Gas storage units made of thin ceramic chambers

Abstract

This invention relates to gas storage blocks, called G-Blocks (5), designed for the efficient and safe storage of gases. Key requirements include suitability for high pressure loads, a reduction in the risk of explosive gas releases, and high utilization of the G-Blocks' volume. Furthermore, the materials used should be cost-effective and the processing simple. The accompanying drawing illustrates the essential components of the G-Blocks: The gas-filled chambers (1) with their characteristic concave walls (2) are connected at the edges (3) by pressure rails (4), forming the continuous G-Block (5). The resulting advantage is greater storage capacity due to increased pressure resistance and efficient space utilization. Furthermore, the separation of the chambers (1) by the pressure rails (4) significantly hinders the propagation of damage to the G-Blocks. Manufacturing these blocks is simple using extruders and is possible with inexpensive and highly pressure-resistant materials such as ceramics. By encasing the G-Blocks with carbon fiber-based materials (6), tensile stress on the ceramic material is eliminated. The present invention thus offers an advanced solution for gas storage, which is of great benefit in various fields of application, from industry to mobility. The detailed illustration and labeling of the key components in the drawing facilitates understanding of the functionality and technical features of the G-Blocks.

Description

State of the art

[0001] Gases are used in a variety of ways in technology and medicine. In all cases where gases are used, storage and transport options are of great importance.

[0002] Oxygen, for example, is used in industry for welding, in aerospace engineering as an oxidizing agent for propellants, and in medicine to support the oxygen supply to patients. Hydrogen is used as a fuel and as a reactant in chemical reactions. Carbon dioxide is used as a protective gas and reaction partner. Nitrogen is used as a starting material for a number of chemical processes.

[0003] There are essentially two methods for storing gases: 1. Storage under pressure 2. The storage of gases by liquefaction at low temperatures.

[0004] The storage of gases under high pressure is generally achieved by compressing the gas in pressure vessels using suitable high-pressure pumps. This process generates heat. Therefore, the material from which the pressure vessels are made is crucial to withstand the mechanical and thermal stresses. To allow the pressure in the vessels to rise as high as possible without the risk of them bursting, the material must possess high tensile strength. In addition to tensile strength, other physical properties such as impact resistance, chemical stability, and physical stability are important. Damage to a pressure vessel can occur, for example, due to external mechanical impact, material fatigue, or an unintentional pressure increase within the vessel caused by rising temperatures.

[0005] A gas release occurring in this way can be dangerous, especially if it is explosive.

[0006] Besides the material the pressure vessel is made of, the thickness of the wall of the pressure vessel is also important.

[0007] The required wall thickness of a container increases with the pressure of the gas. The wall thickness must also increase with an increasing container diameter. The product of the container's diameter and wall thickness remains nearly constant at a given filling pressure. The corresponding physical formula is p = 10 K * In (DA / DI) * 1 / S (bar), where K is the tensile strength (N / mm²). 2 ), DA: Outer diameter (mm), DI: Inner diameter, S: Safety factor. This means that as the pressure increases, the wall thickness of the pressure vessel must increase, making the pressure vessel heavier. The most commonly used material is steel, which has a tensile strength of 600 to 1800 N / mm². 2(MPa) other materials such as aluminium with a tensile strength of only 50 - 90 N / mm 2 (MPa) far exceeds this. The highest tensile strengths are achieved with composite materials based on carbon fibers embedded in resins. Besides plastics, various other materials such as ceramics, concrete, aluminum, etc., can also be used as composite materials.

[0008] It is already possible to store hydrogen in thin glass tubes, for example. This method is called glass tube or capillary storage of hydrogen. Hydrogen gas is trapped in the cavities of thin glass tubes. Unfortunately, glass tube storage has the disadvantage that the tensile strength of glass is only about 50 N / mm². 2 (MPa) is far below that of steel, which can reach up to 1800 N / mm² 2 (MPa) can go. Stainless steel tubes cost about 20 times as much as glass ones.

