Space-adaptable pressurized gas storage system

Abstract

The pressurized gas storage vessel includes a liner forming a chamber therein, the liner configured to contain a gas, a first wrapping surrounding the liner, and a second wrapping surrounding the liner. Methods of making and using the storage vessel are also disclosed.

Claims

1. In a pressurized gas storage vessel, a liner forming a chamber therein, the chamber configured to contain a gas; a first wrapping surrounding the liner; a second wrapping surrounding the liner; and a first end cap and a second end cap opposite the first end cap, each closing an end of the pressurized gas storage vessel; a plurality of channels in the first end cap and the second end cap; the first wrapping is configured to resist pressure extending radially from the chamber in a first direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the second wrapping is configured to resist pressure extending axially from the chamber in a second direction parallel to the central axis; the plurality of channels are configured to accommodate the second wrapping; at least one of the first end cap or the second end cap is configured to form a flush surface when the second wrapping is disposed within the channel; the flush surface prevents exposure of an edge of the end cap adjacent the channel; A pressurized gas storage vessel comprising: an end cap having an edge that prevents said end cap from catching on a loose part.

2. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the first wrapping is between the second wrapping and the liner.

3. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, further comprising a port in fluid communication with said chamber, said port being openable to the atmosphere.

4. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the liner comprises one of steel, aluminum, plastic, and a composite of metal and plastic.

5. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein said first wrapping comprises between 30 and 150 total plies.

6. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the first wrapping comprises a hoop-type wrapping and a helical-type wrapping, the hoop-type wrapping comprising greater than 50% of the first wrapping.

7. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the first wrapping comprises a hoop-type wrapping and a helical-type wrapping, the hoop-type wrapping comprising greater than 75% of the first wrapping.

8. 2. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the first wrapping comprises a hoop-type wrapping and a helical-type wrapping, the hoop-type wrapping comprising greater than 90% of the first wrapping.

9. 10. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the first wrapping includes a hoop-type wrapping and is devoid of a helical-type wrapping.

10. 1. A method of manufacturing a pressurized gas storage vessel configured to contain a gas therein, comprising: providing a liner having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the liner defining a chamber therein and defining a central axis extending through a center of the chamber between the first end and the second end; applying a first wrapping circumferentially around the liner, the first wrapping including a plurality of fibers radially disposed about the central axis; applying a second wrapping radially around the liner, the second wrapping including a plurality of fibers, the plurality of fibers of the second wrapping being parallel to the central axis; The first wrapping is configured to resist pressure extending radially from the chamber in a first direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the second wrapping is configured to resist pressure extending axially from the chamber in a second direction parallel to the central axis; The pressurized gas storage container comprises: a first end cap and a second end cap opposite the first end cap, each closing an end of the pressurized gas storage vessel; a plurality of channels in the first end cap and the second end cap; the plurality of channels are configured to accommodate the second wrapping; at least one of the first end cap or the second end cap is configured to form a flush surface when the second wrapping is disposed within the channel; the flush surface prevents exposure of an edge of the end cap adjacent the channel; a second end cap adapted to be secured to said second end cap by said second end cap fastener; a second end cap adapted to be secured to said second end cap by said second end cap fastener;

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of applying the first wrapping is repeated a predetermined number of times.

12. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of applying the second wrapping is repeated a predetermined number of times.

13. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressurized gas storage vessel includes a first end cap at the first end and a second end cap at the second end, and applying the second wrapping includes disposing the second wrapping within a channel formed on the first end cap and the second end cap.

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