Composite Hydrogen Tank Wall Sensing for In-Service Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite storage tanks for gaseous hydrogen at high pressure face challenges in measuring hydrogen leakage rates and assessing the physical condition of the composite wall, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metal hydride element within the composite wall of the storage tank, which allows for the measurement of electrical characteristics such as resistance or dielectric constant to infer hydrogen leakage and wall condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If composite storage tanks are used for hydrogen storage, then gravimetric efficiency is improved, but hydrogen leakage increases over time due to microcracking and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensing elements during the manufacturing of the composite tank wall, before the tank is put into service. These sensors are embedded within the composite structure itself, allowing for continuous monitoring of hydrogen leakage and structural integrity from the outset, enabling early detection of microcracking and delamination issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensing elements as intermediaries between the hydrogen storage function and the monitoring function. These sensors act as mediators that detect hydrogen leakage and structural changes without interfering with the tank's primary function of storing hydrogen, providing real-time data on the tank's condition.
2Measurement precision
If traditional leak testing methods are used, then leakage detection is achieved, but tank removal from service is required even when performance is satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous feedback system through embedded sensors that monitor hydrogen leakage and structural condition in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows operators to assess tank health without removing the tank from service, enabling condition-based maintenance decisions rather than scheduled or precautionary removals.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank performs self-diagnosis through the embedded sensing elements that continuously monitor its own condition. The tank essentially monitors itself for leakage and structural integrity issues, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and tank removal for routine assessments.
3Device complexity
If no monitoring system is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but information on leakage rate and wall condition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements serve multiple functions: they detect hydrogen leakage, monitor structural integrity, and provide data on tank condition. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple embedded sensor system that simultaneously performs several monitoring tasks, minimizing the added complexity while maximizing the information gained.
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
Enables real-time monitoring of hydrogen leakage and the physical condition of the composite wall, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing hydrogen wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a metal hydride element or a metal element capable of forming a metal hydride in the presence of hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
measuring apparatus arranged to measure an electrical characteristic of the metal hydride element or the metal element. The extent of historical leakage of hydrogen from the tank, and its current physical condition, at the position of the metal or metal hydride element, may be inferred from an electrical characteristic of the metal or metal hydride element, for example its electrical resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A composite storage tank system for gaseous hydrogen comprises a composite storage tank having composite wall enclosing a gas storage volume, the composite wall including a metal hydride element, or a metal element capable of forming a metal hydride in the presence of hydrogen, the system further comprising measuring apparatus arranged to measure an electrical characteristic of the metal hydride element or the metal element. The history of leakage of gaseous hydrogen from the tank, the current rate of leakage and the physical condition of the composite wall in the vicinity of the metal or metal hydride element may be inferred from a measurement of the electrical characteristic, without taking the tank out of service as is required in the case of known leaks tests such as a vacuum test, helium leak test or hydrogen sniffing test.