Airbus Operations GmbH has filed a patent for a novel storage tank designed specifically for liquified gases, focusing on liquid hydrogen storage.
The storage tank comprises a vessel constructed from a fiber metal laminate that incorporates metal layers made of an aluminum alloy and synthetic layers with reinforcing fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. This design is intended for use in an aircraft or spacecraft, where the storage tank serves as a critical component of a hydrogen-based propulsion system. The patent also presents the construction and benefits of using fiber metal laminates for such applications.
In the quest for more sustainable and efficient aerospace travel, Airbus Operations GmbH has taken a significant step with its recent patent for a storage tank designed for liquified gases such as liquid hydrogen. This development underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in the aerospace industry, focusing on the essential need for secure and efficient fuel storage solutions.
The key feature of this invention is its use of a fiber metal laminate in the construction of the storage tank’s vessel wall. This laminate consists of metal layers formed from an aluminum alloy, combined with synthetic layers that incorporate reinforcing fibers embedded within a thermoplastic matrix. This unique combination not only offers strength and durability but also reduces the overall weight of the storage tank, making it highly suitable for flight applications.
The application of this storage tank reaches beyond terrestrial bounds, as it is designed for aircraft and spacecraft. By employing this advanced storage tank, aircraft can efficiently integrate it with hydrogen-based propulsion systems. This patent envisions the storage tank as a pivotal component in the emerging systems that seek to harness hydrogen as a cleaner and more sustainable energy source for aviation and space travel.
