Building Framework with Integrated Hydrogen Storage Alloy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building systems require additional equipment and space for hydrogen storage and supply, which is not feasible in all scenarios, especially for emergency power generation without external gas supply infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a hydrogen storing alloy within the structural material of the building framework, combined with a temperature regulator and piping system that allows hydrogen to be released and supplied internally without external equipment, enabling self-sufficient hydrogen supply for fuel cell power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional equipment serving as a supply source of gas is provided separately from the building, then hydrogen can be supplied to inside of the building, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen supply capabilityVSAvoidequipment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hydrogen storage function with the building framework by integrating hydrogen storing alloy into the structural material. This combines the structural support function with the hydrogen storage and supply function, eliminating the need for separate hydrogen storage equipment and containers within the building.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural material is given multiple functions: it serves both as the building framework and as a hydrogen storage medium. The structural material containing hydrogen storing alloy performs both structural support and hydrogen storage/supply, reducing the need for dedicated hydrogen storage infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a container used to store hydrogen is placed in the building, then hydrogen supply is enabled, but the building requires additional space for storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen supply capabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogen storage function is merged into the building framework itself. The structural material containing hydrogen storing alloy serves dual purposes: providing structural support and storing hydrogen, thereby eliminating the need for separate hydrogen storage containers and the space they would occupy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows for hydrogen supply without separate equipment or storage space, facilitating emergency power generation and reducing infrastructure needs, making the building suitable as a shelter or facility during disasters.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrogen storing alloy integrated with the structural material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen storage in alloy: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

temperature regulation by the temperature regulator enables hydrogen to be obtained from the hydrogen storing alloy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent hydrogen release: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS10840524B2Building

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A building comprises a structural material configured to form a framework of the building; a hydrogen storing alloy integrated with the structural material; a temperature regulator provided inside of the structural material such as to regulate temperature of the structural material; and a piping provided inside of the structural material such as to cause hydrogen taken out from the hydrogen storing alloy to flow therethrough.