Hydrogen pressure storage with multi-layer diffusion barrier
A multi-layer hydrogen pressure tank with a steel, graphite, and polyethylene design addresses safety and pressure resistance issues in fuel cell vehicles, achieving superior performance and integration compatibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025001721
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing hydrogen storage systems for fuel cell vehicles are not safe, lightweight, and do not provide high-pressure resistance, failing to meet current market standards for safety and efficiency.
A multi-layer hydrogen pressure tank design comprising a high-strength steel outer layer, graphite diffusion barrier, polyethylene chemically resistant seal, and carbon inner layer, working synergistically to ensure safety, pressure resistance, and minimal hydrogen permeability.
The multi-layer tank design achieves enhanced safety, pressure resistance, and reduced hydrogen permeability, surpassing current market standards and being suitable for integration into existing vehicle architectures.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical description of the invention Page 1:
[0001] The invention relates to a novel hydrogen pressure tank designed for use in fuel cell vehicles. The aim is to develop a safe, lightweight, and high-pressure-resistant system that enables the storage of hydrogen at pressures of up to 850 bar. The tank consists of several layers, each fulfilling specific functions. Page 2:
[0002] The outer layer of the tank is made of high-strength steel, which serves as the primary barrier against mechanical impacts. Beneath this is a graphite layer that acts as a diffusion barrier against hydrogen molecules. An inner layer of polyethylene serves as a chemically resistant seal against hydrogen. Additionally, a carbon layer is located inside, providing further structural integrity and resistance to internal pressure. Page 3:
[0003] The system was designed so that each layer works synergistically with the others to ensure maximum safety, pressure resistance, and minimal hydrogen permeability. The combination of these materials results in a tank that surpasses current market standards. The tank has a modular design and can be integrated into existing vehicle architectures. Industrial implementation and series production are feasible using existing manufacturing techniques. Reference symbols for the drawing (Fig. 1): 1 Steel (outer layer) 2 Carbon fiber 3 Graphite insulation 4 Polyethylene (inner plastic layer)
Claims
[1] Hydrogen storage tank with a multi-layered structure comprising an inner polyethylene plastic layer for sealing, followed by a graphite layer for diffusion resistance, a carbon fiber layer for structural reinforcement and an outer steel layer for mechanical stability. [2] Tank according to claim 1, characterized by , that the graphite layer is designed to be microporous in order to minimize the escape of hydrogen molecules. [3] Tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the carbon fiber layer is coated with an aluminum foil to ensure additional barrier properties. [4] Tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the total thickness of the wall structure is a maximum of 49 mm. [5] Tank according to one of the preceding claims, designed for use in vehicles with a storage pressure of up to 850 bar.