A hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency and a method of using the same

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of hydrogen storage technology, specifically to a hydrogen storage device and its usage method for improving turnover efficiency. The device includes a pressure tank and a hydrogen storage transfer tank, with the transfer tank detachably connected inside the pressure tank. The transfer tank is filled with hydrogen storage material. The pressure tank includes a tank body and a tank cover with a sealing cap fitted onto the tank body. The tank cover has a vent hole. The transfer tank has a hydrogen inlet with a filter screen, and a sealing cap is threaded onto the inlet. Implementing this solution improves the transportation and turnover efficiency of hydrogen energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen storage technology, specifically to a hydrogen storage device and its method of use that improves turnover efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy is a key force in the global energy transition. Its zero-carbon, environmentally friendly, high-energy-density, and widely available characteristics have enabled it to penetrate deeply into various fields such as transportation, industry, and power generation. It can not only solve the carbon emission problem of traditional energy sources, but also optimize the energy structure and ensure energy security, making it one of the core new energy sources leading the energy revolution.

[0003] Currently, there are three main methods for hydrogen storage: high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage, cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, and solid-state hydrogen storage. High-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage requires high-pressure containers to store hydrogen, making the storage equipment bulky, costly, and requiring extremely high safety standards. Additionally, the low density of hydrogen leads to low transportation efficiency and huge energy consumption. Liquid hydrogen storage requires cooling hydrogen to cryogenic temperatures, a process that is extremely energy-intensive. The storage containers also need to have strict insulation properties, further increasing costs. In contrast, solid-state hydrogen storage offers advantages such as high safety, high hydrogen storage density, and convenience and flexibility.

[0004] However, while solid-state hydrogen storage has potential, it also presents some challenges in its application: 1. Traditional hydrogen storage tanks have very thick walls, resulting in heavy weight and large volume. This makes handling difficult and increases transport load and energy consumption, leading to high logistics costs and low transport efficiency. 2. Complex operating condition switching: Frequent adjustments to device parameters and structure are required to adapt to different operating conditions during the hydrogen absorption and release phases. This is cumbersome, can easily lead to safety risks, and affects the lifespan of the hydrogen storage materials.

[0005] In summary, there is a need to design a hydrogen storage device and its usage method to improve the efficiency of hydrogen transportation and turnover. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen storage device and its method of use that improves turnover efficiency, so as to improve the transportation and turnover efficiency of hydrogen energy.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a hydrogen storage device and its method of use for improving turnover efficiency, comprising a pressure tank and a hydrogen storage transfer tank, wherein the hydrogen storage transfer tank is detachably connected to the pressure tank, the hydrogen storage transfer tank is filled with hydrogen storage material, the pressure tank comprises a tank body and a tank cover with a sealing cap fitted onto the tank body, the tank cover is provided with a vent hole, the hydrogen storage transfer tank is provided with a hydrogen inlet, a filter screen is provided at the hydrogen inlet, and a sealing cap is threadedly connected to the hydrogen inlet.

[0008] Preferably, as an improvement, a heat-conducting layer is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the pressure tank.

[0009] Preferably, as an improvement, the pressure tank has a wall thickness of 8-10 mm and a pressure range of 3-5 MPa.

[0010] Preferably, as an improvement, the wall thickness of the hydrogen storage and transfer tank is 2-3 mm.

[0011] Preferably, as an improvement, the tank body and the tank cover of the pressure vessel are connected by a flange.

[0012] A method for using a hydrogen storage device to improve turnover efficiency includes the following steps:

[0013] S1. Hydrogen absorption: Place the hydrogen storage and transfer tank into the pressure tank, adjust the pressure in the pressure tank to 3-5MPa, control the temperature at 300℃-320℃, and connect the hydrogen production equipment to store hydrogen in the hydrogen storage and transfer tank.

[0014] S2. Tank Removal: After hydrogen absorption is completed, the hydrogen storage and transfer tank is removed using hoisting equipment and its hydrogen delivery port is sealed.

[0015] S3, Transportation: Transport the hydrogen storage transfer tank separately to the destination;

[0016] S4. Hydrogen release: Connect the hydrogen storage and transfer tank to the hydrogen release pipeline and heat the hydrogen storage and transfer tank to 200℃-220℃ to trigger the hydrogen release reaction.

[0017] Preferably, as an improvement, in the tank removal step, before removing the hydrogen storage and transfer tank, the hydrogen input pipeline is first shut off, and then the residual hydrogen in the pressure tank is released to atmospheric pressure.

