Storage assembly for storing pressurized fluids such as hydrogen

Abstract

A storage assembly for storing a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen, the storage assembly comprising at least one cylindrical primary pressure vessel configured to store the pressurized fluid at a first pressure and having a first longitudinal length, at least one cylindrical secondary pressure vessel configured to store the pressurized fluid at a second pressure and having a second longitudinal length, a primary support for supporting, a secondary support, and a shared support, and a method for manufacturing such a storage assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage assembly for storing a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen, and a method for manufacturing the storage assembly. In practice, such storage assemblies are often used as hydrogen filling stations for vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Known storage assemblies have only a cylindrical pressure vessel for storing a pressurized fluid at the same pressure. The pressure vessel is supported by a first support and a second support near or at their ends.

[0003] The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation is increasingly promoting hydrogen fuel vehicles, and more and more solutions for freight vehicles and passenger cars are being developed and deployed. Such vehicles typically operate a hydrogen tank containing a maximum pressure of 35 MPa or 70 MPa. To accommodate these different pressures, filling stations are expected to supply hydrogen at these two different pressure levels. Thus, a hydrogen filling station is an example of a gas storage location where storage of hydrogen at different pressures is required.

[0004] In situations where it is preferred to store a pressurized fluid at different pressures, one storage assembly is constructed for one type of cylindrical pressure vessel for storing the fluid at a first pressure, and another storage assembly is constructed for another type of cylindrical pressure vessel for storing the fluid at a higher second pressure.

[0005] Constructing two separate storage assemblies has the drawback of being very labor-intensive, among other things.

[0006] In addition, constructing two separate storage assemblies tends to require a relatively large above-ground storage area. The operator needs to be able to operate and / or monitor each storage assembly from all sides. Thus, the separate storage assemblies are generally not arranged directly adjacent to each other, and a relatively large gap exists between the two storage assemblies. In the present invention, such a gap is not necessary. Thus, a smaller above-ground area is required for the storage assembly according to the present invention.

[0007] The present invention is based on the insight that there is a need to store pressurized fluids at different pressures in a more efficient manner.

[0008] The present invention is based on the insight that in the art, there is a need to store pressurized fluids, such as hydrogen, at different pressures. In addition, the present invention is based on the insight that it is preferable to store pressurized fluids at different pressures in a more efficient manner. It has been recognized that storing pressurized fluids at different pressures should preferably not require an overly large above-ground storage area and should preferably not be overly labor-intensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative storage assembly for storing pressurized fluids such as hydrogen.

[0010] This object is achieved by a storage assembly for storing a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen, the storage assembly comprising: - at least one cylindrical primary pressure vessel configured to store a pressurized fluid at a first pressure, comprising a first primary end portion and an opposite second primary end portion, and having a first longitudinal length; - at least one cylindrical secondary pressure vessel configured to store a pressurized fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, comprising a first secondary end portion and an opposite second secondary end portion, and having a second longitudinal length smaller than the first longitudinal length; - A primary support that supports at least one primary pressure vessel near or at the first primary end; - A secondary support that supports at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at the first secondary end; - A shared support that supports at least one primary pressure vessel near or at the second primary end and supports at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at the second secondary end and comprising.

[0011] The storage assembly according to the present invention enables the storage of pressurized fluid at different pressures. The storage assembly uses three supports to store the fluid in pressure vessels at different pressures. This is at least one support less compared to a known situation having two separate storage assemblies.

[0012] Since constructing the support is labor-intensive, the storage assembly according to the present invention can be constructed more efficiently compared to known solutions of two separate storage assemblies.

[0013] It is important to note that the supports of a storage assembly having cylindrical pressure vessels for storing flammable fluids such as hydrogen tend to be placed on a strong foundation for safety regulations. Providing the foundation makes the construction of the support even more labor-intensive. The storage assembly according to the present invention requires a foundation for three supports instead of four supports.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable to use the ground area required for efficiently storing pressurized fluid at different pressures. In the storage assembly according to the present invention, there is no need to construct two separate storage assemblies. As a result, the ground area required for storing the fluid at different pressures tends to be reduced. In the storage assembly according to the present invention, the fact that one of the supports is shared tends to further reduce the required ground area.

[0015] Furthermore, pressure vessels configured to store gas at higher pressures tend to have a heavier structure than pressure vessels configured to store gas at lower pressures. The fact that the secondary pressure vessel is configured to store gas at a higher pressure and has a second longitudinal length that is smaller than the first longitudinal length reduces the total weight difference between the primary pressure vessel and the secondary pressure vessel, facilitating the construction of the storage assembly. This also enables the use of less heavy construction equipment during the construction of the storage assembly. Additionally, this facilitates the manufacture of the primary pressure vessel and the secondary pressure vessel by using the same manufacturing equipment in one manufacturing facility.

[0016] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly is a fixed-type storage assembly configured to store a pressurized fluid at an absolute position. In this way, the pressurized fluid is stored at a fixed position on the earth. The storage assembly does not include means of transportation. More specifically, the storage assembly has no means of transportation for transporting the complete storage assembly to another location.

[0017] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the second pressure is 1.5 to 3 times higher than the first pressure.

[0018] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the first pressure is 200 to 600 bar, and the second pressure is 550 to 1200 bar.

[0019] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary pressure vessel has a primary mass [kg], the secondary pressure vessel has a secondary mass [kg], and the secondary mass is 0.5 to 1.5 times the primary mass.

[0020] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary mass of the primary pressure vessel is 3000 to 6000 kg, and the secondary mass of the secondary pressure vessel is 2000 to 5000 kg.

[0021] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary pressure vessel has a primary linear mass density [kg / m] measured along a first longitudinal length, the secondary pressure vessel has a secondary linear mass density [kg / m] measured along a second longitudinal length, and the secondary linear mass density is greater than the primary linear mass density.

