Patent Application
20250198568
The present technology relates to liquid hydrogen storage systems and, more particularly, suspended/propped, vacuum insulated liquid hydrogen storage.
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Hydrogen is a versatile and environmentally friendly energy carrier, widely recognized for its potential in clean energy applications. When used as a fuel, hydrogen produces zero carbon emissions, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels in sectors such as transportation, power generation, manufacturing. Among the various forms of hydrogen storage, liquid hydrogen has garnered significant attention due to its high energy density and suitability for large-scale applications, including use in fuel cell vehicles, aerospace applications, and energy storage systems.
Storing hydrogen in its liquid state, however, can be challenging due to its physical properties. Cryogenic storage of hydrogen can include liquid temperatures of −423° F. (−250° C.). Liquid hydrogen requires complex storage systems that can maintain very low temperatures while also safely containing hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen storage vessels can include double walled tanks surrounded by insulation inside an outer structure to prevent heat transfer, minimize boil off losses, and ensure structural integrity under such demanding conditions. Proper thermal performance and structural integrity of such storage systems are important considerations in design of long-term hydrogen containment systems.
Hydrogen storage systems can also take into account hydrogen's small molecular size, as hydrogen may diffuse through certain materials, requiring advanced material solutions and robust containment methods. Hydrogen buildup in portions of a storage system can occur due to hydrogen atoms/molecules permeating through a vessel wall or from hydrogen boil-off during storage. Without proper removal of hydrogen buildup, hydrogen atoms/molecules penetrating a vessel wall structure can cause hydrogen embrittlement and cracking of certain materials, such as steel. Storage systems used for liquid hydrogen storage that nest inner containers within outer steel or pressurized concrete containers may not address the issue of hydrogen buildup because, unlike inner containers that may use materials known to resist hydrogen permeation and embrittlement, the outer containers are not constructed from such material.
There are other considerations in the construction of a hydrogen storage system. The hydrogen storage system can be exposed to external hazards such as weather, fire, impact, seismic activity, etc. The hydrogen storage system should also take into account the issue of thermal expansion and contraction between components, such as an outer container and an inner container. Thermal changes can lead to stress and strain on the vessel and its supporting structures, potentially compromising storage effectiveness over time. Rapid pressure changes and/or structural breaches can result in significant losses of hydrogen through vaporization and diffusion, complicating containment. Storage systems can be equipped with one or more pressure relief valves and venting systems to manage internal pressure. Components such as flexible supports can be used but can add complexity and cost to hydrogen storage system designs. Due to such challenges, hydrogen storage systems face certain limitations in terms of integrity requirements and container design.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an enhanced vacuum-insulated liquid hydrogen storage system that efficiently prevents hydrogen leakage and ensures long term structural integrity in the face of seismic events.
In accordance with the instant disclosure, an enhanced vacuum-insulated liquid hydrogen storage system that efficiently prevents hydrogen leakage and ensures long term structural integrity in the face of seismic events, has surprisingly been discovered. The present technology includes systems and processes that relate to a vacuum insulated and suspended liquid hydrogen storage system.
In certain embodiments, a liquid hydrogen storage system is provided. The liquid hydrogen storage system may include an outer vessel where a portion of outer vessel is made of concrete. The outer vessel may be made of prestressed concrete to provide the required strength to resist high compressive stresses. The outer vessel may include an outer surface, and steel liner may be disposed on the outer surface of the outer vessel as a moisture barrier. Alternatively, an epoxy coating may be coated on an inner surface of the outer vessel to prevent moisture transfer. The liquid hydrogen storage system may include an inner vessel where a portion of the inner vessel is made of steel. The inner vessel may be configured to contain liquid hydrogen. The inner vessel may be suspended within the outer vessel to create an annular space between the inner vessel and the outer vessel. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include a vacuum pump that is fluidly coupled to the annular space. The vacuum pump may be configured to maintain a predetermined pressure within the annular space when the inner vessel contains liquid hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, the liquid hydrogen storage system may include a monitoring device. The monitoring device may be configured to monitor a vacuum within the annular space. The monitoring device may be in the form of a pressure gauge. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include a controller in communication with the vacuum pump and the monitoring device. The controller may be further configured to actuate the vacuum pump when the vacuum within the annular space is not at a predetermined pressure. The controller may then operate the vacuum pump to the predetermined pressure level. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include a hydrogen removal pump. The hydrogen removal pump may be fluidly coupled to the annular space. The hydrogen removal pump may be further configured to remove hydrogen from the annular space to significantly reduce hydrogen gas permeation through outer concrete wall and mitigate against hydrogen embrittlement. In other embodiments, the vacuum pump may be further configured to remove hydrogen from the annular space.
