A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device

Abstract

This invention discloses a grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device, belonging to the field of hydrogen energy storage technology. The device includes an integrally die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container with at least two matrix-arranged cylindrical hydrogen storage chambers inside; a carbon fiber shell covers the outside of the container, forming an integrated heat exchange channel surrounding the chambers; solid hydrogen storage alloy cake modules are tightly embedded in the hydrogen storage chambers, each module consisting of a hydrogen storage powder cake, a breathable membrane, and a cake shell; the container is equipped with sealing components and integrated interfaces. This invention achieves a balance between efficient thermal management, lightweight design, and high safety through an integrated design, effectively solving the problems of loose structure, high thermal resistance, high weight, and insufficient safety in existing solid hydrogen storage devices, and is suitable for various mobile or stationary hydrogen storage scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydrogen energy storage technology, specifically relating to a grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Solid-state hydrogen storage technology has attracted widespread attention due to its high volumetric hydrogen storage density and high safety. Currently, common solid-state hydrogen storage devices typically employ external coils or independent cold plates for thermal management. This discrete structure results in long heat exchange paths, high thermal resistance, low efficiency, and issues such as leakage risks and structural looseness. Regarding pressure-bearing structures, heavy metal containers are often used, or lightweight designs simply employ carbon fiber winding as a pressure-bearing layer, failing to achieve a synergistic function of pressure bearing, thermal conductivity, and safety protection. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material is often filled in loose powder form, resulting in poor contact with the container walls, further limiting the hydrogen charging and discharging rates and the overall system performance.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies suffer from problems such as low structural integration, poor thermal management efficiency, large weight, and insufficient safety, which restrict the commercial application of solid-state hydrogen storage technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the existing defects and provide a highly integrated, lightweight, thermally efficient and safe grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device that addresses the problems of loose structure, low thermal management efficiency, large weight and insufficient safety of existing solid hydrogen storage devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device, comprising:

[0006] An integrated die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container is formed by integral die-casting of aluminum alloy. It has at least two cylindrical hydrogen storage chambers that extend axially and are arranged in a matrix. The outer wall of the integrated die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container forms part of the heat exchange medium flow channel.

[0007] A carbon fiber shell covers the exterior of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container and defines an integral heat exchange channel surrounding the hydrogen storage chamber between the carbon fiber shell and the outer wall of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container.

[0008] Several solid hydrogen storage alloy cake modules are tightly embedded in each of the hydrogen storage chambers in a corresponding manner. Each solid hydrogen storage alloy cake module includes a solid hydrogen storage powder cake preformed from solid hydrogen storage material, a breathable membrane wrapped around the solid hydrogen storage powder cake, and a cake shell fitted over the breathable membrane.

[0009] A sealing assembly for sealing at least one end opening of the hydrogen storage chamber to form a sealed hydrogen storage space;

[0010] An integrated interface is provided on the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container, including at least a hydrogen interface communicating with the hydrogen storage space and a heat exchange medium interface communicating with the integral heat exchange channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the integral die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, and its outer surface is provided with reinforcing ribs to enhance the local structural strength.

[0012] Furthermore, the integrated heat exchange channel is formed by the outer wall of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container and the inner wall of the carbon fiber shell, and the channel is arranged around all the hydrogen storage chambers.

[0013] Furthermore, the solid hydrogen storage powder cake is made by mixing solid hydrogen storage alloy powder with thermal conductivity enhancer and binder and then pressing it.

[0014] Furthermore, the thermal conductivity enhancer is expanded graphite or carbon nanotubes.

[0015] Furthermore, the disc shell is an aluminum alloy cylinder, and the thickness of the disc shell is 3mm.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing assembly includes a sealing plug, a sealing gasket, and a sealing bolt. The sealing gasket is disposed between the sealing plug and the end face of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container, and the flange seal is achieved by the axial clamping force applied by the sealing bolt.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes an integrated aluminum alloy top cover, which is connected to one end of the integrated die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container, and the integrated interface and shut-off valve are located in the area of ​​the top cover.

[0018] Furthermore, the number of hydrogen storage chambers is 2 to 10.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device, which has the following advantages:

[0020] 1. This invention integrates the pressure-bearing structure, hydrogen storage chamber and heat exchange channel into one unit through an aluminum alloy die-cast bundled container, eliminating assembly interface and contact thermal resistance, realizing direct and efficient heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the hydrogen storage chamber, and significantly improving the hydrogen charging and discharging rate and thermal management efficiency.

[0021] 2. This invention adopts a composite structure in which a carbon fiber shell covers an aluminum alloy core, which significantly reduces the weight of the device while ensuring impact resistance and pressure bearing capacity, and improves the mass hydrogen storage density of the system; the split design avoids interface problems caused by differences in thermal expansion of materials, and improves long-term reliability.

[0022] 3. This invention pre-forms hydrogen storage material into a high thermal conductivity powder cake and places it inside the cake shell, which reduces internal contact thermal resistance and prevents material pulverization and migration, ensuring the stability and uniformity of heat conduction during long-term cycling; the integrated flow channel and integrated interface design make the structure more compact, facilitates rapid connection between multiple modules and system expansion, and improves the engineering applicability of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is the rear view proposed in this invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the solid hydrogen storage powder cake structure proposed in this invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing gasket structure proposed in this invention;

[0030] In the diagram: 1-Integrated aluminum alloy top cover, 2-Carbon fiber shell, 3-Stop valve, 4-Integrated aluminum alloy die-cast cluster container, 5-Sealing plug, 6-Solid hydrogen storage alloy cake module, 7-Sealing bolt, 8-Solid hydrogen storage powder cake, 9-Cake shell, 10-Permeable membrane, 11-Sealing gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this invention provides a grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device. The device includes: an integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container 4, formed from 6061 aluminum alloy using an integral die-casting process, containing two axially extending cylindrical hydrogen storage chambers arranged in a matrix; an independently formed carbon fiber shell 2, covering the exterior of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container 4, defining an integrated heat exchange channel surrounding the hydrogen storage chambers between the shell and the outer wall of the container; and two solid hydrogen storage alloy cake modules 6, tightly fitted into the two hydrogen storage chambers in a one-to-one correspondence. Each solid hydrogen storage alloy cake module 6 includes a solid hydrogen storage powder cake 8 pre-formed from solid hydrogen storage material, a breathable membrane 10 wrapped around the powder cake, and a cake shell 9 fitted over the breathable membrane, the cake shell 9 being a 3mm thick aluminum alloy cylinder. The device is sealed by a sealing assembly, which includes a sealing plug 5, a sealing gasket 11, and sealing bolts 7, with axial clamping force applied by the sealing bolts 7 to form a flange seal. In addition, it also includes an integrated aluminum alloy top cover 1, which is connected to one end of the container. The top cover is equipped with an integrated interface and a shut-off valve 3. The integrated interface includes at least a hydrogen interface and a heat exchange medium interface.

[0034] The above embodiments achieve a high degree of integration of the pressure-bearing structure, hydrogen storage chamber and heat exchange channel, eliminating the assembly interface and contact thermal resistance of discrete structures, and laying the foundation for achieving efficient thermal management.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, further specifies that the outer surface of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container 4 is provided with reinforcing ribs to enhance the local structural strength. These reinforcing ribs are integrally formed during the die-casting process and are distributed in specific areas of the container's outer wall to optimize mechanical properties.

[0037] The above embodiments, by setting reinforcing ribs, not only ensure the excellent thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy container, but also further improve its local stiffness and strength as a pressure-bearing structural component, thereby enhancing the device's resistance to deformation.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, provides a detailed description of the structure of the integrated heat exchange channel. The integrated heat exchange channel is formed by the outer wall of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container 4 and the inner wall of the carbon fiber shell 2. This channel is arranged to completely surround all hydrogen storage chambers, allowing the heat exchange medium flowing through it, such as air, to have sufficient and direct contact heat exchange with the metal outer wall of each hydrogen storage chamber.

[0040] The above embodiments clarify the physical structure and layout of the flow channel, and emphasize the advantages brought by its surrounding design, namely, ensuring the uniformity of the heat exchange medium covering all hydrogen storage units in the entire module, which is conducive to establishing a uniform temperature field.

[0041] Example 4

[0042] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment refines the composition of the solid hydrogen storage powder cake 8 based on Embodiment 1. The solid hydrogen storage powder cake 8 is made by mixing solid hydrogen storage alloy powder with a specific proportion of thermal conductivity enhancer and binder, and then performing a cold pressing or hot pressing process. The thermal conductivity enhancer is used to construct a highly thermally conductive network inside the powder cake.

[0043] The above embodiments reveal key methods to improve the thermal conductivity of the powder cake body. By adding a thermal conductivity enhancer and pressing it into shape, the internal thermal resistance of the hydrogen storage material is reduced at the material level, which is an important step in improving the overall hydrogen charging and discharging kinetics performance.

[0044] Example 5

[0045] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in Example 4, this embodiment specifically describes the thermal conductivity enhancer as expanded graphite or carbon nanotubes. These two materials have extremely high thermal conductivity and can form effective thermal conduction pathways in the hydrogen storage alloy powder with relatively low addition amounts.

[0046] The above embodiments provide specific material selection for thermal conductivity enhancers. Expanded graphite and carbon nanotubes are recognized in the industry as highly efficient thermally conductive fillers, and their application helps to achieve the reliability and repeatability of the high thermal conductivity of hydrogen storage powder cakes.

[0047] Example 6

[0048] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment, based on embodiment 1, specifies the material and dimensions of the compact shell 9. The compact shell 9 is an aluminum alloy cylinder with a thickness of 3mm. This compact shell is tightly fitted over the powder compact that is wrapped with the breathable membrane 10.

[0049] The above embodiments clarify the standardized parameters of the cake shell. The 3mm thick aluminum alloy cake shell provides sufficient mechanical restraint and prevents the powder from pulverizing and migrating, while ensuring its own good radial thermal conductivity, so that the heat of the powder can be efficiently transferred to the chamber wall.

[0050] Example 7

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, describes in detail the specific structure and sealing method of the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a sealing plug 5, a sealing gasket 11, and a sealing bolt 7. During installation, the sealing gasket 11 is positioned between the sealing plug 5 and the end face of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container 4. By tightening the sealing bolt 7, an axial clamping force is applied to the sealing plug 5, thereby compressing the sealing gasket 11 and achieving a reliable flange seal.

[0052] The above embodiments clarify the specific mechanical structure for achieving end sealing of the hydrogen storage chamber. This structure is simple, reliable, easy to assemble and maintain, and ensures the airtightness of the hydrogen storage space.

[0053] Example 8

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment, based on embodiment 1, clarifies the function of the integrated aluminum alloy top cover 1 and the arrangement of the integrated interfaces. The integrated aluminum alloy top cover 1 is connected to one end of the integrated die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container 4, serving both protective and interface integration functions. The shut-off valve 3 and the integrated interfaces, including the hydrogen inlet, hydrogen outlet, heat exchange medium inlet, and heat exchange medium outlet, are all located in the area of ​​the top cover 1.

[0055] The above embodiments demonstrate the modular and centralized design of the interfaces. Integrating the main functional interfaces into the top cover simplifies external piping connections, facilitates rapid installation and disassembly of modules, and enables series or parallel connection between multiple modules, thereby improving the convenience of engineering applications.

[0056] Example 9

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment expands the range of hydrogen storage chambers based on Embodiment 1. The number of hydrogen storage chambers is not limited to two; it can be designed and manufactured between two and ten, depending on the actual hydrogen storage capacity requirements. Multiple chambers are arranged in a matrix inside an integrally die-cast container.

[0058] The above embodiments demonstrate the modularity and scalability of the device of the present invention. By changing the number and arrangement of the internal chambers of the integrated container, the hydrogen storage capacity of a single module can be flexibly adjusted to meet the needs of different scales and application scenarios, reflecting the flexible design concept of "grid-based filling".

[0059] Example 10

[0060] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this embodiment integrates the features of the aforementioned embodiments and describes a more specific application example. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device has an integrated die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container 4 made of 6061 aluminum alloy. It has four cylindrical hydrogen storage chambers arranged in a 2×2 matrix inside, with reinforcing ribs on the outer wall. A carbon fiber shell 2 covers the outside, forming an integrated heat exchange channel surrounding the four chambers. Each chamber contains two stacked solid hydrogen storage alloy cake modules 6. Each module consists of a hydrogen storage powder cake 8 doped with 5% expanded graphite, a breathable membrane 10, and a 3mm thick aluminum alloy cake shell 9. Both ends are sealed with sealing plugs 5, sealing gaskets 11, and sealing bolts 7. The aluminum alloy top cover 1 integrates all necessary interfaces and shut-off valves 3.

[0061] The above embodiments demonstrate that the multi-chamber, multi-powder cake layout improves space utilization, and the powder cake doped with a certain amount of expanded graphite enhances internal thermal conductivity. This comprehensively reflects the advantages of the present invention in improving system integration, hydrogen charging and discharging rate, and scalability.

[0062] The working principle and usage process of this invention are as follows: During use, hydrogen enters the matrix-arranged cylindrical hydrogen storage chamber formed inside the aluminum alloy die-cast bundled container 4 through the integrated interface, and comes into contact with the solid hydrogen storage alloy cake module 6 tightly packed inside. The hydrogen storage material in the solid hydrogen storage powder cake 8 absorbs hydrogen and generates hydrides under suitable temperature and pressure, while releasing the heat of reaction. At this time, the heat exchange medium enters the integrated heat exchange channel formed by the carbon fiber shell 2 and the outer wall of the aluminum alloy die-cast bundled container 4 through the integrated interface, and circulates along the channel, directly exchanging heat with the outer wall of the container, thereby quickly removing the heat of reaction and preventing the hydrogen storage material from being affected by overheating, thus avoiding the influence of adsorption kinetics and cycle life on the adsorption material.