[0022] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary linear mass density of the primary pressure vessel is 200 to 500 kg / m, and the secondary linear mass density of the secondary pressure vessel is 250 to 550 kg / m.

[0023] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary linear mass density is 5 to 30% greater than the primary linear mass density.

[0024] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the second longitudinal length is 10 to 50% smaller than the first longitudinal length.

[0025] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary pressure vessel includes a primary vessel wall that defines a primary inner diameter and has a primary wall thickness, and the secondary pressure vessel includes a secondary vessel wall that defines a secondary inner diameter and has a secondary wall thickness.

[0026] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary ratio defined by dividing the secondary wall thickness by the secondary inner diameter is greater than the primary ratio defined by dividing the primary wall thickness by the primary inner diameter. The fact that the secondary ratio is greater than the primary ratio facilitates the storage of fluid at a higher second pressure by the secondary pressure vessel when compared to the first pressure of the primary pressure vessel.

[0027] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary ratio is 1.5 to 3 times greater than the primary ratio.

[0028] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary wall thickness is greater than the primary wall thickness.

[0029] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary wall thickness is 1.2 to 2.5 times the primary wall thickness.

[0030] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary wall thickness is 15 to 50 mm, and the secondary wall thickness is 25 to 70 mm.

[0031] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary inner diameter is equal to or smaller than the primary inner diameter.

[0032] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the secondary inner diameter is 0.5 to 0.95 times the primary outer diameter.

[0033] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary inner diameter is 400 to 700 mm, and the secondary inner diameter is 300 to 600 mm.

[0034] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the first primary end and the second primary end are non-separably connected to the primary vessel wall of the primary pressure vessel, preferably integrally formed, and the first secondary end and the second secondary end are non-separably connected to the secondary vessel wall of the secondary pressure vessel, preferably integrally formed.

[0035] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the first primary end is a domed first primary end, the second primary end is a domed second primary end, the first secondary end is a domed first secondary end, and the second secondary end is a domed second secondary end.

[0036] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, at least one primary pressure vessel and at least one secondary pressure vessel extend in the same direction away from the shared support. With this configuration, the ground area used by the storage assembly can be reduced, and the length of the surrounding safety fence can be shortened.

[0037] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary support is located at a primary distance from the shared support, the secondary support is located at a secondary distance from the shared support, and the secondary distance is smaller than the primary distance.

[0038] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, at least one primary pressure vessel is disposed above at least one secondary pressure vessel, and the secondary support is located within a footprint area defined by the shared support and the primary support. This enables the use of a smaller ground surface area.

[0039] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly includes a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion, and at least one secondary pressure vessel is located at the first lateral side portion and / or the second lateral side portion.

[0040] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly includes a plurality of secondary pressure vessels arranged vertically one above the other.

[0041] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the plurality of secondary pressure vessels arranged vertically one above the other are located at the first lateral side portion and / or the second lateral side portion of the assembly.

[0042] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, none of the at least one primary pressure vessel is disposed below the at least one secondary pressure vessel. With this configuration, a relatively simply configured secondary support may be used.

[0043] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly includes a plurality of primary pressure vessels.

[0044] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary support, the secondary support, and the shared support extend upward from the ground during use and are configured to hold each of the at least one primary pressure vessel and each of the at least one secondary pressure vessel at a distance from the ground. This does not necessarily mean that the primary and secondary pressure vessels are located at the same distance from the ground. The distances between the ground and the primary and secondary pressure vessels may be different.

[0045] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, each of at least one primary pressure vessel and each of at least one secondary pressure vessel are surrounded by air. Thereby, at least one primary pressure vessel and at least one secondary pressure vessel can be freely accessed, for example, a person can freely access them for inspection and / or maintenance.

[0046] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, each of at least one primary pressure vessel and each of at least one secondary pressure vessel can be freely accessed, for example, a person can freely access them.

[0047] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the primary support includes a primary seismic bracing structure, the secondary support includes a secondary seismic bracing structure, and the shared support includes a shared seismic bracing structure.

[0048] In an aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, each of at least one primary pressure vessel is supported near or at a first primary end by a first primary support unit and near or at a second primary end by a second primary support unit, and each of at least one secondary pressure vessel is supported near or at a first secondary end by a first secondary support unit and near or at a second secondary end by a second secondary support unit, wherein the first primary support unit forms part of the primary support, and the second primary support unit forms part of the second support.

[0049] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the first primary support unit and the second primary support unit are releasably connected to the primary pressure vessel, and the first secondary support unit and the second secondary support unit are releasably connected to the secondary pressure vessel.

[0050] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the first primary support unit is a rectangular first primary support unit, preferably a square first primary support unit, the second primary support unit is a rectangular second primary support unit, preferably a square second primary support unit, the first secondary support unit is a rectangular first secondary support unit, preferably a square first secondary support unit, and the second secondary support unit is a rectangular second secondary support unit, preferably a square second secondary support unit.

[0051] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly includes a plurality of secondary pressure vessels, the first secondary support units that support the plurality of secondary pressure vessels are interconnected, and the second secondary support units that support the plurality of secondary pressure vessels are interconnected. The first secondary support units are preferably interconnected via bolt connections. The second secondary support units are preferably interconnected via bolt connections.

[0052] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly includes a plurality of primary pressure vessels, the first primary support units that support the plurality of primary pressure vessels are interconnected, and the second primary support units that support the plurality of primary pressure vessels are interconnected. The first primary support units are preferably interconnected via bolt connections. The second primary support units are preferably interconnected via bolt connections.

[0053] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the interconnected second secondary support units and the interconnected second primary support units are preferably connected to each other via bolt connections.

