Micro-Container Hydrogen Storage Cartridge Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage methods face challenges in achieving safe storage at higher pressures, higher weight content, lower hydrogen losses, and sufficient load and release rates, while also being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus comprising a sealed housing with a controllable discharge valve and a cartridge assembly of different types of micro-containers, including hollow micro-cylinders and micro-spheres, which allows for controlled hydrogen liberation using temperature and radiation-enhanced diffusion, with a control system to manage pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compressed hydrogen storage is used at high pressure (20 MPa-70 MPa), then storage capacity is improved, but safety and explosion protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hydrogen storage system into numerous small micro-containers (micro-spheres or micro-cylinders) instead of using a single large tank. Each micro-container holds a small amount of hydrogen at high pressure (up to 1000 atm), so that even if one container fails, the explosion risk is limited to that single container rather than the entire storage system. This segmentation approach enables high storage capacity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from conventional levels (20-70 MPa) to extremely high pressure (up to 1000 atm or approximately 100 MPa) within the micro-containers. This parameter change allows for significantly increased hydrogen storage capacity in a compact form factor. The small size of individual micro-containers at this high pressure provides inherent safety through segmentation, resolving the contradiction between capacity and safety.
2Reliability
If metal hydride storage is used, then explosion protection is improved, but hydrogen weight content deteriorates (less than 4.5%)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the storage mechanism from chemical bonding in metal hydrides to physical compression in micro-containers. By using high-pressure compressed gas (up to 1000 atm) in small micro-containers rather than metal hydride chemical storage, the system achieves both high safety (through segmentation and controlled pressure release) and high hydrogen weight content (exceeding 10%, and potentially up to 20-30% with optimized micro-container density).
3Quantity of substance
If conventional compressed gas storage tanks are used, then storage capacity is improved, but device weight deteriorates (large and heavy tanks)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the storage system into numerous small micro-containers that can be densely packed. This segmentation allows for more efficient use of space and reduces the overall structural weight compared to a single large tank. The micro-containers can be arranged in high-density configurations, increasing hydrogen storage capacity while reducing the weight of the containment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-containers are made from materials with high strength-to-weight ratios, such as glass, ceramic, or advanced composites. These materials can withstand the extreme internal pressure (up to 1000 atm) while being lightweight. The use of such composite materials for the micro-containers, rather than conventional steel tanks, significantly reduces the overall system weight while maintaining or increasing storage capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If micro-containers with high pressure storage are used, then hydrogen weight content is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines numerous individual micro-containers into a single integrated cartridge assembly. This merging approach simplifies the overall system by treating the collection of micro-containers as one modular unit that can be easily installed, removed, and replaced. The cartridge design integrates the micro-containers with a common containment structure and interface, reducing the complexity of handling and system integration despite the high number of individual containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-containers are designed to be self-contained units that automatically maintain their pressure and integrity without requiring active control or monitoring systems. Each micro-container is a passive, sealed vessel that stores hydrogen at high pressure inherently. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex pressure regulation, temperature control, or safety monitoring systems, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving high hydrogen weight content.
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 apparatus enables safe storage and controlled release of hydrogen at higher pressures, improving weight content and reducing losses, thereby enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen can diffuse into the hollow cores of the micro-spheres through the thin glass walls at practical rates at temperatures between 100° C. and 400° C.
Implementation Method 2
The hydrogen liberating tool includes a heating element associated with the cartridge and configured for heating the micro-containers
Implementation Method 3
The hydrogen liberating tool includes a radiation source configured for providing radiation through the micro-containers
Implementation Method 4
The apparatus includes a controllable discharge valve configured for controllable discharge of the hydrogen gas from the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storage of compressed hydrogen gas is provided. The apparatus includes a sealed housing having an outlet pipe coupled to the housing and equipped with a controllable discharge valve. The sealed housing defines a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an assembly of at least two different types of micro-containers configured for accumulating and storing said compressed hydrogen gas. The apparatus also includes a hydrogen liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the hydrogen gas from the cartridge into a volume of the chamber that is not occupied by the cartridge. The apparatus is controlled by a control system operatively coupled to the controllable discharge valve and the hydrogen liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof.