Metal Hydride Polymer Matrix for Low-Pressure Hydrogen Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage systems are maintenance-intensive and expensive due to high-pressure compression, and mechanical pressure relief systems are prone to damage and slow in responding to pressure spikes, posing risks to pipeline systems.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage material formed from metal hydride embedded in a hydrogen-permeable polymer matrix for passive pressure regulation, which absorbs and releases hydrogen to stabilize system pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-pressure compression storage is used, then hydrogen storage density is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression systems with chemical absorption systems. Instead of using compressors and high-pressure cylinders, the invention uses metal hydrides that chemically absorb and release hydrogen at low pressures, eliminating the need for complex mechanical compression equipment while maintaining efficient hydrogen storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameter from high pressure (300 bar) to low pressure (1-70 bar) by using chemical absorption mechanisms. The metal hydrides enable hydrogen storage at these lower pressures through reversible chemical reactions, fundamentally changing the operating parameters of the storage system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical pressure relief valves are used, then pressure spike protection is improved, but system reliability decreases due to damage and slow response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure relief valves with a chemical absorption-based pressure regulation system. The metal hydrides automatically absorb excess hydrogen during pressure spikes through reversible chemical reactions, providing protection without mechanical moving parts that can fail or respond slowly.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal hydride storage material provides self-regulating pressure control through its inherent chemical absorption properties. When pressure spikes occur, the system automatically absorbs excess hydrogen without requiring external mechanical intervention, making the system more reliable and responsive.
3Quantity of substance
If high-pressure storage systems are used, then hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical compression with low-energy chemical absorption processes. The metal hydrides absorb and release hydrogen through chemical reactions that occur at low pressures, dramatically reducing the energy consumption compared to compressing hydrogen to 300 bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage approach from high-pressure mechanical compression to low-pressure chemical absorption. This parameter change enables hydrogen storage at 1-70 bar instead of 300 bar, reducing the energy required for compression while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
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
Enables decentralized, low-pressure hydrogen storage with passive pressure regulation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing safety by avoiding mechanical systems and controlling hydrogen release.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen storage material formed from metal hydride embedded in a hydrogen-permeable polymer matrix for passive pressure regulation
Implementation Method 2
metal hydrides are particularly suitable, as they can reversibly absorb and release hydrogen depending on the prevailing pressure
Implementation Method 3
hydrogen-permeable polymer matrix
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The use of a hydrogen storage material for passive pressure regulation in a gas transport system for hydrogen-containing gas or for hydrogen storage and passive pressure regulation in a gas storage system for hydrogen is described, wherein the hydrogen storage material is formed from hydrogen-storing metal hydride embedded in a hydrogen-permeable polymer matrix.