Large-scale vacuum-insulated cryogenic storage device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to large-scale external pressure storage devices, particularly large-scale storage devices for liquid hydrogen and other products requiring vacuum insulation. In some embodiments, a plate for the storage device is provided. The plate comprises a body having an inclined joint and a body having a nominal thickness at the inclined joint. The inclined joint is configured to be welded to the corresponding inclined joint of an adjacent plate.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 63 / 184,604 filed on May 5, 2021. The aforementioned application is incorporated by reference throughout this application.

[0002] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to large-scale external pressure storage devices, particularly large-scale storage devices for liquid hydrogen and other products utilizing vacuum insulation. Background Technology

[0003] Because the storage temperature of liquid hydrogen (-253°C) is very low, liquid hydrogen storage vessels utilize vacuum insulation; otherwise, gases such as O2 and N2 would condense and freeze, creating a partial vacuum. This would cause increasingly more gases to enter the cold surface, forming condensation and potentially leading to the accumulation of ice. If ice accumulates on the vessel surface, it creates an undesirable thermal load on the insulation, causing heat to leak into the vessel and boil the stored product. For this reason, liquid hydrogen is stored in column-supported pressure vessels equipped with a vacuum jacket designed in accordance with ASME Section VIII Division 1 or 2. Due to the unique thermodynamic properties of liquid hydrogen, complete vacuum insulation is used around the cold vessel to reduce boiling of the contents. The problem to be solved

[0004] Accordingly, a device capable of providing large-scale external pressure storage is required. means of solving the problem

[0005] In one embodiment, a plate for an external container of a storage device is provided. The plate comprises a main body having an inclined joint and a main body having a defined thickness at the inclined joint. The inclined external joint is configured to be welded to the corresponding inclined joint of an adjacent plate.

[0006] In another embodiment, a plate for an external container of a storage device is provided. The plate comprises a body including an outer edge and at least one reinforcing member coupled to the body inside the outer edge. The outer edge is configured to be welded to a corresponding edge of an adjacent plate without contact between the at least one reinforcing member and an adjacent plate. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure, briefly summarized above and discussed in more detail below, can be understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only illustrate typical embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore the scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited, as other equally effective embodiments may be acknowledged. FIG. 1a illustrates a storage unit according to a specific embodiment. FIG. 1b illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a plate. FIG. 1c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plate in FIG. 1b. FIG. 1d illustrates a cross-sectional view of adjacent plates welded together. Figure 1e illustrates the area marked with a circle in Figure 1d. FIG. 1f illustrates an additional embodiment of the plate. Figure 1g illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plate shown in Figure 1f. FIG. 1h illustrates an additional embodiment of the plate. FIG. 1i illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plate shown in FIG. 1h. For the sake of understanding, common elements in the drawings are indicated identically using the same reference numbers whenever possible. The drawings are not drawn to scale and may be simple for clarity. It is considered that the elements and features of one embodiment can be beneficially incorporated into another embodiment without further repetition. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0008] The present disclosure describes a plate for an external container of a storage device having a nominal thickness at the outer edge of the plate, and an external container of a storage container including the same. The outer edge is configured to be welded to the corresponding edge of an adjacent plate. The plate is reinforced within the outer edge. The reinforcement may be in the form of increasing the plate thickness, welding a reinforcement within the outer edge of the plate, or a combination of increasing the plate thickness and welding the reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement may be one or more members such as a plate, a brace, a frame, etc. When the plates are welded together to form an external storage container, the reinforcement provided by the inner plate thickness and / or the reinforcement prevents the external storage container from buckling due to external pressure.

[0009] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a shell plate in which the interior is more rigid than the joint (edge). The reinforcing plate disclosed herein may be reinforced by increasing the thickness of the interior of the plate, attaching a reinforcing member to the plate, or a combination of increasing the plate thickness and attaching a reinforcing member to the plate. This is advantageous because the reinforced plate resists buckling without increasing the welding costs required to join the plates. The reinforcing plate disclosed herein may be used in containers of any shape, such as spherical, cylindrical, and elliptical. For example, the reinforcing plate may be used in a thermal vacuum chamber.

