Storage vessel and method

Abstract

A storage container (1) for storing a cryogen (H2), comprising: an inner container (3) for holding the cryogen (H2); an outer container (10) in which the inner container (3) is housed; and an insulating layer (15) surrounding the inner container (3), wherein the inner container (3) has a tubular main portion (4) and two base portions (5, 6) that close the ends of the main portion (4), and the insulating layer (15) comprises base insulating members (19) attached to the base portions (5, 6), each of which is composed of a plurality of ring-segment-shaped insulating elements (30, 31).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage vessel for storing cryogens and a method for manufacturing a base insulation member for such a storage vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] The applicant has recognized an in-house double-walled storage container for liquid hydrogen, which includes an outer container and an inner container for holding liquid hydrogen disposed within the outer container. A gap provided between the inner and outer containers is subjected to a vacuum. A multi-ply insulation layer can be provided in the gap, encasing the inner container. The inner container is cylindrical, and at the base, the insulation layer is constructed from individual plies of metal foil and a non-metallic intermediate layer.

[0003] US Patent No. 3,540,615(A) relates to a multi-layer insulation for a cryogenic vessel and forms the preamble of claim 1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved storage container.

[0005] Therefore, a storage container for storing a cryogen is proposed, the storage container comprising an inner container for holding a cryogen, an outer container in which the inner container is housed, and an insulating layer surrounding the inner container, the inner container comprising a tubular main portion and two base portions closing the ends of the main portion, the insulating layer comprising base insulating members attached to the base portions, each base insulating member being composed of a plurality of ring-segment shaped insulating elements.

[0006] The storage container is also particularly suitable for transporting cryogens. For this reason, it may also be called a transport container. The storage container is at least double-walled and therefore may also be called a double-walled storage container. The cryogen may be liquid hydrogen. Therefore, the term "cryogen" can be interchangeable with the term "hydrogen" in this case, and vice versa. However, the cryogen may also be liquid helium, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, argon, neon, etc. Since the storage container is preferably suitable for holding liquid hydrogen, it may also be called a hydrogen storage container or hydrogen storage tank. The storage container may be part of a means of transport, in particular a ship. In this case, the storage container is suitable for mobile applications. However, the storage container may also be used in a fixed manner, for example in construction technology.

[0007] The storage container is preferably rotationally symmetrical about a symmetry axis or central axis. Accordingly, the inner container and the outer container are also rotationally symmetrical about the central axis. The storage container is preferably arranged so that the central axis is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. This means that the storage container is arranged horizontally. However, the storage container can also be arranged vertically. In this case, the central axis is oriented parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0008] The inner and outer containers are preferably both cylindrical. The outer container, like the inner container, preferably has a tubular or cylindrical main portion that is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis. Both the main portion of the inner container and the main portion of the outer container are preferably closed at their ends with two outwardly domed base portions, respectively. However, this is not required. The base portions can also be designed differently. In particular, the inner container is disposed completely within the outer container, such that the outer container completely or partially surrounds or encases the inner container. The inner container may also be referred to as an inner tank. The outer container may also be referred to as an outer tank.

[0009] The base parts of the inner container are preferably welded to the main part of the inner container. For this purpose, a corresponding base weld seam is provided in each case. In particular, a base insulation element as mentioned above is attached to each of the base parts. This means that, in particular, preferably, two base insulation elements are provided, which are part of the insulation layer surrounding the inner container.

[0010] A "ring segment" in this case should be understood as a portion of a ring. The base insulation element is therefore preferably annular. The base insulation element preferably has a central opening through which a central stub attached to the associated base part can be inserted. Each base part can be assigned such a central stub. The inner container is suspended from the outer container by the central stub. The insulation elements are in particular prefabricated. In particular, the insulation elements comprise (commercially available) multilayer insulation (MLI). For example, the insulation elements are block-shaped. To form the base insulation element, the insulation elements are arranged adjacent to one another to form the base insulation element. The insulation elements are in particular wedge-shaped or cake-piece-shaped.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the base insulation member comprises a plurality of insulating plies arranged one on top of the other, each of which is composed of a plurality of insulating elements, the insulating elements of different insulating plies being circumferentially offset relative to each other.

[0012] The number of insulating plies can be freely selected. For example, two, three, four, five, or more than five such insulating plies can be provided, arranged one on top of the other. However, at least two insulating plies are provided. The insulating elements of different insulating plies are circumferentially offset relative to each other, so that the abutting edges of the insulating elements of one insulating ply are oriented so that they are covered by the insulating elements of the insulating ply located above or below it. In particular, each insulating element has two abutting edges that are oblique to each other. When the base insulating member is formed, the insulating elements are arranged so that the abutting edges of adjacent insulating elements face each other. The abutting edges of subsequent insulating plies are arranged so that they do not cover the abutting edges of the insulating elements of the insulating ply located below them. "Circumferentially" means considered along the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the base insulation element has a support frame supporting the insulating ply, which makes it possible to form a (self-supporting) assembly consisting of the support frame and the insulating element applied to the support frame, which assembly can be pre-assembled and then applied to the associated base part.

