Fluid storage vessel

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a fluid storage vessel. In particular forms it comprises a plurality of globular vessels in fluid communication with each other. In particular forms the globular vessels are formed into an array. In particular forms the array mimics a crystal structure.

Description

FLUID STORAGE VESSELTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure herein generally relates to fluid storage vessels, and particularly but not exclusively to a molecular hydrogen storage vessel, and a method for fabricating the molecular hydrogen storage vessel.BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydrogen gas can be used to fuel vehicles and other machines, examples of which include but are not limited to the TOYOTA MIRAITM and the HYUNDAI NEXOTM. Hydrogen gas fuel can be stored under pressure in cylinders.

[0003] Traditionally hydrogen gas is stored in metal or carbon fibre composite cylinders. This form of storage is not space or volume efficient. It often requires that the target vehicle is modified to accommodate the metal or carbon fibre composite cylinders.

[0004] It would be advantageous if hydrogen or like fuel could be stored in a safe but space and weight efficient manner.

[0005] It would be advantageous if the form of storage conformed to or otherwise took advantage of structures and unused spaces in the vehicle.

[0006] It would be advantageous if the storage substituted for structural stiffness in the vehicle.

[0007] It is also desirable in the fuels industry to produce close packing storage containers by way of 3D printing, filament winding or automated fibre placement (AFP) with carbon fibre composite for example. Three dimensional printing however has the disadvantage that it generates undesirable orthotropic (directional) properties due to the two dimensional layering method used to create a three dimensional product. Both filament winding and AFP do not have this disadvantage and hence are preferred for orthotropic materials. However, they require a fair amount of space to carry out a manufacturing task.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluid storage vessel which may overcome or at least ameliorate the abovementioned disadvantages or meet the abovementioned needs or which may at least provide the public with a useful choice.Notes

[0009] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof ) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".

[0010] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.SUMMARY

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid storage vessel comprising a plurality of globular vessels that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing a fluid therein.

[0012] In the context of the present specification, the meaning of globular encompasses spherical, spheroidal, round, egg shaped and ovoid.

[0013] Preferably, the plurality of globular vessels are packed together to form a packed plurality of globular vessels. The packed plurality of globular vessels may be packed in accordance with a crystalline structure. The crystalline structure may be a compact crystalline structure in the form of a three dimensional lattice.

[0014] In one embodiment, the three dimensional lattice of crystalline structure is arranged in close packing having a plurality of layers. The crystalline structure may be facecentred cubic. The crystalline structure may be body centred cubic. The crystalline structure may be hexagonal close packed.

[0015] In another embodiment, the plurality of globular vessels may be arranged in a two dimensional close packing structure having a lattice with a single layer. In such an embodiment, the fluid storage vessel is preferred to have first and second substructures being intermeshed to form the two dimensional lattice.

[0016] Preferably, the first substructure includes multiple first type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the first type rows being equally spaced apart. More preferably, the second substructure includes multiple second type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the second type rows being equally spaced apart. Even more preferably, the first type rows are substantially identical to the second type rows. Most preferably, when the first and second substructures are intermeshed, the second type rows of globular vessels are snugly fitted into the respective spaces between the first type rows of globular vessels, and vice versa.

[0017] It is preferred that the first type rows are identical to the second type rows.

[0018] The intermeshing of the rows of globular vessels are preferred to be effected in a staggered manner. As such, the globular vessels of the second type rows fit in the depressions of the first type rows. In such an arrangement, each globular vessel is surrounded by and in contact with other adjacent globular vessels. This type of compact packing is generally referred to as hexagonal close packing in two dimensions with a relatively high packing efficiency.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid storage vessel comprises a plurality of fluid conduits that provide fluid communication between the plurality of globular vessels. The plurality of fluid conduits may be tubular. In the case of the two dimensional embodiment with just the single layer, a prolonged fluid conduit is provided to connecteach pair of adjacent terminal globular vessels so as to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows of the respective first and second substructures.

[0020] In an embodiment, the plurality of globular vessels are spherical.

[0021] An embodiment comprises a skin. The skin may be conformal on all six sides.

[0022] An embodiment comprises at least one stiffening element.

[0023] An embodiment comprises a mounting system.