[0010] Conventional methods used plates of uniform thickness sufficient to prevent buckling. However, since plates of uniform thickness require significantly more welding to join them, there are limitations to the economical expansion of liquid hydrogen spheres to a capacity of approximately 5,500 m³ or more. Previously, expanding beyond 5,500 m³ required additional reinforcement of the sphere after joining the plates, which added time and cost.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein have a maximum size of liquid hydrogen spheres, for example, about 40,000 m² 3 (i.e., approximately 8 times larger than the capacity achievable using conventional design methods) or more (e.g., 100,000 m³) 3 It can be extended to ) because the storage embodiment disclosed herein provides adequate rigidity and significantly reduces the welding cost of joining plates in this storage range, at least in part. Conventional designs could not be extended due to the high welding cost for double-walled vessels of conventional configuration and material selection.

[0012] In some cases, it may be advantageous to use reinforcing plates only on parts of the sphere. For instance, if the equatorial plate is rigid enough to prevent buckling due to the supporting structures of the outer vessel and attachments supporting the inner vessel, only the plates above and below the equatorial course may be made rigid.

[0013] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a reinforcement configuration in which all reinforcements can be installed at the fabrication plant without on-site welding, thereby significantly reducing project costs and shortening the site / construction schedule. Reinforcements are applied to individual shell plates at the plant, and the reinforced plates are sent to the site for assembly. Conventional practice is to provide overall stability by installing structural reinforcements (continuously) along the longitude and latitude of the entire vessel. Because conventional reinforcements span multiple shell plates and cross all circumferential welded seams, they must be installed on-site after the shell plates are assembled. However, the embodiments disclosed herein can advantageously avoid these on-site costs. Nevertheless, reinforcements are still considered to be installable on-site and / or after the assembly of the shell plates disclosed herein. As previously mentioned, the number of reinforcements applied can be reduced compared to conventional design requirements, and thus the manufacturing and construction costs of the vessels disclosed herein can be reduced. Using reinforcements with the plate embodiments disclosed herein can improve the buckling capacity of the shell compared to the corresponding shell without reinforcements.

[0014] FIG. 1a illustrates a storage sphere (100) according to a specific embodiment. The storage sphere (100) generally comprises an upper head (102), an upper heap course (104), an equatorial course (106), a lower heap course (108), and a lower head (110) (from top to bottom). The storage sphere (100) is formed by a plurality of plates (112) having various shapes (shown in more detail in FIG. 1b, 1f, and 1h) (indicated as three for clarity: 112a-c). The number of plates may be tens, hundreds, or more. Although not illustrated, the storage sphere (100) surrounds and supports an inner sphere, and the space between the inner sphere and the storage sphere (100) is maintained under vacuum pressure. A cryogenic material, such as liquid hydrogen, may be stored in the inner sphere. Due to this vacuum pressure, an external atmospheric pressure is applied from the outside into the storage sphere (100).

[0015] FIG. 1b illustrates a plan view of an exemplary plate (112a). The plate (112a) comprises a plate body (113) and one or more reinforcing members (118). In relation to FIG. 1c, a cross-sectional view of the plate (112a) along the cross-sectional line 1C-1C shows that an inclined surface (114) is formed around the outer edge (perimeter) (116) of the plate body (113). The inclined surface (114) extends from the central portion (115) of the plate body (113) to the outer edge (116). As shown in FIG. 1c, the thickness of the plate body (113) decreases along the length of the inclined surface (114), and the inclined surface (114) has less thickness than the central portion (115). For example, the distal end of the inclined surface (114) has a thickness of about 10% to about 90% of the thickness of the central portion (115), for example, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, about 25% to about 75%, about 30% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, and about 45% to about 55%. It should be noted that other thickness ratios are also considered depending on the structural specifications.

[0016] The inclined surface (114) may occupy about 1% to about 40% of the width of the plate body (113) and about 1% to about 40% of any specific longitudinal position of the plate body (113). For example, the inclined surface (114) may occupy about 1% to about 30% of the width of the plate body (113), for example, about 1% to about 20%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 5%, about 3% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 3%. It should be noted that other configurations are also considered. For example, the inclined surface (114) is preferably formed at an angle of about 60 degrees or less with respect to the plate body (113) or its back surface, for example, about 45 degrees or less, about 30 degrees or less, about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, for example, about 5 degrees to about 40 degrees, about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees, about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees, or about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees. It should be noted that other angle configurations are also considered. Additionally, it should be noted that while the plate body (113) is generally depicted as flat, the plate body (113) may be arched to facilitate the formation of a circular container. In other examples, it is considered that one of the upper surface or lower surface of the plate body may be flat, and the other of the upper surface or lower surface may be arched.

