Hydrogen Storage System Staggered Alloy Tank Filling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage systems require large cooling capacities due to the generation of excessive heat during hydrogen absorption by alloys, especially when large amounts of hydrogen are stored, necessitating efficient cooling systems to manage heat of reaction.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage system with multiple alloy tanks and a control device that regulates the timing of hydrogen gas filling among these tanks, including interrupting or alternating the filling process based on temperature thresholds and intervals to manage heat generation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large amount of hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen-absorbing alloy tank from a hydrogen cylinder, then the hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but the heat of reaction increases requiring a cooling system with large cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system divides the hydrogen absorption process into multiple segments by using multiple alloy tanks instead of filling one large tank at a time. The control device alternates the filling of each alloy tank, so that while one tank absorbs hydrogen and generates heat, another tank can cool down. This segmentation distributes the heat generation over time and space, reducing the peak cooling capacity required for the system.
2Speed
If the temperature of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy increases, then the hydrogen absorption process is faster, but the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements periodic action by alternating the filling process among multiple alloy tanks. When one alloy tank reaches a predetermined temperature threshold, the system switches to the next tank in the sequence. This periodic switching ensures that each tank undergoes cycles of absorption (heating phase) and cooling (rest phase), maintaining optimal temperature ranges for maximum hydrogen absorption capacity while ensuring continuous operation.
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 approach reduces the required cooling capacity by controlling the filling process, thereby managing heat generation and maintaining optimal temperature levels within the system.
Implementation Method 1
When hydrogen is absorbed into a hydrogen-absorbing alloy, heat of reaction is generated
Implementation Method 2
heat of reaction is generated
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system for the hydrogen-absorbing alloy tank having a large cooling capacity is required to remove a large amount of heat of reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen storage system including a plurality of alloy tanks that absorb hydrogen gas and a control device that controls filling of the plurality of alloy tanks with the hydrogen gas, in which the control device alters timings of initiating the filling with the hydrogen gas among the plurality of alloy tanks. Therefore, the hydrogen storage system is capable of suppressing a required cooling capacity.