[0014] The support frame is in particular dome-shaped, like the associated base portion. The support frame can be column-shaped or lattice-shaped. For example, the support frame is made of expanded metal. The support frame is rigidly connected to the associated base portion. For example, the support frame can be welded to the associated base portion.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the base insulation member comprises a retaining plate, and the insulating ply is disposed between the support frame and the retaining plate.

[0016] The retaining plate can be, for example, an aluminum plate. To form the base insulation member, multiple insulating plies are first placed on the support frame and then covered with the retaining plate. This results in a sandwich-like structure of the base insulation member with the insulating plies positioned between the support frame and the retaining plate.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the support frame, the insulating ply, and the retaining plate are sewn together.

[0018] The suture material used may be, for example, stainless steel wire. For example, multiple circular seams may be provided. However, the seams may extend radially and / or circumferentially in any manner. The seams may also be zigzag shaped.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the base insulating member comprises a ring connected to the support frame and extending around the main portion.

[0020] The rings are in particular guided over the associated base weld seams that connect the associated base parts to the main parts. The rings can be connected, for example, directly to the support frame. However, the rings can also be connected to the support frame by means of strip-shaped or sheet metal-shaped connectors.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the ring is connected to the main part by a strip-shaped connector.

[0022] Connectors can also be used to connect the ring to the support frame. The connectors are strip-shaped or band-shaped. For example, the connectors are welded to the main part. For this purpose, corresponding pads or welding points can be provided on the main part.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the insulating element is folded around the edge of the support frame, so that the insulating plies each have a first portion disposed on the support frame and a second portion folded around the edge.

[0024] The first portions of the insulating plies are arranged one on top of the other. In particular, the first portions are arranged between the support frame and the previously mentioned retaining plate. The second portions are annular or tubular. For example, the second portions can cover the previously mentioned ring. The second portions of the second insulating plies are preferably shorter than the second portions of the first insulating plies in the axial direction of the storage container. As a result, the second portions of the first insulating plies do not completely cover the second portions of the second insulating plies, so that areas of the first insulating ply remain uncovered by the second insulating ply. This results in a stepped geometric shape. Therefore, the second portions of the different insulating plies are preferably cut to a predetermined size so that a stepped geometric shape is created in the second portions. Therefore, the nth insulating ply preferably has a second portion shorter than the (n-1)th insulating ply positioned thereunder.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the second part is fixed by an annular retaining plate.

[0026] Each second section may be provided with such a retaining plate. In particular, the annular retaining plate is attached to the insulating ply after the second section has been cut to size. For example, the retaining plate may be an aluminum plate.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the insulating element comprises a plurality of alternating plies of metal foil and layers of non-metallic material. The metal foil may be metal foil or metal-coated foil. Preferably, the insulating element comprises a plurality of alternating plies of aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk.

[0028] For example, each insulation element may have 10-15 alternating plies of aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk. The perforated and / or embossed aluminum foil layers or plies act as reflectors, and the glass paper and / or glass silk act as spacers between adjacent aluminum foil layers.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the mutually facing abutting edges of the thermal insulation elements are wrapped with a layer of non-metallic material, preferably glass paper and / or glass silk.

[0030] This prevents the aluminum foils of adjacent insulating elements from coming into contact with each other, thereby preventing heat transfer between adjacent insulating elements. In particular, the insulating elements are arranged so that there is no gap, or a gap in the range of a few millimeters, between the abutting edges of adjacent insulating elements.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the thermal insulation layer comprises a plurality of alternating plies of metal foil and non-metallic material layers (multilayer insulation), in particular a plurality of alternating plies of perforated and / or embossed aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk, which are wrapped around the main part. The metal foil may be metal foil or metal-coated foil.

[0032] A base insulating member is attached to the base portion of the inner container before alternating plies of metal foils, such as aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk, and non-metallic intermediate layers are wrapped around the main portion. Then, for example, plies of aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk are wrapped around the main portion. In this process, the previously mentioned stepped geometry of the second portion of the insulating ply can be covered by the plies of aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk wrapped around the main portion.

[0033] Additionally, a method for manufacturing a base insulation member for a storage vessel for storing a cryogen is proposed, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a support frame; and b) disposing a plurality of ring segment-shaped insulation elements adjacent to one another on the support frame to form the base insulation member.