[0018] Preferably, as an improvement, in the transportation step, the hydrogen storage transfer tank is first tested for air tightness. After it is found to be airtight, the hydrogen storage information is marked, and the tank is placed in a transport vehicle equipped with shock-absorbing pads and fixed supports. The temperature of the hydrogen storage transfer tank is monitored during transportation.

[0019] Preferably, as an improvement, in the hydrogen release step, the hydrogen output pressure is controlled at 0.5-1 MPa by the flow regulating valve of the hydrogen release pipeline.

[0020] The principles and advantages of this scheme are:

[0021] 1. Improving Hydrogen Transportation Efficiency: The applicant's research and analysis indicate that traditional hydrogen storage tanks are bulky because the hydrogen absorption process requires high temperature and pressure, necessitating a thick design to withstand the pressure. However, in practical applications, pressure is only required during the absorption phase, not during subsequent transportation and release. Therefore, this solution cleverly designs a nested structure of a large tank (pressure-bearing tank for hydrogen absorption) and a small tank (hydrogen transfer tank, serving as the hydrogen storage material carrier). This allows for transportation by transferring only the small tank, significantly reducing the weight of each tank (approximately four times lighter than traditional tanks) and drastically decreasing its volume. This significantly reduces transportation weight and energy consumption, greatly improving the amount of hydrogen transported per trip and enhancing economic efficiency.

[0022] 2. Improve equipment turnover efficiency: After hydrogen absorption is completed, the hydrogen storage and transfer tank is quickly removed from the pressure tank, and the pressure tank can be immediately put into a new hydrogen absorption cycle; the hydrogen storage and transfer tank can be used directly when it arrives at the hydrogen release end, realizing efficient turnover of hydrogen absorption and release equipment and enhancing system operation efficiency.

[0023] 3. Simplified operation mode switching: Physically separates hydrogen absorption (pressurized environment of the pressure tank) and hydrogen release (independent reaction of the hydrogen storage and transfer tank) scenarios. No complex parameter adjustments are required. The hydrogen storage and transfer tank can start the reaction by directly connecting to the hydrogen release system. The operation is simple and safe, and it can adapt to different hydrogen consumption needs.

[0024] 4. Low maintenance cost: In this solution, the pressure tank and the hydrogen storage and transfer tank are designed as two independent tanks. When either tank has a problem, only the faulty tank needs to be repaired or replaced, which solves the problem of high cost of replacing the entire traditional integrated hydrogen storage tank. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after the lid is removed.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure in the AA direction.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the usage phase of the present invention.

[0029] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Pressure tank; 2. Tank cover; 3. Flange; 4. Vent hole; 5. Hydrogen storage and transfer tank; 6. Hydrogen inlet; 7. Filter screen; 8. Heat-conducting layer; 9. Heating equipment; 10. Sealing cover. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0031] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figures 1-3 The diagram illustrates a hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency, comprising a pressure tank 1 and a hydrogen transfer tank 5. The hydrogen transfer tank 5 is detachably connected to the pressure tank 1. The pressure tank 1 is made of 316 stainless steel with a wall thickness of 8-10 mm, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius and pressures of 3-5 MPa. It primarily withstands the high-pressure environment at the hydrogen absorption end, ensuring the conditions for the hydrogen absorption reaction. The pressure tank 1 includes a tank body and a sealing cap 10. A tank cover 2 is fitted onto the tank body. In this embodiment, the tank body and the tank cover 2 are connected by a flange 3. This connection method better ensures the stability of the hydrogen transfer tank 5 during the hydrogen absorption stage. The tank cover 2 has a vent 4 for connecting a hydrogen input pipeline.

[0032] The hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5 is made of 316 stainless steel with a wall thickness of 2-3 mm. It is filled with a hydrogen storage material, specifically magnesium-nickel-lanthanum, used for the hydrogen absorption and release stages to react with oxygen. The hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5 has a hydrogen inlet 6. Because a vacuum state must be ensured inside the tank before the hydrogen absorption reaction, a vacuuming operation is required. This may cause the internal material of the hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5 to be sucked out, resulting in material loss. Therefore, a filter screen 7 is installed at the hydrogen inlet 6 to prevent the hydrogen storage material from being sucked out. Furthermore, a sealing cap 10 is threaded onto the hydrogen inlet 6.

[0033] In addition, since the heat transfer efficiency between the pressure tank 1 and the hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5 may be reduced, in this embodiment, a heat-conducting layer 8 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the pressure tank 1. The material of the heat-conducting layer 8 is copper or other high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-thermal-conductivity materials.

