is the inner support, 10 is the outer support, 11 is the intermediate tank support column, 12 is the support plate, 13 is the heat insulation structure, 14 is the tie rod, 15 is the support column cold insulation layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the system or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. The arrows in the drawings represent the flow direction of substances.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "assembly", "installation", "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0023] The present invention provides a large-capacity liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area. By adding an overfill area and setting a double cold insulation layer, the cold insulation structure of the storage tank is optimized. While ensuring the cold insulation effect, it greatly reduces the consumption of cold insulation materials and improves the utilization rate of cold insulation materials.

[0024] Next, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Embodiment 1 Please refer to Figures 1 to 2 , a large-capacity liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area provided in this embodiment includes an inner tank 1, an intermediate tank 2, and an outer tank 3; The inner tank 1 is used for storing liquid hydrogen; The top of the intermediate tank 2 is open, and an isolation barrel 4 is provided at the opening. The intermediate tank 2 is arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tank 1 and has a gap with the inner tank 1, and the gap forms a first annular region 6; The outer tank 3 is arranged on the outer periphery of the intermediate tank 2 and has a gap with the intermediate tank 2, and the gap forms a second annular region 7. The top of the isolation barrel 4 is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank 3; an overfill area 5 is formed between the top of the inner tank 1 and the top of the outer tank 3. The overfill area 5 is communicated with the first annular region 6 to form a first cold insulation layer; the second annular region 7 and the first cold insulation layer are isolated by the isolation barrel 4 to form a second cold insulation layer; the first cold insulation layer is filled with cold insulation materials.

[0026] In specific applications, the inner tank 1, the intermediate tank 2, and the outer tank 3 are all spherical structures. The inner tank 1 and the intermediate tank 2 are both made of S30408 stainless steel material, and the outer tank 3 is made of 316L stainless steel material. The inner diameter of the inner tank 1 is set to be approximately 26.8 m, the outer diameter of the inner tank 1 is set to be approximately 26.864 m, the inner diameter of the intermediate tank 2 is set to be approximately 28.106 m, the outer diameter of the intermediate tank 2 is set to be approximately 28.174 m, the inner diameter of the outer tank 3 is set to be approximately 29.264 m, and the outer diameter of the outer tank 3 is set to be approximately 29.332 m. The intermediate tank 2 is sleeved outside the inner tank 1, and a spherical annular gap is formed between the two, with a thickness of 1.242 m. The outer tank 3 is sleeved outside the intermediate tank 2, and a spherical annular gap is formed between the two, with a thickness of 1.09 m. The thickness of the overfill area 5 is 1.2 m.

[0027] The top opening of the intermediate tank 2 is a circular hole, and the isolation barrel 4 is welded between the opening and the inner wall of the outer tank 3. The diameter of the isolation barrel 4 is set to be 14.777 m.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first cold insulation layer can be insulated by filling cold insulation material and evacuating. The cold insulation material is selected as glass microsphere material. The second cold insulation layer can be evacuated to form a vacuum layer for cold insulation, or it can be filled with cold insulation material to achieve cold insulation.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 3 to 4 ., during the use of the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an overfill area added in this embodiment, when the cold insulation material in the first annular area 6 settles, the cold insulation material in the overfill area 5 drops under the action of gravity and fills the vacancy. After verification, the height of the cold insulation material in the overfill area 3 can still remain at the height of 29.18 m at the top of the original cold insulation layer. Compared with the existing method, it can avoid the exposure of the inner tank 1 due to the lack of thermal insulation material, ensure that the target evaporation rate of liquid hydrogen is below 0.1% / d, and truly achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement. In addition, by setting the intermediate tank 2 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 3, double-layer cold insulation of the storage tank is realized, the cold insulation structure of the storage tank is optimized, and the cold insulation effect is further improved.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 ., the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an overfill area added in this embodiment also includes multiple support columns 8. The support column 8 includes an inner support column 9 and an outer support column 10 that are concentric inside and outside. The inner support column 9 is used to support the inner tank 1, the outer support column 10 is used to support the outer tank 3, and an intermediate tank support column 11 is arranged on the outer support column 9 to support the intermediate tank 2.

[0031] In a specific application, a pillar cold insulation layer 15 is provided between the inner pillar 9 and the outer pillar 10. The pillar cold insulation layer 15 is filled with a cold insulation material, and the cold insulation material is selected as a glass microsphere material. The outer pillar 9 penetrates from the bottom upwards through the outer tank 3 to the intermediate tank 2 first. This section serves as the intermediate tank pillar 11 and is connected to the intermediate tank through a direct connection type. The inner pillar 9 is connected to the inner tank 1 through a support plate structure.

