Ultralow-temperature liquid hydrogen storage cabin

Abstract

An ultralow-temperature liquid hydrogen storage cabin is provided with a cylindrical inner cabin, the inner cabin is supported and fixed in an outer cabin through a filling layer, the inner cabin and the outer cabin form a filling layer space, and the filling layer space is filled with low-temperature LNG or low-temperature liquid nitrogen. The inner cabin is composed of an inner cabin outer wall and an inner cabin inner wall, the inner cabin outer wall and the inner cabin inner wall form a vacuum layer, and the vacuum layer is filled with perlite and vacuumized. A double-layer compartment is arranged, an insulating layer is laid on an outer compartment, an inner compartment is of a vacuum double-wall heat insulation structure, and the space between the inner compartment and the outer compartment is filled with LNG or liquid nitrogen with the temperature close to that of liquid hydrogen. According to the scheme, the ultralow-temperature liquid state maintenance of-163 DEG C LNG or-196 DEG C liquid ammonia medium is easily realized through a mature reliquefaction system, so that the liquid state maintenance of the ultralow-temperature-253 DEG C liquid hydrogen medium is indirectly ensured, the heat transfer between the liquid hydrogen cabin and the external environment can be greatly reduced, and the technical difficulty and the technical cost of ultralow-temperature storage of the liquid hydrogen are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine liquid hydrogen storage tank design and construction, specifically relating to an ultra-low temperature liquid hydrogen storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] As the international community increasingly demands greener ship standards, countries around the world are actively developing various energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies. Researching clean, efficient, and sustainable new energy propulsion technologies has become an important direction for the development of green ships. Hydrogen fuel is considered one of the most promising technologies and the best zero-carbon fuel, aligning with the current dual-carbon trend.

[0003] However, the storage of hydrogen fuel remains a key technical challenge hindering its application as a marine fuel. Even when hydrogen is compressed to 15 MPa, or even 35 or 70 MPa, its energy storage per unit volume is far lower than that of liquid hydrogen storage, and the problem of large-volume, high-pressure storage remains difficult to solve. Comparing liquid hydrogen storage and high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage solely in terms of energy density, cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage is a more ideal approach.

[0004] Hydrogen is a gas or cryogenic liquid, and is one of the elements with the lowest melting and boiling points besides helium. To obtain liquid hydrogen, the fuel must be stored below -253°C, which requires a very high energy input. At this temperature, other common gases or compounds will liquefy or solidify upon contact and should be kept away from liquefied or cryogenic hydrogen. Contact with cryogenic materials or uninsulated tanks, pipes, or valves can cause cold burns or severe skin damage.

[0005] Therefore, cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage is a technical challenge that the shipping industry urgently needs to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank. The tank comprises an inner and outer compartment structure. The outer compartment's external surface is covered with an insulation layer. The inner compartment is a liquid hydrogen storage tank with a double-layer vacuum insulation structure. Cryogenic LNG or cryogenic liquid nitrogen is filled between the inner and outer compartments to achieve cryogenic insulation. When filled with cryogenic LNG, it can be used in hydrogen-LNG co-fueled ships; when filled with liquid nitrogen, it can be used in liquid hydrogen transport ships. A supporting structure is installed between the inner and outer compartments according to their structural characteristics to ensure structural safety. The technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0007] A cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber has a cylindrical inner chamber and a cylindrical outer chamber. The inner chamber is fixed inside the outer chamber by a filling layer. A filling layer space is formed between the outer chamber and the inner chamber. The filling layer support has an inner support layer and an outer support layer. The inner support layer is an arc shape that fits against the outer surface of the inner chamber, and the outer support layer is an arc shape that fits against the inner surface of the outer chamber. Multiple reinforcing ribs are fixed between the inner support layer and the outer support layer. The filling layer support as a whole has an arc shape of 120° to 150°.