[0017] One or more optional reinforcing members (118) are installed inside the perimeter (116) of each individual plate body (113). The reinforcing member (118) is welded to the body of the plate (112) just beyond the inside of the inclined surface (114) of the central portion (115). As illustrated, the reinforcing member (118) follows the shape of the perimeter (116). As illustrated, the reinforcing member (118) is placed inside the perimeter (116) of the individual shell plate (112a) and does not cross the perimeter (116). Thus, when the reinforcing member (118) is welded to another plate such as the plate (112a), the reinforcing member (118) does not cross the weld seam, so the reinforcing member (118) can be installed in the factory. The reinforcing member (118) may be located inside the sphere, outside the sphere, or both when the plate (112a) is installed to form the storage sphere (100). In one embodiment, the reinforcing member (118) is a linear member. The reinforcing members may be welded to the plate (112a) along the length of the reinforcing member (118) or welded at spaced positions on the reinforcing member (118). For example, if the plate (112a) has a contoured (e.g., arched) surface, the reinforcing member (118) may have a corresponding contoured (e.g., arched) surface to increase the connection with the plate (112a).

[0018] FIGS. 1d-1e is a cross-sectional view illustrating two plates (112a) welded together at adjacent inclined joints (120) of each plate (112a). Although the two plates (112a) are depicted as being placed in the same plane and / or approximately parallel to each other, it should be understood that the plates (112a) may be placed obliquely to each other to be close to a portion of the sphere to facilitate the formation of a spherical structure. The inclined joint (120) may include an outer edge (116) and a portion (117) of the inclined surface (114). The joint (120) has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the central portion (115). For example, the joint (120) has a thickness of about 10 to about 70% of the thickness of the central portion (115) of the body (113). Then, the joint (120) is welded together to form a weld (122). FIG. 1e is an enlarged perspective view of the area of ​​FIG. 1d to show that a weld (122) is formed on the outer edge (116) of each plate (112a) and on a portion (117) of the inclined surface (114). FIG. 1e is shown with the edge (116) as flat. However, the edge (116) may have a contour such as being rounded. In some embodiments, the inclined surface (114) includes the edge (116), and the contour of the inclined surface (114) is terminated at the edge (116).

[0019] In some embodiments, a portion (117) of the inclined surface (114) has the same contour (e.g., tapered) as the rest of the inclined surface (114), as shown in FIG. 1e. An alternative portion (117a) having a different contour from the inclined surface (114) is shown by a dashed line (117a). As shown, the portion (117a) has a contour at an angle steeper than the angle of the rest of the inclined surface (114) (e.g., facilitating the formation of a double inclined surface or a rear inclined surface). As shown by the trajectory of the dashed line (117a), the joint (120) including the alternative portion (117a) may have a flat edge (116) extending from the end of the portion (117a) to the bottom of the plate (113). Additionally, an alternative portion (117b) is indicated by a dashed line (117b). The contour of a portion (117b) can be extended to the bottom surface of the plate (113) so that the edge (116) does not show a flat surface.

[0020] Parts (117a, 117b) may be formed to facilitate the formation of welds. For example, parts (117a, 117b) may be used to form X-joint lines or V-joint lines for adjacent plates. Other weld seams and joints may also be considered.

[0021] FIG. 1f shows a plan view of plate (112b), and FIG. 1g shows a cross-section of plate (112b) along cross-section line GG. FIG. 1h shows a plan view of plate (112c), and FIG. 1i shows a cross-section of plate (112c) along cross-section line II. Plates (112b, 112c) are configured similarly to plate (112a). Plates (112b, 112c) differ from plate (112a) in that the plate body (113) has a different perimeter shape. Plates (112b, 112c) may also have different arrangements of reinforcing members (118) to follow different perimeter shapes. The edge (116) may be defined by the end of a portion (117, 117a, or 117b) as described above.

[0022] A plurality of plates can be welded together to form a storage area (100). For example, a plate (112a) can be welded to another plate (112a) or a plate having a different shape (e.g., plates (112b, 112c)) at each joint (120). Plates (112b, 112c) can be similarly welded to other plates in a manner similar to that described above for plate (112a).

[0023] In some embodiments, the edge (116) of the plate (112a, 112b, 112c) comes into contact with the edge of an adjacent plate (e.g., contacts).