[0034] As mentioned above, when the insulation elements are arranged adjacent to each other, there is no gap or only a gap of a few millimeters between the abutting edges of adjacent insulation elements. Before step a), the support frame is placed, in particular, on a base form. The base form has a dome-shaped geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the base part of the inner container. The base form may also be called a dummy base. The base insulation element is prefabricated on the base form. Once all the components of the base insulation element are installed, the base insulation element is lifted from the base form and attached to the storage container. Subsequently, as mentioned above, multiple alternating plies of aluminum foil and glass paper and / or glass silk are wrapped around the main part.

[0035] According to one embodiment, in step b), a plurality of insulating plies are formed, arranged one on top of the other, each of which is made up of a plurality of insulating elements, the insulating elements of different insulating plies being circumferentially offset with respect to each other.

[0036] As mentioned above, the number of insulating plies arranged one on top of the other can be freely selected. When the insulating plies are constructed, the insulating elements are arranged in such a way that the abutting edges of the insulating elements of two insulating plies arranged directly one on top of the other are arranged so that the abutting edges do not cover each other.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, in step b), the insulation element is folded around the edge of the support frame, so that the insulation plies each have a first portion disposed on the support frame and a second portion folded around the edge.

[0038] Each second section is folded and then cut to size to have a tubular or hollow cylindrical geometry. The second sections of the stacked insulation plies are preferably cut to size to form multiple steps, thus providing the stepped geometry mentioned above in the second sections. The second sections may be wrapped with a non-metallic material layer, such as glass paper and / or glass silk.

[0039] In this case, "a(n)" should not be understood as necessarily limiting to exactly one element. Rather, a plurality of elements, such as two, three, or more, may be provided. Any other numerical term used herein should also not be understood as implying a strict limitation on the exact corresponding number of elements. Rather, upward or downward variations in numerical value are possible.

[0040] Further possible implementations of the storage tank and / or method also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments, in which case a person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the relevant basic form of the storage heat exchanger and / or method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] Further advantageous embodiments of the storage vessel and / or method are the subject of the dependent claims as well as the exemplary embodiments of the storage vessel and / or method described below. The storage vessel and / or method are described in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a storage vessel. [Figure 2] Detail II according to FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 3] 2 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a base insulation member for a storage vessel according to FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the base insulating member taken along the section line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an insulating element for the base insulating member according to FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 6 shows a schematic cross-section of the thermal insulation element according to section line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a base insulation member according to FIG. [Figure 8] 5 shows a schematic diagram of the base insulation member of FIGS. 3 and 4 applied to the base portion of the inner vessel. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numbers unless otherwise indicated.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a storage container 1. Figure 2 shows detail II according to Figure 1. In the following, Figures 1 and 2 are simultaneously referred to.

[0044] The storage container 1 may also be called a storage tank. The storage container 1 is preferably suitable for holding liquid hydrogen H2 (boiling point at 1 bara: 20.268 K = -252.882 °C). Therefore, the storage container 1 may be called a hydrogen storage container or a hydrogen storage tank. However, the storage container 1 can also be used for other cryogenic liquids. In addition to the above-mentioned hydrogen H2, examples of cryogenic fluids or liquids, or cryogens for short, include liquid helium He (boiling point at 1 bar absolute pressure: 4.222 K = -268.928 °C), liquid nitrogen N2 (boiling point at 1 bar absolute pressure: 77.35 K = -195.80 °C), or liquid oxygen O2 (boiling point at 1 bar absolute pressure: 90.18 K = -182.97 °C).

[0045] The storage container 1 can be a transport container. For example, liquid hydrogen H2 can be transported in the storage container 1. The storage container 1 can be part of a means of transport, in particular a ship. In this case, the storage container 1 is suitable for mobile applications. However, the storage container 1 can also be used in a fixed manner, for example in building technology.

[0046] The storage container 1 is preferably rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry or central axis 2. The central axis 2 is in particular oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity g. The storage container 1 comprises a first or inner container 3, which is constructed rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 2. The inner container 3 comprises a tubular or cylindrical base part section 4, which may have a rotationally symmetrical design about the central axis 2. In cross section, the base part section 4 may have a circular or approximately circular geometric shape.

[0047] The main part 4 is closed at both ends by cover or base parts 5, 6 in each case. The base parts 5, 6 are dome-shaped. The first base part 5 and the second base part 6 are dome-shaped in opposite directions, such that the base parts 5, 6 are dome-shaped outwardly relative to the main part 4. The inner container 3 is liquid-tight, in particular air-tight. The inner container 3 may be made of stainless steel.

