The new patent proposes a simple and safe structure for the transport and storage of hydrogen and its mixtures, especially from renewable energy sources, which can be used by various producers, end users/consumers.
The purpose
The purpose of the application is to reduce the costs of hydrogen production and distribution in applications related to the propulsion of commercial vehicles. In addition, it aims to create a base that will allow the future to create local universal networks for the production, distribution, and consumption of hydrogen, without any barriers and restrictions, through horizontal drilling performed at any depth without the need to perform earthworks.
The system
The system includes at least two vertically aligned tubular members joined by another tubular member to form a tubular “U-profile” together. The upper end of the vertical tubular elements are connected by a non-return valve to a tubular element into which hydrogen and/or hydrogen mixtures are pumped from another tubular element connected to at least one supplier of hydrogen and hydrogen mixtures.
The upper end of the second vertical tubular element is connected via a non-return valve to another tubular element connected to at least one receiver for hydrogen and/or hydrogen mixtures. On the outer surfaces of the tubular elements forming the “U-profile”, a heating and cooling device is fixed, and the last tubular element whose tubular “U-profile” is located underground, below the permafrost border, and the weight of the upper layer of soil above the tubular “U -profile” balances at least the planned gas pressure in the “U-profile”.
This system is fully scalar and can be repeated (cloned) on any surface, regardless of its degree of urbanization, natural obstacles, and the degree of population.
The patent
The patent is intended to create a base that will benefit the widespread availability of hydrogen as a fuel and help achieve energy independence for interested companies, institutions, and the local community. The patent will also lead to significant savings in the design and construction of hydrogen or hydrogen blend stations, providing a cheap form of “hydrogenation” for the society of the future, without any barriers and restrictions.
Almost every urban agglomeration in the world can produce hydrogen on the outskirts of cities (e.g. from RES) and deliver it individually to individual recipients in the city itself.
Even a large production plant that uses hydrogen in the production cycle (e.g. Steelworks, production of nitrogen fertilizers) can thus supply and store any amount of hydrogen or energy from photovoltaic or wind farms located even 50-100 km away.
In both of these cases, the production of hydrogen (RES) itself takes place in the available and cheapest areas.
The challenges
However, there may be some challenges and controversies. For example, high-pressure hydrogen transport requires extreme precautions and hydrogen storage technologies and transport infrastructure is lacking as it requires dedicated pipelines and transport vessels. In addition, hydrogen production still relies heavily on fossil fuels, which has a significant environmental impact.
In summary, the proposed new hydrogen transport and storage system could revolutionize the production, distribution, and consumption of hydrogen, making it more accessible and cost-effective, and ultimately contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge will be to ensure that precautionary measures are put in place and environmental considerations are taken into account. With continued research and development, hydrogen has the potential to become a significant alternative energy source for a variety of purposes.
