Solid hydrogen storage and transportation container and solid hydrogen storage and transportation system

Abstract

A solid hydrogen storage and transportation container and a solid hydrogen storage and transportation system belong to the field of hydrogen storage and transportation. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container comprises: a sealing housing, which is provided with a cavity inside, one end closed, and the other end provided with a detachable first or second type end cover; wherein the first type end cover is used for charging and releasing hydrogen and comprises a filter screen; the second-type end cover is used for transportation and comprises an air inlet and outlet connector; the N gas guide cylinders are arranged in the cavity of the sealed shell, each gas guide cylinder is cylindrical, gas inlet and outlet holes are distributed in the side face of each gas guide cylinder, dust removal buffer nets are installed at the front end and the rear end of each gas guide cylinder, and hydrogen storage materials and buffer materials are filled in the gas guide cylinders at intervals; wherein N is a natural number. According to the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container, the loss of a hydrogen storage medium can be reduced through the detachable end cover adapting to the scene and the gas guide cylinder with the dust removal buffer net, the hydrogen charging and releasing speed is increased, and safe transportation is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen storage and transportation, and specifically to a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container and a solid hydrogen storage and transportation system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, hydrogen has seen rapid development as a new type of clean energy, but its storage and transportation challenges have become important factors restricting its development. Solid-state hydrogen storage technology has been an important research direction in the field of hydrogen energy in the past two years. It has significant advantages over traditional high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage and cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage in terms of safety, economy, and hydrogen storage density, and shows broad application potential, especially in areas such as hydrogen energy for vehicles, long-distance transportation, and large-scale energy storage.

[0003] Solid-state hydrogen storage technology stores hydrogen in solid materials through physical adsorption or chemical reaction. Compared with traditional high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage and low-temperature liquid hydrogen storage, its significant advantages are reflected in the following aspects: (1) High hydrogen storage density: The hydrogen storage density of magnesium-based solid hydrogen storage materials can reach more than 6.4 wt%, and the capacity of a single hydrogen storage tank can reach up to 1 ton, which is much higher than that of traditional hydrogen storage methods. (2) High safety: The stability of solid-state hydrogen storage materials allows them to safely store hydrogen at normal temperature and pressure, reducing the risks during transportation and use. (3) Good economy: It eliminates the need for complex compression or cryogenic processes, reducing equipment costs and energy consumption. (4) Strong environmental adaptability: It has lower requirements for ambient temperature and pressure, making it suitable for various application scenarios.

[0004] Because of these advantages, solid-state hydrogen storage technology has become a hot research topic, especially magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage technology, which has entered the commercial application stage and has made breakthroughs in many fields. However, as a highly promising hydrogen storage and transportation solution, magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage technology has significant advantages in terms of safety, hydrogen storage density and normal temperature and pressure operation, but it has not yet become the main means of vehicle-mounted hydrogen transportation. The main reasons include the following aspects: (1) Vehicle-mounted gas storage equipment needs to fully consider the impact resistance of hydrogen storage materials and the safety of equipment. Compared with fixed hydrogen storage equipment, powder, small particles and other hydrogen storage materials cannot be used because they are easily crushed by collision, which can lead to blockage of gas pipeline and cause accidents, or loss of hydrogen storage materials due to airflow. (2) Vehicle-mounted hydrogen storage equipment also needs to take into account the convenience of hydrogen filling and release. Magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage materials (such as MgH2) reach a temperature of 300°C and a pressure of 1~5 MPa when filled with hydrogen. When releasing hydrogen, a high temperature of more than 300°C is required. The hydrogen release temperature is high and the kinetics are slow, which requires the storage and transportation equipment to withstand high temperature and high pressure. (3) Vehicle-mounted hydrogen storage equipment needs to fully improve its carrying capacity. If magnesium-based solid hydrogen storage technology is used, it needs to store as much hydrogen as possible in a unit volume, which contradicts point (1) above. As is well known in the art, the smaller the particle size of magnesium-based solid hydrogen storage material, the larger the surface area, and the greater the hydrogen storage density and hydrogen release rate.

