Solid hydrogen storage device based on 3d printing and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a solid hydrogen storage device based on 3d printing and a manufacturing method of the solid hydrogen storage device. A tank body is fixed to a base, a tank cover is fixedly connected to the tank body, an air inlet and outlet pipe is arranged on the tank cover, an air distribution assembly is arranged in the tank cover, a latticed heat exchange assembly is fixed in the tank body, and a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are connected to the heat exchange assembly; the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe penetrate out of the tank cover, a plurality of groups of cushioning supporting mechanisms are arranged in each grid of the heat exchange assembly, detachable hydrogen storage metal strips are arranged on the cushioning supporting mechanisms in each grid, the hydrogen storage metal strips are formed by 3d printing and are of a porous structure, and the volume of each hydrogen storage metal strip is smaller than 60% of the volume of each grid in the heat exchange assembly. The porous metal strip printed in 3d serves as a hydrogen storage material, the problem of material pulverization caused by repeated expansion and contraction is solved, the heat conduction efficiency is optimized, the hydrogen charging and discharging speed is greatly increased, the service life is prolonged, the metal strip can be further replaced, and the use cost is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of hydrogen energy storage devices, in particular to a solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing and a manufacturing method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the growing global demand for clean energy, hydrogen is considered an ideal energy carrier in transportation, energy storage and industry due to its high energy density and zero carbon emission. Traditional hydrogen storage methods, such as high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage and cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, are mature in technology, but have problems such as low storage density, high safety risk, high energy consumption and complex system, which restrict their widespread application in practical application.

[0003] Compared with the traditional hydrogen storage methods, solid-state hydrogen storage technology can achieve high-density hydrogen storage at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by adsorbing or chemically absorbing hydrogen in metal materials or composite materials, and has higher safety and energy efficiency advantages, gradually becoming a research hotspot in the field of hydrogen energy storage. However, in the development process of existing solid-state hydrogen storage devices, there are still many challenges. For example, the commonly used metal powder hydrogen storage material is prone to pulverization during repeated hydrogen absorption and release, resulting in material deposition, blockage and even failure. In addition, the traditional tank body generally uses straight pipes or bent pipes for heat exchange, combined with the low heat conduction efficiency of the powder, it is difficult to achieve rapid and uniform temperature control adjustment, which affects the hydrogen storage and release rate, which is a problem. SUMMARY

[0004] In order to make up for the above shortcomings, the present application provides a solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing and a manufacturing method thereof, which uses a 3D printed porous metal strip as a hydrogen storage material, and cooperates with a special heat exchange assembly to achieve high hydrogen absorption and release efficiency, and the hydrogen storage material is also convenient to replace.

[0005] The present application is realized by the following technical solutions: A solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing, comprising a base, characterized in that: a tank body is fixed on the base, a tank cover is fixedly connected to the tank body, an air inlet and outlet pipe is arranged on the tank cover, a wind distribution assembly is arranged in the tank cover, a grid-shaped heat exchange assembly is fixed in the tank body, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are connected to the heat exchange assembly, the water inlet pipe is higher than the water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe both pass through the tank cover, a plurality of sets of shock absorption support mechanisms are arranged in each grid of the heat exchange assembly, and a detachable hydrogen storage metal strip is arranged on each shock absorption support mechanism in each grid, the hydrogen storage metal strip is 3D printed and has a porous structure, and the volume of each hydrogen storage metal strip is less than 60% of the volume of each grid in the heat exchange assembly.

[0006] Further, the tank cover is connected with the tank body through a flange, two through holes are formed in the tank cover, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe pass through the tank cover through the through holes, and sealing plugs are arranged between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe and the through holes.

[0007] Further, the air distribution assembly comprises an air distribution net, an air distribution plate and a support frame, the support frame is fixed on the inner wall of the tank cover, the air distribution plate is fixed on the support frame, the air distribution plate corresponds to the hydrogen storage metal strip one by one, the air distribution net is arranged on the inner side of the support frame, and an air distribution cavity is formed between the air distribution net and the tank cover.

[0008] Further, the heat exchange assembly comprises a sandwich barrel and a plurality of sandwich plates, the sandwich barrel is in the same shape as the tank body, and the sandwich barrel is fixed on the inner wall of the tank body; the sandwich plates are fixed on the inner wall of the sandwich barrel in a grid shape, and the sandwich barrel and the plurality of sandwich plates are in communication with each other.