[0009] Attempts are also being made to store gases within the pores of porous materials, such as metal sponges or activated carbon. This is also primarily being investigated using hydrogen. While these techniques already allow for good storage in terms of quantity, the costs are too high, and applications such as in vehicles are currently precluded by the slow extraction rate.

[0010] The second method for storing gases is liquefaction, which takes place at low temperatures. The exact temperature at which a gas can be liquefied depends on the specific properties of the gas, especially its critical point.

[0011] Some examples of gases that can be liquefied at low temperatures are: a. Nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen has a boiling point of -195.79 degrees Celsius and can therefore be easily liquefied at low temperatures. Liquid nitrogen is often used in cryogenics and the food industry. b. Oxygen (O2): Oxygen has a boiling point of -183 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, it becomes liquid oxygen, which is used in medical care and in aerospace. c. Hydrogen (H2): Hydrogen has a boiling point of -252.87 degrees Celsius and can only be liquefied at very low temperatures. Liquid hydrogen is used as a fuel in space travel and as a refrigerant. d. Methane (CH4): Methane has a boiling point of -161.49 degrees Celsius and can therefore also be liquefied at low temperatures. Liquid methane is used as a fuel and as a refrigerant.

[0012] There are other gases that can be liquefied at low temperatures, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), and helium (He). Each gas has its own specific boiling point at which it transitions from a gaseous to a liquid state.

[0013] The liquefaction and storage of gases at low temperatures is associated with risks. Storage requires a reliable cooling system. Furthermore, the storage containers must be very well insulated and mechanically robust. These requirements are achievable with stationary systems. For mobile applications, they are too large and too fragile. While there are sophisticated transport vehicles that can carry both the cooling systems and suitable containers, this type of gas storage for transport is very complex and therefore too expensive.

[0014] Since the production of flammable gases is energy-intensive, they should be produced where energy sources such as hydropower, wind power, or solar power are available in sufficient quantities and at low cost. This also makes hydrogen transport technology very important.

[0015] The use of hydrogen has been limited by the hazards associated with its storage. Therefore, numerous regulations are stipulated in legal provisions (TRGS 510). These regulations prevent or hinder the use of flammable gases in many areas. The safety requirements are not without reason, as a leak in the containers would cause the entire contents to empty very quickly, creating the risk of gas mixtures, especially air-oxygen, which can be highly explosive.

[0016] The advantages of using hydrogen over fossil fuels are numerous, and above all, hydrogen offers significant environmental benefits, as its combustion produces no greenhouse gases. Hydrogen can be burned, producing water, or converted into electricity using fuel cells. Requirements for gas storage

[0017] Therefore, an improved device for storing hydrogen or other flammable, toxic, and inert gases is being sought. 1. The pressure vessels in which the gases are stored should be stackable and easy to transport using forklifts, etc. 2. A pressure vessel should be able to withstand and be filled up to very high pressures. 3. The procedures for filling and emptying the containers should be simple. 4. An unintentional release of the stored gases should not be possible.

[0018] When using flammable gases, e.g., hydrogen or methane, to power vehicles, aircraft, or other mobile applications, additional requirements must be met. 5. The containers or structures required for storage must be as lightweight as possible. 6. The materials must retain their strength over a long period of time and must not become unstable, for example through embrittlement. 7. Partial damage to the containers should not result in the release of the entire contents of the containers.

[0019] The following patent claims describe the construction of gas storage facilities without a number of the aforementioned previous disadvantages. Gas storage blocks (G-Blocks)

[0020] Claim 1 comprises the invention of gas storage blocks, which are called G-Blocks (5) in Fig. These blocks are designated as 1. They consist of several gas-filled chambers (1) with concave walls (2) and are made of pressure-resistant material such as ceramic. The chambers (1) are connected to each other at their edges (3) via pressure rails (4), forming a continuous G-block (5), which is held together with tear-resistant carbon fiber fabric strips. The diameters of these chambers range from 0.3 to 10 mm.

