Multilayer Hydrogen Pipe Structure for Low Permeation and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen pipes for vehicles have high permeability, leading to significant hydrogen diffusion and loss, especially during long vehicle periods.
Innovation Solution
A pipe design with multiple layers, including at least two barrier layers made of vinyl alcohol plastic, separated by a separator layer, and a support layer, which reduces permeability while maintaining flexibility and preventing cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the vinyl alcohol barrier layer is increased to reduce hydrogen permeability, then the barrier effect is improved, but the pipe becomes more brittle and develops microcracks during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The single thick vinyl alcohol barrier layer is divided into multiple thinner barrier layers (at least two) separated by separating layers. This segmentation reduces the thickness of each individual vinyl alcohol layer, preventing microcrack formation during bending, while the cumulative thickness of multiple layers maintains the overall hydrogen barrier effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Separating layers are introduced between the vinyl alcohol barrier layers. These intermediary layers prevent the brittle vinyl alcohol layers from directly contacting and cracking during bending, while still allowing the barrier layers to function effectively. The separating layers act as buffers that maintain flexibility.
2Loss of substance
If a single thick barrier layer is used to minimize hydrogen loss, then permeability is reduced, but the pipe structure becomes too rigid for vehicle applications requiring bends
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple thinner vinyl alcohol layers separated by flexible separating layers. This allows the pipe to bend without the barrier layer cracking, while the total thickness of the barrier system maintains low hydrogen permeability and minimizes hydrogen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe employs a composite multi-layer structure combining vinyl alcohol barrier layers with separating layers and other structural layers. This composite design integrates the low permeability of vinyl alcohol with the flexibility provided by the separating layers, achieving both low hydrogen loss and bending capability.
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 multi-layer design significantly reduces hydrogen permeability, maintains the pipe's flexibility and resistance to cracking, and minimizes hydrogen loss during vehicle use.
Implementation Method 1
the permeability of a barrier layer with respect to hydrogen is low when using a vinyl alcohol plastic... the barrier layers are separated from one another by a separating layer... significantly reduces hydrogen permeability
Data Source
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AI summary
A tube (1) is used for conveying hydrogen, particularly in a vehicle. The tube (1) encloses a lumen (2) and comprises several layers. The tube (1) has at least two barrier layers (4, 6), wherein an inner barrier layer (4) of the at least two barrier layers (4, 6) comprises a first plastic. An outer barrier layer (6) of the at least two barrier layers (4, 6) comprises a second plastic, wherein the first plastic is a vinyl alcohol plastic and wherein the barrier layers (4, 6) are separated from each other by a separating layer (5). The tube (1) has a support layer (3), wherein the support layer (3) is enclosed by the inner barrier layer (4). The second plastic is a vinyl alcohol plastic.