Liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure, and particularly relates to the technical field of storage equipment, the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure comprises an inner tank body, a suspension supporting structure and an outer tank body, the inner tank body is arranged in the outer tank body, and a certain space is formed between the inner tank body and the outer tank body; the periphery of the top of the inner tank body is connected to the periphery of the top of the inner wall of the outer tank body through a plurality of suspension supporting structures; the suspension supporting structure comprises a variable cross-section cushion block and suspension supports, the cross sections from the middle cross section to the top and the bottom of the variable cross-section cushion block are gradually enlarged, one ends of the two suspension supports are fixed to the top and the bottom of the variable cross-section cushion block respectively and face opposite directions, one suspension support is connected with the outer tank body, and one end of the other suspension support is connected with the inner tank body; according to the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure, the inner tank body and the outer tank body are connected through the variable cross-section cushion blocks and the hanging supports, conduction heat leakage between the inner tank body and the outer tank body can be reduced, the evaporation rate is reduced, vacuum treatment is conducted between the inner tank body and the outer tank body, and heat leakage is further reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of storage equipment technology, and in particular to a liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid hydrogen storage tanks are widely used in aerospace, military, electronics, petrochemical and hydrogen refueling stations. Small liquid hydrogen storage tanks generally adopt a structure similar to Dewar, which is a vacuum multi-layer insulated tank. The inner tank is suspended inside the vacuum tank by a neck tube structure. Most of the pipes are led out from the neck tube, and radiation shielding plates are installed at the neck tube.

[0003] Since small liquid hydrogen storage tanks generally adopt a Dewar-like structure that uses a neck tube to suspend the inner tank inside the vacuum tank, the neck tube makes the tank prone to heat leakage when storing liquid hydrogen. At the same time, the neck tube is mainly used to provide support during transportation, so the design of the neck tube is particularly important.

[0004] Increasing the size of the outer tank and the neck tube to reduce heat leakage will increase the overall height and cost. At the same time, the neck tube will also need to provide support during handling. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure that the neck tube design can reduce heat leakage while providing sufficient support. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention proposes a liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure comprising an inner tank, a suspension support structure, and an outer tank, wherein: The inner tank is disposed inside the outer tank and has a certain space between them. The top of the inner tank is connected to the top of the inner wall of the outer tank by a plurality of the suspension support structures. The suspension support structure includes a variable cross-section pad and a hanger. The cross-section of the variable cross-section pad gradually increases from the middle to the top and bottom. One end of each of the two hangers is fixed to the top and bottom of the variable cross-section pad and faces opposite directions. One hanger is connected to the outer tank and the other hanger is connected to the inner tank. A valve and pipe assembly is connected to the inner tank.

[0007] Furthermore, an outer tank magnet mounting strip and an inner tank magnet mounting strip are respectively provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the outer tank and the outer wall of the bottom of the inner tank. A first magnet and a second magnet are respectively installed on the outer tank magnet mounting strip and the inner tank magnet mounting strip. The first magnet and the second magnet repel each other, so that the bottom of the inner tank is supported.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a base, and the outer tank and the inner tank also include an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, namely an outer end cap and an inner end cap formed at their bottoms. The base is disposed at the bottom of the outer tank and is fixedly connected to the outer tank. The outer side of the inner tank is provided with a multi-layer thin film heat insulation material.

[0009] Furthermore, the suspension support structure also includes a first washer, a second washer, a fixing bolt, and a nut. The two first washers are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the two top supports. The second washer is attached to the side of the first washer away from the support. The variable cross-section pad has a central hole. The fixing bolt passes through one second washer, one first washer, one support, the variable cross-section pad, another support, another first washer, and another second washer in sequence, and is fixedly connected with the nut to fix them into a whole.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve and pipeline assembly also includes a differential pressure level gauge installed on the outer tank and a differential pressure level gauge pipeline connected to the top of the inner tank. The differential pressure level gauge is connected to the outer tank from the bottom and top through the differential pressure level gauge pipeline.