[0024] In an embodiment, the plurality of globular vessels are thermally isolated.

[0025] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises molecular hydrogen.

[0026] An embodiment comprises a carbon fibre composite.

[0027] An embodiment has a pressure rating of at least 35- 70 MPa.

[0028] Disclosed herein is a method for making a fluid storage vessel. The method comprising the step of three- dimensional printing a plurality of globular vessels that are in fluid communication.

[0029] An embodiment comprises using a three-dimensional printing material comprising a metal alloy or carbon fibre composite.

[0030] Any of the various features of each of the above disclosures, and of the various features of the embodiments described below, can be combined as suitable and desired.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a fluid storage vessel comprising a plurality of globular vessels that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing a fluid therein, the method including the steps of:(i) providing a first substructure with multiple first type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the first type rows being equally spaced apart; and(ii) providing a second substructure with multiple second type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the second type rows being equally spaced apart;wherein the first and second substructures are snugly intermeshed such that the second type rows of globular vessels are snugly fitted into the respective spaces between the first type rows of globular vessels, and vice versa.

[0032] Preferably, intermeshing involves fitting the first type rows in the respective spaces between the second type rows in a staggered manner.

[0033] Preferably, the method includes a further step of providing a prolonged fluid conduit to connect each pair of terminal globular vessels so as to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows of the respective first and second substructures.

[0034] Preferably, the method includes a step of creating the globular vessels of the first and / or second substructures by way of filament winding or automated fibre placement.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 shows an isometric view of one embodiment comprising a fluid storage vessel for molecular hydrogen;Figures 2 and 3 show details of figure 1;Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate alternative three dimensional crystalline structures of other embodiments;Figure 7 to 9 show various isometric views of an embodiment of a panel comprising an embodiment of a fluid storage vessel;Figure 10 shows packed sphere H2 storage system CAD model - perspective view;Figure 11 shows packed sphere H2 storage system CAD model - top view;Figure 12 shows packed sphere H2 storage system CAD model - single sphere with tubular connecting elements;Figure 13 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a fluid storage vessel having a two dimensional close packing structure encased by outer walls of the panel;Figure 14 is an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 13 without the outer walls;Figure 15 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 13; Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filament winding manuf cturing process;Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an automated fibre placement (AFP) manuf cturing process;Figure 18 is a perspective view of one of the substructures showing some dimensions (all dimensions in millimetres);Figure 19 is a magnified perspective view showing a conduit of the substructure of Figure 18; andFigure 20 is a magnified perspective view showing a joiner of substructure of Figure 18.Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative single layer arrangement configured for manufacturing in this instance using hydraulic hose fittings to connect the individual vessel rows. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the alternative single layer arrangement of figure 21 configured for manufacturing but with side and top and bottom panels not shown.Figure 23 is a plan view of the single layer arrangement of figure 21.Figure 24 is a perspective view of a single row of interconnected globular vessels of the single layer arrangement of figure 21.Figure 25 is a perspective view of alternative single layer arrangement of figure 21 showing current best mode dimensions in millimetres for globular vessels of the array.Figure 26 is a perspective view of interconnected globular vessels of the alternative single layer arrangement of figure 21 showing best mode dimension in millimetres of selected components.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a fluid storage vessel for molecular hydrogen, however other fluids may be stored therein as suitable and desired. The fluid storage vessel comprises a plurality of globular vessels that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing the molecular hydrogen therein. Each of the plurality of globular vessels are spherical, however alternative embodiments comprise globular vessels that are generally spheroidal, egg-shaped, or ovoid.

[0002] The fluid vessel of the present embodiment comprises a plurality of fluid conduits in the form of tubes that provide fluid communication between the plurality of globular vessels. Alternative embodiments are tubeless, however. For example, adjacent globular vessels may share a common wall defining a port. The fluid storage vessel optionally has an outer skin. The skin may be conformal on all six sides. The skin optionally holds a vacuum, which may thermally isolate the plurality of globular vessels.