[0009] Further, the water inlet pipe is in communication with the upper wall of the sandwich barrel, and the water outlet pipe is in communication with the lower wall of the sandwich barrel.

[0010] Further, the end of the water outlet pipe is provided with two outlets through a tee joint, an overflow valve is arranged on one outlet, and a ball valve is arranged on the other outlet.

[0011] Further, the shock absorption support mechanism comprises a fixed seat, springs and support plates, the fixed seat is fixed on the sandwich barrel or the sandwich plate, the fixed seat is in a strip shape, a plurality of springs are fixed on each side wall of the fixed seat, and a support plate is fixed on each spring of each side wall of the fixed seat; the hydrogen storage metal strip is provided with a strip-shaped groove matched with the shock absorption support mechanism, and the hydrogen storage metal strip is clamped on the shock absorption support mechanism in each grid through the strip-shaped groove.

[0012] Further, the porous structure of the hydrogen storage metal strip is a cubic lattice structure or a honeycomb structure.

[0013] Further optimization, a method for using a 3D printing-based solid-state hydrogen storage device, comprising the following steps: S1, when storing hydrogen, first connect the hydrogen supply pipeline through the inlet and outlet gas pipes, connect the external heat exchange equipment through the inlet and outlet water pipes, and connect the outlet water pipe with the heat exchange equipment through the overflow valve end; S2, the external heat exchange equipment works, the heat exchange assembly starts to circulate the heat exchange medium, then the hydrogen supply pipeline starts to supply hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage metal strip absorbs hydrogen for storage; S3, after storage, first disconnect the hydrogen outlet pipeline, then disconnect the heat exchange pipeline, open the ball valve to empty the medium in the heat exchange assembly, and blow clean, facilitating transportation and storage; S4, when releasing hydrogen, first connect the hydrogen outlet pipeline through the inlet and outlet gas pipes, connect the external heat exchange equipment through the inlet and outlet water pipes, and connect the outlet water pipe with the heat exchange equipment through the overflow valve end; S5, the external heat exchange equipment works, the heat exchange assembly starts to circulate the heat exchange medium, at this time, the supplied medium is the medium after heating, the hydrogen storage metal strip absorbs heat to release hydrogen, and then the hydrogen outlet pipeline outputs hydrogen; S6, after release, first disconnect the heat exchange pipeline, then disconnect the hydrogen outlet pipeline, open the ball valve to empty the medium in the heat exchange assembly, and blow clean, facilitating transportation and storage; S7, when the hydrogen storage device reaches the use cycle, the tank cover is removed, the hydrogen storage metal strip is slowly pulled out after a period of time, the grid space is cleaned, and then a new hydrogen storage metal strip is inserted in turn, and the tank cover is installed.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present application are: The present application uses a 3D printing porous metal strip as a hydrogen storage material, which avoids the problem of material pulverization caused by repeated expansion and contraction, thereby prolonging the service life of the material; the porous structure can be customized, the heat conduction efficiency is optimized, and the hydrogen charging and discharging speed is greatly improved.

[0015] In the present application, a grid-shaped heat exchange assembly is used, and the hydrogen storage metal strips are placed between the grids, which cooperates with the porous structure to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange assembly and the metal material, thereby improving the efficiency of hydrogen charging and discharging and having higher stability.

[0016] In the present application, the expansion space of the hydrogen storage metal strip after absorbing hydrogen is designed between each grid, which improves the compactness and reliability of the device. The metal strip that has not absorbed hydrogen is smaller than the volume of the grid, and a buffer support structure is also designed between the grids, which does not affect the expansion of the hydrogen storage metal strip and can support the hydrogen storage metal strip, avoiding shaking caused by transportation, improving the stability of the device, and reducing the use cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 The present application is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram.

[0018] Figure 2 The present application is an internal structure schematic diagram.

[0019] Figure 3For Figure 2 Enlarged view at A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 4 For the structure of the tank cover in the application.

[0021] Figure 5 For the cross-sectional view of the tank cover in the application.

[0022] Figure 6 For the cross-sectional view of the tank body in the application.