[0048] Liquid hydrogen H2 is held in the inner vessel 3. As long as the hydrogen H2 is in a two-phase region, a gas zone 7 containing vaporized hydrogen H2 and a liquid zone 8 containing liquid hydrogen H2 can be provided in the inner vessel 3. Therefore, after entering the inner tank 3, the hydrogen H2 has two phases with different condensation states, namely, a liquid phase and a gas phase. That is, in the inner tank 3, a phase boundary 9 exists between the liquid hydrogen H2 and the gaseous hydrogen H2.

[0049] The inner container 3 is disposed entirely within a second or outer container 10. The storage container 1 is therefore double-walled. The outer container 10 is also rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 2. The outer container 10, like the inner container 3, comprises a tubular or cylindrical base portion section 11 that is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 2. In cross section, the main portion 11 can have a circular or near-circular geometric shape.

[0050] The main part 11 is closed at the ends in each case by cover or base parts 12, 13. In particular, a first base part 12 and a second base part 13 are provided. The base parts 12, 13 are domed in opposite directions, such that the base parts 12, 13 are domed outwardly relative to the main part 11. The outer container 10 is liquid-tight, in particular airtight. The outer container 10 may likewise be made of stainless steel.

[0051] A gap 14 is provided between the inner container 3 and the outer container 10, completely surrounding or enclosing the inner container 3. The gap 14 is subjected to a vacuum. In this case, the "vacuum" is less than 300 mbar, preferably less than 10 -3 less than 10 mbar, more preferably less than 10 -5 1. The term "vacuum insulated" is understood to mean a pressure of less than 100 mbar. The storage container 1 is therefore vacuum insulated. The fact that the gap 14 completely "surrounds" or "encloses" the inner container 3 means that in this case the gap 14 extends completely around the main part 4 and is also provided between the two first base parts 5, 12 and between the two second base parts 6, 13.

[0052] Within the gap 14, a thermally insulating or insulating layer 15 (FIG. 2) is provided that completely encases or surrounds the inner vessel 3. In other words, the insulating layer 15 surrounds both the main portion 4 and the base portions 5, 6 of the inner vessel 3. The insulating layer 15 serves to insulate. The insulating layer 15 is multi-layered. That is, the insulating layer 15 includes multiple plies or layers. Therefore, the insulating layer 15 may also be referred to as a multi-ply insulating layer or a multi-ply thermal insulating layer.

[0053] In particular, the insulation layer 15 is a so-called multilayer insulation (MLI). The insulation layer 15 includes a plurality of alternating layers or plies of metal foil (metal foil or metal-coated foil), a non-metallic material layer, for example, a perforated and / or embossed aluminum foil 16 as a reflector, and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 as a spacer between adjacent aluminum foils 16. In FIG. 2, reference numerals are provided only for two plies of aluminum foil 16 and two plies of glass paper and / or glass silk 17. The glass paper and / or glass silk 17 act as a spacer between two adjacent aluminum foils 16, so that the insulation layer 15 can be subjected to a vacuum prevailing in the gap 14. The insulation layer 15 only partially fills the gap 14. Alternatively, the insulation layer 15 can completely fill the gap 14. The insulation layer 15 is located outside the inner container 3.

[0054] If the insulating layer 15 does not completely fill the gap 14, a gap 18 may be provided between the insulating layer 15 and the outer vessel 10, completely surrounding or encasing the insulating layer 15. The gap 18 is, in particular, a portion of the gap 14. The gap 18 may have a gap width of, for example, 100 mm. The gap 18 may be partially or completely filled with rock wool, glass wool, or other suitable insulating material attached to the inside of the outer vessel 10.

[0055] To produce the insulating layer 15, plies of, for example, aluminum foil 16 and plies of, for example, glass paper and / or glass silk 17 are wound alternately onto the inner container 3, in particular onto the main part 4 of the inner container 3. The production of the insulating layer 15 in the region of the base parts 5, 6 is described below.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a base insulation member 19 that can be attached to the base portions 5, 6. Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the base insulation member 19 according to section line IV-IV in Figure 3.

[0057] All statements below regarding the first base portion 5 are equally applicable to the second base portion 6, and vice versa. The base insulation member 19 is part of the insulation layer 15. The base insulation member 19 has an axis of symmetry or central axis 20, relative to which the base insulation member 19 may have a rotationally symmetric design. Furthermore, the base insulation member 19 has an axial direction A that may be coincident with or parallel to the central axis 20. The radial direction R of the base insulation member 19 is oriented perpendicular to and away from the central axis 20. The circumferential direction U is oriented around the central axis 20. The circumferential direction U may be oriented counterclockwise. The circumferential direction U may also be oriented clockwise.