[0003] Figure 1 shows another embodiment comprising a fluid storage vessel for molecular hydrogen, or another suitable and desired fluid, the fluid storage vessel being generally indicated by the numeral 10. The fluid storage vessel 10 comprises a plurality of globular vessels in the form of spheres 12 that each have an internal cavity, and that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing the molecular hydrogen therein. Each of the plurality of globular vessels may have other shapes, for example spheroidal, egg-shaped or ovoid. The fluid vessel of the present embodiment comprises a plurality of fluid conduits 14 in the form of tubes that provide fluid communication between the plurality of globular vessels. The fluid conduits may alternatively be ports defined by a common wall. Figures 2 and 3 show details of the fluidstorage vessel 10, revealing a compact crystalline structure comprising a plurality of layers, in this embodiment a face centred cubic structure. The storage vessel 10 is configured to have a pressure rating of 70 MPa, however it may have other pressure ratings as suitable and desired.

[0004] Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate alternative crystalline structures that other embodiments may have, namely face centred cubic 100, body centred cubic 200, and hexagonal close packed 300. Different crystalline structures may be used as suitable and desired. Face centred cubic and hexagonal close packed have equally the lowest void ratio. Hexagonal close packed is the strongest, followed by body centred cubic and face centred cubic.

[0005] The fluid storage vessels disclosed herein can be made using three-dimensional printing, for example. A three- dimensional printing material comprising a metal alloy or carbon fibre composite can be used.PANEL

[0006] Embodiments of the fluid storage vessel of the present invention may comprise a panel defining a hollow or chamber in which the globular vessels are contained and encapsulated. It is intended that the panel may include or take the form of a casing, console, cabinet, enclosure, housing, capsule and the like, adapted to provide a cover or shell that protects and encloses the globular vessels received or carried therein. Figure 7 shows an isometric view of an exemplary panel 400 comprising a skin in the form of a plurality of outer walls 402 comprising sheet material in the form of carbon fibre composite sheet, or generally any suitable material including but not limited to steel, aluminium, titanium, another metal, glass fibre and / or a polymer. The plurality of outer walls 402, orparts thereof, are optionally removably attached with, for example, mechanical fasteners in the form of screws. At least one sealing element may be arranged to prevent airflow past a removably attached outer wall 402 or part thereof. The panel 400 comprises a mounting system 404 comprising at least one mounting flange or mounting tab optionally comprising at least one through-hole for receiving a mechanical fastener in the form of a screw, rivet, bolt or generally any suitable mechanical fastener. Any number of mounting flanges can be attached to any one or more of the plurality of outer walls 402, and one or more mounting flanges can be perpendicular to the mounting flanges illustrated. The mounting system may be alternatively or additionally fastened using an adhesive. The panels may be additionally or alternatively configured to fit together or overlap, for example with a dovetail. Figure 8 shows the panel 400 with the plurality of outer walls 402 shown transparently, which reveals fluid storge 406. Figure 9 shows the panel 400 with the plurality of outer walls 402 hidden revealing the fluid storage system 406 and a plurality of internal stiffening elements 408 in the form of a plurality of rigid baffles that are arranged in a grid. The internal stiffening elements provide structural support when the panel 400 is evacuated, for example.

[0007] While external surfaces of the panel 400 are flat, other embodiments comprise panels with at least one curved external surface, for example singly curved or doubly curved. An embodiment used in a vehicle may comprise the panel, which can be a wall panel or a floor panel, for example.Referring to Figures 13 to 15, in an alternate embodiment of the fluid storage vessel 10A, the globular vessels 12 are arranged in a two dimensional close packing structure 500 with just a single layer. In this embodiment, the globular vessels 12 havefirst and second substructures 16 & 18 being intermeshed to form a two dimensional lattice. The first substructure 16 includes multiple first type rows 20 & 22 (for example) of close-packed globular vessels 12, the first type rows 20 & 22 being equally spaced apart. The second substructure 18 includes multiple second type rows 24 & 26 (for example) of close-packed globular vessels 12, the second type rows 24 & 26 being equally spaced apart. In this embodiment, the first type rows 20 & 22 are substantially identical to the second type rows 24 & 26 in terms of their arrangements and configurations. When the first and second substructures 16 & 18 are intermeshed, the second type rows 24 & 26 of globular vessels 12 are snugly and compactly fitted into the respective spaces between the first type rows 20 & 22 of globular vessels 12 in a staggered manner. As such, the globular vessels 12 of the second type rows 24 & 26 fit in the depressions of the first type rows 20 & 22. In such an arrangement, each globular vessel 12 in the overall structure 500 is surrounded by and in contact with six other globular vessels 12. This type of packing is generally referred to as hexagonal close packing in two dimensions with a relatively high packing efficiency.INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN GLOBULAR STRUCTURES

[0008] With reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12 there is illustrated in detail examples of interconnection structures which can be used to place each globular structure in fluid communication with one of more adjacent globular structures.