[0021] The advantage achievable with the invention results from the use of concave structures. Materials with very high compressive strength, such as ceramics, can be used. These can withstand 3000 N / mm². 2 (MPa) and higher. However, when storing gases in containers of classic boiler or pipe shape, high tensile strength is crucial. To withstand very high compression pressures in containers exceeding 500 N / mm², 2To achieve a tensile strength of (MPa), either steel must be used for the boiler or pipe design, or, if other materials such as aluminum are used, very high wall thicknesses are required. The tensile strength of steel, even in its most complex manufacturing form, does not exceed 1800 N / mm². 2 (MPa).

[0022] The use of many small containers has the advantage that, in the event of damage to the gas storage tanks, only small amounts of gas are released, or a simultaneous release of the entire gas content in the form of a detonation cannot occur.

[0023] Especially at the inner edges (3) where the curved walls meet, tensile and shear forces also occur, which are absorbed at these points by wall thickenings and / or supports via pressure rails (4).

[0024] Reinforcing the pressure rails (4) with materials that are also resistant to tensile forces results in an increased load-bearing capacity of the G-blocks (5) against pressure and tension, which enables safer storage of gases.

[0025] Since the edges (3) of the 4 chambers (1) press against the pressure rail (4) from 4 sides, almost exclusively compressive loads act on the material of the chambers (1). Depending on the safety requirements of the gas storage tanks, the wall thickness at the edges (3) must be selected such that even the removal of a pressure rail (4) and thus of the support, does not lead to the self-destruction of the individual chambers (1). The resulting separation of the chambers also has the advantage that the destruction of one chamber wall (2) does not propagate as a fracture through the entire gas block (5).

[0026] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows another way of dividing a G-block into many chambers, using the round G-block (8). Here, the small chambers (6) become larger towards the outside (7). In the event of damage to the outermost chamber (7), the outer walls of the remaining chambers are still only subjected to pressure, which is advantageous for the properties of the ceramic used and protects the blocks from self-destruction. At the contact points of the chambers, a pressure increase inside the G-block (8) results in a predominant pressure load on the concave walls. Chamber structure in G-blocks:

[0027] According to claim 2 ( Fig. 2) When constructing chambers in G-blocks, the chambers can also be designed with a different geometry. For example, the chambers (13) in the G-blocks (12) can also consist of 6 side parts with concave walls and be connected to each other via a 3-part pressure strip (15).

[0028] An advantage of this design is that chambers in the shape of a hexagon are possible (13), which maximizes internal storage space and increases structural integrity, leading to improved efficiency and reliability. In this design, three chambers meet at each corner. The pressure rail (15) is designed for three chambers. The advantage of this hexagonal design is that shear and tensile forces at the corners are lower, while compressive forces are increased. Otherwise, the advantages of the hexagonal design are the same as those of the rectangular chamber design. For manufacturing, for example using injection molding, both designs are equivalent and make no difference. Storage in interspaces:

[0029] According to claim 3, for storage in spaces and thereby reducing pressure and tensile stress, especially in the edges (3), it can also be as in Fig. 1 shown in the spaces (10) between the chambers (1) also store gas and are connected to the gas in the chambers via a small opening.

[0030] The advantage is a maximization of internal storage space and an increase in structural integrity, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.

[0031] If, for example, the pressure in the spaces (10) were equal to the pressure in the chambers (1), there would be no mechanical stress on the chambers (1) and chamber walls at all. To ensure that only small pressure differences occur when filling or removing gas from the chambers (1), there must be a small connection between the chamber (1) and the spaces (10). This allows for slow but sufficient pressure equalization.