[0054] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, at least one of the first secondary support units comprises a first secondary hoist member or is configured to be coupled to a removable first secondary hoist member, at least one of the second secondary support units comprises a second secondary hoist member or is configured to be coupled to a removable second secondary hoist member, and the (removable) first secondary hoist member and the (removable) second secondary hoist member are configured to be attached to and lifted by a hoisting device while the first secondary support unit and the second secondary support unit support their respective secondary pressure vessels.

[0055] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, at least one first primary support unit comprises a first primary hoist member or is configured to be coupled to a removable first primary hoist member, at least one of the second primary support units comprises a secondary primary hoist member or is configured to be coupled to a removable second primary hoist member, and the (removable) first primary hoist member and the (removable) second primary hoist member are configured to be attached to and lifted by a hoisting device while the first primary support unit and the second primary support unit support their respective primary pressure vessels.

[0056] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly comprises the features of any combination of any number of the aspects defined above of the storage assembly according to the present invention.

[0057] In one aspect of the storage assembly according to the present invention, the storage assembly includes a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen stored at a first pressure in at least one cylindrical primary pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen stored at a second pressure in at least one cylindrical secondary pressure vessel.

[0058] The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a storage assembly according to the present invention, the method comprising providing a primary support for supporting at least one primary pressure vessel near or at a first primary end, providing a secondary support for supporting at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at a first secondary end, and providing a shared support for supporting at least one primary pressure vessel near or at a second primary end and for supporting at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at a second secondary end.

[0059] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises providing, for each of at least one primary pressure vessel, a first primary support unit for supporting the primary pressure vessel to construct a primary support, providing, for each of at least one secondary pressure vessel, a first secondary support unit for supporting the secondary pressure vessel to construct a secondary support, providing, for each of at least one primary pressure vessel, a second primary support unit for the primary pressure vessel, and providing, for each of at least one secondary pressure vessel, a second secondary support unit for the secondary pressure vessel to construct a shared support.

[0060] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises pre-assembling a secondary module by interconnecting a first secondary support unit supporting at least a portion of a plurality of secondary pressure vessels and interconnecting a second secondary support unit supporting the at least a portion of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels, and providing the secondary module to construct a secondary support having the interconnected first secondary support unit and to construct a shared support having the interconnected second secondary support unit.

[0061] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method provides a secondary module formed by an interconnected first secondary support unit supporting at least a part of a plurality of secondary pressure vessels and an interconnected second secondary support unit supporting at least a part of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels, constructs a secondary support having the interconnected first secondary support unit, and constructs a shared support having the interconnected second secondary support unit.

[0062] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method pre-assembles a primary module by interconnecting a first primary support unit supporting at least a part of a plurality of primary pressure vessels and interconnecting a second primary support unit supporting at least a part of the plurality of primary pressure vessels, provides the primary module, constructs a primary support having the interconnected first primary support unit, and constructs a shared support having the interconnected second primary support unit.

[0063] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method provides a primary module formed by an interconnected first primary support unit supporting at least a part of a plurality of primary pressure vessels and an interconnected second primary support unit supporting at least a part of the plurality of primary pressure vessels, constructs a primary support having the interconnected first primary support unit, and constructs a shared support having the interconnected second primary support unit.

[0064] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method includes hoisting, by a hoisting device attached to the (removable) first secondary hoisting member and the (removable) second secondary hoisting member, one of the secondary pressure vessels supported by a first secondary support unit provided with the (removable) first secondary hoisting member and a second secondary support unit provided with the (removable) second secondary hoisting member, in order to construct the secondary support and the shared support.

[0065] In one aspect of the method according to the invention, the method comprises lifting, by means of a hoisting device attached to the (removable) first primary hoisting member and the (removable) second primary hoisting member, one of the primary pressure vessels supported by a first primary support unit having a (removable) first primary hoisting member and a second primary support unit having a (removable) second primary hoisting member, in order to construct a primary support and a shared support.

[0066] In one aspect of the method according to the invention, one of the first secondary support units of the secondary module comprises a (removable) first secondary hoisting member, one of the second secondary support units of the secondary module comprises a (removable) second secondary hoisting member, and the method comprises lifting the secondary module by means of a hoisting device attached to the (removable) first secondary hoisting member and the (removable) second secondary hoisting member in order to construct a secondary support and a shared support.

[0067] In one aspect of the method according to the invention, one of the first primary support units of the primary module comprises a (removable) first primary hoisting member, one of the second primary support units of the primary module comprises a (removable) second primary hoisting member, and the method comprises lifting the primary module by means of a hoisting device attached to the (removable) first primary hoisting member and the (removable) second primary hoisting member in order to construct a primary support and a shared support.

[0068] In one aspect of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the features of any number of any combination of the aspects defined above of the method according to the invention.

[0069] The storage assembly according to the invention and aspects of the method according to the invention are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference signs indicate corresponding parts:

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0070]

Figure 1A - B

Figure 1C - F

Figure 1G

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A - 6F

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0071] Detailed Description of the Drawings Figures 1A - 1G show a view of one embodiment of the storage assembly 1 according to the present invention. The storage assembly 1 is configured to store a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen.

[0072] The storage assembly 1 includes at least one cylindrical primary pressure vessel 2 configured to store a pressurized fluid at a first pressure. Each primary pressure vessel 2 includes a first primary end 5, an opposite second primary end 6, and a first longitudinal length 7. More specifically, the storage assembly 1 includes a plurality of primary pressure vessels 2. Even more specifically, the storage assembly 1 includes 19 primary pressure vessels 2. The storage assembly 1 contains a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen stored at the first pressure within at least one cylindrical primary pressure vessel 2.

