A solid state hydrogen storage container

Abstract

The utility model discloses a solid hydrogen storage container, including casing, top board, bottom plate and pipe plate, the top board sealed is located casing top, and the top board is equipped with hydrogen gas connector, pressure sensor connector and thermocouple connector, the bottom plate is sealed in casing bottom, the pipe plate divides the casing inside into two chambers of upper and lower, wherein the upper chamber is the hydrogen storage chamber of filling hydrogen storage material, and the lower chamber is coolant chamber, the coolant chamber side wall is equipped with coolant inlet connector and coolant outlet connector, the pipe plate equal interval arrangement has a plurality of heat pipe, and the both ends of heat pipe extend respectively and place in hydrogen storage chamber and coolant chamber, to realize heat exchange. The utility model discloses simple structure, and the internal space of casing is neat, is convenient for hydrogen storage material filling, and simplifies the operation process. Its manufacturing technology is simple, can effectively improve production efficiency, reduce production cost, is more favorable to batch production and wide application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen energy storage equipment, specifically a solid hydrogen storage container. Background Technology

[0002] Solid-state hydrogen storage boasts advantages such as high safety, high volumetric hydrogen storage density, and low-cost hydrogen supply, allowing it to be used in low-pressure environments without the need for high-pressure equipment. However, its characteristic of absorbing and releasing heat during operation can easily lead to an imbalance in the internal temperature distribution of the storage container, weakening its storage performance and shortening its lifespan. Therefore, implementing precise thermal management for metal hydride hydrogen storage reactors has become a key technology for improving hydrogen storage efficiency and stability.

[0003] Currently, solid-state hydrogen storage containers mainly employ five types of heat exchange structures to achieve uniform heat exchange: fixed tube sheets, U-tubes, coaxial tubes, coils, and spiral tube bundles. Specifically:

[0004] Fixed tubesheet heat exchanger structure: The fixed tubesheet heat exchanger structure mainly consists of a shell, tube bundle, tube sheet, end caps, baffles, etc. Its structural characteristics are that the tube sheets are welded to both ends of the shell, and the tube bundle is fixed to the tube sheets at both ends. The entire heat exchanger is divided into tube side and shell side, with cold and hot fluids flowing continuously in the tube side and shell side respectively to achieve heat exchange. Fixed tubesheet heat exchangers require drilling numerous holes in the tube sheet for installing the heat exchange tubes. Furthermore, to ensure sealing, the connection between the tube sheet and the heat exchange tubes requires complex processing techniques, such as drilling, tube expansion, or welding. The tube sheet typically needs to have a certain thickness and strength to withstand the pressure of the tube side and shell side, as well as the weight of the tube bundle, making the tube sheet thick and heavy, increasing the overall weight and structural complexity of the heat exchanger.

[0005] U-tube heat exchange structure: It is formed by bending U-shaped tubes. The processing accuracy and stress distribution of the bending part are strictly required. The bending radius must be precisely controlled, otherwise stress concentration will easily occur, affecting the strength and service life of the tube. At the same time, the connection between the two ends of the U-shaped tube and the tube sheet increases the manufacturing difficulty and sealing requirements.

[0006] The shell-and-tube heat exchanger structure consists of two concentric tubes, one inside the other. Precise control of the concentricity and gap between the inner and outer tubes is crucial to ensure smooth flow of hot and cold fluids between them. The manufacturing challenge lies in the rational design of parameters such as the length and wall thickness of the inner and outer tubes to meet both heat exchange and mechanical strength requirements.

[0007] Coil heat exchange structure: Heat exchange is achieved by bending heat exchange tubes into spiral or circular coils. During manufacturing, the deformation and stress of the tubes must be strictly controlled to ensure the strength and sealing of the heat exchange tubes. Furthermore, the arrangement of the coils within the shell must be rationally planned to ensure sufficient heat exchange and prevent fluid short-circuiting.

[0008] Helical tube bundle heat exchange structure: This structure consists of multiple heat exchange tubes arranged in a helical pattern. During manufacturing, precise control of the helix angle, pitch, and arrangement of the heat exchange tubes is required to optimize fluid flow characteristics and heat exchange efficiency. Its complex support and fixing structure increases manufacturing cost and difficulty.

[0009] While the above heat exchange structure helps improve heat exchange efficiency, it also makes the hydrogen storage container structure and hydrogen storage material filling process more complex, which is not convenient for mass production and application. Utility Model Content

[0010] This invention provides a solid hydrogen storage container that is simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and convenient for filling with hydrogen storage materials.

