Hydrogen Storage Tank Membrane Structure for Pressure-Balanced Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low volumetric energy density and material embrittlement issues associated with storing hydrogen gas at high pressure pose challenges for safe and efficient storage, particularly due to the weakening effects on materials like steel and hydrogen permeation.
Innovation Solution
A storage tank design featuring a first chamber under pressure with a flexible membrane and a variable-volume second chamber, regulated by a fluid to counteract pressure forces on the first wall, using materials like steel and reinforced concrete to manage stress and permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen gas is stored at high pressure to increase volumetric energy density, then storage capacity is improved, but material strength deteriorates due to hydrogen embrittlement and stress
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the hydrogen gas and the steel storage wall. The membrane prevents atomic hydrogen from penetrating into the steel material, thereby eliminating hydrogen embrittlement while allowing the steel wall to contain the high pressure hydrogen storage
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: an inner flexible membrane layer that prevents hydrogen permeation, a middle steel wall layer that provides structural strength, and an outer concrete layer that offers additional mechanical support. This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high pressure containment and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement
2Quantity of substance
If high pressure is applied to increase hydrogen storage density, then volumetric energy density is improved, but stress on storage wall increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: an inner flexible membrane layer that prevents hydrogen permeation, a middle steel wall layer that provides structural strength, and an outer concrete layer that offers additional mechanical support. This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high pressure containment and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement
3Strength
If steel materials are used to provide structural strength for high pressure storage, then mechanical strength is improved, but hydrogen permeation increases causing embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the hydrogen gas and the steel storage wall. The membrane prevents atomic hydrogen from penetrating into the steel material, thereby eliminating hydrogen embrittlement while allowing the steel wall to contain the high pressure hydrogen storage
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 design reduces stress on the first wall by matching pressure in the second chamber to that of the first, enhancing the lifespan of the storage tank and mitigating damage from hydrogen attack, while accommodating structural movements.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane provided between the first wall and the surrounding structure
Implementation Method 2
A pressure of the fluid in the second chamber may be regulated to correspond to a pressure of the first gas in the first chamber such that forces acting on the first wall by the first gas in the first chamber are opposed by forces acting on the first wall by the fluid in the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tank 10 comprises a first chamber 14 configured to store a first gas 18 under pressure. The first chamber 14 is defined by a first wall 20 and is arranged within a surrounding structure 12. The storage tank also comprises a flexible membrane 22 provided between the first wall 20 and the surrounding structure 12. A second chamber 16 is formed between the first wall 20 and the flexible membrane 22. The second chamber 16 has a variable volume. The variable volume of the second chamber 16 compensates for any movement in the surrounding structure 12 and maintains the volume of the first chamber 14 substantially unchanged regardless of the pressure of the first gas 18. The storage tank also comprises at least one transfer pipe 50 which supplies the first gas 18 into the first chamber 14.