Subsurface Gas Storage Pod With Hydraulic Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of small molecule gases, such as hydrogen, in conventional storage containers is challenging due to permeation issues that lead to embrittlement and potential catastrophic failure, especially under high pressure, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface storage system with a rigid outer casing and a rigid inner liner, filled with a non-compressible fluid in the annulus space, maintains a differential pressure to safely store small molecule gases by using an adapter barrel made of low-permeability materials like aluminum, with a damping fluid like propylene glycol in the annulus to manage pressure differentials and prevent fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional storage containers are used for small molecule gases like hydrogen, then storage capacity is achieved, but permeation occurs leading to embrittlement and potential catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple layers: an inner liner made of low-permeability material (aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic) and an outer casing. This segmentation isolates the hydrogen from the conventional container materials that cause embrittlement, allowing safe storage while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner liner acts as an intermediary barrier between the hydrogen and the outer casing. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between hydrogen and conventional container materials, eliminating the permeation and embrittlement issues while maintaining structural integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If high pressure is applied to store more gas, then storage density increases, but the risk of embrittlement and catastrophic failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the container into an inner liner and outer casing, the system can safely withstand high pressures without transmitting embrittlement-causing stresses to the conventional outer materials. The inner liner contains the high-pressure hydrogen, isolating the harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: the inner liner provides low permeability and pressure containment, while the outer casing provides structural strength. This composite approach enables high-pressure storage without embrittlement risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for storage, then manufacturing is simpler, but material degradation and fatigue occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the container into separate inner liner and outer casing components allows each to be optimized for its specific function. The inner liner can be made from thin low-permeability material, while the outer casing provides durable structural support, extending overall service life without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 effectively stores small molecule gases under high pressure without material degradation, extending the service life of the container and ensuring safety by minimizing leaks and fatigue, allowing repurposing of existing storage infrastructure with minimal labor and cost.
Implementation Method 1
A differential pressure control mechanism maintains a differential pressure across the inner liner within a predetermined differential pressure range
Implementation Method 2
The annulus space is filled with a fluid comprising a non-compressible liquid
Implementation Method 3
The control mechanism can include a high pressure pump configured to recirculate the annulus fluid
Implementation Method 4
The control mechanism can include a relief valve
Implementation Method 5
A subsurface storage system with a rigid outer casing and a rigid inner liner, filled with a non-compressible fluid in the annulus space
Implementation Method 6
using an adapter barrel made of low-permeability materials like aluminum
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for subsurface storage of hydrogen, compressed natural gas, and/or other high pressure gases. A storage module has a rigid outer casing which surrounds a rigid inner liner to define a sealed interior gas storage space within the inner liner and a sealed annulus space between the inner liner and the outer casing. The annulus space is filled with a fluid comprising a non-compressible liquid. A differential pressure control mechanism maintains a differential pressure across the inner liner within a predetermined differential pressure range. The control mechanism can include a high pressure pump configured to recirculate the annulus fluid, a relief valve, and one or more pressure sensors. The storage module may be incorporated into a storage pod with a plurality of storage modules having a combined storage space and a combined annulus space. The storage modules may be suspended by a support plate into a subsurface well bore.