[0058] To manufacture the base insulation element 19, a base form 21 is provided. The base form 21 has a curved front side 22 oriented upwards in the orientation of FIG. 4. The front side 22 corresponds in its geometry or shape to the geometry or shape of the first base part 5. The base form 21 is also called a dummy base. The front side 22 can be curved in the shape of a spherical cap. A "spherical cap" in this case is understood as a portion of a sphere or a spherical part.

[0059] The manufacture of the base insulation member 19 is described below. A support frame 23 is placed on the front side 22 of the base form 21. The support frame 23, like the front side 22 or first base portion 5, has a curved geometry or shape. The support frame 23 may be lattice-shaped or column-shaped. For example, the support frame 23 may be made of expanded metal. The support frame 23 has a central opening 24. A central stub (not shown) may be inserted through the central opening 24 and used to suspend the inner vessel 3 from the outer vessel 10. The opening 24 may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 20.

[0060] The support frame 23 is connected, e.g., welded, to a ring 25 that extends about the central axis 20. The ring 25 may be threaded over a base weld seam provided between the first base portion 5 and the main portion 4 to connect the support frame 23, together with the ring 25, to the inner vessel 3. In the orientation of FIG. 4, the ring 25 is positioned below the support frame 23. For example, the ring 25 may be made from a perforated metal plate.

[0061] A number of connectors 26, 27, only two of which are referenced in Figure 4, are attached to the ring 25. The number of connectors 26, 27 can be freely selected. Preferably, the connectors 26, 27 are distributed around the central axis 20 so that they are evenly spaced apart from one another. To connect the support frame 23 and the ring 25 to the inner vessel 3, the connectors 26, 27 can be welded to the main part 4. For this purpose, suitable connection or welding points can be provided on the main part 4.

[0062] The connectors 26, 27 may be band-shaped or strip-shaped. For example, the connectors 26, 27 used may be sheet metal strips. The connectors 26, 27 may also be used to connect the support frame 23 to the ring 25. This means in particular that a gap (not shown in FIG. 3 ) may be provided between the support frame 23 and the ring 25, this gap being bridged or spanned along the axial direction A by the connectors 26, 27. The support frame 23 therefore does not have to be directly connected to the ring 25.

[0063] A plurality of insulating elements 30, 31 are arranged on the support frame 23 in a plurality of insulating plies 28, 29, with only two of these insulating elements, or an insulating element per insulating ply 28, 29, being provided with reference numerals in FIG. 3 . A first insulating ply 28 is located on the support frame 23. A second insulating ply 29 is located on the first insulating ply 28, such that the first insulating ply 28 is disposed between the support frame 23 and the second insulating ply 29. The number of insulating plies 28, 29 can be freely selected. For example, three, four, five, or more than five insulating plies 28, 29 may be provided. However, at least two insulating plies 28, 29 are provided.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the above-mentioned insulating element 30. Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the insulating element 30 according to section line VI-VI in Figure 5. In the following, reference will be made simultaneously to Figures 5 and 6.

[0065] All insulation elements 30, 31 are constructed identically. Therefore, all statements regarding insulation element 30 apply equally to insulation element 31, and vice versa. The insulation element 30 is ring-segment or cake-piece shaped and has a curved inner edge 32, an outer edge 33, and two side or abutting edges 34, 35. The abutting edges 34, 35 may also be called cut edges. The insulation elements 30, 31 are wedge-shaped or ring-segment shaped. A "ring segment" in this case should be understood as a portion of a ring. A plurality of insulation elements 30, 31 arranged adjacent to one another thus form a ring, especially in the form of the associated insulation plies 28, 29.

[0066] The abutting edges 34, 35 are oriented obliquely relative to one another. The inner edge 32 forms a cylindrical portion. The inner edge 32 faces toward the central axis 20. The outer edge 33 faces away from the central axis 20. The insulation element 30 may also be referred to as an insulation package or a cake piece package. In particular, the insulation element 30 may also be referred to as an MLI element or an MLI package.

[0067] The insulating element 30 is constructed from a plurality of alternating plies of reflective and spacer layers, typically metal foil (metal foil or metal-coated foil), and non-metallic material layers, e.g., aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17. For example, 10 to 15 plies are provided. The abutting edges 34, 35 are wrapped with glass paper and / or glass silk 17. This prevents the aluminum foils 16 of adjacent insulating elements 30, 31 from contacting each other and therefore preventing heat transfer between them. Instead of glass paper and / or glass silk 17, other materials can also be used to wrap the abutting edges 34, 35. For example, any woven, aligned, or nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0068] 3 and 4, the insulating elements 30, 31 are arranged on the support frame 23 adjacent to one another along the circumferential direction U to form the first insulating ply 28. Preferably, there is no gap, or only a gap of a few millimeters remains in each case, between the abutting edges 34, 35 of adjacent insulating elements 30, 31. As mentioned above, the glass paper and / or glass silk 17 wrapped around the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements 30, 31 also prevents the aluminium foils 16 of adjacent insulating elements 30, 31 from coming into contact with one another.