[0009] Figure 10 to Figure 12 illustrate fluid conduits 14 in this instance in the form of tubular (cylinder) connections between individual spheres. The crystalline structure (in this case FCC) is achieved by the ordering of the spheres and tubular connectivity between adjacent spheres which provides structural rigidity and continuity of the vessel as a storage unit.

[0010] As best illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment of the fluid storage vessel 10A, a curved and prolonged fluid conduit 30 for example is provided to connect a pair of terminal globular vessels 12a & 12b so as to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows 20 & 22 of the first substructure 16. In a similar fashion, another curved and prolonged fluid conduit 32 for example is provided to connect terminal globular vessels 12c & 12d to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows 24 & 26 of the second substructure 18. In an alternative embodiment, each terminal globular vessel 12c, 12d (for example) includes one or more fluid conduits (see Figure 12 ) in the form of tubes or open bosses 14. Each of the tubes or open bosses 14 includes a mouth defined by a circumferential flange 14a onto which a hydraulic fitting is mounted. The hydraulic fitting may be in the form of a hydraulic hose (not shown) having one end mounted onto the flange 14a of the terminal globular vessel 12c of row 24 (for example) and an opposite end mounted onto the flange 14a of the terminal globular vessel 12d of the adjacent row 26 (refer to Figure 13). As an airtight seal is achieved by the connection between the hydraulic hose and the flanges 14a, fluid communication between the terminal globular vessels 12c & 12d (for example) is enabled.

[0011] Furthermore, each substructure 16, 18 is provided with a delivery conduit 80, 82 which extends from the last globular vessel 84, 86 of an end row of the substructure 16, 18. The delivery conduit 80, 82 may be equipped with a valve and is designed to deliver the stored hydrogen to the battery of an electric vehicle for example.MANUFACTURING METHOD

[0012] The method of manufacturing the fluid storage vessel 500 of the present invention will now be described. The method consists of the steps of:(i) providing a first substructure 16 with multiple first type rows 20 & 22 of close-packed globular vessels, the first type rows being equally spaced apart; and(ii) providing a second substructure 18 with multiple second type rows 24 & 26 of close-packed globular vessels, the second type rows being equally spaced apart;(iii) meshing the first and second substructures 16 & 18 such that the second type rows 24 & 26 of globular vessels 12 are snugly fitted into the respective spaces between the first type rows 24 & 26 of globular vessels 12, and vice versa.

[0013] The above described method offers the benefit of providing ample space around each row of globular vessels so as to enable mass production thereof by way of filament winding or AFP with carbon fibre composite.

[0014] Referring to Figure 16, an exemplary filament winding process is shown for the manufacture of the substructure 16, 18 consisting of a single layer of globular vessels 12. The filament winding process involves winding filaments 60 (also generally referred to as 'tow'' ) being under tension over a rotating mandrel 62. The mandrel 62 rotates around a spindle 64 while a delivery (pay-out) eye 66 on a carriage traverses horizontally in line with the axis (which is concentric with the spindle 64) of the rotating mandrel. As such, fibre filaments are laid down in a desired pattern or at an angle to the rotational axis.

[0015] Turning now to Figure 17, an exemplary AFP process is illustrated involving a similar process except for the inclusion of a robotic head for more precise placement and cutting of the winding filaments (or tows).

