Abstract:
A vessel of a heat storage and release apparatus, the vessel comprises a shell comprising a metallic material, the shell having an elongated shape with a first end region and a second end region remote from the first end region, and an internal surface defining a cavity configured to contain a heat storage and release device and to guide gas-flow; a first opening through the shell for a flow of gas at high temperature and high pressure, the first opening being located in the first end region; a second opening through the shell for a flow of gas at low temperature and high pressure, the second opening being located in the second end region; and a lining of thermally insulating material adjacent to the internal surface and only partially covering the internal surface, the lining being located at least in the first end region.
Abstract:
A fuel cell powered vehicle is disclosed having a fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank is disposed on an undercarriage of the vehicle and has a substantially conical shape to militate against interference with a function of a suspension system of the vehicle.
Abstract:
The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass fractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit. The unique, nontraditional idea described here is to use resin-based composite materials to make such a composite tank or other oxygen carrying component such as a feedline. Polymer composites have traditionally been regarded as being more flammable than metals and therefore deemed not oxygen compatible. However, several halogenated composites have been tested for their ability to withstand ignition in the presence of oxygen, and have shown to be resistant to ignition. A halogenated composite material is a fiber reinforced composite that contains an element or elements from column 7A in the Periodic Table of Elements.
Abstract:
A device for storing compressed gas having a plurality of storage containers which each have a container wall which surrounds a cavity provided for storing the compressed air. The storage containers are connected to one another, and have at least one connection for introducing and/or discharging the compressed gas. In order to configure the storage containers so that they are as stable as possible, each of the storage containers has a covering layer which is arranged on the container wall at least in partial regions of the particular storage container. In order furthermore to enable the geometrical structure of the device to be adapted individually to the available spaces and to the quantity of gas to be stored, provision is made for each storage container to have a head piece which is connected to the container wall, and for the storage containers to be connected or able to be connected to one another in a modular manner via the respective head pieces. The compressed gas is conducted out of the storage containers via a flow duct which is provided in the head pieces and communicates with the cavity of the respective storage containers via a hole. The individual head pieces are connected via connecting elements which are introduced into corresponding openings in the head pieces.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a pressure vessel 10 (sometimes known as a composite overwrapped pressure vessel or “COPV”) comprising carbon fiber 20 (such as carbon fiber 20 filaments) wrapped around a tank liner 30.
Abstract:
A multilayered pressure vessel (10) fabricated from at least one single ply sheet of flexible material (100) having an approximate longitudinal midline which divides the material into an inner portion (130) having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width, and an outer portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width. The width of the outer portion (120) is greater than the width of the inner portion (140). A primary seam (250) binds the outer portion and the inner portion to the material sheet at the midline proximate the outer portion edge and inner portion edge. The sheet (100) is wrapped into a continuous substantially 720 degree wrap to form a generally cylindrical vessel body having possible multiple fluid passageways, at the election of the user. The primary seam (250) is concealed.
Abstract:
A multilayered pressure vessel (10) fabricated from at least one single ply sheet of flexible material (100) having an approximate longitudinal midline which divides the material into an inner portion (130) having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width, and an outer portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width. The width of the outer portion (120) is greater than the width of the inner portion (140). A primary seam (250) binds the outer portion and the inner portion to the material sheet at the midline proximate the outer portion edge and inner portion edge. The sheet (100) is wrapped into a continuous substantially 720 degree wrap to form a generally cylindrical vessel body having possible multiple fluid passageways, at the election of the user. The primary seam (250) is concealed.
Abstract:
Composite tanks are desirable for aerospace applications since they are much lighter than comparable metal tanks. Various polymeric compositions satisfy the requirements to make a Lox compatible tank.
Abstract:
A cellular reservoir flexible pressure vessel is formed as a series of closely packed tubes fitted into a pair of opposing end caps. The end caps have individual receptacles sized and shaped to receive the tube ends that are secured with adhesive or radio frequency welding. At least one end cap has a passageway for connection of the vessel. The vessel may be formed in a variety of useful shapes and the tubes may have various internal and external cross-sections. The end caps may be filled with sintactic foam with canals leading to the passageway. Microtubes through the syntactic foam may connect the tubes to the passageway. The vessel is further strengthened by overwrapping with high-strength braiding material, hoop winding or by overlayment with high-strength fabric. The vessel is further strengthened by coating with plastic resin. Apparatus and methods for forming the cellular reservoir flexible vessels are described.