[0005] In conclusion, in order to improve the efficiency and safety of on-vehicle hydrogen transportation, there is an urgent need to develop a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container to at least partially address the current shortcomings and deficiencies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container and a solid hydrogen storage and transportation system, so as to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, as a first aspect of the present invention, a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container is provided, comprising: A sealed housing with an internal cavity, one end closed and the other end equipped with a removable first or second type end cap; wherein, the first type end cap is used for hydrogen filling and release and includes a filter screen; the second type end cap is used for transportation and includes an inlet / outlet gas connector; N gas delivery cylinders are located inside the cavity of the sealed outer shell. Each gas delivery cylinder is cylindrical with inlet and outlet holes distributed on its side. Dust removal and buffer nets are installed at the front and rear ends. The interior is filled with hydrogen storage material and buffer material arranged at intervals. Wherein, N is a natural number.

[0008] As a second aspect of the present invention, a solid hydrogen storage and transportation system is also proposed, comprising a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container as described above, and a reaction vessel for hydrogen charging and release; wherein a heating device is provided in the reaction vessel, capable of heating the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container to above 300°C.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, it can be seen that the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container and solid hydrogen storage and transportation system of the present invention have at least one of the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: 1. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention can contain hydrogen storage materials in each air guide tube through the air guide tube with dust removal buffer net, which can reduce collision and wear between materials and between materials and buffer elements during transportation, and avoid the loss of hydrogen storage medium. 2. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention can quickly cope with hydrogen filling and release scenarios and transportation scenarios by setting detachable end caps to adapt to different scenarios, reducing the difficulty of equipment design to meet different scenarios at the same time. Targeted design for specific scenarios can also improve the hydrogen filling and release rate in the corresponding scenario. 3. Since the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention uses solid hydrogen storage material, it only needs to meet the nitrogen protection requirements during transportation and does not need to be equipped with internal heating elements. Therefore, the sealed shell can be made very thin, reducing material costs and empty weight during transportation, and improving transportation efficiency. 4. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention has been optimized in terms of tank body, hydrogen transmission pipeline and reaction vessel, which can quickly release hydrogen, store hydrogen efficiently, and facilitate safe transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an external view of the air guide tube of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the air guide tube of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air guide tube of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first type of end cap of the threaded structure of the present invention, wherein (A) is a longitudinal section and (B) is a cross section; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second type of end cap with threaded structure of the present invention, wherein (A) is a longitudinal section and (B) is a cross section; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first type of end cap of the quick-installation structure of the present invention, wherein (A) is an external view, (B) is a cross-section, and (C) is a cross-sectional view after assembly. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second type of end cap of the quick-installation structure of the present invention, wherein (A) is an external view, (B) is a cross-section, and (C) is a cross-sectional view after assembly. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the quick-installation structure of the present invention before the sealing shell buckle and the second type of end cap are fastened. Figure 10 This is a photograph of the appearance of the air guide tube of the present invention.

