Hydrogen pipeline with integrated storage and transportation

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of storage and transportation integrated hydrogen pipeline, pipeline includes by inside to outside sequentially arranged hydrogen conveying channel, inner wall layer, inner wall protective layer and winding compression resistance layer, the inner wall layer is ceramic fiber layer, several longitudinal supporting ribs are distributed in the middle interval of inner wall protective layer, there are several hollow tubes in the circumferential distribution of the inner wall protective layer and inner wall layer bonding place, refrigerant is filled in the hollow tube inside and is equipped with monitoring device. The utility model prepares a kind of large-diameter storage and transportation integrated hydrogen pipeline, which can withstand greater pressure, higher flow rate, greatly reduces the transmission cost of hydrogen energy, realizes the large-scale application of hydrogen energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen energy transportation, specifically an integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline. Background Technology

[0002] As a clean and efficient secondary energy source, hydrogen energy transportation is a crucial link in the hydrogen industry chain (hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization), directly affecting its economic viability, safety, and large-scale application. The physicochemical properties of hydrogen (such as low density, high diffusivity, and flammability) make its transportation methods significantly different from traditional fossil fuels, necessitating the selection of appropriate technological routes based on the form of hydrogen, transportation distance, and usage requirements.

[0003] Hydrogen energy transportation faces multiple technical and engineering challenges, which determine the unique characteristics of its transportation mode: Low density characteristics: Gaseous hydrogen has an extremely low energy density (approximately 0.09 kg / m³ under standard conditions), resulting in low transportation efficiency. It is necessary to increase the energy density through compression, liquefaction, or carrier forms.

[0004] High diffusivity and flammability: Hydrogen molecules are small and have a high diffusion coefficient, making them prone to leakage; in addition, hydrogen has a wide combustion range (4%-75% volume concentration) and low ignition energy, so the risk of leakage must be strictly controlled during transportation.

[0005] Material compatibility: Hydrogen may cause "hydrogen embrittlement" in metallic materials under high pressure or high temperature, reducing the strength of equipment. Therefore, hydrogen embrittlement resistant materials (such as austenitic stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.) should be selected.

[0006] Energy consumption and cost: Compressing or liquefying hydrogen requires a large amount of energy (such as liquefaction, which consumes about 30%-40% of hydrogen's energy), and the cost of specialized transportation equipment is high, which drives up the end-use price of hydrogen.

[0007] The main existing methods of hydrogen energy transportation: Based on the physical state of hydrogen, hydrogen energy transportation can be divided into three main categories: gaseous hydrogen transportation, liquid hydrogen transportation, and hydrogen carrier transportation. Each type of transportation has different applicable scenarios and technical characteristics.

[0008] 1. Gaseous hydrogen transport (GH2 Transport) Gaseous hydrogen transportation is currently the most mature and widely used method. It involves storing hydrogen in high-pressure containers through compression and is suitable for short to medium distance (usually ≤1000 km) and small to medium-scale transportation.

[0009] Technical principle: Hydrogen gas is compressed to a high pressure (common pressures are 20MPa, 30MPa or 45MPa), stored in a special high-pressure container, and transported by road, rail or pipeline.

[0010] Main forms: High-pressure gaseous road transport: using on-board high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks (such as long-tube trailers), a single vehicle can carry approximately 300-500 kg of hydrogen (at 45 MPa). It is highly flexible and suitable for point-to-point delivery, but the transportation efficiency is low and the cost increases significantly with distance.

[0011] High-pressure gaseous pipeline transportation: High-pressure gaseous hydrogen is transported through dedicated pipelines. This method offers high efficiency and low cost, making it suitable for large-scale, long-distance transportation (such as pipeline networks connecting hydrogen production plants and hydrogen refueling stations). However, it requires significant initial investment in pipeline construction and necessitates the formation of a network effect. Currently, the world's existing hydrogen pipeline networks are mainly concentrated in Europe (such as Germany and Belgium) and the United States, with a total length exceeding 5,000 kilometers.

[0012] Advantages and disadvantages: Advantages: Mature technology, low equipment cost, and strong adaptability.

[0013] Disadvantages: Low energy density (low transportation efficiency), high cost of long-distance transportation, and pipelines rely on infrastructure construction.