[0063] Heat is rapidly conducted to each hydrogen storage chamber through the metal wall of the integrated die-cast aluminum alloy cluster container 4, and then transferred to the interior of the solid hydrogen storage powder cake 8 via the cake shell 9 and the permeable membrane 10. The thermal conductivity enhancer premixed in the powder cake, such as expanded graphite or carbon nanotubes, further enhances the internal heat conduction and ensures a uniform temperature field. During the hydrogen release process, the heat exchange medium is heated and flows through the integrated heat exchange channel, providing the heat required for desorption to the hydrogen storage chamber, causing the hydrogen storage material to decompose and release hydrogen. The released hydrogen passes through the permeable membrane 10, is collected in the chamber, and is output through the integrated interface.

[0064] Throughout the process, the sealing components, including the sealing plug 5, sealing gasket 11, and sealing bolt 7, ensure the airtightness of the hydrogen storage chamber. The shut-off valve 3 controls the flow of hydrogen. The integrated aluminum alloy top cover 1 provides interface integration and upper protection, while the carbon fiber shell 2 provides impact resistance and lightweight protection. Through the direct thermal contact between the integrated flow channel and the chamber wall, the pre-forming of the powder cake and the constraint of the cake shell, and the composite structural design of the internal and external materials, this device achieves efficient management of the heat of hydrogen storage reaction, effective suppression of material pulverization, significant reduction in overall weight, and comprehensive improvement in system safety and reliability. It is suitable for mobile or stationary hydrogen storage scenarios that require rapid charging and discharging and are limited by space and weight.

[0065] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device, characterized in that, include: The aluminum alloy integral die-cast cluster container (4) is formed by integral die-casting of aluminum alloy and has at least two cylindrical hydrogen storage chambers that extend axially and are arranged in a matrix. The outer wall of the aluminum alloy integral die-cast cluster container (4) constitutes part of the heat exchange medium flow channel. A carbon fiber shell (2) covers the exterior of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container (4) and defines an integral heat exchange channel surrounding the hydrogen storage chamber between the carbon fiber shell (2) and the outer wall of the integral die-cast aluminum alloy bundled container (4). Several solid hydrogen storage alloy cake modules (6) are tightly embedded in each of the hydrogen storage chambers in a corresponding manner. Each solid hydrogen storage alloy cake module (6) includes a solid hydrogen storage powder cake (8) preformed from solid hydrogen storage material, a breathable membrane (10) wrapped around the solid hydrogen storage powder cake (8), and a cake shell (9) fitted around the breathable membrane (10). A sealing assembly for sealing at least one end opening of the hydrogen storage chamber to form a sealed hydrogen storage space; An integrated interface is provided on the aluminum alloy integral die-cast bundled container (4), including at least a hydrogen interface communicating with the hydrogen storage space and a heat exchange medium interface communicating with the integral heat exchange channel.

2. The grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated die-cast aluminum alloy bundle container (4) is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, and its outer surface is provided with reinforcing ribs to enhance the local structural strength.

3. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated heat exchange channel is formed by the outer wall of the aluminum alloy integral die-cast bundled container (4) and the inner wall of the carbon fiber shell (2), and the channel is arranged around all the hydrogen storage chambers.

4. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid hydrogen storage powder cake (8) is made by mixing solid hydrogen storage alloy powder with thermal conductivity enhancer and binder and then pressing it.

5. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thermal conductivity enhancer is expanded graphite or carbon nanotubes.

6. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disc shell (9) is an aluminum alloy cylinder with a thickness of 3 mm.

7. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing assembly includes a sealing plug (5), a sealing gasket (11), and a sealing bolt (7). The sealing gasket (11) is disposed between the sealing plug (5) and the end face of the aluminum alloy integral die-cast bundle container (4). The flange seal is achieved by the axial clamping force applied by the sealing bolt (7).

8. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an integrated aluminum alloy top cover (1), which is connected to one end of the integrated aluminum alloy die-cast bundle container (4), and the integrated interface and shut-off valve (3) are located in the area of ​​the top cover (1).

9. A grid-filled solid hydrogen storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The number of hydrogen storage chambers is 2 to 10.

Images