Fuel storage module assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing a hydrogen storage vessel that is lightweight. The hydrogen storage vessel may comprise an inner body and an outer body structured as concentric rings with a conic interface. The vessel may have four material layers, including a barrier layer, an insulation layer, a fiber knit, and an abrasion layer. The fiber knit may be braided to trap the hydrogen, as the barrier layer may not be completely impermeable. Additionally, the fiber braid may be clamped to the outer body, enabling pressure pushing on the inner body to wedge and seal the storage vessel.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A hydrogen fuel storage vessel, comprising:
 an inner first layer defining an interior volume that contains pressurized hydrogen fuel therein, the first layer comprising a material substantially hydrogen impervious to prevent the hydrogen from passing through the inner layer;   a fiber-reinforced woven second layer adjacent to and radially outward of the first layer, wherein the second layer captures and supports the first layer and carries stresses from loads generated by pressurized hydrogen fuel in the interior volume;   an abrasion resistant third layer encasing the second layer, with the second layer positioned between the third and first layers, wherein the third layer provides a protective coating over the second layer;   an end closure coupled to the first, second and third layers, the end closure a first portion secured to the second portion and fixedly capturing an end portion of the second layer between the first and second portions to resolve stresses in the fibers of the second layer when hydrogen fuel in the interior volume is under pressure;   a hydrogen flow control assembly coupled to the end closure and communicating with the hydrogen fuel in the interior volume; and   a fuel outlet fitting coupled to the hydrogen flow control assembly and configured to releasably connect to a fuel input of a hydrogen-powered vehicle.   
     
     
         17 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16  wherein the fiber-reinforced woven second layer comprises aligned fibers and is free of a matrix. 
     
     
         18 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16  wherein the fiber-reinforced woven second layer comprises a braided carbon fiber sleeve. 
     
     
         19 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16 , further comprising sensors positioned to detect the condition of the hydrogen fuel in the interior volume. 
     
     
         20 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16 , wherein the end closure comprises a load transfer interface for transferring axial loads from the fiber in the second layer using incremental shear and frictional forces. 
     
     
         21 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16  wherein the first and second portions of the end closure are nested and concentric to each other. 
     
     
         22 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second portions of the end closure define a load transfer feature configured to increase clamping load with increased axial loading from the second layer. 
     
     
         23 . The hydrogen fuel storage vessel of  claim 16  wherein the hydrogen flow control assembly comprises a pressure regulator and a control module coupled to the pressure regulator. 
     
     
         24 . A hydrogen fuel storage vessel, comprising:
 a flexible non-rigid, matrix free braided layer covering a hydrogen impervious inner layer in which the hydrogen fuel is stored, wherein the braided layer comprises a plurality of fiber patterns that are braided or weaved in two or more different directions to support different pressure loads exerted by the fluid against an internal surface of the enclosure along axial direction and radial directions.   
     
     
         25 . The vessel of  claim 24 , further comprising a load transfer interface for transferring axial loads from the fiber in the braided layer using incremental shear and frictional forces.