[0011] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes a top filling and venting pipe and a bottom filling pipe. One end of the top filling and venting pipe is connected to the top of the inner tank, and the other end passes through the outer tank and is connected to the external cryogenic liquid inlet valve and cryogenic venting valve respectively. One end of the bottom filling pipe passes through the top of the inner tank to the bottom of the inner tank, and the other end passes through the outer tank and is connected to the bottom filling valve.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a top pressurization pipe and a bottom pressurization pipe. One end of the top pressurization pipe and the bottom pressurization pipe are connected to the top and bottom of the inner tank, and the other end is connected to the outside of the outer tank and connected to the vaporization fins on the outside. A pressurization manual valve is provided on the top pressurization pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner tank and the multiple valves and pipes connected to it are designed to withstand a pressure of 15 bar, and the length of the pipes connected to the inner tank is extended to 2-3 meters.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes an overflow pipe and an overflow valve, the overflow pipe passing through the outer tank and connected to the top of the inner tank, and the overflow valve being disposed on the outside of the outer tank of the overflow pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes an overpressure relief pipe, one end of which is connected to the top of the inner tank, and the other end passes through the outer tank and is connected to a two-position three-way hand valve. Each end of the two-position three-way hand valve is connected to a safety valve and an overpressure rupture disc.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure proposed in this invention utilizes variable cross-section pads and hangers to connect the inner tank and the outer tank, which can reduce heat conduction and leakage between the inner and outer tanks, reduce the evaporation rate, and further reduce heat leakage by performing vacuum treatment between the inner and outer tanks. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an internal structural diagram of the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is another perspective view of the internal structure of the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of the suspension support structure of the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the suspension support structure of the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the heat leakage analysis of the suspension support structure of the liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure of the present invention. In the diagram: 1. Outer tank; 2. Inner tank; 3. Suspension support structure; 3. Variable cross-section pad; 31. Hanging support; 32. First gasket; 33. Second gasket; 34. Fixing bolt; 35. Nut; 36. Base; 4. Differential pressure level gauge; 5. Differential pressure level gauge pipe; 6. Top filling and venting pipe; 7. Low-temperature liquid inlet hand valve; 8. Low-temperature venting hand valve; 9. Top pressurization pipe; 10. Bottom pressurization pipe; 11. Vaporization fin; 12. Pressurization hand valve; 13. Bottom filling pipe; 14. Bottom filling hand valve; 15. Overflow pipe; 16. Overflow valve; 17. Overpressure relief pipe; 18. Two-position three-way hand valve; 19. Safety valve; 20. Rupture disc; 21. Outer tank magnet mounting band; 22. Inner tank magnet mounting band; 23. First magnet; 24. Second magnet; 25. The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To more clearly and completely illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Please refer to Figures 1-6 This invention proposes a liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure comprising an inner tank 2, a suspension support structure 3, and an outer tank 1, wherein: The inner tank 2 is located inside the outer tank 1 and has a certain space between it and the outer tank 1. The top of the inner tank 2 is connected to the top of the inner wall of the outer tank 1 by multiple suspension support structures 3. The suspension support structure 3 includes a variable cross-section pad 31 and hanging supports 32. The cross-section of the variable cross-section pad 31 gradually increases from the middle to the top and bottom. One end of each of the two hanging supports 32 is fixed to the top and bottom of the variable cross-section pad 31, respectively, and they face opposite directions. One hanging support 32 is connected to the outer tank 1, and one end of the other hanging support 32 is connected to the inner tank 2. A valve and pipe assembly is connected to the inner tank 2.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the variable cross-section pad 31 and the two side supports 32 form an S-shaped structure. The variable cross-section pad 31 is made of G10 material. The two ends of the variable cross-section pad 31 gradually narrow towards the middle, resembling the shape of an hourglass. The two supports 32 are L-shaped. The variable cross-section pad 31 and the supports 32 are used to connect the inner tank 2 and the outer tank 1, which can reduce the conduction heat leakage between the inner tank 2 and the outer tank 1 and reduce the evaporation rate. Vacuum treatment is performed between the inner tank 2 and the outer tank 1 to further reduce heat leakage.

[0021] Furthermore, an outer tank magnet mounting strip 22 and an inner tank magnet mounting strip 23 are respectively provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the outer tank 1 and the outer wall of the bottom of the inner tank 2. A first magnet 24 and a second magnet 25 are respectively installed on the outer tank magnet mounting strip 22 and the inner tank magnet mounting strip 23. The first magnet 24 and the second magnet repel each other, so that the bottom of the inner tank 2 is supported.

[0022] In a specific embodiment, the top of the inner tank 2 is connected by a suspension support structure 3, and the bottom is supported by magnetic force without contact. The magnetic support at the bottom prevents heat conduction and reduces the low evaporation rate of the liquid in the inner tank 2.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a base 4, and the outer tank 1 and inner tank 2 also include an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, i.e., an outer end cap and an inner end cap formed at their bottoms. The base 4 is set at the bottom of the outer tank 1 and fixedly connected to the outer tank 1. The outer side of the inner tank 2 is provided with a multi-layer thin film heat insulation material.