In certain embodiments, the liquid hydrogen storage system may include a fill line. the fill line may be coupled to each of the outer vessel and the inner vessel. The fill line may be in fluid communication with the inner vessel and configured to transport liquid hydrogen to the inner vessel. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include a drawdown line. The drawdown line may be coupled to each of the inner vessel and the outer vessel. The drawdown line may be in fluid communication with the inner vessel and may be configured to remove hydrogen from the inner vessel.
The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include support structures such as one or more suspenders. Each suspender may be coupled to each of the inner vessel and the outer vessel. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include one or more lateral support straps. Each lateral support strap may be coupled to each of inner vessel and the outer vessel. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include one or more props. Each prop may be coupled to each of the inner vessel and the outer vessel. Within the annular space between the inner vessel and outer vessel, the liquid hydrogen storage system may include insulation material disposed within the annular space. The insulation material may include glass bead insulation or perlite powder. The liquid hydrogen storage system may combine insulation material and a vacuum in the annular space to further improve the efficiency of the insulation in the annular space.
In certain embodiments, the liquid hydrogen storage system may include a concrete footing. The concrete footing may include a top surface positioned under the outer vessel. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include a skirt wall disposed on the top surface of the concrete footing. The skirt wall may be configured to surround a portion of the outer vessel. The liquid hydrogen storage system may also include one or more seismic straps. Each seismic strap may be coupled to each of the skirt wall and the outer vessel. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen storage system may include a slide bearing positioned between the outer vessel and the skirt wall. The slide bearing may have a portion made of neoprene. The slide bearing may provide free sliding and separation of the outer vessel from the skirt wall.
Various ways of assembling the liquid hydrogen storage system are provided. Certain methods may include the step of providing an outer vessel, an inner vessel, and a vacuum pump. A portion of the outer vessel may include concrete. A portion of the inner vessel may include steel. The inner vessel may be configured to contain liquid hydrogen. The method may include a step of suspending the inner vessel within the outer vessel to form an annular space. The method may include the step of fluidly coupling the vacuum pump to the annular space. The vacuum pump may be configured to maintain a predetermined pressure within the annular space. The method may include the step of maintaining a predetermined pressure within the annular space via vacuum pump when the inner vessel contains the liquid hydrogen. Finally, the method may include the step of receiving liquid hydrogen within the inner vessel.
In certain embodiments, a method of storing liquid hydrogen may include a step of providing an outer vessel, an inner vessel, a vacuum pump, a monitoring device, and a hydrogen removal pump. A portion of the outer vessel may include concrete. A portion of the inner vessel may include steel. The vacuum pump may be configured to maintain a predetermined pressure within an annular space. The inner vessel may be configured to contain liquid hydrogen. The monitoring device may be configured to monitor a pressure within the annular space. The hydrogen removal pump may be configured to remove hydrogen gas from the annular space. The method may include a step of suspending the inner vessel within the outer vessel to form an annular space. The method may include the step of fluidly coupling the vacuum pump to the annular space. The method may include the step of receiving liquid hydrogen within the inner vessel. The method may include the step of maintaining a predetermined pressure within the annular space via vacuum pump when the inner vessel contains the liquid hydrogen. The method may include the step of monitoring the pressure within the annular space with the monitoring device. Finally, the method may also include the step of removing hydrogen gas from the annular space with the hydrogen removal pump.
In certain embodiments, a method of storing liquid hydrogen may include the step of providing an outer vessel, an inner vessel, a vacuum pump, a skirt wall, a suspender, a seismic strap, and a slide bearing. A portion of the outer vessel may include concrete. A portion of the inner vessel may include steel. The inner vessel may be configured to contain liquid hydrogen. The skirt wall may be configured to surround a portion of the outer vessel. The method may include a step of suspending the inner vessel within the outer vessel to form an annular space. The method may include the step of fluidly coupling the vacuum pump to the annular space. The vacuum pump may be configured to maintain a predetermined pressure within the annular space. The method may include the step of maintaining a predetermined pressure within the annular space via vacuum pump when the inner vessel contains the liquid hydrogen. The method may include the step of receiving liquid hydrogen within the inner vessel. The method may further include the step of positioning the skirt wall around a portion of the outer vessel. The method may include the step of coupling the suspender to each of the inner vessel and outer vessel. The method may include the step of coupling the seismic strap to the skirt wall. The method may also include the step of coupling the seismic strap to the outer vessel. Finally, the method may include the step of positioning the slide bearing between the outer vessel and the skirt wall.
Advantageously, the liquid hydrogen storage system provides an enhanced vacuum-insulated hydrogen storage system that efficiently prevents hydrogen leakage and ensures long term structural integrity in the face of seismic events. Suspending the inner vessel within the outer vessel with a suspender enhances the protection of the liquid hydrogen storage system from seismic waves propagating through the ground and through the concrete footing and wall skirt. The seismic strap and slide bearing allow the liquid hydrogen storage system to freely rest within the skirt wall, providing flexibility in movement without a loss of structural integrity. Additionally, the vacuum pump provides additional protection against a loss of structural integrity by mitigating boil-off-gas and maintaining insulation within the annular space.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.
Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.
As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The present technology relates to a liquid hydrogen storage system 100, aspects of which are shown in
As shown in
The inner vessel 106 may include the following aspects. The inner vessel 106 may include a steel top hemisphere 118 and a steel bottom hemisphere 120. The inner vessel 106 may also include a steel cylindrical side wall 122. The inner vessel 106 may be made of materials including stainless-steel 124 and low-carbon austenitic stainless-steel 126. The inner vessel 106 may be configured to contain a quantity of liquid hydrogen 110. For example, the liquid hydrogen storage system 100 may store up to 24,000 kilograms of liquid hydrogen 110. The inner vessel 106 may be positioned upright with the steel top hemisphere 118, steel cylindrical side wall 122, and steel bottom hemisphere 120 aligned vertically. In one example, the inner vessel 106 may have a height between 20 and 40 ft, and a width between 10 and 30 ft. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may construct or use a liquid hydrogen storage system 100 with dimensions differing from these examples, as desired.
The outer vessel 102 may include the following aspects. The outer vessel 102 may include a concrete top hemisphere 128 and a concrete bottom hemisphere 130. The outer vessel 102 may also include a concrete cylindrical side wall 132. The concrete top hemisphere 128, concrete cylindrical side wall 132, and concrete bottom hemisphere 130 may each include a thickness between 6 and 18 inches. As an example, the concrete top hemisphere 128, concrete cylindrical side wall 132, and concrete bottom hemisphere 130 of the outer vessel 102 may include 12-inch-thick reinforced concrete 134. As another example, the concrete top hemisphere 128, concrete cylindrical side wall 132, and concrete bottom hemisphere 130 of the outer vessel 102 may include 12-inch-thick prestressed concrete 136. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable configuration for the outer vessel 102 within the scope of the present disclosure. The outer vessel 102 may include an outer surface 138, and a steel liner 140 may be disposed on the outer surface 138 of the outer vessel 102 as a barrier for air and moisture. The steel liner 140 may include a thickness between 1/16 and 5/16 inch. An epoxy coating 142 may be coated on an inner surface 144 of the outer vessel 102 to prevent moisture transfer. Alternatively, an outer vessel 102 may include both an epoxy coating 142 on the inner surface 144 as a moisture barrier and a steel liner 140 on the outer surface 138, as desired. The outer vessel 102 may be positioned upright with the concrete top hemisphere 128, concrete cylindrical side wall 132, and concrete bottom hemisphere 130 aligned vertically. In one example, the outer vessel 102 may have a height between 25 and 50 ft, and a width between 20 and 40 ft. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may construct or use a liquid hydrogen storage system 100 with dimensions differing from the example above, as desired.
The liquid hydrogen storage system 100 may include a monitoring device 146, as shown in
The liquid hydrogen storage system 100 may include a fill line 162. The fill line 162 may be coupled to each of the outer vessel 102 and the inner vessel 106. The fill line 162 may be in fluid communication with the inner vessel 106 and configured to transport liquid hydrogen 110 to the inner vessel 106. The liquid hydrogen storage system 100 may also include a drawdown line 164. The drawdown line 164 may be coupled to each of the inner vessel 106 and the outer vessel 102. The drawdown line 164 may be in fluid communication with the inner vessel 106 and may be configured to remove liquid hydrogen 110 from the inner vessel 106.
As shown in
As shown in
The base structure of the liquid hydrogen storage system 100 may include the following aspects. As shown in
As shown in
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As shown in
Advantageously, the liquid hydrogen storage system 100 provides an enhanced vacuum-insulated hydrogen storage that efficiently militates effects of hydrogen leakage and ensures long term structural integrity in the face of seismic events. Seismic damage is a significant risk for any large storage facility, especially for cryogenic storage tanks that rely on maintaining an extremely low internal temperature and pressure equilibrium. Suspending the inner vessel 106 within the outer vessel 102 with the suspender 168 enhances the protection of the liquid hydrogen storage system 100 from seismic activity propagating through the ground and through the concrete footing 188 and wall skirt. The seismic protection can further be enhanced by using shock absorbers 173 in lieu of lateral straps 172/props 174, if required. The seismic strap 194 and slide bearing 196 allow the liquid hydrogen storage system 100 to freely rest within the skirt wall 192, providing flexibility in movement without a loss of structural integrity. Additionally, the vacuum pump 114 provides additional protection against a loss of structural integrity by mitigating boil-off-gas and maintaining insulation within the annular space 112. Thus, suspending the inner vessel 106 within the outer vessel 102, allowing the outer vessel 102 to be positioned freely against the slide bearing 196, and maintaining a vacuum within the annular space serves to optimize operation, durability, and stability in the liquid hydrogen storage system 100.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/611,523, filed on Dec. 18, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63611523 | Dec 2023 | US |
