Ovonic Hydrogen Systems - Larger Storage Systems
Ovonic Hydrogen Systems is developing larger storage vessels and systems to store greater amounts of hydrogen for long duration/high power or bulk storage applications.
For small stationary power applications, the simplest approach is a rack-mountable configuration of multiple portable canisters. Numerous prototype systems have been designed, built, and used successfully in fuel cell back-up power systems.
As storage volume and hydrogen desorption rate increase, thermal management becomes a system design consideration; heat generated during the hydrogen absorption process must be removed to facilitate charging. Similarly, larger systems require heat to be added to supply the energy required to sustain high hydrogen release rates. [see more on metal hydride technology]
To address this issue, Ovonic Hydrogen developed a patented internal heat exchanger that could be incorporated into the hydrogen storage vessel. This concept was successfully demonstrated in our Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicle project [more].
The internal heat exchange concept has been expanded to our latest and largest prototype storage vessel, a 3kg capacity vessel designed for high cycle life in stationary or material handling equipment applications. A refueling system is available to support tow tractors, forklifts, or other vehicles equipped with these vessels.
An alternate approach to the internal heat exchanger is an external thermal jacket. A new concept is under evaluation where Ovonic portable canisters are manifolded together in a unit where heated or cooled liquid can be circulated around the canisters to promote high hydrogen flow rates and/or rapid refilling. This approach reduces cost, maximizes design flexibility, and retains DOT approval status.