[0024] In a specific implementation, the thin-film insulation material can keep the inner tank 2 warm, and at the same time, a vacuum is drawn between the inner tank 2 and the outer tank 1, which can effectively reduce the evaporation rate. The inner tank 2 adopts an inner end cap and cylindrical design, which can withstand a maximum pressure of 16 kg, allowing liquid hydrogen to be stored in an environment exceeding atmospheric pressure by 20 K.

[0025] Furthermore, the suspension support structure 3 also includes a first washer 33, a second washer 34, a fixing bolt 35, and a nut 36. The two first washers 33 are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the two top supports 32. The second washer 34 is attached to the side of the first washer 33 away from the support 32. The variable cross-section pad 31 has a central hole. The fixing bolt 35 passes through one second washer 34, one first washer 33, one support 32, the variable cross-section pad 31, another support 32, another first washer 33, and another second washer 34 in sequence, and is fixedly connected with the nut 36 to fix them into a whole.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, both the hanging support 32 and the variable cross-section pad 31 are provided with a central hole. A first pad 33 and a second pad 34 are attached to the side of the hanging support 32 away from the variable cross-section pad 31. The fixing bolt 35 passes through the pad, the two hanging supports 32 and the variable cross-section pad 31 and fixes them to form a suspension support structure 3.

[0027] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes a differential pressure level gauge 5 installed on the outer tank 1 and a differential pressure level gauge pipe 6 connected to the top of the inner tank 2. The differential pressure level gauge 5 is connected to the inner tank 1 from the bottom and top through the differential pressure level gauge pipe 6.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, the differential pressure level gauge 5 is installed at the bottom of the outer tank 1. The level gauge pipe connected to the differential pressure level gauge 5 passes through the outer tank 1, from bottom to top and from the top of the inner tank 2 to the inside of the inner tank 2. The differential pressure level gauge 5 is used to display the filling of liquid inside the inner tank 2.

[0029] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes a top filling and venting pipe 7, one end of which is connected to the top of the inner tank 2, and the other end passes through the outer tank 1 and is connected to the external cryogenic liquid inlet valve 8 and cryogenic venting valve 9 respectively.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the top filling and venting pipe 7 is connected to the top of the inner tank 2 and fills the inner tank 2 with liquid from the top. The low-temperature liquid inlet valve 8 and the low-temperature venting valve 9 are connected in parallel to the top filling and venting pipe 7. The low-temperature venting valve 9 discharges gas, while the low-temperature liquid inlet valve 8 injects liquid for pre-cooling.

[0031] Furthermore, the valve and pipeline assembly also includes a top pressurization pipe 10 and a bottom pressurization pipe 11. One end of the top pressurization pipe 10 and the bottom pressurization pipe 11 are connected to the top and bottom of the inner tank 2, and the other end is connected to the outside of the outer tank 1 and connected to the vaporization fin pipe 12 on the outside. A pressurization hand valve 13 is provided on the top pressurization pipe 10.

[0032] In a specific implementation, when the drainage and exhaust pressures are insufficient, the pressurization hand valve 13 is opened, the vaporization fin tube 12 heats the liquid and converts it into gas, and then the gas is introduced into the inner tank 2 through the top pressurization pipe 10 and the bottom pressurization pipe 11 to complete the pressurization of the inner tank 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the valve piping assembly also includes a bottom filling pipe 14, one end of which passes through the top of the inner tank 2 to the bottom of the inner tank 2, and the other end passes through the outer tank 1 and is connected to the bottom filling hand valve 15.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, the bottom filling pipe 14 is used to fill liquid. The bottom filling pipe 14 fills liquid from the bottom of the tank and the filling is displayed by the differential pressure level gauge 5. The bottom filling pipe 14 and the bottom filling manual valve 15 can also discharge liquid.

[0035] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes an overflow pipe 16 and an overflow valve 17. The overflow pipe 16 passes through the outer tank 1 and is connected to the top of the inner tank 2. The overflow valve 17 is located on the outside of the outer tank 1 of the overflow pipe 16.

[0036] In a specific implementation, the overflow valve 17 opens and closes the overflow pipe 16. If the liquid level is too high during the filling process, the liquid can flow out through the overflow pipe 16.

[0037] Furthermore, the valve and piping assembly also includes an overpressure relief pipe 18, one end of which is connected to the top of the inner tank 2, and the other end passes through the outer tank 1 and is connected to a two-position three-way hand valve 19. Each end of the two-position three-way hand valve 19 is connected to a safety valve 20 and an overpressure rupture disc 21.

