Solid hydrogen storage and transportation containers and solid hydrogen storage and transportation systems

Abstract

A solid hydrogen storage and transportation container and system belong to the field of hydrogen storage and transportation. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container includes: a sealed outer shell forming a cavity, one end closed, and the other end equipped with a detachable 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 connector; N gas guide cylinders are disposed within the cavity of the sealed outer shell, each gas guide cylinder is cylindrical, with inlet / outlet holes distributed along its sides, and dust-removing buffer screens installed at its front and rear ends, and filled internally with spaced hydrogen storage material and buffer material; wherein N is a natural number. The solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of this invention, through its detachable end caps adaptable to various scenarios and gas guide cylinders with dust-removing buffer screens, can reduce the loss of hydrogen storage medium, improve the hydrogen filling and release rate, and facilitate safe transportation.

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:

[0008] 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;

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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:

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an external view of the air guide tube of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the air guide tube of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air guide tube of the present invention;

[0021] 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;

[0022] 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;

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a photograph of the external appearance of the air guide tube of the present invention.

[0027] In the above figures, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:

[0028] 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

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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:

[0032] 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;

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The detachable end cap 1 is fastened, for example, by a thread or quick-connect interface.

[0036] When connected and tightened by threads, the ends of the sealing housing 2 cylinder are welded with external threads. For example... Figure 5 As 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.

[0037] 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. For example... 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] When using a quick-release structure for fastening, such as Figure 7-9 As 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] like Figure 1-4 As shown in Figures 1 and 10, the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container of this embodiment includes:

[0049] The sealed outer casing 2 forms a cavity inside it;

[0050] 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.

[0051] like Figure 5 , 6 The removable first type end cap 1 and second type end cap 1' shown are connected by threads.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The specific solution is as described in Example 1, except that the number of air delivery cylinders 3 is 4.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] 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'.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 state hydrogen storage and transport container, characterized by, The solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation container comprises: a sealed shell with a cavity formed therein, one end of which is closed and the other end of which is provided with a detachable first type or second type end cover; wherein the first type end cover is used for hydrogen charging and hydrogen releasing and comprises a filter screen; and the second type end cover is used for transportation and comprises an inlet and outlet gas joint; N air guide cylinders arranged in the cavity of the sealed shell, each of the air guide cylinders being cylindrical, the side surface of each of the air guide cylinders being provided with inlet and outlet air holes, and the front and rear ends of each of the air guide cylinders being provided with dust removal buffer screens, and the inside of each of the air guide cylinders being filled with hydrogen storage materials and buffer materials arranged at intervals; wherein N is a natural number.

2. The solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of the sealed shell is 0.5-2 mm; the material of the sealed shell is aluminum single element or alloy.

3. The solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, wherein the detachable end cover is fastened by threads or quick-mount interfaces; the material of the sealed shell is stainless steel.

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

5. The solid state hydrogen storage container of claim 1, wherein, the first type or second type end cover adopts a quick-mount structure, and the quick-mount structure comprises buckles and steps provided on the inner surfaces of the first type or second type end cover and the sealed shell, the buckles on the corresponding end of the sealed shell can be inserted into the steps of the first type or second type end cover and rotated by an angle to form a bite sealing structure with the first type or second type end cover.

6. The solid state hydrogen storage container of claim 5, wherein, a pin hole is formed in the step of the first type or second type end cover and penetrates into the buckle of the sealed shell, and a pin in the pin hole can prevent the rotation of the first type or second type end cover and the sealed shell, thereby locking and fixing the two.

7. The solid state hydrogen storage container of claim 1, wherein, the first type or second type end cover can be mounted and dismounted by a mechanical hand.

8. The solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation container according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the air guide cylinder is determined by the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage material, and a space for expansion of the hydrogen storage material is reserved; the number N of the air guide cylinders is determined by the inner diameter of the sealed shell and the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage material, and N is the number of the air guide cylinders that can be loaded in the cavity of the sealed shell.

9. The solid state hydrogen storage container of claim 1, wherein, the solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation container can be loaded on a car, train, ship or airplane for transportation by stacking or using a special rack.

10. A solid hydrogen storage and transportation system comprising the solid hydrogen storage and transportation container according to any one of claims 1-9, and a reactor for hydrogen charging and discharging; wherein, a heating device is arranged in the reaction kettle, and the solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation container can be heated to above 300℃.

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