Cryogenic liquid storage tank including support structure

Abstract

To provide a cryogenic liquid storage tank including a supporter structure in which supporters are used to stably support an inner tank, to uniformly maintain a space between an inner tank and an outer tank, to function as a buffer, to reduce a contact area with the inner tank to minimize thermal access, and thereby, to improve vacuum insulation performance.SOLUTION: The cryogenic liquid storage tank includes: an inner tank 110 for storing cryogenic liquid which includes hemispherical-form inner side plates 111 formed at both sides thereof and insertion grooves 112 each entered into the inside at a central region of the inner side plate 111; an outer tank 120 which is formed to cover the outside of the inner tank 110 and includes hemispherical-form outer side plates 121 formed at both sides thereof; supporters 130 which are each inserted into the insertion groove at the center of the inside of the outer side plate 121 and extendedly formed so as to support the inner tank 110; and multi-layer insulations (MLIs) each interposed in a contact region between the insertion groove 112 and the supporter 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure, and more particularly, to a cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure that minimizes heat transfer and maximizes thermal insulation performance. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure that stably supports an inner tank through a support, maintains a constant gap between the inner tank and an outer tank, and serves as a buffer, and reduces the contact area with the inner tank, minimizing heat transfer and improving vacuum insulation performance. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, liquefied natural gas storage tanks are designed to store liquefied hydrogen at temperatures below -162°C and at moderate pressures, but liquefied hydrogen requires pressurization at lower temperatures than liquefied natural gas, necessitating a more stringent solution than existing liquefied natural gas storage technologies.

[0003] That is, liquefied hydrogen has a low boiling point, with a liquefaction temperature of -253°C, which is even lower than the extremely low temperature of liquefied natural gas. Therefore, it vaporizes more easily than liquefied natural gas, and its boil-off rate (BOR) per volume is 10 times that of liquefied natural gas.

[0004] On the other hand, the device for storing liquefied hydrogen is composed of a spherical outer tank, a spherical inner tank that is housed inside the outer tank and stores liquefied hydrogen, and a supporter that supports the inner tank and the outer tank.

[0005] However, conventional liquefied hydrogen storage devices have problems in that they do not have a strong function for suppressing the movement of the inner tank, such as vertical movement, horizontal movement, and rotation, and they do not have a function for returning the inner tank to its original position if it moves. This means that structural stability is not ensured. In addition, there is a problem in that heat is transmitted from the outer tank to the inner tank through the many supporters placed between the inner and outer tanks, which reduces the insulation performance.

[0006] This requires technology that can minimize the flow of heat through the supporter and minimize the flow of cryogenic liquid in the inner tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2623433 (Liquid hydrogen fuel tank for ships, connection support system used therein, improved wavebreak and vapor cooling barrier membrane for improved thermal insulation performance, published on January 12, 2024) [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0143655 (Liquefied hydrogen tank support device, October 13, 2023) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure that stably supports an inner tank through a support, maintains a constant gap between the inner tank and the outer tank, and serves as a buffer, and reduces the contact area with the inner tank to minimize heat transfer and improve vacuum insulation performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cryogenic liquid storage tank including an inner tank formed of inner tank side plates with hemispherical sides and a lead-in groove formed in the central region of the inner tank side plate that is curved inward and stores cryogenic liquid; an outer tank formed of outer tank side plates with hemispherical sides that are formed to cover the outside of the inner tank; a support structure including: a supporter that is drawn into the lead-in groove in the inner central region of the outer tank side plate and extends to support the outer tank; and an MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) interposed in the contact region between the lead-in groove and the supporter.

[0010] Here, a vacuum hole for forming a vacuum between the inner tank and the outer tank may be formed through one side of the supporter.

[0011] At this time, a vacuum port communicating with the vacuum hole is formed on the outer side of the supporter, and a vacuum pump can be connected to the vacuum port.

[0012] The supporter may be supported by a bracket formed inside the outer tank.

[0013] Furthermore, a reinforcing pin may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tank to prevent buckling.

[0014] In addition, a support may be coupled between an outer surface of the inlet groove and an inner circumferential surface of the inner tank.

[0015] Furthermore, the supporter has a cross-sectional structure of a rectangular wave shape or a series of U-shapes and inverted U-shapes, and the MLI can be formed in the contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter in accordance with the shape of the supporter.

[0016] In addition, a tornado-shaped groove may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the supporter, extending in the longitudinal direction, and the MLI may be formed in the contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter in accordance with the shape of the supporter.

[0017] Furthermore, the supporter may be formed in a pipe shape with a closed front end, the cross section of the supporter may have a concave-convex structure, and the MLI may be formed in the contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter in accordance with the shape of the concave-convex structure of the supporter.