[0012] In the above figures, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows: 1. Type I end cap; 1'. Type II end cap; 1-1. Filter screen; 1-2. Fixing screw; 1-3. Threaded sleeve; 1-4. Inlet / outlet connector; 1-5. Blind flange; 1-6. Sealing gasket; 1-7. Clip; 1-8. Step; 1-9. Pin hole; 1-10. Sealing ring; 1-11. Sealing ring baffle; 1-12. Screw; 2. Sealing shell; 3. Gas guide tube; 3-1. Inlet / outlet port; 3-2. Dust removal buffer screen; 4. Hydrogen storage material; 5. Buffer material; 7. Pressure gauge; 8. Main valve; 8-1. Nitrogen source valve; 8-2. Vacuum valve; 9. Vacuum pump. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0014] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of the invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] Solid-state hydrogen storage technology is developing rapidly, demonstrating excellent performance in stationary hydrogen storage containers and hydrogen production equipment. However, hydrogen storage containers used for vehicle transportation are currently dominated by high-pressure gaseous or liquid hydrogen storage containers. After careful analysis of the shortcomings of existing technologies and in-depth research through theoretical calculations, simulation experiments, and measured data, the inventors of this invention discovered that a hydrogen storage container with a specifically designed interface and internal structure can solve both the safety issues of hydrogen transportation and the challenges of automating hydrogen filling and release. Therefore, as... Figure 1-9 As shown, the inventors have proposed a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container, comprising: The sealed housing 2 has a cavity inside, one end is closed, and the other end is provided with a detachable first type end cap 1 or second type end cap 1'; wherein, when the first type end cap 1 is used for hydrogen filling and hydrogen release, it includes an interface fixedly connected to the sealed housing 2, and a filter screen 1-1 fixedly connected to the interface and exposing the entire port surface; when the second type end cap 1' is used for transportation, it includes an interface fixedly connected to the sealed housing 2, and a blind plate 1-5 sealed to the interface, and the blind plate 1-5 is provided with an inlet and outlet gas connector 1-4; N gas guide tubes 3 are located inside the cavity of the sealed outer shell 2. Each gas guide tube 3 is cylindrical, with inlet and outlet holes 3-1 distributed on its side, and dust removal and buffer nets 3-2 installed at the front and rear ends. The interior is filled with hydrogen storage material 4 and buffer material 5 arranged at intervals; N is a natural number.

[0016] The sealing shell 2 does not need to be pressure-bearing; it only needs to meet the nitrogen protection requirements during transportation. Its wall thickness is, for example, 0.5~2 mm. The material of the sealing shell 2 is, for example, aluminum or an alloy, such as ordinary aluminum, aviation aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0017] The detachable end cap 1 is fastened, for example, by a thread or quick-connect interface.

[0018] When connected and tightened by threads, the ends of the sealing housing 2 cylinder are welded with external threads. For example... Figure 5As shown in (A) and (B), when the sealed outer shell 2 is placed in the reactor for hydrogen charging and releasing, the port of the sealed outer shell 2 is threadedly connected to a first-type end cap 1 (hydrogen charging / discharging threaded cap). The filter screen 1-1 on the first-type end cap 1 is made of high-temperature resistant sintered metal mesh and has a detachable structure. The filter screen 1-1 is installed on the internally threaded sleeve 1-3 by fixing screws 1-2. The above configuration facilitates the replacement and cleaning of the filter screen 1-1. The sintered mesh can prevent the powder generated by the hydrogen storage material 4 during the hydrogen charging and releasing process from flowing out of the hydrogen storage equipment. Depending on the number of cycles of the hydrogen storage material 4, sintered meshes of different precision (filter screen size between 0.5 and 10 μm) can be replaced.

[0019] like Figure 6 As shown in (A) and (B), when the hydrogen storage device is used for transportation, a second type end cap 1' (storage and transportation threaded cap) is installed. The second type end cap 1' has sealing gaskets 1-6 embedded inside, ensuring a tight seal on the outer casing 2 and preventing leakage. Figure 1 As shown, the rear end of the air inlet / outlet connector 1-4 at the end of the second type end cap 1' can be equipped with a pressure gauge 7 and a main valve 8, which are transported together with the storage tank. The pressure gauge 7 can be used to monitor whether the sealing shell 2 is leaking.

[0020] After the sealed outer shell 2 is removed from the reactor, first remove the first type end cap 1, then install the second type end cap 1'. Then connect the main valve 8 to the downstream system pipeline. This connection is made through a quick-connect fitting, which is quick and easy. Then open the vacuum valve 8-2 and the vacuum pump 9, keeping the nitrogen source valve 8-1 closed. Evacuate the sealed outer shell 2 until the vacuum reaches 10 Pa. Then stop evacuating, close the vacuum valve 8-2 and the vacuum pump 9, open the nitrogen source valve 8-1, and fill the sealed outer shell 2 with 0.2 MPa of nitrogen. Then close the nitrogen source valve 8-2 and the main valve 8, remove the hydrogen storage equipment, and it can be transported.