[0024] In some examples, the reinforcing material (118) may be used only on the plates above and below the equatorial course (106) (e.g., plates (112a-c)) at least partially because the equatorial plate already includes the reinforcing material as part of the internal support structure.

[0025] In some aspects, the reinforcing member (118) and / or plate (112a-c) is formed from one or more alloys, such as steel, e.g., carbon steel. Other materials, such as aluminum (and aluminum alloys), may also be considered.

[0026] An aspect of the present invention provides a plate having an increased thickness in its central portion and a decreased thickness around its perimeter, and a container using the same. This configuration provides increased load-bearing capacity and / or stiffness due to the increased material in the central portion, while reducing the cost associated with welding adjacent plates due to the decreased material thickness around the perimeter of the plate. This plate is suitable for spherical storage containers, particularly those of approximately 5,500 m² 3 As described above, this facilitates the efficient use of construction costs for containers with increased storage capacity.

[0027] The foregoing describes embodiments of the present disclosure, but other additional embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0028] 102 Upper Head 104 Upper Hip Course 106 Equatorial Course 108 Lower Hip Course 110 Lower Head 112: Plate 113: Plate Body 114 Inclined Surface 115 Central Section 116 Outer Edge (Perimeter) 117 Part 118 Reinforcement 120 Inclined Joint 122 Weld

Claims

Claim 1 A plate for an external container of a storage device, comprising a plate body including a central portion, an outer edge, an inclined surface extending from the central portion to the outer edge, and an inclined joint, wherein the inclined joint comprises a portion of the inclined surface of the body and the outer edge of the body, the thickness of the inclined joint is less than the thickness of the central portion of the body, and the inclined joint is configured to be welded to a corresponding inclined joint of an adjacent plate, wherein the portion of the inclined surface and the inclined surface have different contours. Claim 2 In claim 1, the inclined joint is a plate disposed over the entire perimeter of the main body. Claim 3 A plate according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the inclined joint is 30% to 70% of the thickness of the central part of the main body. Claim 4 A plate according to claim 1, wherein one or more reinforcing members are connected to a main body inside an inclined joint. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the one or more reinforcing members are a plate comprising two parallel reinforcing members. Claim 6 In paragraph 4, the one or more reinforcing members are plates arranged in a shape corresponding to the perimeter shape of the main body. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A plate array for a storage device, comprising a plurality of plates, each plate comprising: a plate body; an inclined surface formed on the body; and an inclined joint formed on the body and including a portion of the inclined surface, wherein each plate is welded at the inclined joint to the inclined joint of at least one other plate among the plurality of plates, and the portion of the inclined surface and the inclined surface have different contours. Claim 10 In claim 9, the inclined surface surrounds the central portion of the main body, and the central portion has a thickness greater than the thickness of the main body having the inclined surface, in a plate arrangement. Claim 11 In claim 10, a plate arrangement in which at least one reinforcing member is joined to a central portion within the boundary of an inclined surface. Claim 12 In claim 11, a plate arrangement in which one or more reinforcing members connected to the central portion of one of the plurality of plates do not contact another of the plurality of plates. Claim 13 In claim 10, a plate arrangement in which at least one reinforcing member is arranged in a shape corresponding to the perimeter shape of the main body defined by the outer edge of the main body. Claim 14 In item 10, a plate arrangement in which the thickness of the inclined joint is 30% to 70% of the thickness at the central part of the main body. Claim 15 delete Claim 16 A large-scale cryogenic storage vessel comprising a plurality of plates in a spherical arrangement to form a thermal vacuum chamber, wherein each plate comprises a main body having a central portion and an inclined surface surrounding the central portion, said central portion having a thickness greater than that of the inclined surface; and an inclined joint formed on said main body and comprising a portion of the inclined surface, said plate being welded to the inclined joint of at least one of the plurality of plates at the inclined joint, and said portion of the inclined surface and the entire inclined surface having different contours. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 In paragraph 16, the above-mentioned one or more reinforcing members are joined to the central portion of one of the plurality of plates, and the above-mentioned one or more reinforcing members do not come into contact with other of the plurality of plates. Claim 19 In paragraph 16, a container in which the thickness of the inclined joint is 30% to 70% of the thickness of the central part of the main body. Claim 20 In claim 16, the equatorial course of the vessel is not formed by any one of the plurality of plates, and the equatorial course is formed by a continuous arrangement of the plurality of plates.

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