Cone-Shaped Hydrogen Bladder Storage for Stable Moderate Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage systems are limited by the need for high-pressure tanks, which are expensive and not easily relocatable, or rely on geologically specific salt caverns that restrict location flexibility, while current above-ground structures are too costly for large-volume storage.
Innovation Solution
A cone-shaped bladder system supported by a skeletal structure, using a flexible membrane and a secondary bladder to maintain pressure and purity, with optional ballonets or water injection to stabilize pressure, allowing for low to moderate pressure storage of hydrogen in a flexible and cost-effective manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-pressure tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then storage density is improved, but cost and relocatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bladder made of composite materials to contain hydrogen at low pressure. The bladder can be filled and emptied repeatedly without permanent deformation, replacing rigid high-pressure metal tanks. This flexible membrane approach allows large-volume storage without requiring expensive high-pressure containment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high-pressure (350-700 bar) to low-pressure (near atmospheric) storage. By accepting lower storage density in exchange for using simple flexible bladders instead of complex high-pressure vessels, the system achieves cost-effective large-volume storage suitable for utility-scale applications.
2Volume of stationary object
If salt caverns are used for hydrogen storage, then large-volume storage is achieved, but location flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bladder can be deployed in various above-ground locations without requiring specific geological formations like salt domes. The system can be installed at hydrogen production sites, distribution hubs, or consumption points, providing location flexibility that underground caverns cannot offer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from underground three-dimensional cavern storage to above-ground storage using flexible bladders that can be positioned on surfaces. This dimensional change from subterranean to surface-level storage enables deployment in diverse geographical locations without excavation or geological constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If above-ground structures are used for large-volume gas storage, then relocatability is improved, but construction cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bladder is a simple, lightweight structure that can be easily transported and reinstalled at different locations. Unlike rigid above-ground steel tanks that require heavy foundations and complex installation, the flexible membrane system can be deployed quickly with minimal infrastructure, dramatically reducing construction costs while maintaining relocatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder uses inexpensive composite materials that can be replaced if needed. Rather than investing in permanent, expensive above-ground steel structures, the system employs cost-effective flexible containers that achieve the same function at a fraction of the cost, making large-volume storage economically viable.
4Ease of manufacture
If flexible membrane is used for storage, then cost is reduced, but pressure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and control mechanisms that monitor bladder pressure and adjust gas flow accordingly. When pressure drops, the system automatically adds gas; when pressure rises, gas is released. This feedback control maintains stable pressure despite the flexible nature of the bladder, resolving the contradiction between using cheap flexible materials and maintaining pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder system is designed to self-regulate pressure through its physical properties and integrated control systems. The bladder's elasticity and the automated gas injection/venting mechanisms work together to maintain pressure within acceptable ranges without requiring external intervention, achieving pressure stability inherent to the system design.
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 large-volume hydrogen storage at lower pressures, reducing construction and operational costs, and facilitating relocation, while maintaining gas purity and pressure stability, suitable for utility-scale energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
a cone-shaped bladder system supported by a skeletal structure, using a flexible membrane
Implementation Method 2
with optional ballonets or water injection to stabilize pressure
Implementation Method 3
with optional ballonets or water injection to stabilize pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A gas storage system which stores large volumes of a gas in a structure at a relatively low to moderate pressure ranging from about 3 atmospheres to about 50 atmospheres. The structure may include a Skeleton with a Skin and may be shaped like a Tipi. The gas may be contained within an interior, collapsible bag. The structure may be part of a water collection system. The Skin may reside within the Skeleton, or it may cover the Skeleton. A low-cost, pressurized gas storage vessel may have a volume greater than 10 m3 and operate between 3 and 50 atmospheres and between −40 and 100 degrees centigrade and have a skin to contain the pressure and limit leakage of the stored gas. The skin may be a flexible, multi-layer membrane.