Pressure vessel with internal chamber and method of manufacturing pressure vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) having an internal chamber (30), in particular for storing hydrogen, with a vessel wall (12) comprising or consisting of a composite unit (14, 22, 26) comprising reinforcing fibres (16) and a thermoplastic matrix (18), the composite unit (14, 22, 26) being arranged and constructed such that the reinforcing fibres (16) are continuous fibres, in particular in a non-destructive manner, such that the composite unit can be reused.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure vessel having an internal chamber, in particular for storing hydrogen, and to a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel having an internal chamber, in particular for storing hydrogen, in particular a recyclable pressure vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] Pressure vessels are commonly known. They are divided into different types. The first type relates to pressure vessels made of solid metal. The second type relates to pressure vessels with a metal liner wound with fabric to increase the strength of the cylindrical container part. A liner is generally understood as a hollow body that forms the interior of the pressure vessel. The third type relates to pressure vessels with a metal liner that is essentially completely wound with fabric to increase the strength. The fourth type relates to pressure vessels with a plastic liner that is completely wound with fabric to increase the strength. The fifth type relates to pressure vessels without a liner, where the vessel wall is completely formed by winding fabric.

[0003] Pressure vessels are used in a variety of applications and in a variety of sizes. Due to the growing importance of alternative drive technologies for vehicles, pressure vessels are increasingly used in mobile applications or for transporting gases. To meet the high safety requirements for mobile applications and transportation, pressure vessels with fiber-reinforced walls are primarily used for these applications. Furthermore, pressure vessels with fiber composite-reinforced walls generally offer the advantage of being lightweight, making very long-range vehicles for mobile applications and transportation feasible. Furthermore, the high strength of pressure vessels with fiber composite-reinforced walls allows for high-density energy storage, so that vehicles equipped with such pressure vessels used as fuel tanks have long driving ranges.

[0004] Due to the large number of pressure vessels that can be manufactured in this way, recyclability is of paramount importance. To date, pressure vessels made from thermosetting fiber composite plastics have been primarily utilized for hydrogen applications, for example, as they can be easily manufactured using established methods. Pressure vessels made from thermosetting fiber composite materials are generally not re-moldable once cured.

[0005] Recycling processes for such pressure vessels are essentially limited to at least partially mechanically, thermally, and / or chemically destroying the material. One possibility in particular is to mechanically crush the pressure vessels in a hammer mill or granulator, for example by shredding them. The quality and homogeneity of the recycled material are usually deteriorated by mechanical shredding, since the fibers are present in a non-uniform morphology and at reduced lengths.

[0006] Thermal recycling processes involve the incineration of materials for energy recovery and the decomposition of the matrix plastic by pyrolysis. The matrix plastic is essentially completely dissolved by these methods. The properties of the fibers are impaired compared to their original state, which means that these fibers can only be used in less demanding applications.

[0007] In chemical recycling processes, the matrix plastic is removed by solvolysis using a solvent. Although the energy requirements are lower than those of thermal recycling processes, this method requires costly reactors and catalysts.

[0008] An alternative to the use of thermosetting fiber composites is the use of thermoplastic fiber composites, which have different properties. Components made from thermoplastic fiber composites are also usually recycled by shredding, but the mechanical properties of the resulting material are impaired compared to the starting material.

[0009] DE 10 2016 117 559 A1 describes a method and apparatus for recycling thermoplastic fiber composite materials. The method provides for the recycling of thermoplastic fiber composite materials by removing the thermoplastic fiber composite material layer by layer from the component and obtaining the recycled material. The method may also include heating the fiber composite material to promote separation. This method has proven time-consuming for components with many fiber composite materials applied in layers. The initiation process, particularly on hard-to-reach or highly curved surfaces, can only be automated to a limited extent. The time and manual effort required for recycling, in particular, reduces the efficiency of this method.