[0023] In the figure: 1, base; 2, tank body; 3, tank cover; 31, inlet and outlet air pipe; 4, air distribution assembly; 41, support frame; 42, air distribution plate; 43, air distribution net; 44, air distribution cavity; 51, interlayer barrel; 52, interlayer plate; 53, grid; 54, water inlet pipe; 55, water outlet pipe; 551, overflow valve; 552, ball valve; 7, shock-absorbing support mechanism; 71, fixed seat; 72, spring; 73, support plate; 74, chamfer; 9, hydrogen storage metal strip; 91, strip-shaped groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To clearly illustrate the technical features of the present application, the following will describe the present application in detail through specific embodiments, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "left", "right", "front", "back", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0025] As Figures 1-6 shown, the present application provides a kind of solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3d printing, including base 1, the base 1 is fixed with tank body 2, the tank body 2 is fixedly connected with tank cover 3, the tank cover 3 is equipped with inlet and outlet air pipe 31, inlet and outlet air pipe is used for hydrogen inlet and outlet, corresponding inlet and outlet air pipe should be equipped with the valve of control opening and closing.The tank cover 3 is equipped with air distribution assembly 4, the tank body 2 is fixed with the heat exchange component of grid 53 shape, the heat exchange component is connected with water inlet pipe 54 and water outlet pipe 55, the water inlet pipe 54 is higher than the water outlet pipe 55, the water inlet pipe 54 and water outlet pipe 55 all are worn out tank cover 3, heat exchange medium uses heat-conducting oil or water, goes up and goes out.

[0026] Each grid 53 of the heat exchange assembly is provided with a plurality of sets of shock-absorbing support mechanisms 7, and each shock-absorbing support mechanism 7 in each grid 53 is provided with a detachable hydrogen storage metal strip 9, which is formed by 3D printing and has a porous structure, the volume of each hydrogen storage metal strip 9 is less than 60% of the volume of each grid 53 in the heat exchange assembly, and the volume of the solid metal material expands by 20%-30% after absorbing hydrogen, and there is sufficient space in each grid, and the shock-absorbing support mechanism can adapt to the expansion of the metal material while supporting and buffering the metal strip.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the tank cover 3 is connected with the tank body 2 through a flange, which facilitates the later disassembly and replacement of the hydrogen storage metal strip. Two through holes are formed in the tank cover 3, and the water inlet pipe 54 and the water outlet pipe 55 pass through the tank cover 3 through the through holes, and sealing plugs are arranged between the water inlet pipe 54 and the water outlet pipe 55 and the through holes. In actual cases, the gap between the pipe and the through hole should also be filled with sealing cement and other materials to ensure reliable sealing.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 、 5 The air distribution assembly 4 includes an air distribution net 43, an air distribution plate 42 and a support frame 41, the support frame 41 is fixed to the inner wall of the tank cover 3, the air distribution plate 42 is fixed to the support frame 41, the air distribution net 43 is arranged on the inner side of the support frame 41, and an air distribution cavity 44 is formed between the air distribution net 43 and the tank cover 3. Hydrogen gas is first filtered externally, enters the air distribution cavity through the inlet and outlet pipes, and then passes through the air distribution net and is uniformly distributed into each grid through the air distribution plate, and then contacts the hydrogen storage metal strip. The air distribution plate 42 corresponds to the hydrogen storage metal strip 9 one by one, and the air distribution plate and the support frame are preferably made of non-metallic materials. The air distribution plate 42 is close to the hydrogen storage metal strip and guides hydrogen gas to the hydrogen storage metal strip, and at the same time limits the hydrogen storage metal strip to avoid large forward and backward shaking during transportation.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange assembly includes a sandwich barrel 51 and a plurality of sandwich plates 52, the shape of the sandwich barrel 51 is the same as that of the tank body 2, and of course the shapes of the two can be cylindrical or cuboid in actual working conditions. The sandwich barrel 51 is fixed to the inner wall of the tank body 2, the sandwich plates 52 are fixed to the inner wall of the sandwich barrel 51 in the form of grids 53, the sandwich barrel 51 and the plurality of sandwich plates 52 are in communication with each other, the water inlet pipe 54 is in communication with the upper wall of the sandwich barrel 51, and the water outlet pipe 55 is in communication with the lower wall of the sandwich barrel 51. The heat exchange assembly is divided into a plurality of grids, the hydrogen storage metal strips are respectively placed in the grids, the water inlet pipe introduces the heat exchange medium from the upper part, and the water outlet pipe discharges from the lower part. The sandwich barrel and the sandwich plate between each grid are in communication with each other, the heat exchange efficiency is high, and the efficiency of hydrogen flushing and discharging is improved, and the stability is higher.