[0014] 2. Liquid hydrogen transportation (LH2 Transport) Liquid hydrogen transport, by liquefying hydrogen (cooling it to -253°C) to increase its energy density, is suitable for long-distance, large-scale transportation, especially for cross-regional or cross-border transportation.

[0015] 3. Hydrogen Carrier Transport Hydrogen carrier transportation involves combining hydrogen with other substances to form stable compounds (such as ammonia, methanol, organic liquids, etc.), transporting them to their destination, and then releasing hydrogen through a dehydrogenation reaction. This method is suitable for ultra-long-distance, intercontinental transportation, and is especially suitable for scenarios lacking direct hydrogen transportation infrastructure.

[0016] To promote the widespread use of hydrogen energy, constructing a large-scale, long-distance hydrogen pipeline network using high-pressure gaseous pipelines is the most feasible approach. Existing domestic hydrogen pipelines use carbon steel pipes with anti-corrosion coatings, with a maximum diameter of 20cm and a maximum pressure resistance of 6.3mPa and a flow velocity of <8m / s. The EU currently uses ceramic composite materials for its hydrogen pipelines, which can withstand a maximum pressure of 10mPa. However, ceramic pipes are prone to cracking on their inner walls after prolonged use, affecting their lifespan.

[0017] To increase the diameter, flow rate, and maximum pressure of hydrogen transportation pipelines, the following main problems urgently need to be addressed: 1. Hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines. Hydrogen molecules are small and highly diffusive, easily penetrating the crystal lattice of metal pipes, causing hydrogen embrittlement—that is, decreased toughness and increased brittleness, potentially leading to pipe cracking or leaks. This necessitates the use of special materials with excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement (such as high-alloy steel and composite materials) for pipelines; ordinary natural gas pipelines cannot be directly reused, significantly increasing material costs.

[0018] 2. Wear and tear on the inner wall of the pipeline under high pressure and high flow rate. Increasing the flow rate of hydrogen and the maximum pressure it can withstand will increase the wear on the inner wall of the pipeline, severely impacting its service life.

[0019] 3. The problem of temperature rise of the inner wall of the pipeline under high pressure and high flow rate. If composite materials are used for the pipeline, the thermal conductivity of the composite materials is much worse than that of metal pipes. How to dissipate the high temperature inside the pipeline when increasing the flow rate of hydrogen and the maximum pressure it can withstand is a technical challenge.

[0020] 4. Pressure resistance of pipelines. Due to material limitations, the pressure resistance of existing pipelines cannot be further improved.

[0021] 5. Online monitoring issues of pipe walls. Hydrogen has a small molecular weight and diffuses extremely quickly after a leak (more than three times faster than natural gas). Traditional gas leak detection technologies (such as infrared detection) are not sensitive enough to hydrogen, making it difficult to quickly locate the leak point. Utility Model Content

[0022] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides an integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline. This pipeline is a large-diameter integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline that can withstand greater pressure and higher flow rates, greatly reducing the cost of hydrogen energy transmission and enabling the large-scale application of hydrogen energy.

[0023] This utility model provides an integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline, comprising a hydrogen transportation channel, an inner wall layer, an inner wall protective layer, and a wound pressure-resistant layer arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The inner wall layer is a ceramic fiber layer. The inner wall protective layer has several longitudinal support ribs distributed at intervals. Several hollow tubes are circumferentially distributed at the joint between the inner wall protective layer and the inner wall layer. The hollow tubes are filled with refrigerant and equipped with monitoring devices.

[0024] In a further improvement, the inner wall layer, the inner wall protective layer, and the spiral anti-compression layer are made of non-metallic composite materials, and the outer edge of the spiral anti-compression layer is coated with an anti-corrosion protective layer.

[0025] In a further improvement, the monitoring device includes a temperature monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, and a flow monitoring device.

[0026] In a further improvement, the plurality of hollow tubes are distributed equidistantly along the circumference within the hollow layer.

[0027] In a further improvement, the hollow tubes are divided into several groups, each group of hollow tubes is distributed equidistantly along the circumference within the hollow layer, and each group of hollow tubes includes tube a and tube b connected side by side.

[0028] As a further improvement, a pressure boosting and depressurizing valve is installed inside the hollow tube.