[0010] DE 10 2017 220 882 A1 describes pressure vessels with reinforcements made of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins. The document "Christ, Timo Klaus: Dissertation. Computational and experimental investigations into the failure behavior of CFRP-wrapped cryogenic pressure vessels. Technische Universitaet Muenchen zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades eines Doktor-Ingenieurs (Dr.-Ing.): 28.11.2017 URL: https: / / mediatum.ub.tum.de / doc / 1366807 / 1366807.pdf [accessed April 1, 2022]" describes various methods for manufacturing pressure vessels. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pressure vessel having an internal chamber, in particular for hydrogen storage, and a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel having an internal chamber, which reduces or eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that allows for the recycling of pressure vessels at low cost. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an option for recyclable pressure vessels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This problem is solved by a pressure vessel and a method according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of these aspects are provided in the respective dependent claims. The features individually recited in the claims and in the description can be combined with one another in any technically appropriate manner, thereby representing further embodiments of the invention.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a pressure vessel having an internal chamber with a vessel wall that contains a composite unit having reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic matrix or that consists of a composite unit having reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic matrix, the composite unit being arranged and configured such that the reinforcing fibers can be removed as continuous fibers, particularly non-destructively, so that the composite unit can be reused.

[0014] The present invention is based on the finding that the reusability or recyclability of thermoplastic fiber composite materials can be increased by component-specific recycling properties, in particular by a pressure vessel with composite units arranged and configured in such a way that the reinforcing fibers of the composite units can be removed as continuous fibers, thereby reducing the aforementioned time-consuming and limited automation of the starting process on hard-to-reach or highly curved surfaces.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention is based on the recognition that the use of such a pressure vessel can increase the recycling efficiency. The inventors have discovered that the mechanical force and high temperature required for the recycling process can be reduced by using such a pressure vessel. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a reactor for the chemical recycling process.

[0016] The pressure vessel allows for high-quality recycling. The recycled material that can be recovered from this pressure vessel can be reused to produce high-quality products from continuous fiber semi-finished products. This allows the recycled material obtained at the end of the pressure vessel's life cycle to be reused in existing manufacturing processes, saving energy and costs in material production. Pressure vessels configured in this way or composite units provided in pressure vessels are advantageously recyclable or reusable, especially since they can be disassembled by removing the solid structure of the composite unit, the reinforcing fibers, and at least partially detaching the thermoplastic matrix.

[0017] The similarity in the material properties of the new semi-finished products makes it possible for the first time to use fiber-reinforced plastics in the context of a circular economy: in particular, pressure vessels designed in this way and described in more detail below can be recycled at the end of their useful life and the treated materials can be reused.

[0018] The pressure vessel is a reusable pressure vessel for storing a fluid, preferably a gas, in particular hydrogen, preferably a liquefied gas, in particular liquefied hydrogen. The pressure vessel has an internal chamber, which is configured in particular for storing hydrogen, preferably liquefied hydrogen. The internal chamber may also be understood as a cavity. The internal chamber may have one, two or more openings through which a fluid can be filled or discharged.

[0019] The pressure vessel comprises a vessel wall at least partially enclosing an interior chamber. The vessel wall is preferably arranged and configured to allow a nominal pressure of at least 100 bar, at least 200 bar, at least 350 bar, or at least 700 bar. A hollow body, described in more detail below, can be disposed between the vessel wall and the interior chamber. The vessel wall comprises or is composed of a composite material unit.

[0020] The composite unit includes reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic matrix. The composite unit may be, for example, a thermoplastic tape. The composite unit may be, for example, a composite tape configured in the form of a tape and / or filaments. Furthermore, the reinforcing fibers and the thermoplastic matrix of the composite unit may be supplied independently and bonded together when manufacturing the pressure vessel.

[0021] The reinforcing fibers can be, for example, carbon fibers or glass fibers. Carbon fibers and glass fibers have the advantage of being thermally stable even at the melting temperature of the thermoplastic resin matrix. Furthermore, other reinforcing fibers, such as polymer fibers known to those skilled in the art, can also be applied. The composite unit is a processed thermoplastic continuous fiber semi-finished product, in particular containing continuous fibers. The continuous fibers of the thermoplastic continuous fiber semi-finished product are preferably arranged and / or aligned in a single direction. Furthermore, additional fiber orientations deviating from the unidirectional arrangement and / or orientation of the continuous fibers of the thermoplastic continuous fiber semi-finished product can also be provided. The thermoplastic continuous fiber semi-finished product is also called a UD tape. The composite unit preferably contains a fiber volume of more than 30%, more than 40%, and in particular more than 50%.

