Multi-Chamber Metal Hydride Vessel for Low-Pressure Hydrogen
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage technologies face challenges in efficiently storing hydrogen due to its low energy content by volume and flammability, with existing methods requiring high-pressure tanks and significant energy input, which are not commercially viable and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A gas storage unit comprising multiple cylindrical chambers with metal alloy materials that absorb and release hydrogen, featuring a diaphragm and annulus design for efficient hydrogen storage and release, allowing for modular deployment in vehicles and energy systems, and capable of storing other gases as well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-pressure tanks are used to store hydrogen, then energy content by volume is improved, but weight and energy input requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from high-pressure physical storage to chemical storage via metal hydride formation. Hydrogen is stored chemically bonded to metal alloys at low pressure, fundamentally altering the storage mechanism to achieve high volumetric density without requiring heavy pressure containment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of hydrogen from gaseous state to solid-state metal hydride. By transforming hydrogen into a solid compound with metal alloys, the system achieves compact storage without the need for high-pressure gaseous containment, thereby reducing system weight
2Quantity of substance
If high-pressure tanks are used to store hydrogen, then energy content by volume is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from high-pressure physical storage to chemical storage via metal hydride formation. Hydrogen is stored chemically bonded to metal alloys at low pressure, fundamentally altering the storage mechanism to achieve high volumetric density without requiring heavy pressure containment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful flammability of gaseous hydrogen into a beneficial stable chemical bond. By forming metal hydrides, the highly flammable hydrogen gas is transformed into a stable solid compound that can be safely stored and transported, releasing hydrogen only when needed through controlled decomposition
3Quantity of substance
If metal alloy hydrogen storage is used, then energy content by volume is improved and safety is enhanced, but energy content by weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple independent chambers, each containing different metal alloy compositions. This allows optimization of each chamber's metal-to-hydrogen ratio and enables selective use of different alloy types (e.g., AB5, AB2, A2B6) to balance volumetric and gravimetric energy density requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite metal alloy materials with optimized compositions and structures. By using intermetallic compounds and composite structures, the system improves the effective energy content by weight while maintaining high volumetric density through efficient space utilization in each chamber
4Quantity of substance
If cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage is used, then energy content by volume is improved, but energy input and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from cryogenic liquid storage to ambient temperature chemical storage. By forming metal hydrides at or near ambient conditions, the system eliminates the need for cryogenic cooling infrastructure and continuous energy input, achieving high volumetric density without thermal management overhead
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 solution enhances energy density and safety by eliminating the need for high-pressure tanks and insulation, enabling efficient storage and use of hydrogen in various applications, including vehicles and generators, while maintaining stability and minimizing hydrogen loss over time.
Implementation Method 1
Metal alloy hydrogen storage is based on materials capable of reversibly absorbing and releasing the hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen gas storage unit includes at least two hydrogen gas storage chambers. The hydrogen gas storage unit comprises a cylindrical container having an end anvil at each end of the cylindrical container. The at least two hydrogen gas storage chambers are separated by an intermediate anvil and at least one spacer disk. The intermediate anvil has a channel that permits hydrogen gas to flow between the two hydrogen gas storage chambers. The spacer disk extends radially outward from the intermediate anvil and secures a diaphragm in position within at least one of the hydrogen gas storage chambers. A metal alloy that can store hydrogen gas is located between the outer surface of the diaphragm and the inner surface of the cylindrical container.