[0008] The inner cabin has double-layered bulkheads, namely the outer inner cabin wall and the inner inner cabin wall. There is a gap between the outer inner cabin wall and the inner inner cabin wall, forming a vacuum layer. Multiple support structures are set up within the vacuum layer along its circumference.

[0009] The support structure has a top support plate and a bottom support plate, which are connected by reinforcing ribs. The support structure is set along the length of the storage tank, and the length of the support structure is the same as the length of the straight section of the storage tank. An insulating layer is filled between the inner wall of the outer tank and the outer wall of the outer tank.

[0010] Furthermore, the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber has an outer chamber that is square, with a sway-stopping wall in the middle of the outer chamber. The sway-stopping wall divides the outer chamber into two spaces, each containing an inner chamber. A filling layer space is formed between the outer and inner chambers. A second filling layer support is located within the filling layer space. The inner support layer of the second filling layer support is an arc shape that conforms to the outer surface of the inner chamber, and the outer support layer of the second filling layer support is an inverted trapezoid that sits on the inner wall of the outer chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank, two anti-buoyancy devices are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the outer wall of the inner tank within the filling layer space. The anti-buoyancy devices include an upper anti-buoyancy plate and a lower anti-buoyancy plate. One end of the upper anti-buoyancy plate is fixed to the inner wall of the outer tank, while the other end is suspended in the air. One end of the lower anti-buoyancy plate is fixed to the outer wall of the inner tank, while the other end is suspended in the air. Laminated wood is pressed between the upper and lower anti-buoyancy plates. The space between the outer tank and the outer wall of the inner tank is filled with cryogenic LNG or cryogenic liquid nitrogen.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber, the vacuum layer is filled with perlite and then evacuated.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber has a supporting structure with a type II cross-section, forming a frame structure that conforms to the curvature of the outer and inner walls of the inner chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber, the inner support layer and the outer support layer are arc-shaped at 120° to 150°.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber has an inner chamber that is a C-type chamber.

[0016] Furthermore, when the aforementioned cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber is located below the ship's deck, the outer wall of the outer chamber can be replaced by the ship's inner hull structure.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0018] The system employs a double-layered compartment design, with an outer compartment covered by an insulation layer and an inner compartment featuring a vacuum double-walled heat-insulating structure. The space between the inner and outer compartments is filled with LNG or liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature close to that of liquid hydrogen. Considering the high technical difficulty and energy consumption of directly maintaining the liquid state of liquid hydrogen, this solution utilizes a mature reliquefaction system to easily maintain the cryogenic liquid state of LNG at -163℃ or liquid ammonia at -196℃, thereby indirectly ensuring the liquid state maintenance of liquid hydrogen at -253℃. This significantly reduces heat transfer between the liquid hydrogen compartment and the external environment, facilitating cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage and reducing the technical difficulty and cost of cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage.

[0019] This technical solution is highly applicable to liquid hydrogen fuel-powered ships, liquid hydrogen transport ships, and liquid hydrogen bunkering ships. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the inner compartment when the outer compartment is cylindrical.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum layer support structure;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged structural schematic diagram of the buoyancy termination device;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure supporting the filling layer;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber when the outer compartment is square.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the invention arranged inside a large liquid hydrogen transport ship or bunkering vessel.

[0026] Among them, 1-vacuum layer, 2-filling layer space, 3-buoyancy control device, 4-filling layer support, 5-support structure, 6-insulation layer, 7-outer bulkhead, 8-inner bulkhead, 9-inner bulkhead, 10-outer bulkhead, 11-upper buoyancy control plate, 12-laminated wood, 13-lower buoyancy control plate, 14-reinforcing rib, 15-inner support layer, 16-outer support layer, 17-anti-sway bulkhead, 18-second filling layer support, 19-support top plate, 20-support bottom plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner cabin is a C-shaped cylindrical cabin, consisting of an inner cabin wall, an outer cabin wall, an inner cabin vacuum layer, and a vacuum layer support structure.