[0022] The composite material unit is arranged and configured so that the reinforcing fibers can be removed as continuous fibers. This allows the reinforcing fibers to remain almost completely in a high-quality state after removal. Continuous fibers are understood to be reinforcing fibers having a length of more than 50 mm, more than 100 mm, more than 1 m, more than 10 m, more than 100 m, or more than 1000 m. Removal of the reinforcing fibers as continuous fibers can mean, for example, that the reinforcing fibers can be removed essentially non-destructively.

[0023] The composite unit being reusable means in particular that the reinforcing fibres and possibly the thermoplastic matrix can be removed so that they can be reused at a later time, which may involve winding the composite unit or adding matrix material to it in order to be reused.

[0024] It is further desirable that the composite unit be removably arranged so that the reinforcing fibers and the plastic matrix are essentially removable. In particular, it is desirable that the plastic matrix be fully or partially non-destructively removable together with the reinforcing fibers, so that the composite unit itself is substantially non-destructively removable. Essentially non-destructively removable means, for example, that after removal, more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, or more than 50% of the reinforcing fibers are present as continuous fibers.

[0025] The pressure vessel may also be configured to store natural gas. The pressure vessel may also be configured to store compressed air. Preferably, the pressure vessel is also intended for mobile use by road, rail, or air, or for stationary use and transportation.

[0026] The composite unit can be processed into the container wall, for example, using a laminate winding process, in which the layers of the composite unit can be bonded during winding, i.e., in situ, and / or afterwards, and the reinforcing fibers and plastic matrix can be combined to form the composite unit during the manufacture of the component.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel is characterized by the fact that the composite unit is arranged and configured in such a way that the thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers is removable. Pressure vessels configured in this way have the advantage that the composite unit can be essentially non-destructively removed and therefore can be wound and reused, for example, to manufacture components such as pressure vessels. Separation of the reinforcing fibers and the plastic matrix is ​​therefore not necessary. Consequently, particularly efficient recycling of pressure vessels is possible, with little effort required for reprocessing the removed composite unit.

[0028] In particular, good adhesion between the reinforcing fibers of the composite unit and the plastic matrix has a beneficial effect on the removal of the composite unit.

[0029] A further preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel provides a configuration in which the composite material unit extends from a placement start end to a placement end, and a detachment portion adjacent to the placement end of the composite material unit is removably arranged and / or configured.

[0030] In particular, the composite material units are first placed at the placement start end, then placed in the portion between the placement start end and the placement end end, and finally placed at the placement end end. For example, in the case of a wound pressure vessel, the placement start end is the start of winding and the placement end is the end of winding. It is preferable that the placement start end is located at a shorter distance from the inner chamber in the radial direction of the pressure vessel than the placement end end.

[0031] In particular, the detachable part is arranged and / or configured to be non-destructively detachable. In particular, the detachable part is arranged and / or configured to be detachable from the substrate, which may be, for example, another composite material unit, the same composite material unit, or a hollow body. In particular, being arranged and / or configured to be detachable means that the detachable part can be detached from the substrate with less force and / or less effort than other parts of the composite material unit.

[0032] The provision of a release section makes it easier to grasp the composite material unit and thereby to release the composite material unit, particularly in the advantageously accessible winding area which is mechanically and / or thermally susceptible.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel, the detachable portion has a detachable layer with weakened strength on the side of the composite material unit facing the inner chamber.

[0034] The release layer may, for example, consist of or include a material different from that of the composite units. The material of the release layer may, for example, be a plastic. Furthermore, the intermediate layer may include or consist of a fiber composite material having a matrix material content higher than that of the composite units. Furthermore, it is preferred that the release layer include additional elements, such as, for example, nanoparticles and / or short fibers.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel, the detachable portion is partially bonded, thereby providing a detached form in which the adhesive strength, particularly the shear strength, of the detachable portion is weaker than the adhesive strength of the bonded portion of the composite material unit. The partial bonding of the detachable portion can be achieved, for example, by processing the pressure vessel at a lower temperature, a lower pressure, and / or a higher speed during production.

[0036] The adhesive strength of the partially bonded detachment part may preferably be between 5 MPa and 30 MPa, for example 20 MPa, and the adhesive strength of the bonded part may preferably be between 30 MPa and 80 MPa, for example 50 MPa. The adhesive strength, preferably the shear strength, particularly relates to the strength of the detachment part to the substrate.

[0037] The substrate may be, for example, part of another composite material unit located below the detachment or part of the same composite material unit. Such a configured detachment can be formed directly during manufacturing, essentially without the need for additional processing steps and / or materials.

