Hydrogen Tank Production via Segmented Fiber Layer Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing hydrogen tanks for vehicles face challenges in achieving a balance between lightweight construction and high stability, while also ensuring economic viability and compatibility with mass production.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a pressure vessel, specifically a hydrogen tank, involving a liner surrounded by a fiber-reinforced laminate. The laminate consists of a first fiber layer wound around the liner, impregnated with matrix material, and a second fiber layer formed by a braided sleeve of dry fibers. The matrix material is cured without additional infiltration, simplifying the process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the first and second fiber layers are jointly infiltrated with resin, then the fiber-reinforced laminate achieves sufficient stability and structural integrity, but the production process becomes complex and less suitable for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The production process is segmented into distinct steps: first applying the fiber material impregnated with matrix material to form the first fiber layer, then arranging the second fiber layer of dry fibers around it. This segmentation allows each layer to be processed independently, simplifying the overall production process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix material is preliminarily applied to the first fiber layer during the impregnation process, before the second fiber layer is added. This preliminary action ensures that the matrix material is already in position to bind the fibers together, eliminating the need for subsequent complex infiltration steps and reducing production complexity.
2Strength
If traditional fiber layer application and curing methods are used, then the pressure vessel achieves necessary stability, but production costs increase and mass production compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber material serves a dual function: it provides structural reinforcement while simultaneously carrying the impregnated matrix material that will bind both fiber layers together. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate matrix application equipment and infiltration processes, reducing production costs and simplifying manufacturing for mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure where fiber material and matrix material are combined in a specific sequence - first the impregnated fiber layer, then the dry fiber layer. This composite arrangement allows the matrix material to be efficiently distributed throughout the laminate structure during a single curing process, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining stability.
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 method results in a lightweight yet highly stable pressure vessel that can be produced economically and on a large scale, ensuring compatibility with mass production while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for hydrogen storage.
Implementation Method 1
curing/consolidating the matrix material without supplying additional matrix material, to produce the fiber-reinforced laminate
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vessel and a method for producing a pressure vessel are provided. The pressure vessel has a liner and a fiber-reinforced laminate, which surrounds the liner and has a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer, which are incorporated in a matrix material. The method includes: a) providing the liner for storing a fluid, having a cylindrical region and two cap regions at opposite ends of the cylindrical region, b) wrapping a fibrous material impregnated with matrix material around the liner at the cap regions and the cylindrical region to produce the first fiber layer, which is already permeated with matrix material, c) arranging the second fiber layer around the first fiber layer, wherein the second fiber layer is formed by at least one braided sleeve of dry fibers, and d) curing or consolidating the matrix material without supplying additional matrix material to produce the fiber-reinforced laminate.