[0030] As a preferred embodiment, the end of the water outlet pipe 55 is provided with two outlets through a tee joint, one of which is provided with an overflow valve 551 connected to the external heat exchange pipe for medium circulation. Since the flow direction is from top to bottom, the overflow valve is added to ensure that the heat exchange medium fills the interlayer barrel and the interlayer plate, thereby ensuring the heat exchange effect. The other outlet is provided with a ball valve 552, which is closed during heat exchange and opened after the heat exchange is completed to blow away the heat exchange medium in the interlayer barrel and the interlayer plate, thereby avoiding freezing and leakage and meeting the safety specifications.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, the shock absorption support mechanism 7 includes a fixed seat 71, a spring 72, and a support plate 73. The fixed seat 71 is fixed to the interlayer barrel 51 or the interlayer plate 52. The fixed seat 71 is in the shape of a long strip. A plurality of springs 72 are fixed to each side wall of the fixed seat 71. A support plate 73 is fixed to each spring 72 of each side wall of the fixed seat 71. The hydrogen storage metal strip 9 is provided with a strip-shaped groove 91 matched with the shock absorption support mechanism 7. The hydrogen storage metal strip 9 is clamped on the shock absorption support mechanism 7 in each grid 53. The shock absorption support mechanism does not affect the expansion of the hydrogen storage metal strip. The outer end of the support plate is provided with a chamfer 74 to facilitate the insertion of the hydrogen storage metal strip. In actual conditions, the shock absorption support mechanism at the bottom bears most of the weight of the metal strip. A plurality of springs can be arranged between the support plate at the bottom and the fixed seat to ensure the effect of shock absorption and support.

[0032] Further, the hydrogen storage metal strip is inserted into the grid. When the use cycle is reached, the tank cover is removed to replace the hydrogen storage metal strip. In addition, the fixed seat can also adopt a sandwich structure connected to the interlayer barrel 51 and the interlayer plate 52 to further optimize the heat exchange effect.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen storage metal strip 9 can be made of magnesium-based alloy material. The porous structure is a cubic lattice structure or a honeycomb structure. The porous structure requires high gas flowability, optimizes the heat conduction efficiency, and greatly improves the hydrogen charging and discharging speed.

[0034] More specifically, the application also provides a use method of a solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing, which includes the following steps: S1, during hydrogen storage, the hydrogen supply pipeline is connected through the inlet and outlet pipes, the inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the external heat exchange equipment, and the outlet pipe is connected to the heat exchange equipment through the overflow valve.

[0035] S2, the external heat exchange equipment is operated, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange assembly starts to circulate, then the hydrogen supply pipeline starts to supply hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage metal strip absorbs hydrogen for storage.

[0036] S3, after being fully charged, the hydrogen outlet pipeline is disconnected, then the heat exchange pipeline is disconnected, the ball valve is opened to empty the medium in the heat exchange assembly, and the heat exchange assembly is blown clean for transportation and storage.

[0037] S4, when hydrogen is released, first connect the hydrogen outlet pipeline through the inlet and outlet pipeline, connect the external heat exchange equipment through the water inlet and outlet pipeline, and the water outlet pipeline is connected with the heat exchange equipment through the overflow valve end.

[0038] S5, the external heat exchange equipment works, the heat exchange assembly starts to circulate the heat exchange medium, at this time, the supplied medium is the heated medium, the hydrogen storage metal strip absorbs heat to release hydrogen, and then the hydrogen outlet pipeline outputs hydrogen.

[0039] S6, after the release is completed, first disconnect the heat exchange pipeline, then disconnect the hydrogen outlet pipeline, open the ball valve to empty the medium in the heat exchange assembly, and blow clean, facilitating transportation and storage.

[0040] S7, when the hydrogen storage device reaches the use cycle, the tank cover is disassembled, the hydrogen storage metal strip is slowly pulled out after standing for a period of time, the grid space is cleaned, and then the new hydrogen storage metal strip is inserted in sequence, and the tank cover is assembled.

[0041] The unexplained part of the application is the known technology of the skilled person in the art. Finally, it is pointed out that the above examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the application and are not limited. Although the application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the application can be modified or replaced equivalently without departing from the purpose and scope of the application, and they should be covered in the scope of the claims of the application.

