Composite Pressure Vessel Liner for Heat-Resistant Gas Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure gas storage tanks face challenges in achieving lightweight construction with high thermal resistance, gas barrier properties, and improved productivity, particularly when using thermoplastic resin liners.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel liner composed of a fiber-reinforced composite material using a cured product of a thermosetting resin and continuous reinforcing fibers, which allows for mold-free molding processes like braiding or winding, enhancing thermal resistance and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermoplastic resin is used in the liner, then the liner can be manufactured with gas barrier properties, but the heat resistance is limited by the melting point or glass transition temperature of the resin
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the resin type from thermoplastic to thermosetting resin. This parameter change enables the liner to achieve high heat resistance (withstanding temperatures above 100°C) while maintaining gas barrier properties, as thermosetting resins do not melt or soften at elevated temperatures unlike thermoplastic resins
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite materials by combining thermosetting resin with continuous reinforcing fibers (such as glass fibers or carbon fibers). This composite structure provides both the heat resistance from the thermosetting resin matrix and the mechanical strength from the continuous fibers, while maintaining gas barrier properties
2Productivity
If a thermoplastic resin is used and molded through heating and cooling cycles, then the liner can be formed, but productivity is reduced due to the time-consuming molding cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-impregnating continuous reinforcing fibers with thermosetting resin to create prepreg materials before the actual molding process. This preliminary preparation allows for faster molding cycles since the resin is already in position and only requires curing rather than heating through melting and cooling cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the molding mechanism from thermal melting and cooling (thermoplastic) to chemical curing (thermosetting). This parameter change in the curing process eliminates the need for prolonged cooling cycles, significantly reducing manufacturing time and improving productivity
3Weight of moving object
If steel is used for the high-pressure gas storage tank, then strength and durability are achieved, but the weight is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials consisting of thermosetting resin and continuous reinforcing fibers (glass fibers or carbon fibers) to create a liner that is both lightweight and structurally strong. This composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, eliminating the need for heavy steel construction while maintaining structural integrity for high-pressure gas storage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metallic (steel) to polymeric composite (thermosetting resin with continuous fibers). This material substitution dramatically reduces weight while maintaining or enhancing strength properties, enabling lightweight high-pressure gas storage tanks suitable for vehicle applications
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 liner provides lightweight, high-strength, and gas-tight properties suitable for high-pressure gas storage tanks, improving vehicle fuel economy and reducing production time.
Implementation Method 1
a cured product of a thermosetting resin or a thermosetting resin composition
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a liner for a pressure vessel, the liner being constituted from a fiber-reinforced composite material containing a cured product of a thermosetting resin or a thermosetting resin composition, and continuous reinforcing fibers. Also provided is a high-pressure gas storage tank provided with the liner.