[0018] The end of the MLI can also be fixed by a flange-type bushing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the number of supporters supporting the inner tank is minimized, and the supporters stably support the inner tank, maintaining a constant gap between the inner tank and the outer tank to act as a buffer. The contact area with the inner tank is reduced to minimize heat transfer and improve vacuum insulation performance, and heat transfer is minimized through the MLI to maximize vacuum insulation performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing cross-sectional structures of a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing cross-sectional structures of a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are exploded views of a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1, respectively. [Figure 5] 2A and 2B are exploded views of a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1, respectively. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region (A) in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing an anti-sloshing structure for a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8]2A to 2C are diagrams showing modified examples of a support for a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing modified examples of a support for a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned features will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] The cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inner tank 110 formed of inner tank side plates 111 with hemispherical sides and a lead-in groove 112 formed in the central region of the inner tank side plate 111, which stores cryogenic liquid; an outer tank 120 formed of outer tank side plates 121 with hemispherical sides and which is formed to cover the outside of the inner tank 110; a supporter 130 formed in the central region inside the outer tank side plate 121, which is drawn into the lead-in groove 112 and extends to support the inner tank 110; and an MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) 140 interposed in the contact region between the lead-in groove 112 and the supporter 130, thereby minimizing heat transfer and maximizing thermal insulation performance.

[0023] Hereinafter, the cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure having the above-described configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0024] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the inner tank 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape to store cryogenic liquid such as liquefied hydrogen, liquefied helium, liquefied natural gas, liquefied nitrogen, or liquefied oxygen. Both sides are finished with hemispherical inner tank side plates 111, so that the tank can be pressurized up to a predetermined pressure, for example, 20 bar or more. Each inner tank side plate 111 has a specific shaped recess 112 recessed inward in the central region thereof, so that a supporter 130 can be inserted and fixed therein.

[0025] Meanwhile, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, a tripod-shaped or X-shaped support 113 may be connected between the outer surface of the inlet groove 112 and the inner surface of the inner tank 110 to prevent deformation of the inlet groove 112 and ensure structural stability.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 7, one or more baffles 114, which are alternately arranged up and down inside the inner tank 110, swash bulkheads 115 with a number of through holes formed therein, or swash bulkheads (not shown) with a circular plate structure with inflow and outflow holes cut horizontally at the top and bottom may be arranged along the length of the inner tank 110 to prevent sloshing of the cryogenic liquid during transportation and minimize evaporation.

[0027] Next, referring to Figures 1 to 4, the outer tank 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape to cover the outside of the inner tank 110, and both sides are finished with hemispherical outer tank side plates 121, and can be made of a double-structure IMO Type C tank structure that forms a vacuum insulation space between it and the inner tank 110.

[0028] Here, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, a reinforcing pin 122 that suppresses the occurrence of buckling is formed on the inner surface of the outer tank 120, thereby preventing deformation such as dents caused by vacuum.

[0029] Next, referring to Figures 1 to 5, the supporter 130 can be formed and fixed in a specific shape, for example, a cylindrical shape, so that it can be drawn into the cylindrical inlet groove 112 in the inner central region of the outer tank side plate 121 to support the inner tank 110, but is not limited to this and can be extended and formed into a polygonal shape such as a hexahedron or hexagonal, and the inlet groove 112 can be formed in a corresponding shape to restrict the rotation of the inner tank 110.

[0030] In this way, the supporter 130 maintains a vacuum between the inner tank 110 and the outer tank 120 while buffering deformation caused by differential contraction and expansion between the inner tank 110 and the outer tank 120, and allows heat conduction only through the supporter 130, minimizing heat penetration from outside air into the inner tank 110 and maximizing insulation performance.

[0031] Meanwhile, referring to Figures 3 and 6, a vacuum hole 131 for creating a vacuum between the inner tank 110 and the outer tank 120 may be formed through one side of the supporter 130 and connected to a vacuum port 132.

[0032] For example, a vacuum port 132 communicating with the vacuum hole 131 may be formed on the outside of the supporter 130, and a vacuum pump (not shown) may be connected to the vacuum port 132.

[0033] Specifically, as shown enlarged in FIG. 6, the vacuum port 132 is composed of a vacuum plug 132a to which a vacuum pump pipe is plugged and a multi-layer O-ring 132b formed on the outside or inside of the vacuum plug 132a, and can draw in air between the inner tank 110 and the outer tank 120 to create a vacuum state.

[0034] Also, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the supporter 130 can be supported by brackets 133 formed on the inside of the outer tank side plate 121 of the outer tank 120 to ensure structural stability, and the brackets 133 can be formed in a frame shape such as a triangular piece, a square piece, or a polygonal shape and can be spaced apart at equal angular intervals on the outside of the supporter 130.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 8(a), the supporter 130 has a cross-sectional structure with a rectangular wave shape or a series of U-shaped and inverted U-shaped structures with valleys (lower surface) and peaks (upper surface). The MLI 140 is formed to cover the upper and lower surfaces of the supporter 130, i.e., the contact area between the lead-in groove 112 and the supporter 130, in accordance with the shape of the supporter 130. This minimizes the contact area between the inner surface of the lead-in groove 112 and the outer surface of the supporter 130, relatively lengthening the heat transfer path and further improving the heat insulation performance.

