Type 4 Hydrogen Storage Tank Catalyst Integration for Hydrogen Permeation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen gas permeating through the liner of TYPE 4 hydrogen storage tanks can lead to fire risks and buckling due to incomplete discharge and external vibrations, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A storage tank design incorporating a catalyst, such as palladium or platinum, dispersed in the composite material or applied between the liner and composite material to decompose hydrogen molecules, preventing leakage and buckling by converting hydrogen gas into ions or atoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a liner made of plastic material is used in a TYPE 4 hydrogen storage tank, then weight reduction is achieved and manufacturing is simplified, but hydrogen gas permeation through the liner causes fire risks and buckling phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of hydrogen gas permeation into a beneficial process by introducing catalysts that decompose the permeated hydrogen molecules into atoms. This decomposition prevents fire risks and buckling phenomena by eliminating the molecular hydrogen that causes these problems, while the catalyst layer itself provides structural reinforcement to prevent liner buckling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catalyst layer as an intermediary between the liner and composite material. This intermediary layer serves dual functions: it decomposes permeated hydrogen molecules into atoms (preventing fire and buckling), and it provides mechanical reinforcement to the liner structure. The catalyst acts as a mediator that transforms the harmful permeation process into a protective mechanism
2Productivity
If hydrogen gas is rapidly discharged from the storage tank, then storage capacity is utilized efficiently, but the hydrogen gas causes fire risks and buckling when locally collected on the interface between liner and composite material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing catalysts in the composite material or at the liner-composite interface before hydrogen storage operations begin. These catalysts are positioned in advance to intercept and decompose hydrogen molecules as soon as they permeate through the liner, preventing the accumulation of molecular hydrogen that would lead to fire risks and buckling during rapid discharge operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful rapid discharge process into a beneficial safety mechanism. The catalysts decompose permeated hydrogen molecules into atoms during normal operation and especially during rapid discharge, preventing fire risks and buckling phenomena. The rapid discharge scenario, which originally posed a hazard, becomes a condition where the catalyst protection mechanism is most effective
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 catalyst effectively prevents hydrogen gas leakage and buckling by decomposing permeating hydrogen molecules, enhancing safety and durability while improving thermal conductivity and rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
catalysts provided in the composite material or provided at one side of the liner, in which the catalyst is a catalyst capable of decomposing hydrogen molecules
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment storage tank includes a liner configured to define a storage space in the storage tank, wherein the storage space is configured to accommodate a fluid, a composite material surrounding an outer side of the liner, and a catalyst disposed in the composite material, wherein, in a case in which the fluid is hydrogen gas, the catalyst is configured to decompose hydrogen molecules.