[0032] When gases are stored in chambers (1) with concave chamber walls (2), the available storage space is also larger than when using tubes with a normal convex design. In the design of the chambers (1), it is advantageous to keep the concave curvature (2) as small as possible without causing tensile stress when the wall is bent outwards by high internal pressure. Due to the small distance between the two curved walls, the volume (10) between the chambers (1) is very small and can even be neglected when the internal volumes are used for the total quantity. If it is additionally used as storage volume, the percentage of the usable volume is on the order of 90%. In contrast, when using normally convex tubes, the usable volume is only 60–70%. Pipe structure of the G-Blocks:

[0033] According to claim 4 ( Fig. 3) In contrast to the alternative tube structure of the G-blocks, when stored in tubes, the G-block (5) is formed from many small tubes (18) to increase tensile stress and reduce compressive stress, i.e., a convex design. To reduce the tensile stress on the tube walls caused by high gas pressure in the tubes, tubes with a smaller diameter (19) are additionally arranged in the spaces between.

[0034] The lateral pressure against the convex tubes (18) reduces the tensile stress on each tube. In addition, the storage capacity per G-block (5) is further increased.

[0035] The resulting advantage is the minimization of structural stress and maximization of storage capacity, which improves the efficiency and lifespan of the G-Blocks. Wall thickness variation:

[0036] According to claim 5, a further possibility exists to increase the storage capacity per G-block by varying the wall thickness. In this process, the wall thickness of the individual capillaries or tubes is reduced from the outside (18a) towards the center of the G-block (20) (18b). This is done under the assumption that lateral support of the capillaries is either more readily ensured or less necessary there than on the outer walls of the G-blocks (5).

[0037] The resulting advantages include the weight reduction of the G-blocks (5) while maintaining structural stability, leading to more efficient and cost-effective solutions. Example 1:

[0038] According to claim 6 ( Fig. 3) The outer covers and connecting elements are provided on the open sides of the chambers (1) to securely close the G-blocks (5) by pressing the outer covers (16b) onto the two open sides of the G-blocks (5) by means of connecting elements (17) or by drawing them together by means of connecting elements (17), thereby sealing them. One side of the G-blocks (5) is closed by an outer cover (16a) which has a gas outlet that also serves as a gas inlet. The G-block (5) is covered on the side with the outlet by a plate (22) which has many small openings, and a valve plate (21a) is placed between the plate (22) and the plate (16a), which acts as a valve (21a) to close the outlet and as a valve (21b) to open the inlet when gas flows into the inlet from below.When the G-block (5) is rotated vertically by 180°, the valve plate (20a) continues to close the outlet of the outer cover (16a) because the overpressure of a gas in the chambers of the G-block (5) continues to press the valve plate (20a) against the outer cover (16a). The valve plate (20b) falls onto the plate (22) when overpressure is briefly forced into the inlet of the outer cover (16a).

[0039] The advantage of this design is the secure storage of the G-blocks, as the valve plate (21a) remains securely closed when the outlet is facing downwards. The valve plate (21b) is only lifted during the filling of the G-blocks (5). As soon as the external pressure drops again, the valve plate (21a) reseals the inlet / outlet. Only when the G-block (5) is turned vertically can gas pressure exceeding the internal pressure at the outlet cause the valve plate (21b) to fall onto the plate (22), allowing gas to escape. Accidental gas leakage from the G-blocks is thus prevented. Example 2