[0011] The solid hydrogen storage container of this utility model includes a shell, a top plate, a bottom plate, and a tube sheet. The top plate is sealed at the top of the shell and is provided with a hydrogen inlet pipe, a pressure sensor inlet pipe, and a thermocouple inlet pipe. The bottom plate is sealed at the bottom of the shell. The tube sheet divides the interior of the shell into upper and lower chambers. The upper chamber is a hydrogen storage chamber filled with hydrogen storage material, and the lower chamber is a coolant chamber. The side wall of the coolant chamber is provided with a coolant inlet pipe and a coolant outlet pipe. The tube sheet is provided with a number of heat pipes at equal intervals. The two ends of the heat pipes extend into the hydrogen storage chamber and the coolant chamber, respectively, to achieve heat exchange.

[0012] The solid-state hydrogen storage container is divided into a hydrogen storage chamber and a coolant chamber by a tube sheet. Heat pipes absorb or release heat in the coolant chamber and heat or cool the hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen storage chamber. The heat pipes are arranged uniformly on the tube sheet, creating a regular and orderly space that facilitates the filling of the hydrogen storage material. This results in a uniform temperature distribution within the hydrogen storage chamber, preventing localized temperature anomalies and ensuring a stable and safe hydrogen storage process. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material can fully contact the rectangular heat-conducting surfaces of the heat pipes, significantly increasing the heat transfer area and improving heat transfer efficiency, thereby accelerating the hydrogen storage and release rates. This invention features a simple structure, a regular internal space, and facilitates the filling of hydrogen storage material, simplifying the operation process. Its manufacturing process is simple, effectively improving production efficiency and reducing production costs, making it more suitable for mass production and widespread application.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the two ends of the heat pipe are free ends that can expand freely in the axial direction.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the shell and the tube sheet are connected by full welding or bolted flange connection.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the shell and the top plate are connected by full welding or bolted flange connection.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the shell and the base plate are connected by full welding or bolt flange connection.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the heat pipe is radially divided into multiple segments and connected together.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the housing is further provided with a gas guiding structure that is connected to the hydrogen pipe and provides a channel for hydrogen flow.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the hydrogen inlet pipe is provided with a filter structure for filtering solid particles mixed in the hydrogen.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the shell is a horizontal container or a vertical container.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a saddle or skirt is also installed at the bottom of the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a solid hydrogen storage container.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of a solid hydrogen storage container structure.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of another solid hydrogen storage container structure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0026] It should be noted that if any directional indication (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, inside, outside, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, counterclockwise, clockwise, circumferential, radial, axial, etc.) is involved in the embodiments of this utility model, the directional indication is only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] If the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," such descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, and "above," "below," and "within" are all understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, the technical features of each embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the embodiments are described; however, as long as these combinations of technical features do not contradict each other, they should be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0029] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a solid hydrogen storage container includes a shell 1, a top plate 2, a bottom plate 3, and a tube sheet 4. The top plate is sealed at the top of the shell and has a hydrogen inlet pipe 5, a pressure sensor inlet pipe 6, and a thermocouple inlet pipe 7. The bottom plate is sealed at the bottom of the shell. The tube sheet 4 divides the interior of the shell 1 into upper and lower chambers. The upper chamber is a hydrogen storage chamber 101 filled with hydrogen storage material, and the lower chamber is a coolant chamber 102. The side wall of the coolant chamber has a coolant inlet pipe 8 and a coolant outlet pipe 9. The tube sheet has a plurality of heat pipes 10 arranged at equal intervals. The two ends of the heat pipes extend into the hydrogen storage chamber and the coolant chamber, respectively, to achieve heat exchange. The shell is divided into a hydrogen storage chamber and a coolant chamber by a tube sheet. Heat pipes absorb or release heat in the coolant chamber and heat or cool the hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen storage chamber. The heat pipes are arranged uniformly on the tube sheet, creating a regular and orderly space that facilitates the filling of the hydrogen storage material. This results in a uniform temperature distribution within the hydrogen storage chamber, preventing localized temperature anomalies and ensuring a stable and safe hydrogen storage process. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material can fully contact the rectangular heat-conducting surfaces of the heat pipes, significantly increasing the heat transfer area and improving heat transfer efficiency, thereby accelerating the hydrogen storage and release rates. This invention features a simple structure, a regular internal space, and facilitates the filling of hydrogen storage material, simplifying the operation process. Its manufacturing process is simple, effectively improving production efficiency and reducing production costs, making it more suitable for mass production and widespread application.

[0030] The hydrogen inlet pipe is a dedicated channel for hydrogen to enter and exit the hydrogen storage container, ensuring smooth flow of hydrogen in and out of the container to achieve hydrogen storage and supply functions. The pressure sensor inlet pipe connects the pressure sensor to the inside of the hydrogen storage container, enabling real-time monitoring of the hydrogen pressure inside the container and providing crucial data for the system's operating status. Thermocouple inlet pipe connects the thermocouple to the inside of the hydrogen storage container, allowing the thermocouple to effectively monitor temperature changes within the hydrogen storage container.