[0030] The inner walls of the cabin are used to store and contain liquid hydrogen.

[0031] LNG liquid or liquid nitrogen is injected between the outer wall of the inner compartment and the inner wall of the outer compartment.

[0032] The inner cabin vacuum insulation interlayer is an annular space between the inner and outer walls of the inner cabin. This space will be filled with perlite and vacuumed to achieve high-performance insulation in an ultra-low temperature environment, ensuring the ultra-low temperature storage of liquid hydrogen and reducing the generation of vaporized liquid hydrogen.

[0033] Vacuum layer support structure, such as Figure 2 As shown, its material is a material with good low thermal conductivity and low-temperature performance, such as stainless steel. The overall shape is I-shaped, and its length can extend through the storage tank. Alternatively, it can be designed as a segmented lightweight structure in the axial direction of the tank based on stress calculations. The vacuum layer support structure provides radial structural support between the inner and outer walls of the inner tank. Preferably, two vacuum layer support structures are placed in the upper half of the inner tank's cylindrical cross-section, with the center of these structures forming an angle of 40-45° with the horizontal line. Four vacuum layer support structures are placed in the lower half of the inner tank's cylindrical cross-section, with two of these structures having a center angle of 30-40° with the horizontal line and the centerlines of the other two structures forming an angle of 20-30° with the vertical direction.

[0034] The outer wall of the outer compartment is in contact with the atmospheric environment. An insulation layer is filled between the outer wall and the inner wall of the outer compartment. The insulation layer provides thermal insulation and ensures the cooling effect of the LNG or liquid ammonia medium injected into the outer compartment, reducing the generation of volatile gases.

[0035] A filling layer space is formed between the inner and outer walls of the inner and outer compartments. This filling layer space allows the inner wall of the outer compartment to be filled with LNG or liquid nitrogen. LNG or liquid ammonia serves as an intermediate cooling medium for cryogenic storage of liquid hydrogen. Considering the high technical difficulty and energy consumption of directly maintaining the liquid state of liquid hydrogen, this solution easily achieves cryogenic liquid state maintenance of -163℃ LNG or -196℃ liquid ammonia through a mature reliquefaction system, thereby indirectly ensuring the liquid state maintenance of -253℃ liquid hydrogen.

[0036] The anti-buoyancy device and filler layer support located between the outer wall of the inner compartment and the inner wall of the outer compartment provide vertical support and limit the inner compartment, ensuring its safe placement within the outer compartment. The anti-buoyancy device is described below. Figure 3As shown, two anti-buoyancy devices are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the inner compartment's outer wall. Each device consists of an upper and a lower anti-buoyancy plate. One end of the upper anti-buoyancy plate is fixed to the inner wall of the outer compartment, while the other end is suspended. One end of the lower anti-buoyancy plate is fixed to the outer wall of the inner compartment, while the other end is suspended. A laminated wood or a composite material with equivalent properties for leveling and supporting insulation is sandwiched between the upper and lower anti-buoyancy plates. The anti-buoyancy devices are positioned above the horizontal axis of the inner and outer compartments. The filler layer support is positioned below the horizontal axis of the inner and outer compartments, primarily providing vertical support for the inner compartment.

[0037] Supporting structures such as Figure 2 As shown, the support structure includes a top support plate and a bottom support plate, which are connected by reinforcing ribs. The support structure is installed along the length of the storage tank, and its length is the same as the straight section of the storage tank. The filler layer support is as follows... Figure 4 As shown, its material is the same as that of the vacuum layer support structure. The whole structure is arc-shaped from 120° to 150°. There are multiple reinforcing ribs between the inner support layer and the outer support layer. Its length can also run through the storage tank. It can also be designed in a segmented lightweight manner in the axial direction of the tank according to the stress calculation results.

