Subsurface Hydrogen Storage with Liquid-Filled Annulus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of small molecule gases, such as hydrogen, poses challenges due to leaks and gas permeation through materials and seals designed for larger molecule gases, especially under high pressure, which can lead to embrittlement and catastrophic failure.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface storage container system with an adapter that uses a non-hardening, incompressible liquid to fill the annulus between the outer casing and inner liner, reducing fatigue and extending the service life of the container by managing pressure and minimizing expansion and contraction of the adapter barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small molecule gases are stored at high pressure in conventional containers, then storage capacity is improved, but material fatigue and leakage increase due to gas permeation through seals
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into an inner liner and an outer casing with a liquid-filled annulus between them, separating the gas storage function from the structural support function. This segmentation allows the inner liner to be optimized for gas containment while the outer casing provides mechanical strength, reducing material fatigue and leakage risks
Solution Approach 2:
A non-hardening liquid is introduced as an intermediary substance in the annulus between the inner liner and outer casing. This liquid mediates the pressure transmission from the stored gas to the outer casing, distributing stress evenly and preventing direct contact between the gas and potential leak paths, thereby reducing leakage and material fatigue
2Ease of manufacture
If existing large molecule gas storage containers are repurposed for small molecule gases, then cost and labor are reduced, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
The non-hardening liquid in the annulus acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct interaction between small molecule gases and the container materials, eliminating embrittlement concerns and enabling safe repurposing of existing containers
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-filled annulus provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing pressure stresses before they can cause material fatigue or embrittlement, protecting the repurposed container structure and ensuring safety
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the annulus is filled with a non-hardening, incompressible liquid, then adapter barrel expansion and contraction are minimized extending service life, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annulus is filled with a non-hardening, incompressible liquid, utilizing hydraulic principles to transmit and distribute pressure evenly throughout the adapter barrel. This hydraulic pressure distribution minimizes localized stress concentrations that cause expansion and contraction, thereby extending service life despite the added complexity of the liquid filling system
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 system effectively stores small molecule gases at high pressures over extended periods without material fatigue or leakage, allowing repurposing of existing large molecule gas storage containers with minimal labor and cost, ensuring safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a non-hardening, incompressible liquid to fill the annulus between the outer casing and inner liner
Implementation Method 2
uses a non-hardening, incompressible liquid to fill the annulus between the outer casing and inner liner, reducing fatigue and extending the service life of the container by managing pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A subsurface storage container for a volume of a small molecular gas. An outer casing is axially aligned with an inner liner to define an annulus filled with a non-hardening, incompressible liquid. Sealing assemblies respectively seal upper and lower ends of the annulus and an interior storage space within the inner liner. In some embodiments, the interior storage space stores hydrogen gas at a pressure of about 10,000 psi or higher, and the liquid in the annulus comprises propylene glycol at a selected concentration which is pre-charged at a pressure such as around 3,000 psi. The liquid transfers compressive force from the inner liner to the outer casing to facilitate motor vehicle refueling operations without the need for a compressor to provide the gas at required delivery pressures. The storage container may be arranged into a group or pod that is supported by a support member over a well bore.