[0032] In this embodiment, a support plate 12 is provided between the inner tank 1 and the inner pillar 9.

[0033] Specifically, the top of the support plate 12 is welded to the inner tank 1, and the support plate 12 is welded to the upper part of the inner pillar 9. The support plate 12 is connected between the inner pillar 9 and the wall of the inner tank 1. This method can reduce the welding quality requirements for the connection between the inner pillar 9 and the inner tank 1. The outer pillar 10 is welded to the outer tank 3, and the intermediate tank pillar 11 is welded to the intermediate tank 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, a heat insulation structure 13 is provided between the support plate 12 and the inner pillar 9. The heat insulation structure 13 can be a plate-shaped fiberglass reinforced plastic, and the heat insulation structure 13 can be connected to the support plate 12 and the inner pillar 9 through bolts.

[0035] Specifically, fiberglass reinforced plastic is added to the inner pillar 9 of the pillar structure. The fiberglass reinforced plastic has a small thermal conductivity coefficient, which can interrupt the cold bridge of the inner pillar 9 and reduce the heat leakage of the storage tank.

[0036] In this embodiment, multiple support columns 8 are circumferentially and spacedly arranged at the lower part of the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank. A pull rod 14 is provided between adjacent support columns 8.

[0037] Specifically, the support columns 8 are used to support the large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank. Multiple support columns 8 form the support structure of the storage tank. In order to make the entire support structure more stable, a pull rod 14 is provided between adjacent support columns 8, and the pull rod 14 is set to two. The two pull rods 14 are arranged crosswise between the two support columns 8. Through the pull rod 14, the support structure can resist loads such as wind and earthquake, making the storage tank more stable.

[0038] For the double-layer large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an external overfill area in this embodiment, by setting an overfill area 5 at the top to increase the storage capacity of the cold insulation material, compared with the method of thickening the cold insulation layer, the thickness of the cold insulation layer is reduced from 1.52 m to 1.2 m, and the target evaporation rate of the hydrogen storage tank remains below 0.1% / d. Combining with the double cold insulation layer structure, while ensuring the cold insulation effect, the consumption of the cold insulation material is greatly reduced, and the utilization rate of the cold insulation material is improved; compared with the method of completely evacuating and insulating and the method of thickening the cold insulation layer, the technical difficulty is small and the cost is low, truly realizing cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area, characterized in that, Comprising: An inner tank for storing liquid hydrogen; An intermediate tank with an open top and an isolation barrel provided at the opening. The intermediate tank is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner tank and has a gap therebetween, and the gap forms a first annular region; An outer tank disposed on the outer periphery of the intermediate tank and having a gap therebetween, the gap forming a second annular region. The isolation barrel is connected to the inner wall of the outer tank; a superfill region is formed between the top of the inner tank and the top of the outer tank, and the superfill region communicates with the first annular region to form a first cold insulation layer; the second annular region and the first cold insulation layer are isolated by the isolation barrel to form a second cold insulation layer; the first cold insulation layer is filled with a cold insulation material.

2. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner tank, the intermediate tank and the outer tank are all spherical structures.

3. The large-capacity liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area according to claim 1, characterized in that It further includes a plurality of support columns. The support columns include concentric inner and outer struts. The inner strut is used to support the inner tank, the outer strut is used to support the outer tank, and the outer strut is provided with an intermediate tank strut for supporting the intermediate tank.

4. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfilling area according to claim 3, characterized in that, A strut cold insulation layer is provided between the inner strut and the outer strut, and the strut cold insulation layer is filled with a cold insulation material.

5. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfilling area according to claim 3, characterized in that A support plate is provided between the inner tank and the inner strut.

6. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfilling area according to claim 5, characterized in that, An insulating structure is provided between the support plate and the inner strut.

7. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area according to claim 6, wherein The insulating structure is a plate-shaped fiberglass reinforced plastic.

8. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfilling area according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of the support columns are circumferentially and evenly spaced and arranged at the lower part of the liquid hydrogen storage tank, and a tie rod is provided between adjacent support columns.

9. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfilling area according to claim 8, characterized in that, The tie rod is provided with two, and the two tie rods are cross-arranged between the two support columns.

10. The large-volume liquid hydrogen storage tank with an additional overfill area according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The cold insulation material is a glass microsphere material.

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