[0040] According to claim 7 ( Fig. 4) A further arrangement is presented which is provided for sealing, filling, and emptying the G-blocks (5). The G-block is sealed on each side by outer covers (27, 23) and has a connection (25) on one outer cover (27) for both filling and emptying. The concave chambers (1) in the G-blocks (5) are partially covered between the outer cover (27) with inlet and outlet and the chambers (1) by a cover plate (26), in that this cover plate (26) has openings (28) only over the spaces between the chambers (1) and closes the chambers (1). On the other side of the G-blocks (5), a cover plate (24) is placed on the chambers (1) without being fixed in place. This cover plate has openings (24a) only over the chambers (1) and covers the spaces (10) between the chambers (1) when it is in position (24b).When gas flows in through the outer plate (27), the pressure in the spaces (10) increases, lifting the cover plates (24) and allowing the gas to flow into the chambers (1). Once the desired fill level is reached during the filling of the chambers (1) via the spaces (10), the overpressure above the outlet in (25), and thus above the spaces (10), can be reduced, and the cover plate (24b) re-seals the chambers (1), sealing the spaces (10) once again. This seal is very tight due to the high pressure difference between the chambers (1) and the spaces (10). This ensures that the gas is securely stored in the G-blocks (5). In this way, gas can only escape from the chambers of the G-block (5) by a brief increase in pressure in these spaces (10).

[0041] The gases are extracted from the G-blocks (5) by rotating the G-block (5) vertically by 180°, so that the movable plate (24) is then located below the G-block (5). A brief increase in pressure across the combined inlet and outlet (25) of the outer plate (27) in the spaces between the chambers releases the movable cover plate (24), which then falls by gravity from the chambers onto the outer cover (23), no longer sealing the spaces (10). This allows the gas to flow from the chambers (1) through the spaces (10) and the fixed cover plate (28) to the combined inlet and outlet (25) in the outer cover (27).

[0042] The advantage of this extraction and filling device is that accidental emptying cannot occur. The necessary increase in gas pressure at the outlet does not happen by chance and requires additional technical equipment. If the distance between the cover plate (24) and the chambers (1) is kept very small, the cover plate (24) can be drawn back onto the spaces (10) and the G-blocks (5) sealed, even in the event of excessive outflow.

[0043] When using G-blocks (5), an increase in safety can be achieved by reinforcing the outer chambers (1) in the G-block (5) with composite material (33) or by providing them with an increased wall thickness. Example 3:

[0044] According to claim 8 ( Fig. 5) A further means of filling and emptying the G-blocks (5) and the chambers (1) contained therein exists via a valve ball system. The concave chambers (1) in the G-blocks (5) are closed on one side by an outer plate (34) and on the opposite side of the G-block (5) also by an outer plate (32) with an additional outlet (25). Between this outer plate (32) and the G-block (5) are two further cover plates (29, 31). These have openings (35) below the individual chambers (1) in which valve balls (36) are held between the two cover plates (29, 31). Under overpressure, these valve balls (36a) move from the outside inwards into the openings of the inner cover plate (30a), but do not close the opening (30a).If, after successful filling of the chambers (1) and completion of the gas filling via the connection (25), the pressure becomes lower than in the chambers (1), the resulting overpressure shifts these valve balls (36b) from the inside to the outside, into the openings (30b) of the outer cover plate (31) and seals them. To release gas from the block (5), the G-block (5) must be rotated vertically by 180° and the gas pressure at the inlet (25) briefly increased (32) so that the balls (36) fall back into the inner cover plate (29) and then no longer seal, allowing the gas to flow out of the G-blocks (5) via the outlet (25).

[0045] Should leaks occur due to cracks in individual chambers (1) in the chambers and gas unintentionally escape from the chambers, the pins (30a and 30b) are pulled into the lower cover plate (29) and close it, so that gas can only escape from this chamber.

[0046] The resulting advantage is that the technology used prevents the chambers (1) from opening unintentionally and allowing gas to escape. To open the chambers, an arrangement is used that momentarily increases the pressure at the outlet of the tube (25) above the pressure inside the chambers (1). This causes the ball (36) or the plug to fall back into the tube, thus releasing the outlet (25). This procedure, which cannot occur accidentally, is only used when flammable gases are required to be withdrawn. A particular advantage is the limitation of the amount of gas that can flow from the gas block (5) per unit of time. If, for example, the housing around the gas block (5) were to become defective and leak, all chambers (1) would immediately close, as the escaping gas would carry the balls (36) or plugs with it and reseal the chambers (1).A 180° rotation of the G-block (5) also closes the chambers (1) again and can be used quickly for this purpose if necessary.

