STELLANTIS AUTO SAS filed a patent for a hydrogen storage system designed to enhance safety in vehicles, particularly motor vehicles.

The key focus of this innovation revolves around its advanced shock-absorbing mechanisms, which aim to mitigate impacts during collisions.

Unique Features and Improvements

The core feature of this patent is the introduction of a shock-absorbing device integrated with the hydrogen gas tanks. The system includes a tray (13) that holds the hydrogen tanks (12) within a frame (15), composed of side members (16) and side flanges (17). The shock-absorbing device (21) is strategically positioned between the side flange (17) of the tray and the side face of a gas tank (12), and potentially between the side faces of adjacent gas tanks (12).

This setup allows the device to absorb impacts through buckling, a controlled deformation process that dissipates kinetic energy, thereby reducing the risk of tank rupture and subsequent hazards. The innovation is particularly significant because it addresses one of the primary safety concerns associated with hydrogen-powered vehicles—tank integrity during collisions.

Potential Applications

The patented technology is particularly relevant for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs), which require robust safety mechanisms to protect the high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The shock-absorbing feature can be integrated into various motor vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, and commercial trucks, enhancing their safety credentials and potentially boosting consumer confidence in hydrogen-powered transportation.