[0038] Further preferred embodiments of the pressure vessel are characterized in that the detachment portion extends from the deployment end with a detachment extension, the detachment extension being greater than 1 mm, greater than 2 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, and / or less than 100 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 25 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm.

[0039] Furthermore, the pressure vessel preferably comprises two or more, preferably a plurality of, composite units, each having a disposition end. The length of a single composite unit may be, for example, 100 m to 2000 m. In particular, the pressure vessel preferably comprises 5 to 15, for example 10, composite units. Thus, preferably 20 to 150 layers, in particular 50 to 100 layers, may be arranged one on top of the other. More preferably, the composite unit is a composite web.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel comprises a cylindrical vessel section having a circumferential direction, the first composite material unit being arranged along the circumferential direction of the vessel section, and / or the second composite material unit being arranged at an angle to the circumferential direction, in particular perpendicularly.

[0041] "Along the circumferential direction" particularly means that the primary extension or length of the first composite unit is essentially parallel to the circumferential direction. "Substantially" can mean, for example, that there is an angular deviation of less than 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 2.5 degrees between the primary extension or length of the first composite unit and the circumferential direction. This deviation can also be defined by a winding angle, with a 10-degree angular deviation corresponding to a winding angle of 80 degrees. The second composite unit can be, for example, a cross-ply and / or a local reinforcing layer.

[0042] Preferably, the pressure vessel has a first dome section. Furthermore, the pressure vessel preferably has a second dome section. Preferably, the cylindrical vessel section is disposed between the first dome section and the second dome section. In a preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel, a second composite material unit is provided that is wrapped around the cylindrical vessel section, the first dome section, and the second dome section.

[0043] Further preferred embodiments of the pressure vessel are provided in which more than 50%, more than 75%, more than 90%, in particular more than 95% of the disposed end is disposed within the region of the cylindrical vessel portion.

[0044] Within the region of the cylindrical container means in particular that the placement end is adjacent to the cylindrical container and in particular that the placement end is not located within the region of the dome, so that the placement end is more accessible for removal of the composite material unit, and furthermore, the placement end is located outside the location of the complex stress states and shape changes that are normally present in the dome.

[0045] Furthermore, the placement ends are preferably substantially evenly distributed along the vessel surface and / or in the cylindrical vessel section of the pressure vessel. By substantially evenly distributed, it is meant, for example, that the placement ends are essentially equally spaced from one another in the direction of the vessel surface. In particular, it is preferred that the placement ends are arranged at different positions on the vessel surface, in particular in the cylindrical vessel section.

[0046] According to a further preferred embodiment of the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel comprises a hollow body, in particular a liner, forming an interior chamber, and the composite material unit or units are arranged outside the hollow body and / or the composite material units face the outside of the hollow body with their undersides. Such a pressure vessel can be manufactured particularly inexpensively.

[0047] According to a further aspect, the problem stated at the beginning is solved by a method for producing a pressure vessel, in particular a recyclable pressure vessel having an interior chamber for storing a fluid, such as hydrogen, preferably liquefied hydrogen, in particular a pressure vessel according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, which method comprises producing the vessel wall using a composite material unit comprising reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic matrix, the composite material unit being arranged and configured such that the reinforcing fibers are non-destructively removable.

[0048] In particular, the method is a laminate winding method. Preferably, the method comprises in-situ bonding of the composite material units by applying force and / or heat. Furthermore, the laminate winding method may comprise partial bonding of the composite material units, which are subsequently bonded. The subsequent bonding may take place, for example, in a thermally influenced overpressure atmosphere, in particular in an autoclave.

[0049] A preferred embodiment of the method provides for the composite material unit to have a placement end, the method comprising the steps of detecting a placement end position of the placement end on the pressure vessel, and generating and providing data characterizing the placement end position, which may be determined, for example, relative to a reference point on the pressure vessel.

[0050] The detachable portion is preferably configured close to the placement end, and in particular, the detachable portion is preferably partially fixed so that the bond strength is low.

[0051] More preferably, the method includes a step of performing a path design to design a direction in which the composite material units are to be arranged.

[0052] More preferably, the method includes the step of detecting temperature, pressure, tape properties and / or adhesion properties to generate and provide data characterizing one or more of the above-mentioned parameters.

