DEVELOPMENT OF A MONOLITHIC, THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE TYPE IV PRESSURE VESSEL FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE ON AUTOMOBILES

摘要

A multi-year, multi-partner research program is investigating the viability of monolithic,rnthermoplastic-composite, Type IV pressure vessels for high-pressure (70 MPa) on-boardrnstorage of hydrogen gas for fuel-cell powered automobiles. The study aims to develop bothrnvessel and manufacturing process to allow commercialization of all-thermoplastic compositernhydrogen storage cylinders that are lightweight, low-cost, and durable and address issues withrngas permeability and embrittlement, and vessel recyclability afflicting current thermosetreinforcedrnand metal vessels. As Phase I research ends, vessels comprised of a rotomoldedrnunreinforced polyoxymethylene (POM) liner overwrapped with POM-impregnated carbon fiberrntapes and consolidated to form an extremely tight bond have been produced. These parts havernpassed a battery of challenging industry tests. Highlights of preliminary work are reported here.rnFurther work will finalize turnkey equipment and work cells allowing the thermoplasticrnsolution to be used as a drop-in solution on current cylinder production lines.