[0038] In a specific implementation, since liquid hydrogen will continuously evaporate, the pressure will gradually increase. The pressure can be released or ruptured by the safety valve 20 and the rupture disc 21. A safety valve 20 is provided on each side of the three-way hand valve, and a rupture disc 21 is provided on each side of the three-way hand valve. If one of the safety valves 20 and the rupture disc 21 fails, the other safety valve 20 and the rupture disc 21 can be used.

[0039] Furthermore, the inner tank 2 and the multiple valves and pipes connected to it are designed to withstand pressure of 15 bar, and the length of the pipes connected to the inner tank is extended to 2-3 meters.

[0040] In practical implementation, this design can reduce heat leakage in pipelines and further reduce the liquid hydrogen evaporation rate.

[0041] In summary, during implementation, all valves should be closed before the first liquid hydrogen filling. Then, the three-way hand valve should be opened to one side. After connecting the external liquid hydrogen filling equipment, the cryogenic inlet hand valve 8 should be opened for pre-filling and cooling from the top. Once the temperature of the inner tank 2 has decreased, the cryogenic inlet hand valve 8 should be closed. The liquid hydrogen filling equipment should then be connected to the bottom filling hand valve 15. The bottom filling hand valve 15 should then be opened until the differential pressure level gauge 5 displays 100%, after which the filling process should be stopped. If the liquid level is too high during the filling process, it will flow out through the overflow valve 17. Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Based on this embodiment, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure, characterized in that, It includes an inner tank, a suspension support structure, and an outer tank, wherein: The inner tank is disposed inside the outer tank and has a certain space between them. The top of the inner tank is connected to the top of the inner wall of the outer tank by a plurality of the suspension support structures. The suspension support structure includes a variable cross-section pad and a hanger. The cross-section of the variable cross-section pad gradually increases from the middle to the top and bottom. One end of each of the two hangers is fixed to the top and bottom of the variable cross-section pad and faces opposite directions. One hanger is connected to the outer tank and the other hanger is connected to the inner tank. A valve and pipe assembly is connected to the inner tank.

2. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer tank has an outer magnet mounting strip on its inner wall and the inner tank has an inner magnet mounting strip on its outer wall. A first magnet and a second magnet are mounted on the outer and inner magnet mounting strips, respectively. The first magnet and the second magnet repel each other, which supports the bottom of the inner tank.

3. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a base, and the outer tank and the inner tank also include an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, namely an outer end cap and an inner end cap formed at their bottoms. The base is disposed at the bottom of the outer tank and is fixedly connected to the outer tank. The outer side of the inner tank is provided with a multi-layer thin film heat insulation material.

4. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension support structure further includes a first washer, a second washer, a fixing bolt, and a nut. The two first washers are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the two top hanging supports. The second washer is attached to the side of the first washer away from the hanging support. The variable cross-section block has a central hole. The fixing bolt passes through one second washer, one first washer, one hanging support, the variable cross-section block, another hanging support, another first washer, and another second washer in sequence, and is fixedly connected with the nut to fix them into a whole.

5. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve and piping assembly also includes a differential pressure level gauge installed on the outer tank and a differential pressure level gauge pipe connected to the top of the inner tank. The differential pressure level gauge is connected to the outer tank from the bottom and top through the differential pressure level gauge pipe.

6. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve and piping assembly also includes a top filling and venting pipe and a bottom filling pipe. One end of the top filling and venting pipe is connected to the top of the inner tank, and the other end passes through the outer tank and is connected to the external cryogenic liquid inlet valve and cryogenic venting valve respectively. One end of the bottom filling pipe passes through the top of the inner tank to the bottom of the inner tank, and the other end passes through the outer tank and is connected to the bottom filling valve.

7. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve and pipeline assembly also includes a top pressurization pipe and a bottom pressurization pipe. One end of the top pressurization pipe and the bottom pressurization pipe are connected to the top and bottom of the inner tank, and the other end is connected to the outside of the outer tank and connected to the vaporization fins on the outside. A pressurization manual valve is provided on the top pressurization pipe.

8. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner tank and valve piping assembly are designed to withstand pressure of 15 bar, and the length of the pipes connected to the inner tank is extended to 2-3 meters.

9. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve and piping assembly also includes an overflow pipe and an overflow valve. The overflow pipe passes through the outer tank and is connected to the top of the inner tank. The overflow valve is located on the outside of the outer tank of the overflow pipe.

10. The liquid hydrogen vacuum storage tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve and piping assembly also includes an overpressure relief pipe, one end of which is connected to the top of the inner tank, and the other end passes through the outer tank and is connected to a two-position three-way hand valve. Each end of the two-position three-way hand valve is connected to a safety valve and an overpressure rupture disc.

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