[0021] The first type end cap 1 and the second type end cap 1', which are fastened by threaded connection, can be connected manually or have snap-fit ​​protrusions on their outer surfaces to cooperate with a robot arm. The robot arm can rotate to achieve automated connection.

[0022] When using a quick-release structure for fastening, such as Figure 7-9As shown, the quick-install interface includes, for example, the following structure: A gap and a step 1-8 are provided on the inner surfaces of the first type end cap 1, the second type end cap 1', and the sealing shell 2, respectively. A protrusion (buckle 1-7) is formed at the corresponding end of the sealing shell 2, which can be inserted into the gap of the first type end cap 1 and the second type end cap 1', and then rotated at an angle to form an interlocking sealing structure with the first type end cap 1 and the second type end cap 1'. A pin hole 1-9 is formed on the step 1-8 of the first type end cap 1 and the second type end cap 1', penetrating into the inside of the buckle 1-7 of the sealing shell 2, allowing a pin (such as a threaded pin) to be inserted from the outside to prevent rotation between the first type end cap 1, the second type end cap 1', and the sealing shell 2, thereby locking and fixing them together.

[0023] Specifically, when a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container is placed in a reaction vessel for hydrogen filling and release, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A)-(C), when the first type end cap 1 with a quick-release structure is fitted onto the sealing housing 2, the buckles 1-7 of the sealing housing 2 push into the steps 1-8 on the first type end cap 1 through the gap on the first type end cap 1, and then rotate a certain angle so that the buckles 1-7 are rotated to a position that is not in the gap, thereby locking into the step position of the locking end. Figure 7 (C)). The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container is filled and released with hydrogen through the top filter screen 1-1 of the first type end cap 1. The filter screen 1-1 is detachably fixed to the first type end cap 1 by fixing screws 1-2. When the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container is transported, such as Figure 8 As shown in (A)-(C), when the second type end cap 1' with a quick-release structure is fitted onto the sealing housing 2, the buckles 1-7 of the sealing housing 2 push into the step 1-8 on the second type end cap 1' through the gap on the second type end cap 1', and then rotate a certain angle so that the buckles 1-7 are rotated to a position that is not gapped, thereby locking into the step position of the locking end (). Figure 8 In (C) of the middle section, the hole on the second type end cap 1' is made coaxial with the pin hole 1-9 on the buckle 1-7, and then the threaded pin is installed to ensure that the buckle does not move during transportation. The vacuuming and nitrogen filling process is the same as the operation when connecting the threaded parts. In addition, with Figure 7 The difference is that, from Figure 8 As can be seen from (B) and (C), a sealing ring 1-10 for sealing is provided at the foremost end of the second type end cap 1' that contacts the sealing housing 2, and a sealing ring baffle 1-11 fixed with screws 1-12.

[0024] The quick-connect structure can be manually connected or used in conjunction with a robotic arm. By setting snap-fit ​​protrusions on the outer surface, it can be used to cooperate with the robotic arm. The robotic arm rotates the first type end cap 1 and the second type end cap 1' to achieve automated connection.

[0025] The inner diameter of the gas guide tube 3 is determined by the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage material 4, with space reserved for the expansion of the hydrogen storage material 4. The number N of gas guide tubes 3 is determined by both the inner diameter of the sealing shell 2 and the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage material 4. For example, gas guide tubes 3 with different outer diameters can be replaced inside the sealing shell 2, and one or more gas guide tubes 3 can be installed. Figure 4 The example shown is three gas guide tubes 3 arranged in a triangular pattern. Dust-removing buffer nets 3-2 are installed at the front and rear ends of the gas guide tubes 3, serving two purposes: firstly, during the hydrogen filling and releasing process, they can prevent large particles from flowing out of the container cavity to a certain extent; secondly, during transportation, they can act as a buffer and shock absorber, preventing damage to the hydrogen storage material 4 caused by impacts during transport. The hydrogen storage material 4 and buffer material 5 are installed between the front and rear dust-removing buffer nets 3-2. Preferably, the number N of gas guide tubes 3 is the maximum number that can be loaded into the cavity of the sealed outer shell 2.