[0029] This utility model also provides a method for preparing an integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline, comprising the following steps: 1) Prepare a hollow tube and install a monitoring device inside the hollow tube; 2) Using three-dimensional weaving technology, basalt fibers are continuously woven into the inner wall layer; 3) Basalt fiber chopped yarn and flexible unsaturated resin are used to circumferentially wind the hollow tube onto the outer edge of the inner wall layer to form an inner wall protective layer; 4) After continuous tensioning of basalt fibers, they are impregnated with high-strength epoxy resin to form longitudinal support ribs that are embedded in the inner protective layer. 5) Basalt fibers are wound around the inner protective layer to form a wound compressive-resistant layer; 6) Heating simultaneously solidifies the interior of the pipe, resulting in a three-layer pipe structure; 7) Introduce coolant into the hollow layer and seal it with a sealing ring.

[0030] In a further improvement, during the heating and curing process described in step 6), the curing temperature gradually increases, the inner wall protective layer is cured at a low temperature, and the inner wall layer, the wound anti-compression layer, and the longitudinal support ribs are cured under high temperature and high pressure.

[0031] In a further improvement, during the heating and curing process described in step 6), the inner wall layer is treated with a fiber ceramicization process, specifically an electron beam silicon nitride process, to adjust the inner wall layer to a Mohs hardness of 8.0 or higher.

[0032] In a further improvement, during the sealing process described in step 7), the hollow tubes of two adjacent pipes are staggered, and tube a of the hollow tube group in one of the pipes is connected to tube b of the hollow tube group in the adjacent pipe. The sealing ring is inserted into the hollow layer to block the hollow tube and achieve the sealing of the hydrogen transport channel.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. Adopting a new type of pipe structure, the inner wall layer solves the problem of wear on the inner wall of the pipe under high pressure and high flow rate.

[0034] 2. The hollow layer solves the problem of pipe wall temperature rise under high pressure and high flow rate. At 20mPa and 25m / s flow rate, the pipe wall temperature rises by 50-70℃ per hour. For example, basalt fiber material is a heat insulation material and has difficulty dissipating heat. The cooling liquid in the hollow layer solves the pipe temperature rise problem.

[0035] 3. The hollow layer solves the problem of online monitoring of the pipe wall. By adding a monitoring device inside the hollow layer, the flow rate, temperature and pressure of hydrogen in the pipe can be monitored in real time, and the leak point can be found immediately in case of leakage.

[0036] 4. The entire pipe is made of composite fiber material, with basalt fiber material being further selected, which solves the problems of hydrogen embrittlement and pressure resistance. The manufactured pipe can reach a maximum diameter of 2m, withstand a maximum pressure of 50mPa, and a maximum flow velocity of 50m / s, which greatly improves the efficiency of hydrogen storage and transportation compared to existing pipes.

[0037] 5. Using the method of this utility model to prepare pipes, assuming that a pipe with a diameter of 1.2m is prepared and the maximum pressure it can withstand is 20mPa, the hydrogen energy it transports is equivalent to the electricity brought by 20 1000kV ultra-high voltage transmission lines. The manufacturing cost of the pipe is about 10,000 yuan per meter, while the cost of each ultra-high voltage transmission line is about 10,000 to 30,000 yuan per meter, which greatly reduces the cost.

[0038] 6. The pipe material prepared by this utility model can be used to lay hydrogen energy pipelines, which can greatly enhance the application scenarios of hydrogen energy, improve the application scenarios of hydrogen production from surplus electricity and hydrogen production from wind and solar power, and realize the layout of a zero-carbon industrial chain.

[0039] 7. It can utilize electricity that cannot be connected to the power grid, converting waste electricity into hydrogen energy for pipeline transportation or storage, thus solving the problem of energy waste.

[0040] 8. It can be used not only as a dedicated pipeline for hydrogen transportation, but also as a pipeline in the conventional petrochemical field to transport energy, such as oil and natural gas, with a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring structure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0045] This utility model provides an integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline, comprising, from the inside out, a hydrogen transportation channel, an inner wall layer 1, an inner wall protective layer 2, and a wound pressure-resistant layer 4. The outer edge of the wound pressure-resistant layer is coated with an anti-corrosion protective layer 6. The inner wall layer is a ceramicized fiber layer. The inner wall protective layer has several longitudinal support ribs 3 distributed at intervals. Several hollow tubes 5 are circumferentially distributed at the joint between the inner wall protective layer and the inner wall layer. The hollow tubes are filled with refrigerant and equipped with monitoring devices.