[0053] A further preferred embodiment of the method provides a configuration in which the composite material units are placed in a placement direction, the method comprising the steps of detecting the placement direction of the composite material units and generating and providing data characterizing the placement direction, the placement direction being at least substantially equal to the fiber direction or fiber orientation. The data characterizing the placement direction and / or placement end position may be provided to, for example, a CAD and / or CAM system.

[0054] Preferably, the pressure vessel has a plurality of end-of-configuration positions and / or a plurality of orientations, and the method includes generating and providing data characterizing the end-of-configuration positions and / or orientations.

[0055] A further preferred embodiment of the method includes generating a digital image of the pressure vessel based on data characterizing an end-of-deployment position or deployment position and / or based on data characterizing a deployment orientation or orientations. Additionally, the digital image may be generated based on data characterizing a pressure vessel geometry of the pressure vessel. Such a digital image may also be referred to as a digital twin. In particular, the digital image represents the geometry, one or more dimensions, and / or final deployment position of the pressure vessel. Additionally, the digital image may represent one or more deployment orientations.

[0056] Additionally, the method preferably includes the step of aligning the pressure vessel to achieve the predetermined orientation.

[0057] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method, the composite material units are each placed at one placement end, preferably adjacent placement ends are placed next to each other.

[0058] According to a further aspect, the problem stated at the outset is solved by a computer-implemented method for digitally imaging a pressure vessel, the method comprising the steps of receiving data characterizing the pressure vessel geometry, end positions, orientation, manufacturing parameters and / or machine parameters recorded during manufacture of the pressure vessel, and generating a digital image based on the data characterizing the pressure vessel geometry, end positions, orientation, manufacturing parameters and / or machine parameters recorded during manufacture of the pressure vessel.

[0059] According to a further aspect, the problem stated at the beginning is solved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method according to the aspect stated in the previous aspect.

[0060] The computer-implemented method is preferably performed by a device comprising a processor, and the device may include, among other things, a transceiver and a memory. The processor may include hardware modules such as logic devices, ICs, ASCIs, FPGAs, processing units, etc. The processor may be an integrated circuit in the form of a CPU or a microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0061] The hardware module may further include a memory. The memory may be a non-volatile memory. The memory may be adapted to store data received by the memory from the processor and / or the transceiver. The memory may store a computer program product according to the above-described aspects. The transceiver may be an interface adapted to transmit data to and / or receive data from a computer, a mobile device, a local or external network, and / or a cloud.

[0062] According to a further aspect, the problem stated in the introduction is solved by a computer-readable data carrier on which a computer program product according to the aspect mentioned in the previous aspect is stored.

[0063] According to a further aspect, the problem stated in the introduction is solved by a digital image of a pressure vessel obtained by a computer-implemented method according to the aspect mentioned in the previous aspect.

[0064] The method and its possible embodiments have features or method steps that make the method and its possible embodiments particularly suitable for use in the manufacture of pressure vessels as described in the preceding aspects. The method steps may be partially or fully implemented as computer-implemented method steps in a computer-implemented method.

[0065] For further aspects and further advantages of possible embodiments thereof, embodiments and details of the embodiments, reference is made to the preceding description of the corresponding features and embodiments of the pressure vessel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pressure vessel. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic two-dimensional cross-sectional view showing details of the pressure vessel shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic two-dimensional view showing the details of the detachment portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a device including a processor. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] In the drawings, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0068] The pressure vessel 1 shown in Figure 1 extends in a length direction L from a first vessel end 2 to a second vessel end 4. Adjacent to the first vessel end 2, the pressure vessel 1 has a first dome section 6, and adjacent to the second vessel end 4, the pressure vessel 1 has a second dome section 8. The pressure vessel 1 has a cylindrical vessel section 10 between the first dome section 6 and the second dome section 8.

[0069] The pressure vessel 1 shown in Figure 2 has an interior chamber 30 that is substantially surrounded by a vessel wall 12. Here, the vessel wall is shown only diagrammatically to illustrate the arrangement of three exemplary composite material units 14, 22, 26.

[0070] The first composite material unit 14 is aligned along the circumferential direction U of the cylindrical container portion 10. The second composite material unit 22 and the third composite material unit 26 are disposed at a certain angle relative to the first composite material unit 14.

