Liquid DME Cavern Storage for High-Density Hydrogen Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to a hydrogen-based energy infrastructure faces a significant challenge due to the low volumetric energy density of hydrogen, requiring unrealistically large storage volumes, and existing solutions like liquid hydrogen storage are energy-intensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
Storing dimethyl ether (DME) in liquid form at moderate pressures and temperatures in underground caverns, leveraging existing infrastructure, and using it as a fuel or to produce hydrogen, with captured CO₂ stored separately, optimizing inert gas use between storage caverns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen is stored in gaseous form at high pressure, then the storage infrastructure can be integrated into existing facilities, but the volumetric energy density remains too low to meet storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of hydrogen from gaseous to liquid form, and introduces DME as an alternative energy carrier that can be stored in liquid form at moderate pressures (1-10 MPa), significantly increasing volumetric energy density while maintaining compatibility with existing high-pressure storage infrastructure through parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DME (dimethyl ether) as an intermediary substance that can be produced from hydrogen and stored in liquid form, serving as a bridge between hydrogen production and hydrogen utilization, allowing hydrogen to be stored indirectly with much higher volumetric energy density
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored in liquid form to increase volumetric energy density, then the storage volume requirement is reduced, but the cooling requirement becomes complex and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameters from liquid hydrogen requiring cooling to 20K to liquid DME storable at moderate temperatures (20-100°C) and pressures (1-10 MPa), eliminating the need for complex cryogenic cooling systems while maintaining high volumetric energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DME as a disposable-like intermediary carrier that can be easily produced, stored, and converted back to hydrogen, replacing the need for permanent complex cryogenic infrastructure with simpler, more flexible storage solutions
3Quantity of substance
If larger storage volumes are constructed to store sufficient hydrogen energy, then the energy storage capacity is increased, but the infrastructure cost and space requirement become unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical composition parameters to liquid DME, achieving approximately 2.5 times higher volumetric energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen at 700 bar, thereby reducing storage volume requirements while maintaining the same energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DME, a compound substance with higher energy density, as a composite energy carrier that combines the benefits of high energy content with manageable storage requirements, effectively packing more energy into the same or smaller volume
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
DME provides high volumetric energy density, easy liquefaction, and compatibility with existing infrastructure, reducing storage volume needs and operational costs while enabling efficient energy transfer and hydrogen production.
Implementation Method 1
the DME is pressurized or subjected to pressure by means of an inert gas, in particular by means of N2 (nitrogen)
Implementation Method 2
Under the representative pressure and temperature conditions mentioned above within a cavern (16 MPa, 40 °C), DME exists as a liquefied gas
Implementation Method 3
released CO2 (carbon dioxide) is captured and stored under overpressure in a further cavern - CO2 cavern
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for storing an energy carrier, wherein DME (dimethyl ether) in liquid form is stored in a cavern - DME cavern - as the energy carrier.