[0016] It should be noted that wet winding (ie. fibres being passed through a resin bath 68 (see Figure 16) ) or prepreg (ie. fibres pre-impregnated with resin and heated during application 70 as shown in Figure 17 ) may be used by either manufacturing method.As shown in Figure 18, some preferred dimensions for the single layer substructure 16, 18 based on carbon fibre composite construction are shown. For example, the distance 72 between the centre points of two adjacent globular vessels 22 is 100 mm. The distance 74 between the centre points of the first and last globular vessels in the same row is 500 mm. The distance 76 between two globular vessels in adjacent rows is 175 mm. The distance 78 between the centre points of the furthest rows within the same substructure is 525 mm.Referring to Figure 19, the preferred diameter of the delivery conduit 80 has a diameter of 30 mm.As shown in Figure 20, each fluid conduit 32 has a diameter of 30 mm and is curved so as to conform to the shape of the corresponding globular vessel. In this embodiment, the radius of curvature at 82 where the conduit 32 meets the globular vessel is 10 mm whereas the radius of curvature of the body of the conduit 32 (denoted by 84 ) is 56.7 mm. As indicated by the arrows A-A, the tangential angle of the curve of the fluid conduit 32 is 22.5 degrees.

[0017] Now that embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that some embodiments may have some of the following advantages:

[0018] The plurality of globular storage vessels may be arranged to form a hydrogen storage vessel of generally any suitable and desired geometry. For example, a plurality of globular storage vessels may be arranged to define a plane, a curved surface, and a double curved surface. A panel that is flat may comprise a plurality of globular storage vessels arranged to define a plane. A panel that is curved may comprise a plurality of globular storage vessels in away that may be difficult to do using a plurality of cylindrical storage vessels.

[0019] The plurality of globular storage vessels may be fabricated using a three dimensional printing method to enable fabrication of a wide variety of globular storage vessel arrangements.

[0020] A panel comprising the plurality of globular storage vessels may be used structurally, which may provide better space efficiency. For example, cars, buses, boats and aircraft may comprise structural panels comprising the plurality of globular storage vessels.

[0021] Globular storage vessels may have a reduced wall thickness - for example half the wall thickness - compared to cylindrical storage vessels.

[0022] A packed plurality of globular storage vessels may have a lower structural material mass per unit storage volume.

[0023] A packed plurality of globular storage vessels may provide greater structural integrity.

[0024] Variations and / or modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. For example:

[0025] The stored fluid may be pure molecular hydrogen, or generally any suitable and desired fluid, for example syngas, natural gas, or LPG in gaseous and / or liquid form.

[0026] The vessels may be used with advantage in many kinds of vehicle including in automotive, marine, or aerospace applications.

[0027] The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosed herein does not mean that all embodiments must include the feature.BEST MODE

[0028] With reference to figures 21 to 26 there are illustrated views of a single layer arrangement according to a current best mode suited to an automotive application which includes the use of hydraulic hose fittings to connect the individual vessel rows.

[0029] Dimensions are shown in millimetres. In a preferred form the tolerance is plus or minus 0.05 mm. In a further preferred form the tolerance is plus or minus 0.5 mm. In yet a further preferred form the tolerance is plus or minus 1 mm.

[0030] The individual vessels may be manufactured according to the filament winding or AFP with carbon fibre composite method as described under the " Manufacturing Method" heading.

[0031] Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative single layer arrangement configured for manufacturing in this instance using hydraulic hose fittings to connect the individual vessel rows.

[0032] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the alternative single layer arrangement of figure 21 configured for manuf cturing but with side and top and bottom panels not shown.

[0033] Figure 23 is a plan view of the single layer arrangement of figure 21.

[0034] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a single row of interconnected globular vessels of the single layer arrangement of figure 21.

[0035] Figure 25 is a perspective view of alternative single layer arrangement of figure 21 showing current best mode dimensions in millimetres for globular vessels of the array.

[0036] Figure 26 is a perspective view of interconnected globular vessels of the alternative single layerarrangement of figure 21 showing best mode dimension in millimetres of selected components.VARIATIONSIt will be appreciated that different applications may require different dimensions and proportions of the globular structures, different numbers of globular structures, their connections and the interconnections between structures.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYEmbodiments of the invention may be applied to the storage of gaseous or liquid hydrogen or other compressible fluids in a space efficient manner and volume stored against material used to construct the storage manner. It may be applied to storage in an industrial context or a domestic context. It may be applied in mobile applications such as aircraft, trucks or cars. It may be applied in stationary applications.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fluid storage vessel comprising a plurality of globular vessels that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing a fluid therein.