[0026] The solid hydrogen storage and transportation containers can be loaded onto trucks, trains, ships, or airplanes used for freight transport via stacking or specially designed racks, thereby enabling efficient batch transfer.

[0027] This invention also proposes a solid hydrogen storage and transportation system, including the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container as described above, and a reaction vessel for hydrogen filling and release. The reaction vessel is fixed at the transportation destination and does not move back and forth. It is equipped with a heating device inside, which can heat the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container to about 300°C, so that the hydrogen inside can be fully released.

[0028] The present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] Example 1 like Figure 1-4 As shown in Figures 1 and 10, the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of this embodiment includes: The sealed outer casing 2 forms a cavity inside it; Three gas guide tubes 3 are located inside the cavity; each gas guide tube 3 is filled with staggered hydrogen storage material 4 and buffer material 5.

[0030] like Figure 5 , 6 The removable first type end cap 1 and second type end cap 1' shown are connected by threads.

[0031] Example 2 The specific solution is as described in Example 1, except that the number of air delivery cylinders 3 is 4.

[0032] Example 3 The specific solution is as described in Example 1, the only difference being the use of... Figure 7-9 The quick-installation structure shown includes a first type end cap 1 and a second type end cap 1'.

[0033] Based on the above comparative studies, it can be found that the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention can adapt well to various transportation regulations and ensure transportation safety; through the detachable and scenario-replaceable end cap 1, the hydrogen storage device of the present invention can adapt to the rapid loading and unloading of robotic arms, which can improve the work efficiency of the corresponding steps.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A solid hydrogen storage and transportation container, characterized in that, include: A sealed housing with an internal cavity, one end closed and the other end equipped with a removable first or second type end cap; wherein, the first type end cap is used for hydrogen filling and release and includes a filter screen; the second type end cap is used for transportation and includes an inlet / outlet gas connector; N gas delivery cylinders are located inside the cavity of the sealed outer shell. Each gas delivery cylinder is cylindrical with inlet and outlet holes distributed on its side. Dust removal and buffer nets are installed at the front and rear ends. The interior is filled with hydrogen storage material and buffer material arranged at intervals. Wherein, N is a natural number.

2. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the sealed outer shell is 0.5~2 mm; The sealed outer shell is made of aluminum or an alloy, or stainless steel.

3. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The removable end cap is secured by threads or a quick-release interface.

4. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter screen on the first type of end cap is made of high-temperature resistant sintered metal mesh; The filter screen on the first type of end cap has a detachable structure; The filter size on the end cap of the first type is in the range of 0.5 to 10 μm.

5. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first or second type of end cap adopts a quick-release structure, which includes: a buckle and a step provided on the inner surface of the first or second type of end cap and the sealing shell respectively; the buckle at the corresponding end of the sealing shell can be pushed into the step of the first or second type of end cap and rotated at an angle to form an interlocking sealing structure with the first or second type of end cap.

6. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first or second type of end cap has a pin hole formed on its step that extends into the inside of the sealing housing snap. The pin in the pin hole can prevent the first or second type of end cap from rotating with the sealing housing, thereby locking the two together.

7. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first or second type of end cap can be loaded and unloaded by a robotic arm.

8. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the gas guide tube is determined by the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage material, and space is reserved for the expansion of the hydrogen storage material. The number N of the gas delivery cylinders is determined by the inner diameter of the sealed shell and the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage material. N is the maximum number of gas delivery cylinders that can be loaded into the cavity of the sealed shell.

9. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid hydrogen storage and transportation containers can be loaded onto trucks, trains, ships, or airplanes used for freight transport via stacking or specially designed racks.

10. A solid hydrogen storage and transportation system, comprising a solid hydrogen storage and transportation container as described in any one of claims 1-9, and a reaction vessel for hydrogen charging and release; wherein, The reactor is equipped with a heating device that can heat the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container to above 300°C.

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