[0047] It must be determined whether, in every application, each individual chamber (1) requires its own valve or ball valve (36), or whether several chambers (1) can be grouped together and jointly protected by a single valve (36). In the latter case, however, a failure of the common valve would result in the release of the entire contents of the grouped chambers into the G-block. Even then, the release would not be explosive, but rather limited by the small inner diameters of the individual chambers and the resulting limited exit velocity. Therefore, individual chamber protection is not always necessary. Example 4

[0048] In claim 9 ( Fig. 6) A further embodiment g of the chambers (1) and G-blocks (5) for storing gases is described via a conical closure system. Figure A shows in the Fig. 6. The state of an empty block in the sealed position. In this state, the chambers (41) in the G-blocks are sealed with cones (A39). When overpressure is applied via the valve (B43), the cones (B39) are forced downwards and the chambers (B41) are filled. After filling is complete, the valve (C43) is opened, and the overpressure in the chambers (C41) closes all the cones (C39). Briefly opening the valve (D44) and creating a momentary overpressure in this inlet will reopen the cones (D39), and during controlled gas withdrawal via the valve (E45), the cones (D39) will remain open. Only if the gas withdrawal via the valves (F45) occurs too rapidly will the cones (G39) close the chambers (G41) again, as would also happen due to a leak in one of the chambers.

[0049] To make the G-Blocks usable for use in vehicles (47), it is intended that 2-10 G-Blocks are grouped together and filled with flammable gases for vehicles and attached to or under the vehicles. Automatic replacement of G-blocks for vehicles:

[0050] According to claim 10 ( Fig. 7) An automatic exchange of G-blocks for vehicles is provided. In order to easily exchange G-blocks (5) in vehicles (47), empty G-blocks (48) are exchanged for full G-blocks (49) by driving the vehicles (47) over gaps in the roadway, the empty G-blocks (48) being automatically removed from under the vehicles, and new full G-blocks (49) being automatically pushed and secured under the vehicles (47).

[0051] The advantage of this is that a quick and automatic tank change can be performed. Furthermore, the individual G-Blocks can be attached to various locations on the vehicle, depending on the vehicle type.

[0052] Each vehicle sends a code containing the necessary data to the exchange station before the swap, thus speeding up the process. The resulting advantage is that there is no need for the complex, dangerous, and expensive storage of flammable gases at filling stations. The empty G-Blocks are then driven to charging stations and preferably refilled there with hydrogen produced from wind turbines or other energy sources. Integration into vehicle and aircraft structures:

[0053] According to claim 11 ( Fig. 7) is intended for integration into vehicle and aircraft structures, such that chambers (1) are installed in the body (50) of vehicles or in the structure (52) of aircraft (51).

[0054] The advantage achievable in this way is that the energy-storing chambers (1) become part of the vehicle (50) or aircraft (51) and also part of the structure of the vehicle or aircraft, thus saving weight and space. Such an integration of chambers (1) is advantageous when it eliminates material and space that would otherwise be required for the structure or tanks. This is particularly suitable for aircraft, for example, which normally also have fuel in tanks in the wings. The increased safety resulting from the use of many small chambers (1) is, of course, of particular importance in aviation. There, too, it is advantageous that fuel is not released explosively in an accident, but is only released from damaged chambers, and that undamaged chambers immediately seal themselves when the outflow velocity from the chambers begins to rise above a certain level. Storage of deep-frozen gases:

[0055] According to claim 12, it is provided that the chambers (1) are filled with liquid or deep-frozen gases and that these become gaseous in the chambers (1) due to temperature, and therefore the chambers (1) are not completely filled and may be pre-cooled for filling.