[0038] Using this technical solution, an outer saddle can be installed at the bottom of the outer side of the outer bulkhead, allowing the cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank to be arranged above or below the deck. Similar to the traditional C-type LNG storage tank arrangement, the arrangement is flexible and highly adaptable, and is especially suitable for liquid hydrogen fuel-powered ships and small and medium-sized liquid hydrogen transport ships or small and medium-sized liquid hydrogen bunkering ships.

[0039] To better adapt to ship dimensions and maximize the utilization of the outer compartments located below the ship's deck, the outer walls of the outer compartments can be replaced by the ship's inner hull structure using the hull's cargo space. This invention proposes a side-by-side arrangement scheme for cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tanks, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the solution is Figure 1 An extension of the technical solution shown.

[0040] The outer compartment is square, while the inner compartment is a C-shaped cylinder. An anti-sloshing bulkhead is installed inside the outer compartment, located in the middle of the outer compartment, dividing the interior space into two spaces on the port and starboard sides, each housing an inner compartment. This technical solution requires the outer compartment to be located below the ship's deck, and its outer walls can be replaced by the ship's inner hull structure.

[0041] This scheme is particularly suitable for larger liquid hydrogen transport ships or bunkering vessels, and is also applicable to liquid hydrogen-powered ships with high liquid hydrogen fuel volume requirements. Its arrangement is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

Claims

1. A cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber, characterized in that, There are cylindrical inner compartments and cylindrical outer compartments. The inner compartment is fixed inside the outer compartment by a filling layer support (4). A filling layer space (2) is formed between the outer compartment and the inner compartment. The filling layer support has an inner support layer (15) and an outer support layer (16). The inner support layer is an arc shape that fits against the outer surface of the inner compartment. The outer support layer is an arc shape that fits against the inner surface of the outer compartment. Multiple reinforcing ribs (14) are fixed between the inner support layer and the outer support layer. The filling layer support is an arc shape of 120° to 150°. The inner cabin has double-walled structures, namely the outer wall (10) and the inner wall (9). There is a gap between the outer wall and the inner wall, and a vacuum layer (1) is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall. Multiple support structures (5) are provided in the vacuum layer along the circumference of the vacuum layer. The support structure has a support top plate (19) and a support bottom plate (20). The support top plate and the support bottom plate are connected by reinforcing ribs. The support structure is set along the length of the storage tank. The length of the support structure is the same as the length of the straight section of the storage tank. An insulating layer (6) is filled between the inner wall (8) of the outer tank and the outer wall (7) of the outer tank.

2. The cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer compartment is square, and a sway-stopping bulkhead (17) is provided in the middle of the outer compartment. The sway-stopping bulkhead divides the outer compartment into two parts. Each part of the space is fixed with an inner compartment. A filling layer space is formed between the outer compartment and the inner compartment. The second filling layer support is located in the filling layer space. The inner support layer of the second filling layer support (18) is an arc shape that matches the outer surface of the inner compartment. The outer support layer of the second filling layer support is an inverted trapezoid and sits on the inner wall of the outer compartment.

3. A cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Within the filling layer space, two anti-buoyancy devices (3) are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the outer wall of the inner compartment. The anti-buoyancy devices include an upper anti-buoyancy plate (11) and a lower anti-buoyancy plate (13). One end of the upper anti-buoyancy plate is fixed on the inner wall of the outer compartment, and the other end is suspended. One end of the lower anti-buoyancy plate is fixed on the outer wall of the inner compartment, and the other end is suspended. Laminated wood (12) is pressed between the upper and lower anti-buoyancy plates. The space between the outer and inner compartment walls is filled with cryogenic LNG or cryogenic liquid nitrogen.

4. The cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum layer is filled with perlite and then evacuated.

5. The cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting structure has a Type II cross-section and is a frame structure, which fits the curvature of the outer wall and inner wall of the inner cabin.

6. The cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner and outer support layers are arc-shaped, ranging from 120° to 150°.

7. The cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior cabin is a Type C cabin.

8. A cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the outer compartment is located below the ship's deck, the outer wall of the outer compartment can be replaced by the ship's inner hull structure.

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