[0073] The storage assembly 1 includes at least one cylindrical secondary pressure vessel 8 configured to store a pressurized fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. The storage assembly 1 contains a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen stored at the second pressure within at least one cylindrical secondary pressure vessel 8. The second pressure is 1.5 to 3 times higher than the first pressure. The first pressure may be 200 bar to 600 bar, and the second pressure may be 550 bar to 1200 bar.

[0074] Each secondary pressure vessel 8 includes a first secondary end 10, an opposite second secondary end 11, and a second longitudinal length 12. The second longitudinal length 12 is smaller than the first longitudinal length 7. The second longitudinal length 12 is 10% to 50% smaller than the first longitudinal length 7.

[0075] More specifically, the storage assembly 1 includes a plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8. Even more specifically, the storage assembly 1 includes 3 secondary pressure vessels 8.

[0076] The first primary end portion 5 and the second primary end portion 6 are connected to the primary vessel wall 20 of the primary pressure vessel 2 in a non-separable manner and are preferably integrally formed (see also FIGS. 2A - C). The first secondary end portion 10 and the second secondary end portion 11 are connected to the secondary vessel wall 23 of the secondary pressure vessel 8 in a non-separable manner and are preferably integrally formed (see also FIGS. 3A - C).

[0077] The first primary end portion is a domed first primary end portion 46, the second primary end portion is a domed second primary end portion 47, the first secondary end portion is a domed first secondary end portion 48, and the second secondary end portion is a domed second secondary end portion 49.

[0078] The storage assembly 1 includes a primary support 13 that supports the primary pressure vessel 2 near or at its first primary end portion 5. The storage assembly 1 includes a second support 14 that supports the secondary pressure vessel 8 near or at its first secondary end portion 10. The storage assembly 1 includes a shared support 15 that supports the primary pressure vessel 2 near or at its second primary end portion 6 and supports the secondary pressure vessel 8 near or at its second secondary end portion 11.

[0079] The storage assembly 1 is capable of storing pressurized fluid at different pressures. The storage assembly 1 uses three supports (more specifically, the primary support 13, the secondary support 14, and the shared support 15) to store fluid at different pressures within the pressure vessels. This is at least one support less compared to a known situation having two separate storage assemblies.

[0080] Since constructing supports is labor-intensive, the storage assembly 1 can be constructed more efficiently compared to known solutions of two separate storage assemblies.

[0081] It is important to note that the support of the storage assembly 1 having a cylindrical pressure vessel for storing a combustible fluid such as hydrogen tends to be placed on a strong foundation for safety regulations. The primary support 13 is placed on the primary foundation 53, the secondary support 14 is placed on the secondary foundation 54, and the shared support 15 is placed on the shared foundation 55. Providing the foundation makes the construction of the support more labor-intensive. The storage assembly 1 according to the present invention requires a foundation for three supports instead of four supports.

[0082] In addition, it is preferable to use the ground area required to efficiently store pressurized fluids at different pressures. In the storage assembly 1 according to the present invention, there is no need to construct two separate storage assemblies. As a result, the ground area required to store fluids at different pressures tends to be reduced. In the storage assembly 1 according to the present invention, the fact that one of the supports is shared tends to further reduce the required ground area.

[0083] Furthermore, a pressure vessel configured to store gas at a higher pressure tends to have a heavier structure than a pressure vessel configured to store gas at a lower pressure. The fact that the secondary pressure vessel 8 is configured to store gas at a higher pressure and has a second longitudinal length 12 smaller than the first longitudinal length 7 facilitates the construction of the storage assembly 1 because the total weight difference between the primary pressure vessel 2 and the secondary pressure vessel 8 is reduced. This also makes it possible to use less heavy construction equipment during the construction of the storage assembly 1. In addition, this facilitates the manufacture of the primary pressure vessel 2 and the secondary pressure vessel 8 by using the same manufacturing equipment in one manufacturing facility.

[0084] The storage assembly 1 is a fixed storage assembly 3 configured to store pressurized fluid at an absolute position 4. In this way, the pressurized fluid is stored at a fixed position on the earth. The storage assembly 1 does not include means of transportation. More specifically, the storage assembly 1 has no means of transportation for transporting the complete storage assembly to another location on the earth. The technical field of the portable storage assembly has to address other technical considerations and problems other than those of the fixed storage assembly 3.

[0085] FIG. 2A shows a side view of one of the primary pressure vessels 2 of the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows a side view of the primary pressure vessel 2 of FIG. 2A supported by the first primary support unit 35 and the second primary support unit 36. The primary pressure vessel 2 extends along a primary longitudinal axis 51.

[0086] FIG. 3A shows a side view of one of the secondary pressure vessels 8 of the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows a side view of the secondary pressure vessel 8 of FIG. 3A supported by the first secondary support unit 37 and the second secondary support unit 38. The secondary pressure vessel 8 extends along a secondary longitudinal axis 52.

[0087] The primary pressure vessel 2 has a primary mass [kg], the secondary pressure vessel 8 has a secondary mass [kg], and the secondary mass is 0.5 to 1.5 times the primary mass. The primary mass of the primary pressure vessel 2 may be 3000 to 6000 kg, and the secondary mass of the secondary pressure vessel 8 may be 2000 to 5000 kg.

[0088] The primary pressure vessel 2 has a primary linear mass density [kg / m] measured along a first longitudinal length 7, and the secondary pressure vessel 8 has a secondary linear mass density [kg / m] measured along a second longitudinal length 12. The secondary linear mass density is greater than the primary linear mass density. The secondary linear mass density is 5 - 30% greater than the primary linear mass density. The primary linear mass density of the primary pressure vessel may be 200 - 500 kg / m, and the secondary linear mass density of the secondary pressure vessel may be 250 - 550 kg / m.