[0036] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 8(b), a tornado-shaped groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the supporter 130, extending in the longitudinal direction, and the MLI 140 covers the contact area between the inlet groove 112 and the supporter 130 in accordance with the shape of the supporter 130, thereby increasing the structural strength of the supporter 130 and minimizing the contact area between the inner circumferential surface of the inlet groove 112 and the outer circumferential surface of the supporter, thereby relatively lengthening the heat transfer path and further improving the insulation performance.

[0037] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 9, the supporter 130 may be formed in a pipe shape with a closed front end, and the cross section of the pipe may have a concave-convex structure. The MLI 140 may be formed to cover the convex surface, i.e., the contact area between the inlet groove 112 and the supporter 130, in accordance with the shape of the concave-convex structure of the supporter 130. This minimizes the contact area between the inner surface of the inlet groove 112 and the outer surface of the supporter 130, relatively lengthens the heat transfer path, and further improves the insulation performance.

[0038] Next, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) 140 surrounds the supporter 130 and is interposed in the contact area between the lead-in groove 112 and the supporter 130, for example, the front (the end of the supporter 130 that contacts the inner bottom surface of the lead-in groove 112) and the side (the side portion of the supporter 130 that contacts the inner surface of the lead-in groove 112), thereby minimizing heat penetration and maintaining the cryogenic temperature of the cryogenic liquid.

[0039] Here, the MLI 140 is formed in the space between the lead-in groove 112 and the supporter 130 , and the end of the MLI 140 can be fixed by a flange-type bushing 141 .

[0040] Specifically, the MLI 140 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which an aluminum thin film, or an aluminum thin film and an inorganic or organic fiber alternately stacked, or a plastic thin film coated with a metal film on top is wound 5 to 30 times.

[0041] Therefore, by configuring a cryogenic liquid storage tank including the support structure as described above, the number of supporters supporting the inner tank can be minimized, the inner tank can be stably supported through the supporters, a constant gap can be maintained between the inner tank and the outer tank, and a buffer can be achieved. The contact area with the inner tank can be reduced to minimize heat transfer and improve vacuum insulation performance, and heat transfer can be minimized through the MLI to maximize vacuum insulation performance.

[0042] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, at the time of filing this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 110 Inner tank 111 Inner tank side plate 112 Drawer groove 113 Support stand 114 Partition plate 115 Water control bulkhead 120 outer tank 121 Outer tank side plate 122 Reinforcement pin 130 Supporters 131 Vacuum Hall 132 vacuum port 133 Bracket 140 MLI 141 Bush

Claims

1. an inner tank formed with inner tank side plates each having a hemispherical shape on both sides, with a lead-in groove formed in a central region of the inner tank side plates, the lead-in groove extending inward, for storing a cryogenic liquid; an outer tank formed to cover the outside of the inner tank and having hemispherical outer tank side plates on both sides; a supporter that is drawn into the drawing groove in the inner central region of the outer tank side plate and extends to support the inner tank; and an MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) interposed in a contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter, The supporter has a cross-sectional structure having a rectangular wave shape or a continuous U-shape and an inverted U-shape, The MLI is formed in the contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter in accordance with the shape of the supporter.

1. A cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure comprising:

2. an inner tank formed with inner tank side plates each having a hemispherical shape on both sides, with a lead-in groove formed in a central region of the inner tank side plates, the lead-in groove extending inward, for storing a cryogenic liquid; an outer tank formed to cover the outside of the inner tank and having hemispherical outer tank side plates on both sides; a supporter that is drawn into the drawing groove in the inner central region of the outer tank side plate and extends to support the inner tank; and an MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) interposed in a contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter, A tornado-shaped groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the supporter and extends in the longitudinal direction. The MLI is formed in the contact area between the lead-in groove and the supporter in accordance with the shape of the supporter.

1. A cryogenic liquid storage tank including a support structure comprising:

3. A vacuum hole is formed on one side of the supporter to form a vacuum between the inner tank and the outer tank. A cryogenic liquid storage tank comprising a support structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A vacuum port communicating with the vacuum hole is formed on the outer side of the supporter, and a vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum port. A cryogenic liquid storage tank comprising the support structure of claim 3.

5. The supporter is The outer tank is supported by a bracket formed inside the outer tank. A cryogenic liquid storage tank comprising a support structure according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The inner circumferential surface of the outer tank is provided with reinforcing pins to prevent buckling. A cryogenic liquid storage tank comprising a support structure according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A support is coupled between the outer surface of the intake groove and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tank. A cryogenic liquid storage tank comprising a support structure according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The termination of the MLI is To be fixed by a flange type bushing A cryogenic liquid storage tank comprising a support structure according to claim 1 or 2.

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