[0056] The resulting advantage is that it makes it possible to refill the chambers (1) very quickly. Concave walls in large gas holders:

[0057] According to claim 13, in the case of large gas containers, it is provided that the advantage of a concave design is also used, and that large gas containers such as tank trucks also have concave walls.

[0058] The resulting advantage is that they can be filled with higher gas pressures. Use for extinguishing gases:

[0059] According to claim 14, for the use of extinguishing gases, G-blocks (5) with many small chambers (5) and concave walls are provided, filled with extinguishing gases such as nitrogen. The resulting advantage is that more extinguishing gas can be stored due to the much higher gas pressure thus possible. Chamber manufacturing process:

[0060] According to claim 15 ( Fig. 7) The chambers (1) are produced by incorporating the contour of a G-block (56) with several chambers (1) into the matrix (65) of an extruder press (53) and pressing an unhardened ceramic or clay mass (57) through this contour (56) under high pressure, and the individual extruded chambers (1) of a G-block (5) do not directly touch each other, but have a distance between them during extrusion or extraction, and the pressure bar (4) is manufactured simultaneously positioned between chambers (57).

[0061] The resulting advantage is that this manufacturing technique allows for the continuous production of infinitely long chambers (57). Since these do not yet touch each other during extrusion and the pressure rails are extracted simultaneously between the chambers, they can be easily dried and sintered, cut to suitable lengths, and formed into finished G-blocks by pushing them together. Sintering process of the ceramic / clay mass:

[0062] According to claim 16, the solidification or sintering of the ceramic or clay mass is achieved by immersing the clay mass in heated liquid metal. In this way, uniformly very high temperatures can be reached, at which the ceramic is dried uniformly and can sinter. Consideration of the use of these G-blocks in vehicles.

[0063] When using hydrogen in G-blocks in vehicles, the following assumptions can be made regarding consumption, weight and space requirements.

[0064] The dimensions of a G-block, as assumed here, are 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm, corresponding to 8 liters. The walls of the small chambers are made of ceramic, which together have a volume of 1 liter. Therefore, the usable volume of a G-block is only 7 liters. 1 liter of hydrogen weighs 0.089 g. 1 g of H₂ has an energy content of 33.3 Wh. A G-block with a volume of 7 liters can hold approximately 600 times its volume of hydrogen at a pressure of 800 bar (since hydrogen is not an ideal gas). This equates to 377 g of hydrogen per G-block, with an energy content of 12.5 kWh. A car powered by hydrogen consumes between 0.75 and 1.3 kg / 100 km. Assuming 1.1 kg / 100 km of hydrogen, this translates to a consumption of 36.3 kWh / 100 km. This means that one G-Block containing 377 g of hydrogen can be used to travel approximately 30 km. Three G-Blocks could then be used to travel approximately 100 km.To achieve a driving range of 1000 km, 30 G-Blocks must be installed in a vehicle. This results in a volume of 280 liters for the 30 G-Blocks, or equivalent to a box measuring 100 cm x 100 cm x 28 cm.

[0065] Approximately 1 liter of the 8-liter G-Blocks is needed for the ceramic walls of the chambers. Ceramic weighs about 4 kg / l, so 3 G-Blocks weigh 12 kg without gas. When completely filled, 1.13 kg of hydrogen is added. The compressed gas weighs 0.377 kg at 800 bar, resulting in a total weight of approximately 4.377 kg. With 30 G-Blocks, this equates to a total weight of 132 kg.

[0066] Current batteries for electric cars weigh approximately 450 kg for a range of 500 km. For 1000 km, this would be 900 kg. That is 6.8 times the weight of the hydrogen storage units shown here.