[0089] The primary pressure vessel 2 includes a primary vessel wall 20 that defines a primary inner diameter 21 and has a primary wall thickness 22. The secondary pressure vessel 8 includes a secondary vessel wall 23 that defines a secondary inner diameter 24 and has a secondary wall thickness 25. A secondary ratio defined by dividing the secondary wall thickness 25 by the secondary inner diameter 24 is greater than a primary ratio defined by dividing the primary wall thickness 22 by the primary inner diameter 21. The fact that the secondary ratio is greater than the primary ratio facilitates the storage of fluid at a higher second pressure by the secondary pressure vessel 8 when compared to the first pressure of the primary pressure vessel 2. The secondary ratio is 1.5 - 3 times greater than the primary ratio.

[0090] The secondary wall thickness 25 is greater than the primary wall thickness 22. The secondary wall thickness 25 is 1.2 - 2.5 times the primary wall thickness 22. The primary wall thickness 22 is 15 - 50 mm, and the secondary wall thickness 25 is 25 - 70 mm.

[0091] The secondary inner diameter 24 is equal to or smaller than the primary inner diameter 21. The secondary inner diameter 24 is 0.5 - 0.95 times the primary outer diameter. The primary inner diameter 21 is 400 - 700 mm, and the secondary inner diameter 24 is 300 - 600 mm.

[0092] Returning to FIGS. 1A - G, the primary pressure vessel 2 and the secondary pressure vessel 8 extend in the same direction 50 away from the shared support 15. This preferred configuration can reduce the floor area used and can shorten the length of the surrounding safety fence.

[0093] The primary support 13 is located at a primary distance 28 from the shared support 15, the secondary support 14 is located at a secondary distance 29 from the shared support 15, and the secondary distance 29 is smaller than the primary distance 28.

[0094] At least one primary pressure vessel 2 is disposed above at least one secondary pressure vessel 8. More specifically, two primary pressure vessels 2 are disposed above three secondary pressure vessels 8.

[0095] The secondary support 14 is located within the installation area 26 defined by the shared support 15 and the primary support 13. In this way, a smaller ground surface area is used.

[0096] The storage assembly 1 includes a first lateral side portion 30 and a second lateral side portion 31, and the secondary pressure vessel 8 is located at the first lateral side portion 30. In another embodiment (not shown) of the storage assembly 1, the secondary pressure vessel 8 is located at the second lateral side portion 31. Also, the secondary pressure vessel 8 can be located at both the first lateral side portion 30 and the second lateral side portion 31.

[0097] The secondary pressure vessels 8 are arranged vertically with respect to each other. The secondary pressure vessels 8 arranged vertically with respect to each other may be located at the first lateral side portion 30 and / or the second lateral side portion 31 of the assembly.

[0098] None of the primary pressure vessels 2 are disposed below at least one secondary pressure vessel 8. With this configuration, a relatively simply configured secondary support 14 may be used.

[0099] The primary support 13, the secondary support 14, and the shared support 15 extend upward from the ground 17 during use and are configured to hold each of at least one primary pressure vessel 2 and each of at least one secondary pressure vessel 8 at a distance from the ground 17. This does not necessarily mean that the primary pressure vessel 2 and the secondary pressure vessel 8 are located at the same distance from the ground 17. The distances between the ground 17 and the primary pressure vessel 2 and the secondary pressure vessel 8 may be different.

[0100] Each of at least one primary pressure vessel 2 and each of at least one secondary pressure vessel 8 are surrounded by air. Thereby, at least one primary pressure vessel 2 and at least one secondary pressure vessel 8 can be accessed freely, for example, a person can access freely for inspection and / or maintenance.

[0101] The primary support 13 includes a primary seismic reinforcement structure 32, the secondary support 14 includes a secondary seismic reinforcement structure 33, and the shared support 15 includes a shared seismic reinforcement structure 34.

[0102] Each of the primary pressure vessels 2 is supported near or at the first primary end 5 by a first primary support unit 35 and near or at the second primary end 6 by a second primary support unit 36. Each of the secondary pressure vessels 8 is supported near or at the first secondary end 10 by a first secondary support 14 and near or at the second secondary end 11 by a second secondary support unit 38. The first primary support unit 35 forms part of the primary support 13. The first secondary support unit 37 forms part of the secondary support 14. The second primary support unit 36 and the second secondary support unit 38 form part of the shared support 15.

[0103] The first primary support unit 35 and the second primary support unit 36 are releasably connected to the primary pressure vessel 2. The first secondary support unit 37 and the second secondary support unit 38 are releasably connected to the secondary pressure vessel 8.

[0104] The first primary support unit 35 is a rectangular first primary support unit 61, preferably a square first primary support unit 62. The second primary support unit 36 is a rectangular second primary support unit 63, preferably a square second primary support unit 64. The first secondary support unit 37 is a rectangular first secondary support unit 65, preferably a square first secondary support unit 66. The second secondary support unit 38 is a rectangular second secondary support unit 67, preferably a square second secondary support unit 68.

[0105] The first secondary support units 37 that support the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8 are interconnected, and the second secondary support units 38 that support the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8 are interconnected. The first secondary support units 37 are interconnected via bolt connections. The second secondary support units 38 are interconnected via bolt connections.

[0106] The first primary support units 35 that support the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2 are interconnected, and the second primary support units 36 that support the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2 are interconnected. The first primary support units 35 are interconnected via bolt connections. The second primary support units 36 are interconnected via bolt connections.

[0107] The interconnected second secondary support units 38 and the interconnected second primary support units 36 are connected to each other via bolt connections.

[0108] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other connection techniques other than bolt connections such as welding may be used to establish the (inter)connections between the support units identified above.

