Hydrogen Storage Composite Material Using Polymer Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of securely storing and transporting hydrogen due to its highly combustible and explosive nature, combined with difficulties in efficiently storing and recovering hydrogen due to its small molecular size, limits the effectiveness of hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage device utilizing a composite material with a polymeric matrix and embedded hydrogenatable material, where the composite material includes layers with primary functions of hydrogen storage, heat conduction, or gas passage, pressed together at high pressures to enhance stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen is stored using conventional methods, then hydrogen storage capacity is achieved, but safety is compromised due to high flammability and explosive mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer matrix acts as an intermediary material that absorbs and stores hydrogen in a safe, stable form. The polymer matrix prevents direct contact between hydrogen and the environment, eliminating the formation of explosive mixtures while maintaining storage capacity. This mediator approach transforms hazardous free hydrogen into safe polymer-bound hydrogen.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer matrix creates an inert environment for hydrogen storage by chemically binding hydrogen in a stable, non-reactive state. The polymer-hydrogen complex prevents hydrogen from forming explosive mixtures with air, effectively creating a safe, inert storage condition that eliminates flammability hazards.
2Duration of action of moving object
If hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen storage device, then storage capacity is achieved, but service life is limited due to molecular instability and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer matrix serves as a stable intermediary that binds hydrogen molecules, protecting them from degradation and environmental damage. This polymer-hydrogen complex maintains compositional stability over extended periods, significantly extending the service life of the storage device while preventing hydrogen loss or contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A composite material structure combining polymer matrix with hydrogen storage components creates enhanced stability. The polymer matrix provides structural integrity and chemical stability, while the composite architecture protects hydrogen from degradation, extending the operational lifespan of the storage device.
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored efficiently, then storage density is improved, but heat management becomes difficult due to heat generation during hydrogen uptake and release
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer matrix acts as a thermal mediator that manages heat generation during hydrogen uptake and release. The polymer structure provides thermal pathways for heat dissipation while maintaining efficient hydrogen storage density, balancing thermal management requirements with storage capacity.
4Productivity
If hydrogen is stored in a compact form, then storage efficiency is improved, but gas passage and heat conduction become restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer matrix performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores hydrogen efficiently, conducts heat, and allows gas passage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, maintaining compact storage efficiency while ensuring adequate heat conduction and gas flow pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure integrates hydrogen storage, heat conduction, and gas passage functions into a unified system. The composite architecture provides interconnected pathways for heat and gas while maintaining high storage density, avoiding the complexity of separate component systems.
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 solution provides a hydrogen storage device with improved service life and stability, enabling efficient hydrogen storage and release while managing heat and gas passage effectively, thus addressing the safety and efficiency concerns associated with hydrogen storage.
Implementation Method 1
a matrix comprising at least one polymer in which the hydrogenatable material is embedded
Implementation Method 2
the sorbent serves to absorb hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
at least one other layer is present that primarily handles heat conduction. This means that the largest amount of heat is dissipated from the compressed material composite via this layer
Implementation Method 4
A layer primarily used for gas passage can also be utilized here, through which hydrogen is introduced into and, for example, expelled from the composite material
Implementation Method 5
the first and the second region are pressed together at pressures of 500 to 6000 bar and form a composite region
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention concerns a hydrogen store comprising a composite material including a hydrogenable material, a method for producing the hydrogen store and a device for producing the hydrogen store.