Non-Pyrophoric AB2 Alloy Storage Vessel With Thermal Tube Bundle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage materials face challenges such as pyrophoricity, low reversible storage capacity, high desorption temperatures, and high material costs, which hinder their practical application in large-scale commercial use, especially in mobile applications like hydrogen fuel vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A non-pyrophoric AB2-type Laves phase hydrogen storage alloy with a specific composition and a thermally conductive compartmentalization network within a containment vessel, fabricated using 3D metal printing, is developed to enhance hydrogen storage capacity, reduce desorption temperature, and lower material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional metal hydride storage materials are used, then hydrogen storage capacity is achieved, but pyrophoricity occurs causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining AB2-type Laves phase alloy with specific elemental compositions (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Al, Ni) to create a material that maintains high hydrogen storage capacity while eliminating pyrophoricity. The specific composite composition achieves non-pyrophoric properties while preserving reversible hydrogen storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by precisely controlling the elemental composition ratios and atomic percentages of the alloy components. By adjusting the specific parameters of metal content and phase structure, the material achieves optimal balance between hydrogen storage capacity and non-pyrophoric safety characteristics.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional hydrogen storage alloys are used, then hydrogen storage is achieved, but desorption temperature is high reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the alloy composition parameters, specifically the ratios of B-site elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Al, Ni), to lower the desorption temperature while maintaining hydrogen storage capacity. The precise compositional parameters enable controlled thermal properties for efficient hydrogen release.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional hydrogen storage materials are used, then storage capacity is achieved, but material cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the concentration parameters of expensive elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Al, Ni) within the alloy composition. By precisely controlling the atomic percentages of these elements, the patent achieves high storage capacity while minimizing material costs through efficient use of costly components.
4Quantity of substance
If metal hydride storage is used, then high density storage is achieved, but heat management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thermal properties parameters of the alloy through compositional adjustments. The AB2-type Laves phase structure with specific element ratios provides favorable thermal characteristics that simplify heat management during hydrogen absorption and desorption processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a hydrogen storage system with high reversible capacity, low desorption temperature, flat pressure-composition isotherm curve, reduced hysteresis, and lower material costs, addressing the limitations of existing hydrogen storage materials.
Implementation Method 1
The alloy may have a total hydrogen storage capacity of at least about 1.7 wt % at about 500 psi and about 20° C.
Implementation Method 2
Overall reversible reaction is written as: M(s)+x/2H2(g)⇔MHX(s)+ΔH
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of elongate tubes may form a coherent, tightly packed tube bundle within the external pressure containment vessel such that the coherent, tightly packed bundle provides a thermally conductive network between the hydrogen storage alloy and the external pressure containment vessel.
Implementation Method 4
Such materials will generally release heat upon charging, take-up of hydrogen, absorption of hydrogen, or hydriding.
Implementation Method 5
The absorption reaction is exothermic, whereas the desorption reaction is endothermic.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen storage alloy containment vessel comprising an external pressure containment vessel and a thermally conductive compartmentalization network disposed within the pressure containment vessel. The compartmentalization network creates compartments within the pressure vessel within which a hydrogen storage alloy is disposed. The compartmentalization network includes a plurality of thermally conductive elongate tubes positioned within the pressure vessel forming a coherent, tightly packed tube bundle providing a thermally conductive network between the hydrogen storage alloy and the pressure vessel. The hydrogen storage alloy is a non-pyrophoric AB2-type Laves phase hydrogen storage alloy having: an A-site to B-site elemental ratio of not more than 0.5; and an alloy composition including (in at %): Zr: 2.0-5.5, Ti: 27-31.3, V: 8.3-9.9, Cr: 20.6-30.5, Mn: 25.4-33.0, Fe: 1.0-5.9, Al: 0.1-0.4, and/or Ni: 0.0-4.0.