[0109] FIG. 4 shows one aspect of a primary module 44 for manufacturing the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The primary module 44 is pre-assembled by interconnecting a first primary support unit 35 that supports a portion of the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2 and interconnecting a second primary support unit 36 that supports the portion of the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2. The pre-assembly of the primary module 44 may be performed at different locations such as a manufacturing facility. Subsequently, the primary module 44 is used to construct a primary support 13 having interconnected first primary support units 35 and a shared support 15 having interconnected second primary support units 36. A plurality of primary modules 44 are used to construct the primary support 13 and the shared support 15 of the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0110] In an alternative aspect of the method, a secondary module 43 is provided, which is formed by constructing a secondary support 14 having interconnected first secondary support units 37 that support at least a portion of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8 and a shared support 15 having interconnected second secondary support units 38 that support the at least a portion of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8.

[0111] FIG. 5 shows one aspect of a secondary module 43 for manufacturing the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The secondary module 43 is pre-assembled by interconnecting a first secondary support unit 37 that supports the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8 and interconnecting a second secondary support unit 38 that supports the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8. The pre-assembly of the primary module 43 may be performed at different locations such as a manufacturing facility. Subsequently, the secondary module 43 is used to construct a secondary support 14 having interconnected first secondary support units 37 and a shared support 15 having interconnected second secondary support units 38. Only one secondary module 43 is used to construct the secondary support 14 and the shared support 15 of the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0112] In an alternative aspect of the method, a primary module 44 is provided, which is formed by constructing a primary support 13 having an interconnected first primary support unit 35 that supports at least a portion of the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2 and an interconnected second primary support unit 36 that supports the at least a portion of the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2, and constructing a shared support 15 having an interconnected second primary support unit 38.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B may also be constructed of a plurality of single primary pressure vessels 2 supported by a first primary support unit 35 and a second primary support unit 36, as shown in FIG. 2C, and a plurality of single secondary pressure vessels 8 supported by a first secondary support unit 37 and a second secondary support unit 38, as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0114] At least one first primary support unit 35 is configured to be coupled to a removable first primary hoist member 41, and at least one second primary support unit 36 is configured to be coupled to a removable second primary hoist member 42 (see FIGS. 2C and 4). The removable first primary hoist member 41 and the removable second primary hoist member 42 are removed when the construction of the storage assembly 1 is completed. The removable first primary hoist member 41 and the removable second primary hoist member 42 are attached to a hoisting device 45 and configured to be hoisted while the first primary support unit 35 and the second primary support unit 36 support their respective primary pressure vessels 2.

[0115] In another embodiment (not shown) of the storage assembly 1 according to the present invention, at least one first primary support unit 35 comprises a first primary hoist member 41, and at least one of the second primary support units 36 comprises a secondary primary hoist member. The first primary hoist member 41 and the second primary hoist member 42 remain after the construction of the storage assembly 1 is completed.

[0116] At least one of the first secondary support units 37 is configured to be coupled to a removable first secondary hoist member 39, and at least one of the second secondary support units 38 is configured to be coupled to a removable second secondary hoist member 40 (see FIGS. 3C and 5). The removable first secondary hoist member 39 and the removable second secondary hoist member 40 are removed when the construction of the storage assembly 1 is completed. The removable first secondary hoist member 39 and the removable second secondary hoist member 40 are attached to a hoisting device 45 and configured to be hoisted while the first secondary support unit 37 and the second secondary support unit 38 support their respective secondary pressure vessels 8.

[0117] In another embodiment (not shown) of the storage assembly 1 according to the present invention, at least one of the first secondary support units 37 comprises a first secondary hoist member 39, and at least one of the second secondary support units 38 comprises a second secondary hoist member 40. The first secondary hoist member 39 and the second secondary hoist member 40 remain after the construction of the storage assembly 1 is completed.

[0118] Figures 6A - 6F illustrate one aspect of a method according to the present invention for manufacturing the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. This method includes providing a primary support 13 that supports at least one primary pressure vessel 2 near or at the first primary end 5, providing a secondary support 14 that supports at least one secondary pressure vessel 8 near or at the first secondary end 10, and providing a shared support 15 that supports at least one primary pressure vessel 2 near or at the second primary end 6 and supports at least one secondary pressure vessel 8 near or at the second secondary end 11.

[0119] This method includes, for each of the at least one primary pressure vessel 2, providing a first primary support unit 35 that supports the primary pressure vessel 2 to construct the primary support 13, for each of the at least one secondary pressure vessel 8, providing a first secondary support unit 37 that supports the secondary pressure vessel 8 to construct the secondary support 14, for each of the at least one primary pressure vessel 2, providing a second primary support unit 36 of the primary pressure vessel 2, and for each of the at least one secondary pressure vessel 8, providing a second secondary support unit 38 of the secondary pressure vessel 8 to construct the shared support 15.

[0120] This method includes pre - assembling a primary module 44 by interconnecting first primary support units 35 that support at least a portion of the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2 and interconnecting second primary support units 36 that support the at least a portion of the plurality of primary pressure vessels 2, and including providing the primary module 44 to construct a primary support 13 having interconnected first primary support units 35 and a shared support 15 having interconnected second primary support units 36. FIG. 4 illustrates one aspect of a primary module 44 for constructing the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0121] This method includes pre-assembling a secondary module 43 by interconnecting first secondary support unit 14s that supports at least a portion of a plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8, and interconnecting second secondary support unit 14s that supports at least a portion of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels 8, and providing the secondary module 43 to construct a secondary support 14 having the interconnected first secondary support unit 14s and to construct a shared support 15 having the interconnected second secondary support unit 38. FIG. 5 shows one aspect of the secondary module 43 for constructing the storage assembly 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0122] This method includes hoisting, by a hoisting device 45 attached to the (removable) first primary hoisting member 41 and the (removable) second primary hoisting member 42, one of the primary pressure vessels 2 supported by a first primary support unit 35 having the (removable) first primary hoisting member 41 and a second primary support unit 36 having the (removable) second primary hoisting member 42 in order to construct the primary support 13 and the shared support 15.