[0067] The following assumptions can be made regarding the transport of the G-Blocks shown from the filling stations to the filling stations. With a usable area and height of 2 m in a tank truck, and a loading length of 8 m, 4000 G-Blocks can be transported. This corresponds to a range of 133,000 km at a weight of 17 t. A standard tank truck is loaded with 20,000 liters of diesel. This corresponds to a range of 250,000 km (at 8 liters of diesel per 100 km), which is twice as high as that of the G-Blocks. However, the transport and storage of the G-Blocks is significantly simpler and does not require any special safety measures, such as those typically necessary at filling stations. If a trailer were used with the tank truck, the range achieved with gas would be the same as with a tank truck carrying diesel.Thanks to the safe technology of storage in G-blocks on the tank trucks, there is no need for restrictions regarding additional trailers.

Claims

Storage blocks for storing gases and liquids, characterized by several chambers (1) each with 4 side walls of 0.3 mm - 10 mm width and 100 mm - 5000 mm length (2) made of material with high compressive strength such as ceramic, which are connected at the edges (3) directly or via pressure rails (4 ac) and combined to form a G-block (5) which is wrapped and held together with tensile-resistant material such as carbon fibers (6). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers (13) in the G-blocks (12) are made of six concave side walls of widths from 0.3 mm to 5 mm and lengths from 100 mm to 5000 mm and are connected to each other via a three-part pressure rail (15). (Fig. 2) A device according to one of the preceding claims, in which gas is also stored in the spaces (10) between the chambers (1) and this gas is connected to the gas in the chambers (1) via openings of 0.05 - 1 mm diameter. A device in which the G-blocks (5) are constructed from numerous tubes (18) with diameters from 1 mm to 10 mm, and smaller tubes (19) are placed between these tubes. (Fig. 3). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the G-blocks (5) the wall thickness (18a) of the tubes decreases towards the center of the storage block (18b). (Fig. 3). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer covers (16b and 16a) are pressed or drawn together onto the two open sides of the G-blocks (5) by connecting elements (17) and seal them, wherein an outer cover (16a) has a gas passage (25) which, when pointing downwards, is used as a gas inlet (21a and 21b) and, when the G-block is rotated vertically and points upwards, is used as an outlet (20a and 20b), and the G-block (5) is covered on the side with the gas passage (25) by a plate (22) which has small openings above the center of the individual chambers (1). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the G-block is sealed on each side by outer covers (27, 23) and has a gas passage (25) on one side (27) for filling and emptying, and wherein the chambers (1) with the concave walls in the G-blocks (5) are closed on the lower side between the outer cover (27) and the chambers (5) by a cover plate (26) which has openings (28) only over the spaces (10) and on the upper opposite side of the chambers of the G-blocks (5) rests a non-fixed cover plate (24) which has openings (24a) only over the chambers (5). (Fig. 4). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave chambers (1) in the G-blocks (5) are closed by outer covers (32 and 34) and the outer plate (32) has a gas passage (25) and between this outer plate (32) and the G-block (5) there are two further cover plates (29, 31) which have openings (35) under the individual chambers (1) in which valve balls (36) are located between the two cover plates (29, 31). (Fig. 5). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers (41) in the G-blocks are closed with displaceable cones (A39) which open or close depending on the pressure conditions inside the chambers relative to the external pressure (Fig. 6). A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein (47) interchangeable G-blocks are mounted under vehicles. (Fig. 7). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers (1) are installed in structures such as walls or in the bodywork of vehicles (50) or in the wings of aircraft (51). (Fig. 7). A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers (1) are only partially filled when filled with deep-frozen and therefore liquid gases. A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein large gas containers and tank trucks also have concave walls. A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein G-blocks (5) used for storing extinguishing gases also have chambers (1) with concave walls. A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein additional materials such as carbon fibers are added to the pressure-resistant materials of the G-Blocks. A method for producing the chambers (1) by incorporating the contour of a G-block (56) with several chambers (1) into the matrix (65) of an extruder press (53), and the chambers (1) (4) of a G-block (5) and the pressure rails in the matrix are spaced apart from each other. (Fig. 7). A device according to one of the preceding claims, with which the ceramic or clay mass can be immersed in heated liquid metal.

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