[0071] Typically, substantially the entire container wall 12 is comprised of composite material units 14, 22, 26. The cylindrical container section 10 is at least partially comprised of a first composite material unit 14. The first composite material unit 14 includes reinforcing fibers 16, particularly continuous reinforcing fibers, both shown schematically, and a thermoplastic resin matrix 18. The first composite material unit 14 is arranged and configured such that the reinforcing fibers 16 are non-destructively removable.

[0072] The first composite material unit 14 extends from the first end position 20 to the first beginning position. During the manufacture of the pressure vessel 1, the first composite material unit 14 is placed starting from the first beginning position and then wrapped around the tubular vessel portion 10. The end of the first composite material unit 14 that is last placed is the first end position 20.

[0073] A second composite unit 22 having a second placement end 24 is configured as a cross layer wrapped around the dome sections 6, 8 and the cylindrical container section 10. A third composite unit 26 having a third placement end 28 is configured as a localized reinforcing layer in the highly stressed areas of the dome section 6.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the pressure vessel 1, with the longitudinal direction L oriented perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and the circumferential direction U oriented along the primary extension of the first composite material unit 14. It can be seen that the composite material units 14, 22, 26 are arranged on a hollow body 32, also called a liner. The hollow body 32 is not necessarily essential to the formation of the pressure vessel 1. For example, a pressure vessel 1 configured as the fifth type does not have a hollow body 32.

[0075] Further illustrated is a specific configuration of the first placement end 20. The detachment portion 34 of the first composite material unit 14 is adjacent to the first placement end 20. In particular, the detachment portion 34 is positioned and configured such that it can be detached in a non-destructive manner.

[0076] The release portion 34 extends from the first placement end 20 to an end 36. A release layer 38 is disposed between the release portion 34 and the underlying composite unit. The release layer 38 may be, for example, a plastic that prevents or weakens a firm bond between the release portion 34 and the underlying substrate, particularly the composite unit.

[0077] 3 shows a detailed view of the detachment portion 34, with the loose end 35 of the composite material unit 14 positioned on the detachment layer 38. In addition to or instead of the detachment layer 38, a configuration in which the detachment portion 34 is partially fixed may be provided.

[0078] 4 shows a device 50 for performing a computer-implemented method for digitally imaging a pressure vessel 1, the method comprising receiving data characterizing the pressure vessel geometry, deployment end positions, deployment orientation, manufacturing parameters, and / or machine parameters recorded during manufacture of the pressure vessel 1, and generating a digital image based on the data characterizing the pressure vessel geometry, deployment end positions, deployment orientation, manufacturing parameters, and / or machine parameters recorded during manufacture of the pressure vessel 1. To this end, the device 50 includes a processor 52 for performing the steps of the computer-implemented method. A memory 54 may be adapted to store data received by the memory 54 from the processor and / or transceiver 56.

[0079] 5 shows a schematic of an exemplary method. In step 100, the container wall 12 is formed from composite material units 14, 22, 26 including reinforcing fibers 16 and a thermoplastic resin matrix 18. The composite material units 14, 22, 26 are arranged and configured to allow the reinforcing fibers 16 to be non-destructively removable.

[0080] Substantially simultaneously, in step 102, the deployment end positions of each of the deployment ends 20, 24, 28 on the pressure vessel 1 are detected. In step 104, data characterizing the deployment end positions is generated and provided.

[0081] In step 106, and preferably in parallel with one or more of the steps described above, the orientation of the composite material units 14, 22, 26 is detected and data characterizing the orientation is generated and provided. In step 108, additional composite material units are preferably positioned to produce a desired thickness of the container wall 12.

[0082] The pressure vessel 1 described above has the distinct advantage of being recyclable in a particularly simple manner: due to the fact that the composite units 14, 22, 26 are arranged and constructed in such a way that the reinforcing fibres 16 as continuous fibres and possibly the thermoplastic matrix are non-destructively removable, the composite units 14, 22, 26 can be removed from the pressure vessel 1 in a very simple manner.