[0123] This method includes hoisting, by a hoisting device 45 attached to the (removable) first secondary hoisting member 39 and the (removable) second secondary hoisting member 40, one of the secondary pressure vessels 8 supported by a first secondary support unit 37 having the (removable) first secondary hoisting member 39 and a (removable) second secondary support unit 38 having the second secondary hoisting member 40 in order to construct the secondary support 14 and the shared support 15.

[0124] One of the first primary support units 35 of the primary module 44 includes a (removable) first primary hoist member 41, and one of the second primary support units 36 of the primary module 44 includes a (removable) second primary hoist member 42. The method includes hoisting the primary module 44 by a hoisting device 45 attached to the (removable) first primary hoist member 41 and the (removable) second primary hoist member 42 to construct the primary support 13 and the shared support 15.

[0125] One of the first secondary support units 37 of the secondary module 43 includes a (removable) first secondary hoist member 39, and one of the second secondary support units 38 of the secondary module 43 includes a (removable) second secondary hoist member 40. The method includes hoisting the secondary module 43 by a hoisting device 45 attached to the (removable) first secondary hoist member 39 and the (removable) second secondary hoist member 40 to construct the secondary support 14 and the shared support 15.

[0126] In FIG. 6A, two primary seismic reinforcement structures 32s are provided on the primary foundation, one secondary seismic reinforcement structure 33 is provided on the secondary foundation 54, and two shared seismic reinforcement structures 34 are provided on the shared foundation 55. The secondary module 43 of FIG. 5 is hoisted by a hoisting device 45 to be positioned for the construction of the secondary support 14 and the shared support 15. After the secondary module 43 is positioned at a predetermined position, the hoisting device 45 is removed from the removable first secondary hoist member 39 and the removable second secondary hoist member 40. Subsequently, the first secondary hoist member 39 and the second secondary hoist member 40 are removed. The interconnected first secondary support unit 37 is connected to the secondary seismic reinforcement structure 33 via a bolt connection. The interconnected second secondary support unit 38 is connected to one of the shared seismic reinforcement structures 34 via a bolt connection.

[0127] In FIG. 6B, the primary module 44 of FIG. 4 is hoisted by the same hoist device 45 to be positioned for the construction of the primary support 13 and the shared support 15. After the primary module 44 is positioned at a predetermined position, the hoist device 45 is removed from the removable first primary hoist member 41 and the removable second primary hoist member 42. Subsequently, the first primary hoist member 41 and the second primary hoist member 42 are removed. The interconnected first primary support unit 35 is connected to both of the primary seismic reinforcement structures 32 via bolt connections. To facilitate the connection to both of the primary seismic reinforcement structures 32, the interconnected first primary support unit 35 includes a first primary support unit 56 of a blind hole that cannot support the primary pressure vessel 2. Instead of the first primary support unit 56 of the blind hole, it is also possible to use an empty first primary support unit 35 that does not support the primary pressure vessel 2. The interconnected second primary support unit 36 is connected to the other shared seismic reinforcement structure 34 and the interconnected second secondary support unit 38 of the secondary module 43 via bolt connections. This process is repeated in FIGS. 6C and D. In addition, the interconnected first primary support units 35 arranged on the upper part of the interconnected first primary support unit 35 of the previous module may also be connected to each other via bolt connections. The interconnected second primary support units 36 arranged on the upper part of the interconnected second primary support unit 36 of the previous primary module 44 may also be connected to each other via bolt connections.

[0128] In FIG. 6E, another primary module 44 is lifted by the same hoist device 45 to be positioned for the construction of the primary support 13 and the shared support 15. This primary module 44, unlike those used in FIGS. 6B - D, does not include the first primary support unit 56 with blind holes (or the empty first primary support unit 35). All the first primary support units 35 support one of the primary pressure vessels 2. The interconnected first primary support units 35 are connected to both sides of the primary seismic reinforcement structure 32. The interconnected first primary support units 35 disposed on top of the interconnected first primary support units 35 of the previous module may also be connected to each other. The interconnected second primary support units 36 are connected to both sides of the shared seismic reinforcement structure 34. Additionally, the second primary support unit 36 disposed on top of one of the second secondary support units 38 of the secondary module 43 may be connected to the second secondary support unit 38. The interconnected second primary support units 36 disposed on top of the interconnected second primary support units 36 of the previous primary module 44 may also be connected to each other. This process is repeated in FIG. 6F, except that the interconnected second primary support units 36 are disposed only on top of (and may be connected to) the interconnected second primary support units 36 of the previous primary module 44.

[0129] Thereafter, yet another primary module 44 is hoisted by the same host device 45 to position the primary module 44 in place for the construction of the primary support 13 and the shared support 15. This primary module 44 is different from that used in FIGS. 6E and 6F in that it includes two empty first primary support units 35 and two empty second primary support units 36. The empty first primary support units 35 and the empty second primary support units 36 do not support the primary pressure vessel 2. The interconnected first primary support units 35 are not connected to the primary seismic reinforcement structure 32. The interconnected first primary support units 35 disposed on top of the interconnected first primary support units 35 of the previous module are connected to each other. The interconnected second primary support units 36 are not connected to the shared seismic reinforcement structure 34. The interconnected second primary support units 36 disposed on top of the interconnected second primary support units 36 of the previous primary module 44 are connected to each other. In this way, the storage assemblies of FIGS. 1A and 1B are manufactured.

[0130] If desired, detailed aspects of the invention are disclosed herein, but it should be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention and can be implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art to use the invention in substantially any appropriately detailed structure in various ways. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are intended to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0131] As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "plural" is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least second or more. As used herein, the terms "comprising" and / or "having" are defined as "including" (i.e., open language that does not exclude other elements or steps). Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the scope of the invention.