[0046] Figure 1 The diagram shows a specific embodiment of this utility model. The overall structure is a 42-inch hydrogen transmission pipeline with an inner diameter ranging from 1002mm to 1060mm. The design is adjusted according to the unit length of the overhead hydrogen transmission pipeline. The longer the unit length, the thicker the intermediate protective layer. As shown in the diagram above, the inner diameter of a 48-meter-long pipeline is only 1002mm. When the unit length is reduced to 24m, the inner diameter is 1060mm.

[0047] Inner wall layer 1: Basalt fibers are continuously woven using three-dimensional weaving technology and subjected to high pressure (4.2 MPa) within a mold. The inner wall layer is formed by high-temperature ceramic molding. It can meet the special requirements of the demander for the inner wall of hydrogen transportation pipeline under high pressure and high flow rate, with a Mohs hardness ≥8, surface finish ≥V5, and operating temperature <160℃.

[0048] Inner wall protective layer 2: Made of basalt fiber chopped strands and flexible unsaturated resin cured at low temperature. Its main function is to buffer and protect the inner wall layer, ensuring that the torsional deformation of the inner wall layer does not exceed 1 / 10000. Its thickness of 3cm~10cm is adjusted according to the length of a single hydrogen pipeline. The longer the single length, the thicker the supporting ribs and protective layer.

[0049] The longitudinal support rib 3 is constructed using a hollow tensioning method. Basalt fibers are continuously tensioned and then impregnated with high-strength epoxy resin. The ribs are then heated under high pressure (4.2 MPa) within a mold, simultaneously thermosetting at different temperatures for multiple layers of the inner and outer walls. Its primary function is longitudinal support, ensuring longitudinal stiffness while minimizing material usage, reducing the weight of the hydrogen pipeline, and saving costs.

[0050] 4. The basalt fiber is pre-tensioned at 2600MPa and then continuously wound. After being rolled at 4.2MPa, it is thermo-cured to improve its compressive strength and can meet the high-pressure operation requirements of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0051] Hollow Pipe 5: Utilizing FEMS tubing made of alloy steel or copper, this pipe can accommodate additional wiring, fiber optics, and monitoring equipment. Its primary functions are anti-static and heat dissipation, and it can also be equipped with communication and real-time monitoring capabilities. A simulated flow velocity test at 30 m / s under 45 MPa pressure showed an electrostatic voltage rise to 100,000 volts or even higher, which was promptly discharged through the FEMS tubing. Hydrogen gas flows at high pressure and speed within the pipe, causing the pipe wall to heat up due to friction. Tests showed a temperature increase of 50°C to 70°C within one hour, with the temperature continuously increasing over time. However, the 10 cm thick basalt fiber pipe only dissipates 5.6°C / hour, necessitating liquid cooling or nitrogen cooling for heat dissipation. This equipment ensures the long-term stable and safe operation of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0052] Anti-corrosion protective layer 6: Micro-nano powder is mixed with resin to form an adhesive solution, which is used for surface anti-corrosion treatment of composite new materials, greatly improving the surface hardness and anti-corrosion performance of composite new materials.

[0053] Example 1: Several hollow tubes are distributed at equal intervals along the circumference inside the hollow layer.

[0054] Example 2: The hollow tubes include several groups, and each group of hollow tubes is distributed equidistantly along the circumference within the hollow layer. Each group of hollow tubes includes tube a and tube b connected side by side.

[0055] This utility model also provides a method for preparing an integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline. Taking Example 2 as an example, the method includes the following steps: 1) Prepare a hollow tube and install a monitoring device inside the hollow tube; 2) Using three-dimensional weaving technology, basalt fibers are continuously woven into the inner wall layer; 3) Basalt fiber chopped yarn and flexible unsaturated resin are used to circumferentially wind the hollow tube onto the outer edge of the inner wall layer to form an inner wall protective layer; 4) After continuous tensioning of basalt fibers, they are impregnated with high-strength epoxy resin to form longitudinal support ribs that are embedded in the inner protective layer. 5) Basalt fibers are wound around the inner protective layer to form a wound compressive-resistant layer; 6) Heating simultaneously solidifies the interior of the pipe, resulting in a three-layer pipe structure; 7) Introduce coolant into the hollow layer, and through... Figure 2 The sealing ring shown is used for sealing.