[0031] The two ends of the heat pipe 10 are axially expandable free ends, which means that the heat pipe has no displacement constraint and can expand freely under the action of temperature difference, thereby effectively avoiding excessive thermal stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, and ensuring the structural stability and service life of the heat pipe.

[0032] The shell 1 and tube sheet 4 can be connected by either fully welded connections or bolted flange connections. The shell 1 and top plate 2 can also be connected by either fully welded connections or bolted flange connections. The shell 1 and bottom plate 3 can also be connected by either fully welded connections or bolted flange connections. Fully welded connections provide high strength and high sealing performance, ensuring a stable connection between the shell and the tube sheet, top plate, and bottom plate, preventing hydrogen leakage, and ensuring the safe operation of the hydrogen storage system. Bolted flange connections facilitate disassembly and maintenance, while also achieving good sealing performance through flanges and gaskets.

[0033] The heat pipe 10 is radially divided into multiple segments and connected. When the inner diameter of the shell is large, setting the heat pipe into a multi-segment structure facilitates processing, manufacturing, and installation, reduces the requirements for processing equipment and processes, simplifies the installation process, and improves the assembly efficiency of the entire device.

[0034] The housing 1 also houses a gas guiding structure connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe, providing a channel for hydrogen flow. This gas guiding structure can be a hydrogen distributor, typically made of porous materials such as sintered porous metals. These materials have numerous micropores, allowing hydrogen to disperse evenly when it enters the distributor. The hydrogen distributor distributes hydrogen evenly to various parts of the hydrogen storage system or reactor through its internal porous structure or jet vents. When hydrogen enters the distributor, it is dispersed into numerous small bubbles or fine gas streams. These bubbles or streams can contact the hydrogen storage material or other reactants more evenly, thereby improving the uniformity of hydrogen distribution and reaction efficiency. This not only prevents hydrogen from concentrating excessively in localized areas, thus avoiding safety hazards and uneven reactions, but also increases the contact area between hydrogen and other substances, promoting the reaction and improving the overall system efficiency and safety.

[0035] The hydrogen inlet 5 is equipped with a filter structure for filtering solid particles mixed in the hydrogen, which can effectively remove solid particulate impurities from the hydrogen, ensuring the purity of the hydrogen entering the hydrogen storage system, thereby improving hydrogen storage efficiency and safety. The filter structure can be a stainless steel mesh, a sintered porous stainless steel block, a narrow channel filter head, etc., which can be flexibly selected according to actual needs, meeting the filtration accuracy requirements while facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0036] The shell 1 can be a horizontal or vertical container. Horizontal containers are easy to connect to horizontal pipelines and have strong adaptability; vertical containers have a low center of gravity and good stability, making them suitable for placement in environments with high vibration. Horizontal or vertical containers can be selected for different application scenarios, enhancing the versatility and practicality of hydrogen storage.

[0037] The bottom of the housing 1 is also equipped with a saddle, skirt, or other form of support structure. The saddle, skirt, or other support structure provides stable support for the housing, lowers the center of gravity, enhances the stability of the entire device, and prevents it from tipping over due to accidental impacts or vibrations.

[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this utility model and the content of this specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "embodiment," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that, without conflict, the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments, and the embodiments of this utility model and the features within those embodiments can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A solid hydrogen storage container, comprising a shell (1), a top plate (2), a bottom plate (3), and a tube sheet (4), characterized in that, The top plate is sealed at the top of the shell and is provided with a hydrogen gas inlet pipe (5), a pressure sensor inlet pipe (6) and a thermocouple inlet pipe (7). The bottom plate is sealed at the bottom of the shell and the tube sheet (4) divides the interior of the shell (1) into upper and lower chambers. The upper chamber is a hydrogen storage chamber (101) filled with hydrogen storage material and the lower chamber is a coolant chamber (102). The side wall of the coolant chamber is provided with a coolant inlet pipe (8) and a coolant outlet pipe (9). The tube sheet is provided with several heat pipes (10) at equal intervals. The two ends of the heat pipes extend into the hydrogen storage chamber and the coolant chamber respectively to achieve heat exchange.

2. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the heat pipe (10) are free ends that can expand axially.

3. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) and the tube sheet (4) are connected by a fully welded connection or a bolted flange connection.

4. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) and the top plate (2) are connected by a fully welded connection or a bolted flange connection.

5. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) and the base plate (3) are connected by a fully welded connection or a bolted flange connection.

6. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pipe (10) is radially divided into a multi-segment structure and connected.

7. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is also equipped with a gas guiding structure that is connected to the hydrogen pipe and provides a channel for hydrogen flow.

8. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen inlet pipe (5) is provided with a filter structure for filtering out solid particles mixed in the hydrogen.

9. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) is a horizontal container or a vertical container.

10. The solid hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the housing (1) is also fitted with a saddle or skirt.

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