[0069] When the insulation elements 30, 31 are placed on the support frame 23, they are folded downward around the edge 36 of the support frame 23, so that the first insulation ply 28 has a first portion 37 located above the support frame 23 and a second portion 38 located laterally on the support frame 23 and / or the ring 25. The second portion 38 is tubular or cylindrical. The second portion 38 can completely or partially cover the ring 25. In the center, the first insulation ply 28, like the support frame 23, has an opening 39 through which the central stub mentioned above can be inserted. The inner edges 32 of all insulation elements 30, 31 of the first insulation ply 28 form the opening 39.

[0070] After first insulation ply 28 is completed, a second portion 38 of first insulation ply 28, where the second portion extends laterally beyond support frame 23, is secured by an annular retaining plate 40. Retaining plate 40 extends completely around central axis 20 and at least partially covers second portion 38. However, retaining plate 40 is optional.

[0071] The second insulating ply 29 is then produced. For this purpose, a plurality of insulating elements 30, 31 are arranged on the first insulating ply 28. The insulating elements 30, 31 of the second insulating ply 29 are arranged such that the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements 30, 31 of the first insulating ply 28 are offset in the circumferential direction U relative to the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements 30, 31 of the second insulating ply 29, so that no continuous butt joint is created in the base insulating member 19. In other words, the abutting edges 34, 35 of the two insulating plies 28, 29 are not arranged one on top of the other when viewed in the axial direction A.

[0072] The insulating elements 30, 31 of the second insulating ply 29 are preferably arranged such that their abutting edges 34, 35 are centrally located between the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements 30, 31 of the first insulating ply 28. In particular, the insulating elements 30, 31 of the second insulating ply 29 are therefore arranged such that their abutting edges 34, 35 are centrally located between the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements 30, 31 of the first insulating ply 28.

[0073] The insulating elements 30, 31 are arranged horizontally on a support frame 23, which in turn rests on a base form 21 having suitable recesses.

[0074] The insulating elements 30, 31 of the second insulating ply 29 are folded laterally downwards so that the second insulating ply 29 also has a first portion 41 that lies over the first portion 37 of the first insulating ply 28 and a second portion 42 that lies over the second portion 38 of the first insulating ply 28. The second portion 42 of the second insulating ply 29 does not completely cover the second portion 38 of the first insulating ply 28, thus creating a stepped geometry.

[0075] In the center, the second insulating ply 29, like the support frame 23, has an opening 43 through which the previously mentioned central stub can be inserted. The inner edges 32 of all insulating elements 30, 31 of the second insulating ply 29 form an opening 43.

[0076] After the second insulation ply 29 is completed, a second portion 42 of the second insulation ply 29, where the second portion extends laterally beyond the first insulation ply 28, is secured by an annular retaining plate 44. The retaining plate 44 extends completely around the central axis 20 and at least partially covers the second portion 42. However, the retaining plate 44 is optional. The second portions 38, 42 can be cut to size before the retaining plates 40, 44 are attached. The second portions 38, 42 can, in particular, be cut to size and wrapped in glass paper and / or glass silk 17.

[0077] The second portions 38, 42 of the insulating plies 28, 29 are lowered vertically once the insulating plies are mounted on the support frame 23 and secured to the ring 25, which is positioned vertically centered below the base form 21 and is preferably made from thin metal sheet and / or perforated metal sheet, as described above. After securing, the insulating elements 30, 31 of the insulating plies 28, 29 are cut to size so that the second portions 38, 42 form one or, preferably, two stages. The resulting cut edges are rewrapped with glass paper and / or glass silk 17.

[0078] After the second insulating layer 29, the third to nth insulating plies can also be produced. The number of insulating plies 28, 29 can be freely selected. However, in particular, at least two insulating plies 28, 29 are provided. After the insulating plies 28, 29 have been laid on the support frame 23, a retaining plate 45, for example an aluminum plate, is placed on the top insulating ply, in this case the second insulating ply 29. The retaining plate 45 has a central opening 46 through which the central stub mentioned above can be inserted. The openings 24, 39, 43, 46 together form an opening 47 that extends through the center of the base insulating element 19.

[0079] The retaining plate 45, the insulating plies 28, 29, and the support frame 23 are fixed to one another, in other words, connected to one another, in particular sewn together, by several seams 48, 49. The material used for the seams 48, 49 can be stainless steel wire. The seams 48, 49 can have any geometric shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the seams 48, 49 can have, for example, a circular geometric shape. However, the seams 48, 49 can extend in any way along the radial direction R and / or the circumferential direction U. The seams 48, 49 can have, for example, a zigzag shape.

