Segmented Hydrogen Storage Vessel with Corrugated Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage vessels for combustible fuels are not designed to withstand serious impacts and lack controlled release mechanisms, posing a risk of explosive fuel release and fire hazards, especially in automotive applications where alternative fuels like hydrogen are used.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-chamber storage vessel with peripheral seals and a circuitous fluid path, constructed from materials like stainless steel or titanium, where each chamber is sealed and connected via corrugated panels to restrict fuel flow and ensure controlled release in case of impact, preventing uncontrolled explosions and fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single chamber design is used, then the vessel structure is simple, but the fuel release cannot be controlled when punctured resulting in explosive release
Solution Approach 1:
The storage vessel is divided into multiple separate chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) instead of a single chamber. Each chamber is sealed with its own peripheral seal, creating independent compartments that can fail independently, preventing catastrophic explosive release from a single puncture event.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional baffles are added to prevent liquid motion, then vessel stability during movement is improved, but the ability to withstand serious impacts is not increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding conventional baffles that do not improve impact resistance, the invention segments the vessel into multiple chambers separated by corrugated panels. This segmentation provides both stability during movement and enhanced impact resistance, as the corrugated structure can absorb impact energy while the multiple chambers prevent catastrophic failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated panels have a curved, wave-like structure that provides mechanical strength and flexibility to withstand serious impacts. The curved geometry allows the panels to deform and absorb impact energy while maintaining structural integrity, unlike flat baffles that offer minimal impact protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single chamber is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but any puncture results in uncontrolled explosive release of pressurised fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is manufactured as multiple separate chambers that can be assembled together. Each chamber is sealed with its own peripheral seal, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation ensures that a puncture in one chamber does not compromise the entire vessel, preventing uncontrolled explosive release of all pressurized fuel.
4Quantity of substance
If alloys that chemically absorb hydrogen are used, then hydrogen storage is achieved, but the complexity and cost increase making them unsuitable for small storage situations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex hydrogen-absorbing alloys that require controlled conditions for absorption and release, the invention uses a segmented physical storage system with multiple chambers. Hydrogen is stored as compressed gas or liquid in these chambers, eliminating the need for complex chemical absorption mechanisms while maintaining adequate storage capacity for automotive applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage vessel for storing a fluid substance,said storage vessel including a plurality of abutting individually sealed storage chambers, each chamber capable of withstanding super atmospheric pressure, with adjacent chambers forming at least one fluid passageway therebetween,characterised in that at least one said chamber includes an external peripheral seal configured to be relatively weaker than the remainder of said vessel.