Hydrogen Storage Container with Pre-stressed Concrete Pressure Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage solutions, particularly those using structural metals like high-strength steels, face challenges with hydrogen embrittlement, leading to reduced fracture toughness and inability to meet high-pressure requirements for bulk hydrogen storage at a low cost, which is essential for widespread adoption of fuel cell technology.
Innovation Solution
A composite storage container design featuring a pre-stressed concrete pressure vessel (PCPV) surrounding a steel tank with multiple layers, including steel tendons and an interface material for enhanced structural support and hydrogen permeation venting, to share pressure loads and mitigate hydrogen embrittlement, while reducing the thickness and cost of the steel tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high-strength steel tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then pressure containment capability is improved, but hydrogen embrittlement occurs leading to reduced fracture toughness
Solution Approach 1:
The steel tank is divided into multiple layers with different materials and functions. The inner layer uses hydrogen-embrittlement-resistant material to prevent hydrogen penetration, while outer layers provide structural strength and pressure containment. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function rather than requiring a single material to fulfill all requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction by combining multiple materials in a layered tank structure. Each layer is made of different materials optimized for specific functions: hydrogen barrier properties, mechanical strength, and pressure resistance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by distributing functional requirements across multiple materials rather than relying on a single high-strength steel material that is susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
2Stress or pressure
If steel tank thickness is increased to meet pressure requirements, then pressure containment is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank wall is segmented into multiple thinner layers instead of one thick wall. Each layer can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes, avoiding the need for expensive thick-wall manufacturing. The layers are then assembled together to achieve the required overall pressure containment capability, reducing total material and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite layered construction, the invention achieves required pressure containment with thinner overall wall thickness compared to a solid steel tank. Each layer contributes to the overall strength, allowing the use of thinner, more cost-effective materials while meeting pressure requirements through the combined effect of multiple layers.
3Device complexity
If single-layer steel tanks are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but hydrogen embrittlement and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tank structure is segmented into multiple functional layers, each with a specific role in preventing hydrogen embrittlement and providing structural support. This segmentation transforms a single complex material requirement into multiple simpler, specialized layers that are easier to manufacture and assemble while providing superior hydrogen resistance.
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 low-cost, reliable, and efficient method for bulk hydrogen storage, reducing steel thickness requirements and addressing hydrogen embrittlement issues, enabling the development of a cost-effective hydrogen infrastructure for fuel cell applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-stressed concrete pressure vessel (PCPV) disposed around said tank, the PCPV adapted to provide at least a portion of a pressure load to said tank
Implementation Method 2
The gas permeated through the inner-most layer is then vented from the tank
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system is described for storing high-pressure fluids such as hydrogen. An inner tank and pre-stressed concrete pressure vessel share the structural and/or pressure load on the inner tank. The system and apparatus provide a high performance and low cost container while mitigating hydrogen embrittlement of the metal tank. System is useful for distributing hydrogen to a power grid or to a vehicle refueling station.