[0080] The base insulation member 19 is now complete and is a self-supporting assembly that can be lifted from the base form 21. To lift the base insulation member 19 from the base form 21 and hold it, for example, on a crane, a spreader can secure two high-strength wires that are connected in a tension-resistant manner through the insulation plies 28, 29 to the support frame 23 by fasteners. After the base insulation member 19 is installed, the wires are removed through openings 24, 39, 43, 46 or through opening 47, so that the MLI properties of the insulation plies 28, 29 are only slightly disturbed.

[0081] 8 , to mount one base insulation element 19 on each of the first and second base parts 5, 6, a ring 25 is in each case guided onto the base weld seam 51 provided between the base part 5, 6 and the main part 4. The connectors 26, 27 attached to the ring 25 are then connected, in particular welded, to the main part 4. Plies of aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 are then wound alternately onto the main part 4, and the stepped second parts 38, 42 of the insulation plies 28, 29 can be concomitantly wrapped. The base insulation element 19, together with the plies of aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 wound onto the main part 4, then form the insulation layer 15 that completely encases the inner container 3.

[0082] The base parts 5, 6 are therefore typically insulated by cake-piece shaped insulating elements 30, 31 made from 10 to 15 plies of aluminium foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17, the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements being wrapped with the glass paper and / or glass silk 17. The shape of the insulating elements 30, 31 is chosen so that they protrude beyond the base parts 5, 6 in the radial direction R and are attached with a butt joint to each other without a gap or with a gap in the millimetre range to form the first insulating ply 28.

[0083] The periphery of the ring 25 is adapted to the actual periphery of the inner vessel 3, so that during mounting the ring 25 can be pulled over the bottom weld seam provided between the particular base portions 5, 6 and the main portion 4. The support frame 23 is mechanically connected to the ring 25 in a tension-resistant manner, for example by means of protruding sheet metal strips, for example in the form of connectors 26, 27. These sheet metal strips are welded to suitable pads 50 of the inner vessel 3, so that the support frame 23 and the ring 25 are mechanically fixed to the inner vessel 3.

[0084] The support frame 23 is also welded, in the region of the central stub, onto suitable pads (not shown in Figure 8) provided on the particular base parts 5, 6. During installation, parallelism of the cut edges of the second parts 38, 42 with the peripheral edge of the main part 4 is ensured by peripheral markings on the main part 4. When the main part 4 is wrapped with multi-layer insulation such as aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17, a butt connection of the insulation plies 28, 29 to the respective second parts 38, 42 is made.

[0085] The two outer webs of aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 have sufficient overhang relative to their adjacent inner webs at the start of winding so that, after the desired number of turns has been reached in the second portion 38 of the first insulating ply 28, only the rolls of the two outer webs need to be moved to connect the second portion 42 of the second insulating ply 29. The width of the gap in the second portions 38, 42 as viewed along the axial direction A is again between zero and a few millimeters.

[0086] The working time for providing base insulation for the base portion of the inner vessel 3 is significantly reduced by the pre-assembled base insulation element compared to a procedure in which plies of aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 are individually laid onto the inner vessel.

[0087] Likewise, the winding of the main part 4 can be completed in at least half the time and with fewer workers. The number of plies of aluminium foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 in the area of ​​the base parts 5, 6 no longer necessarily has to correspond to the number of plies of aluminium foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17 in the area of ​​the main part 4, so that the number of plies can be optimized in each case independently.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a method for manufacturing the base insulation member 19.

[0089] The method includes step S1 of providing a support frame 23. This may include manufacturing the support frame 23. In step S2, a plurality of ring-segment shaped insulation elements 30, 31 are disposed adjacent to one another on the support frame 23 to form a base insulation member 19 or a plurality of insulation plies 28, 29.

[0090] In particular, in step S2, a plurality of insulating plies 28, 29 are formed, each of which is composed of a plurality of insulating elements 30, 31. In step S2, the insulating elements 30, 31 of the different insulating plies 28, 29 are circumferentially offset relative to one another, so that the abutting edges 34, 35 of the insulating elements 30, 31 of the insulating plies 28, 29 positioned one on top of the other are offset relative to one another along the circumferential direction U.

[0091] In step S2, the insulation elements 30, 31 are folded around the edge 36 of the support frame 23 so that the insulation plies 28, 29 each have a first portion 37, 41 disposed on the support frame 23 and a second portion 38, 42 folded around the edge 36. The second portions 38, 42 can be cut to size in a suitable manner to create a stepped geometric shape for the second portions 38, 42. After the base insulation member 19 is completed, it is attached to the associated base portions 5, 6, and the main portion 4 is wrapped with alternating plies of aluminum foil 16 and glass paper and / or glass silk 17.

[0092] Although the invention has been described with reference to embodiments, the invention can be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 storage container 2 center axis 3 Inner container 4 Main part 5 Base part 6 Base part 7 Gas Zone 8 Liquid Zone 9 phase boundary 10 Outer container 11 Main part 12 Base part 13 Base part 14 Gap 15 Insulation layer 16 Aluminum foil 17 Glass paper and / or glass silk 18 Gap 19 Base insulation member 20 center axis 21 Base Form 22 Front 23 Support frame 24 Opening 25 Ring 26 Connectors 27 Connectors 28 Insulating ply 29 Insulating ply 30 Insulation Elements 31 Insulation Elements 32 inner edge 33 Outer edge 34 abutting edge 35 abutting edge 36 Edge 37 parts 38 parts 39 Opening 40 Holding plate 41 parts 42 parts 43 Opening 44 Holding plate 45 Holding plate 46 Opening 47 Opening 48 seams 49 seams 50 pads 51 Base weld seam A axis direction g direction of gravity H2 cryogen / hydrogen R Radial direction S1 Step S2 Step U circumferential direction

Claims

1. A storage container (1) for storing a cryogen (H2), comprising: an inner container (3) for holding the cryogen (H2); an outer container (10) in which the inner container (3) is housed; and an insulating layer (15) surrounding the inner container (3), wherein the inner container (3) has a tubular main portion (4) and two base portions (5, 6) closing the ends of the main portion (4), and the insulating layer (15) comprises base insulating members (19) attached to the base portions (5, 6), each of which comprises:

1. A storage vessel comprising a plurality of ring-segment-shaped insulation elements (30, 31), the base insulation member (19) comprising a plurality of insulation plies (28, 29) arranged one on top of the other, each of which is composed of a plurality of insulation elements (30, 31), the insulation elements (30, 31) of the different insulation plies (28, 29) being circumferentially offset relative to one another, and the base insulation member (19) comprising a support frame (23) for supporting the insulation plies (28, 29).

2. 2. The storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the base insulating member (19) includes a retaining plate (45), and the insulating plies (28, 29) are disposed between the support frame (23) and the retaining plate (45).

3. 3. The storage vessel of claim 2, wherein the support frame (23), the insulating plies (28, 29), and the retaining plate (45) are sewn together.

4. 4. The storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the base insulating member (19) comprises a ring (25) connected to the support frame (23) and extending around the main portion (4).

5. 5. A storage container according to claim 4, wherein the ring (25) is connected to the main part (4) by means of strip-shaped connectors (26, 27).

6. 6. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein the insulating elements (30, 31) are folded around an edge (36) of the support frame (23), so that the insulating plies (28, 29) each have a first portion (37, 41) disposed on the support frame (23) and a second portion (38, 42) folded around the edge (36).

7. 7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the second portion (42) of the second insulating ply (29) is shorter than the second portion (38) of the first insulating ply (28) in the axial direction (A) of the storage container.

8. 8. A storage container according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second part (38, 42) is fixed by an annular retaining plate (40, 44).

9. 9. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insulating element (30, 31) comprises a plurality of alternating plies of metal foil (16) and layers of non-metallic material (17), in particular a plurality of alternating plies of perforated and / or embossed aluminum foil (16) and glass paper and / or glass silk (17).

10. 10. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mutually facing abutting edges (34, 35) of the insulating elements (30, 31) are wrapped with a layer of non-metallic material, in particular glass paper and / or glass silk (17).

11. 11. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thermal insulation layer (15) comprises a plurality of alternating plies of metal foil (16) and layers of non-metallic material (17), in particular a plurality of alternating plies of aluminum foil (16) and glass paper and / or glass silk (17), wrapped on the main part (4).

12. 1. A method for manufacturing a base insulating element (19) for a storage vessel (1) for storing a cryogen (H2), comprising: a) providing a support frame (23) (S1); b) a step (S2) of arranging a plurality of ring-segment shaped insulation elements (30, 31) adjacent to one another and one on top of the other on the support frame (23), wherein a plurality of insulation plies (28, 29) are formed, each consisting of a plurality of insulation elements (30, 31), the insulation elements (30, 31) of the different insulation plies (28, 29) being circumferentially offset with respect to one another.

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, before step b), the support frame is placed on a base form (21).

14. 13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in step b) the insulation elements (30, 31) are folded around the edges (36) of the support frame (23), so that the insulation plies (28, 29) each have a first portion (37, 41) disposed on the support frame (23) and a second portion (38, 42) folded around the edges (36).

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second portions (38, 42) of the stacked insulation plies (28, 29) are cut to size such that the second portions form one or more stages.

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