Solid-State Hydrogen Storage with Flexible Membrane Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing hydrogen due to high pressure requirements, cryogenic temperatures, and material stresses, which increase costs, complexity, and safety concerns, particularly in transportation applications.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state hydrogen storage system utilizing multiple standard, pre-certified containers with an integrated endplate manifold and force distribution components, enabling efficient heat management, easy medium replacement, and uniform hydrogen distribution, while meeting regulatory standards and reducing localized stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored at high pressure, then storage density is improved, but system weight and cost increase due to thick-walled containers and high-pressure components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from high-pressure gaseous hydrogen to solid-state metal hydride hydrogen. This parameter change allows hydrogen to be stored at lower pressures (avoiding the need for thick-walled containers) while achieving high storage density through the absorption capacity of metal hydride materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of metal hydrides, which can reversibly absorb and desorb hydrogen at relatively low pressures. The metal hydride material transitions between hydrogen-loaded and hydrogen-depleted states, enabling high-density storage without requiring high-pressure containment structures.
2Quantity of substance
If metal hydride storage medium is used, then storage density is improved, but localized stresses on container walls increase due to expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or blister pack containing the metal hydride storage medium. This flexible containment structure can accommodate the expansion and contraction of the metal hydride during hydrogen absorption and desorption cycles, distributing stresses uniformly and preventing localized stress concentrations that would occur with rigid containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic, flexible containment system that adapts to the volume changes of the metal hydride material. The flexible membrane allows the storage medium to expand and contract freely during hydrogen cycling, transforming the static rigid container approach into a dynamic system that accommodates material deformation.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple hydrogen storage containers are used, then storage capacity is improved, but system complexity increases due to hydrogen distribution networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hydrogen storage containers into a single integrated assembly with a common flexible membrane. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex external hydrogen distribution networks, as all storage containers share a unified containment structure and can be filled or emptied simultaneously through a single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the metal hydride material, accommodates volume changes during hydrogen cycling, and acts as the hydrogen distribution interface for multiple storage containers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
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 system achieves higher volumetric and mass storage efficiencies, faster filling and discharge rates, lower costs, and improved durability, making it suitable for transportation and stationary applications with enhanced safety and manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
Metal hydrides absorb and desorb hydrogen without refrigeration at low pressures that can be easily obtained
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for the solid state storage of hydrogen in accordance with several exemplary embodiments is disclosed herein. The system includes a plurality of hydrogen storage containers. Each hydrogen storage container of the plurality of hydrogen storage containers has an inner chamber and an inlet. The inlet provides a pathway for introducing hydrogen gas into the inner chamber. The inner chamber having a solid hydrogen storage medium disposed therein. The system further includes an endplate manifold having a hydrogen receiving port, a plurality of hydrogen outlet ports, and a flow channel. The hydrogen flow channel is integrated into the endplate manifold. Each hydrogen outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet of one of the plurality of hydrogen storage containers. The hydrogen flow channel provides fluid communication between the hydrogen receiving port and each hydrogen outlet port.