[0056] Further improvements include the use of fiber ceramicization technology for the inner wall layer, specifically electron beam silicon nitride technology, to adjust the inner wall layer to a Mohs hardness of 8.0 or higher.

[0057] In a further improvement, during the sealing process described in step 7), the hollow tubes of two adjacent pipes are staggered, and tube a of the hollow tube group in one of the pipes is connected to tube b of the hollow tube group in the adjacent pipe. The sealing ring is inserted into the hollow layer to block the hollow tube and achieve the sealing of the hydrogen transport channel.

[0058] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. Adopting a new type of pipe structure, the inner wall layer solves the problem of wear on the inner wall of the pipe under high pressure and high flow rate.

[0059] 2. The hollow layer solves the problem of pipe wall temperature rise under high pressure and high flow rate. At 20mPa and 25m / s flow rate, the pipe wall temperature rises by 50-70℃ per hour. For example, basalt fiber material is a heat insulation material and has difficulty dissipating heat. The cooling liquid in the hollow layer solves the pipe temperature rise problem.

[0060] 3. The hollow layer solves the problem of online monitoring of the pipe wall. By adding a monitoring device inside the hollow layer, the flow rate, temperature and pressure of hydrogen in the pipe can be monitored in real time, and the leak point can be found immediately in case of leakage.

[0061] 4. The entire pipe is made of composite fiber material, with basalt fiber material being further selected, which solves the problems of hydrogen embrittlement and pressure resistance. The manufactured pipe can reach a maximum diameter of 2m, withstand a maximum pressure of 50mPa, and a maximum flow velocity of 50m / s, which greatly improves the efficiency of hydrogen storage and transportation compared to existing pipes.

[0062] 5. Using the method of this utility model to prepare pipes, assuming that a pipe with a diameter of 1.2m is prepared and the maximum pressure it can withstand is 20mPa, the hydrogen energy it transports is equivalent to the electricity brought by 20 1000kV ultra-high voltage transmission lines. The manufacturing cost of the pipe is about 10,000 yuan per meter, while the cost of each ultra-high voltage transmission line is about 10,000 to 30,000 yuan per meter, which greatly reduces the cost.

[0063] 6. The pipe material prepared by this utility model can be used to lay hydrogen energy pipelines, which can greatly enhance the application scenarios of hydrogen energy, improve the application scenarios of hydrogen production from surplus electricity and hydrogen production from wind and solar power, and realize the layout of a zero-carbon industrial chain.

[0064] 7. It can utilize electricity that cannot be connected to the power grid, converting waste electricity into hydrogen energy for pipeline transportation or storage, thus solving the problem of energy waste.

[0065] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the device embodiments, the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. Since they are fundamentally similar to the method embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments. The above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, without departing from the principle of this utility model, should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline, characterized in that: It includes a hydrogen transport channel, an inner wall layer, an inner wall protective layer, and a wound pressure-resistant layer arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The inner wall layer is a ceramic fiber layer. The inner wall protective layer has several longitudinal support ribs distributed at intervals. Several hollow tubes are circumferentially distributed at the joint between the inner wall protective layer and the inner wall layer. The hollow tubes are filled with refrigerant and equipped with monitoring devices.

2. The integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall layer, inner wall protective layer and spiral anti-compression layer are made of non-metallic composite materials, and the outer edge of the spiral anti-compression layer is coated with an anti-corrosion protective layer.

3. The integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring device includes a temperature monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, and a flow monitoring device.

4. The integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow tubes are distributed at equal intervals along the circumference within the hollow layer.

5. The integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow tubes are divided into several groups, and each group of hollow tubes is distributed equidistantly along the circumference within the hollow layer. Each group of hollow tubes includes tube a and tube b connected side by side.

6. The integrated hydrogen storage and transportation pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow tube is equipped with a pressure boosting and depressurizing valve.

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