[0034] A method for using a hydrogen storage device to improve turnover efficiency, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0035] S1. Hydrogen Absorption: After removing the sealing cap 10 of the hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5, insert it into the pressure tank 1. Connect the hydrogen input pipeline of the hydrogen production equipment to the vent 4 of the pressure tank 1. Adjust the pressure in the pressure tank 1 to 3-5 MPa through the pressure regulating valve, and heat the pressure tank 1 through the heating device 9. The temperature is controlled at 300℃. Under the high pressure environment of the pressure tank 1, hydrogen enters the hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5 and undergoes an adsorption reaction with the hydrogen storage material.

[0036] S2. Tank Removal: Once hydrogen absorption is complete, close the hydrogen input pipeline, release the residual hydrogen in pressure tank 1 to atmospheric pressure, open the top flange 3, use hoisting equipment to remove the hydrogen storage and transfer tank 5, install the sealing cover, and conduct an airtightness test to ensure no hydrogen leakage.

[0037] S3. Transportation: After marking the qualified hydrogen storage transfer tank 5 with hydrogen storage information, place it in a transport vehicle equipped with shock-absorbing pads and fixed supports. During transportation, monitor the temperature of the hydrogen storage transfer tank 5 in real time to ensure the stability of the hydrogen storage material. Then, transport the small tank to the hydrogen use and release end.

[0038] S4. Hydrogen Release: After the hydrogen storage transfer tank 5 arrives at the hydrogen release end, it is hoisted onto the hydrogen release equipment platform. The sealing cap 10 is removed and the hydrogen release pipeline is connected. The heating equipment 9 is turned on to raise the temperature inside the hydrogen storage transfer tank 5 to 200℃, triggering the hydrogen release reaction of the hydrogen storage material. The hydrogen output pressure is controlled at 0.5-1MPa through the flow regulating valve of the hydrogen release pipeline to adapt to the requirements of the hydrogen-using equipment. The empty hydrogen storage transfer tank 5 after hydrogen release can be recycled to the hydrogen production and absorption end for reuse.

[0039] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as specific technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency, characterized in that: The system includes a pressure tank and a hydrogen storage and transfer tank. The hydrogen storage and transfer tank is detachably connected to the pressure tank and is filled with hydrogen storage material. The pressure tank is responsible for withstanding the high-pressure environment at the hydrogen absorption end. The pressure tank includes a tank body and a tank cover with a sealing cap on the tank body. The tank cover has a vent hole. The hydrogen storage and transfer tank has a hydrogen inlet with a filter screen and a sealing cap threaded onto it. When the hydrogen storage and transfer tank absorbs hydrogen, it is located inside the pressure tank and the hydrogen inlet is open. When the hydrogen storage and transfer tank is transported separately, its hydrogen inlet is sealed.

2. The hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-conducting layer is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the pressure tank.

3. The hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure tank has a wall thickness of 8-10mm and a pressure range of 3-5MPa.

4. A hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency according to claim 3, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the hydrogen storage and transfer tank is 2-3 mm.

5. A hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure vessel's body and cover are connected by a flange.

6. A method of using a hydrogen storage device for improving turnover efficiency according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Hydrogen absorption: Place the hydrogen storage and transfer tank into the pressure tank, adjust the pressure in the pressure tank to 3-5MPa, control the temperature at 300℃-320℃, and connect the hydrogen production equipment to store hydrogen in the hydrogen storage and transfer tank. S2. Tank Removal: After hydrogen absorption is completed, the hydrogen storage and transfer tank is removed using hoisting equipment and its hydrogen delivery port is sealed. S3, Transportation: Transport the hydrogen storage transfer tank separately to the destination; S4. Hydrogen release: Connect the hydrogen storage and transfer tank to the hydrogen release pipeline and heat the hydrogen storage and transfer tank to 200℃-220℃ to trigger the hydrogen release reaction.

7. A method of using a hydrogen storage device with improved turnover efficiency according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the tank removal step, before removing the hydrogen storage and transfer tank, the hydrogen input pipeline is first shut off, and then the residual hydrogen in the pressure tank is released to atmospheric pressure.

8. The method of using a hydrogen storage device with improved turnover efficiency according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the transportation process, the hydrogen storage transfer tank is first tested for air tightness. After confirming that there are no issues, the hydrogen storage information is marked, and the tank is placed in a transport vehicle equipped with shock-absorbing pads and fixed supports. The temperature of the hydrogen storage transfer tank is monitored during transportation.

9. The method of using a hydrogen storage device with improved turnover efficiency according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the hydrogen release step, the hydrogen output pressure is controlled at 0.5-1 MPa by the flow regulating valve of the hydrogen release pipeline.

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