2. A fluid storage vessel defined by claim 1 wherein the plurality of globular vessels are packed together to form a packed plurality of globular vessels.

3. A fluid storage vessel of claim 2 wherein the packed plurality of globular vessels are packed in accordance with a crystalline structure.

4. A fluid vessel defined by claim 3 wherein the crystalline structure is a compact crystalline structure.

5. A fluid vessel defined by either one of claim 3 and claim 4 wherein the crystalline structure is face centred cubic.

6. A fluid vessel defined by either one of claim 3 and claim 4 wherein the compact crystalline structure is body centred cubic.

7. A fluid vessel defined by either one of claim 3 and claim 4 wherein the compact crystalline structure is hexagonal close packed.

8. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of globular vessels are arranged in a plurality of layers.

9. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the claims 1 to 4 wherein the plurality of globular vessels are arranged in a single layer.

10. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of fluid conduits that provide fluid communication between the plurality of globular vessels.

11. A fluid vessel defined by claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of fluid conduits are tubular.

12. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of globular vessels are spherical.

13. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a skin.

14. A fluid vessel defined by claim 13 wherein the skin is conformal on all six sides.

15. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one stiffening element.

16. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a mounting system.

17. A fluid vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of globular vessels are thermally isolated.

18. A fluid storage vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid comprises molecular hydrogen.

19. A fluid storage vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a carbon fibre composite.

20. A fluid storage vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims with a pressure rating of at least 35- 70 MPa.

21. A method for making a fluid storage vessel defined by any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of three-dimensional printing the plurality of globular vessels that are in fluid communication.

22. A method defined by claim 20 comprising using a three- dimensional printing material comprising carbon fibre composite.

23. A fluid storage vessel comprising a two dimensional lattice of globular vessels that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing a fluid therein, the two dimensional lattice having:a first substructure with multiple first type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the first type rows being equally spaced apart;a second substructure with multiple second type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the second type rows being equally spaced apart;wherein the first and second substructures are intermeshed, the second type rows of globular vessels being fitted into the respective spaces between the first type rows of globular vessels, and vice versa.

24. The fluid storage vessel of claim 23, when the rows of globular vessels are intermeshed in a staggered manner such that the globular vessels of the second type rows fit in depressions of the first type rows.

25. The fluid storage vessel of either claim 23 or 24, wherein a prolonged fluid conduit is provided to connect each pair of adj acent terminal globular vessels so as to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows of the respective first and second substructures.

26. The fluid storage vessel of either claim 23 or 24, wherein each terminal globular vessel includes one or more fluid conduits in the form of tubes or open bosses, each of the tubes or open bosses including a mouth defined by a circumferential flange.

27. The fluid storage vessel of claim 26, wherein each of the first and second substructures includes multiple hydraulic hoses, each hose having one end adapted to mount onto the circumferential flange of a first terminal globular vessel and an opposite end adapted to mount onto the flange of the tube or open boss of an adjacent terminal globular vessel so as to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows of the respective first and second substructures.

28. The fluid storage vessel of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the first type rows of globular vessels are substantially identical to the second type rows of globular vessels.

29. A method of manufacturing a fluid storage vessel comprising a two dimensional lattice of globular vessels that are in fluid communication to define a fluid storage vessel cavity for storing a fluid therein, the method comprising the steps of:(i) providing a first substructure with multiple first type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the first type rows being equally spaced apart; and(ii) providing a second substructure with multiple second type rows of close-packed globular vessels, the second type rows being equally spaced apart;(iii) meshing the first and second substructures such that the second type rows of globular vessels are fitted into the respective spaces between the first type rows of globular vessels, and vice versa.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein intermeshing involves fitting the first type rows in the respective spaces between the second type rows in a staggered manner.

31. The method of either claim 29 or 30 including a further step of providing a prolonged fluid conduit to connect each pair of terminal globular vessels so as to provide fluid communication between adjacent rows of the respective first and second substructures.

32. The method of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein creating the first and / or second substructures involves printing the globular vessels by way of filament winding or automated fibre placement.

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