[0083] This significantly reduces the time required to recycle the pressure vessel 1 and reduces the manual effort required, thereby allowing for a higher degree of automation. In particular, the provision of detachable placement terminals 20, 24, 28 in the form of detachable portions 34 allows for an easily recyclable pressure vessel 1. Furthermore, by capturing and providing the placement terminals 20, 24, 28, it may be possible to provide the positions of the placement terminals 20, 24, 28 from a data memory when recycling the pressure vessel 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. Pressure vessels 2. First container end 4 Second container end 6 First dome 8 Second dome 10 Cylindrical part of container 12 Container wall 13 Container surface 14 First Composite Materials Unit 16 Reinforced Fiber 18 Thermoplastic matrix 20 First Placement End 22 Second Composite Materials Unit 24 Second Placement End 26 Third Composite Materials Unit 28 Third Placement End 30 Inner room 32 Hollow body 34 Detachment part 35 Loose ends of composite units 36 End 38 Shedding layer 50 devices 52 processors 54 memory 56 Transceiver L lengthwise U Circumferential direction

Claims

1. A pressure vessel (1) having an internal chamber (30), a container wall (12) comprising a composite material unit (14, 22, 26) having reinforcing fibers (16) and a thermoplastic matrix (18) or consisting of a composite material unit (14, 22, 26) having reinforcing fibers (16) and a thermoplastic matrix (18), the composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged and configured such that the reinforcing fibers (16) are removable as continuous fibers and the thermoplastic matrix (18) containing the reinforcing fibers (16) is removable, and the composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged in such a way that they can be removed in the form of a thermoplastic tape, thereby allowing the composite material units to be reused; Pressure vessel (1).

2. the composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged and configured such that the reinforcing fibers (16) are non-destructively removable, thereby allowing the composite material units to be reused; A pressure vessel (1) according to claim 1.

3. The composite material units (14, 22, 26) extend from a placement start point to a placement end point (20, 24, 28), the detachable portion (34) of the composite material unit (14, 22, 26) adjacent to the placement end (20, 24, 28) is detachably positioned and / or configured; A pressure vessel (1) according to the preceding claim.

4. 4. A pressure vessel (1) according to claim 3, wherein the detachment portion (34) comprises a low strength detachment layer (38) on the side of the composite unit (14, 22, 26) facing the inner chamber (30).

5. 5. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the detachable portion (34) is partially fixed so that the adhesive strength of the detachable portion (34) is lower than the adhesive strength of the fixed portion of the composite material unit (14, 22, 26).

6. 6. The pressure vessel (1) of claim 5, wherein the detachable portion (34) is partially secured such that the shear strength of the detachable portion (34) is lower than the shear strength of the secured portion of the composite material unit (14, 22, 26).

7. the detachment portion (34) extends from the arrangement end (20, 24, 28) with a detachment extension; the length of the detachment extension is greater than 1 mm or less than 100 mm; A pressure vessel (1) according to the preceding claim 3.

8. - two or more composite material units (14, 22, 26) each having a placement end (20, 24, 28); or the composite material units (14, 22, 26) are composite material webs; A pressure vessel (1) according to the preceding claim.

9. The composite material units (14, 22, 26) are processed prepregs. A pressure vessel (1) according to the preceding claim 8.

10. - A cylindrical container portion (10) having a cylindrical circumferential direction (U), The first composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged along the cylindrical circumferential direction (U) of the cylindrical container portion (10), and the second composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged at an angle to the cylindrical circumferential direction (U). A pressure vessel (1) according to the preceding claim 8.

11. the second composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged perpendicular to the cylindrical circumferential direction (U); A pressure vessel (1) according to the preceding claim 10.

12. 11. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 10, wherein more than 50% of the placement ends (20, 24, 28) are located within the area of ​​the cylindrical vessel portion (10).

13. 9. The pressure vessel (1) of claim 8, wherein the placement ends (20, 24, 28) are substantially evenly distributed along a vessel surface (13) of the pressure vessel (1).

14. 9. The pressure vessel (1) of claim 8, further comprising a hollow body (32) forming the internal chamber (30), and the one composite material unit (14, 22, 26) or the two or more composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged outside the hollow body (32).

15. A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel (1) having an internal chamber (30), comprising the steps of: - manufacturing the container wall (12) from a composite material unit (14, 22, 26) comprising reinforcing fibers (16) and a thermoplastic matrix (18), the composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged and configured such that the reinforcing fibers (16) are removable as continuous fibers and the thermoplastic matrix (18) containing the reinforcing fibers (16) is removable, and the composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged so that they are removable in the form of a thermoplastic tape; method.

16. The composite material units (14, 22, 26) are arranged and configured so that the reinforcing fibers (16) are non-destructively removable.

16. The method of claim 15.

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