[0132] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the storage assembly and method without departing from the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A storage assembly for storing a pressurized fluid such as hydrogen, comprising: - at least one cylindrical primary pressure vessel configured to store the pressurized fluid at a first pressure, including a first primary end portion and an opposite second primary end portion, and having a first longitudinal length; - at least one cylindrical secondary pressure vessel configured to store the pressurized fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, including a first secondary end portion and an opposite second secondary end portion, and having a second longitudinal length smaller than the first longitudinal length; - a primary support for supporting at least one primary pressure vessel near or at the first primary end portion; - a secondary support for supporting at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at the first secondary end portion; - a shared support for supporting at least one primary pressure vessel near or at the second primary end portion and for supporting at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at the second secondary end portion The storage assembly comprising the above components.

2. The storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second pressure is 1.5 to 3 times higher than the first pressure.

3. - The primary pressure vessel comprises a primary vessel wall defining a primary inner diameter and having a primary wall thickness; - The secondary pressure vessel comprises a second vessel wall defining a secondary inner diameter and having a secondary wall thickness; - A secondary ratio defined by dividing the secondary wall thickness by the secondary inner diameter is greater than a primary ratio defined by dividing the primary wall thickness by the primary inner diameter. The storage assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein the secondary wall thickness is greater than the primary wall thickness.

5. The storage assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the secondary inner diameter is equal to or smaller than the primary inner diameter.

6. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one primary pressure vessel and the at least one secondary pressure vessel extend in the same direction away from the shared support.

7. - The at least one primary pressure vessel is disposed above the at least one secondary pressure vessel; - The secondary support is located within an installation area defined by the shared support and the primary support. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The storage assembly includes a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion, and the at least one secondary pressure vessel is located at the first lateral side portion and / or the second lateral side portion. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the storage assembly includes a plurality of secondary pressure vessels arranged vertically one above the other.

10. None of the at least one primary pressure vessel is arranged below the at least one secondary pressure vessel. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the storage assembly includes a plurality of primary pressure vessels.

12. The primary support includes a primary seismic reinforcement structure, the secondary support includes a secondary seismic reinforcement structure, and the shared support includes a shared seismic reinforcement structure. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. - Each of the at least one primary pressure vessel is supported near or at the first primary end by a first primary support unit and near or at the second primary end by a second primary support unit. - Each of the at least one secondary pressure vessel is supported near or at the first secondary end by a first secondary support unit and near or at the second secondary end by a second secondary support unit. - The first primary support unit forms part of the primary support. - The first secondary support unit forms part of the secondary support. - The second primary support unit and the second secondary support unit form part of the shared support. The storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. - The storage assembly includes a plurality of secondary pressure vessels. - The first secondary support units supporting the plurality of secondary pressure vessels are interconnected, and the second secondary support units supporting the plurality of secondary pressure vessels are interconnected. The storage assembly according to claim 13.

15. - At least one of the first secondary support units includes a first secondary hoist member or is configured to be coupled to a removable first secondary hoist member. - At least one of the second secondary support units comprises a second secondary hoist member or is configured to be coupled to a removable second secondary hoist member. - The (removable) first secondary hoist member and the (removable) second secondary hoist member are configured to be attached to and hoisted by a hoisting device while the first secondary support unit and the second secondary support unit support their respective secondary pressure vessels. The storage assembly according to claim 13 or 14.

16. - Providing a primary support for supporting at least one primary pressure vessel near or at the first primary end. - Providing a secondary support for supporting at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at the first secondary end. - Providing a shared support for supporting at least one primary pressure vessel near or at the second primary end and for supporting at least one secondary pressure vessel near or at the second secondary end. A method for manufacturing a storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the steps of:

17. - For each of the at least one primary pressure vessel, providing a first primary support unit for supporting the primary pressure vessel to construct a primary support. - For each of the at least one secondary pressure vessel, providing a first secondary support unit for supporting the secondary pressure vessel to construct a secondary support. - For each of the at least one primary pressure vessel, providing a second primary support unit for the primary pressure vessel, and for each of the at least one secondary pressure vessel, providing a second secondary support unit for the secondary pressure vessel to construct a shared support. The method according to claim 16 for manufacturing a storage assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising the steps of:

18. - Pre-assembling a secondary module by interconnecting a first secondary support unit supporting at least a part of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels and interconnecting a second secondary support unit supporting at least a part of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels. - Provide a secondary module to construct a secondary support having interconnected first secondary support units and to construct a shared support having interconnected second secondary support units; The method according to claim 16 or 17 for manufacturing a storage assembly according to claim 14 or 15, including.

19. Provide a secondary module formed by an interconnected first secondary support unit supporting at least a portion of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels and an interconnected second secondary support unit supporting at least a portion of the plurality of secondary pressure vessels, and construct a secondary support having interconnected first secondary support units and a shared support having interconnected second secondary support units, the method according to claim 16 or 17 for manufacturing a storage assembly according to claim 14 or 15, including.

20. To construct the secondary support and the shared support, hoist one of the secondary pressure vessels supported by a first secondary support unit having a (removable) first secondary hoist member and a second secondary support unit having a (removable) second secondary hoist member by a hoist device attached to the (removable) first secondary hoist member and the (removable) second secondary hoist member, the method according to any one of claims 16 to 19 for manufacturing a storage assembly according to claim 15, including.

21. One of the first secondary support units of the secondary module includes a (removable) first secondary hoist member, one of the second secondary support units of the secondary module includes a (removable) second secondary hoist member, and the method includes hoisting the secondary module by a hoist device attached to the (removable) first secondary hoist member and the (removable) second secondary hoist member to construct a secondary support and a shared support, the method according to claim 20 combined with claim 18 or 19.

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