Claims

1. A solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing, comprising a base, characterized in that: A tank body is fixed on the base, and a tank cover is fixedly connected to the tank body. The tank cover is provided with inlet and outlet pipes, and an air distribution assembly is provided inside the tank cover. A grid-like heat exchange assembly is fixed inside the tank body. A water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are connected to the heat exchange assembly. The water inlet pipe is higher than the water outlet pipe. Both the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe extend out of the tank cover. Each grid of the heat exchange assembly is provided with several sets of shock-absorbing support mechanisms. Each shock-absorbing support mechanism in each grid is provided with a detachable hydrogen storage metal strip. The hydrogen storage metal strip is 3D printed and has a porous structure. The volume of each hydrogen storage metal strip is less than 60% of the volume of each grid in the heat exchange assembly.

2. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tank cover is connected to the tank body via a flange. The tank cover has two through holes. The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe pass through the through holes and are provided with sealing plugs between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe and the through holes.

3. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air distribution assembly includes an air distribution net, an air distribution plate, and a support frame. The support frame is fixed to the inner wall of the tank cover, the air distribution plate is fixed to the support frame, and the air distribution plate corresponds one-to-one with the hydrogen storage metal strip. The air distribution net is arranged on the inner side of the support frame, and an air distribution cavity is formed between the air distribution net and the tank cover.

4. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange assembly includes a jacketed barrel and several jacketed plates. The shape of the jacketed barrel is the same as that of the tank body. The jacketed barrel is fixed to the inner wall of the tank body. The jacketed plates are fixed to the inner wall of the jacketed barrel in a grid pattern. The jacketed barrel and the several jacketed plates are interconnected.

5. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inlet pipe is connected to the upper wall of the jacketed tank, and the outlet pipe is connected to the lower wall of the jacketed tank.

6. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end of the water outlet pipe is provided with two outlets via a tee, one outlet is equipped with an overflow valve and the other outlet is equipped with a ball valve.

7. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shock-absorbing support mechanism includes a fixed base, springs, and support plates. The fixed base is fixed to the sandwich barrel or sandwich plate and is elongated. Several springs are fixed on the three side walls of the fixed base, and a support plate is fixed on each spring on each side wall of the fixed base. The hydrogen storage metal strip has a strip-shaped groove adapted to the shock-absorbing support mechanism, and the hydrogen storage metal strip is engaged with the shock-absorbing support mechanism in each grid through the strip-shaped groove.

8. The solid-state hydrogen storage device based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The porous structure of the hydrogen storage metal strip is a cubic lattice structure or a honeycomb structure.

9. A method of using a 3D-printed solid-state hydrogen storage device, comprising the following steps: S1. When storing hydrogen, first connect the hydrogen supply pipeline through the gas inlet and outlet pipes, and connect the water inlet pipe and water outlet pipe to the external heat exchange equipment. The water outlet pipe is connected to the heat exchange equipment through the overflow valve. S2. The external heat exchange equipment starts working, the heat exchange medium begins to circulate in the heat exchange components, then the hydrogen supply pipeline starts to supply hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage metal strip absorbs hydrogen for storage. S3. After the tank is full, first disconnect the hydrogen outlet pipe, then disconnect the heat exchange pipe, open the ball valve to empty the medium in the heat exchange assembly, and purge it clean for easy transportation and storage. S4. When releasing hydrogen, first connect the hydrogen outlet pipe through the gas inlet and outlet pipes, and connect the water inlet pipe and water outlet pipe to the external heat exchange equipment. The water outlet pipe is connected to the heat exchange equipment through the overflow valve. S5. When the external heat exchange equipment is working, the heat exchange medium begins to circulate in the heat exchange components. At this time, the medium supplied is the heated medium. The hydrogen storage metal strip absorbs heat and releases hydrogen gas, and then the hydrogen outlet pipe outputs hydrogen gas. S6. After the release is complete, first disconnect the heat exchange pipeline, then disconnect the hydrogen outlet pipeline, open the ball valve to empty the medium in the heat exchange assembly, and purge it clean for easy transportation and storage. S7. When the hydrogen storage device reaches the end of its service life, remove the tank cover, let it stand for a period of time, slowly pull out the hydrogen storage metal strip, clean the grid space, then insert new hydrogen storage metal strips in sequence, and put the tank cover back on.

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