A new patent filed by Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha introduces liquid hydrogen storage equipment designed to optimize the storage and stability of liquid hydrogen.
The patented liquid hydrogen storage equipment comprises a multi-shell tank system designed to enhance the storage capabilities of liquid hydrogen. Key components include:
– Multi-Shell Tank: The core of this equipment features an inner tank for liquid hydrogen and an outer tank that encases the inner tank. Between these is a heat insulation layer that mitigates thermal transfer, crucial for maintaining the hydrogen in its liquefied state.
– BOG Line (Boil-Off Gas Line): This line is connected to the inner tank, allowing hydrogen gas generated from boil-off to escape.
– Heat Exchanger: It heats the boil-off gas, which is then utilized in subsequent processes.
– Inter-Tank Gas Supply Line: This supplies the heated boil-off gas between the inner and outer tanks, enhancing thermal efficiency.
– Compressor: This device pressure-feeds the heated boil-off gas into the inter-tank gas supply line, ensuring consistent pressure and improving overall system stability.
These features collectively enhance the efficiency and safety of liquid hydrogen storage by minimizing boil-off losses and effectively managing the resultant hydrogen gas.
Potential Applications
The primary application of this patented technology lies in the storage and transport of liquid hydrogen, especially for applications requiring large-scale hydrogen usage. Potential sectors include:
– Fuel Cell Vehicles: Safe and efficient storage of hydrogen for automotive applications.
– Hydrogen Refueling Stations: Improved infrastructure for refueling hydrogen-powered vehicles.
– Industrial Processes: Various industries that require large amounts of hydrogen in their operations.
– Aerospace: Significant for rocket and space exploration activities where liquid hydrogen is used as a propellant.
This patented technology has the potential to significantly influence the hydrogen market by offering a more efficient storage solution.
