Benaya S. H. Munte

Planning for a design and optimization of a 1 liter pressurized hydrogen storage/tank

As the lightest, most common and most abundant element in the universe, is one of the most essential building blocks of the universe. It comprises about 75% of its elemental mass and 90% of its observable atoms.

When utilizing hydrogen as a source of vehicle fuel, they are usually manufactured in the form of fuel cells, rather than pure fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuels, due to the fact that a combustion engine using hydrogen as a source of fuel is extremely inefficient.

Below are the criteria needed to be fulfilled for a hydrogen tank design with a budget of only Rp. 500.000,00:

This design summary outlines an optimized storage system capable of safely handling an 8 bar pressure requirement while considering a budget limit of Rp 500.000. The system focuses on cost-effective solutions without compromising safety and functionality.

Key Considerations:

1. Storage Vessel: A cost-effective high-pressure vessel is chosen, considering material strength and compatibility with stored substances, while aiming for affordability. 2. Material: Economical materials like mild steel or reinforced plastics are selected, ensuring they meet the necessary strength and safety requirements.

3. Structural Design: The vessel is designed to meet the pressure requirement while minimizing material usage and fabrication costs. Simple shapes and standard sizes may be preferred.

4. Safety Measures: Essential safety features like pressure relief valves are incorporated, prioritizing affordable options that still meet regulatory standards. 5. Leakage Prevention: Cost-effective sealing mechanisms like gaskets or low-cost elastomers are implemented to prevent leaks, ensuring they are still reliable.

6. Pressure Control: Simple pressure regulation systems like manual valves or basic pressure regulators are used to meet the pressure control needs within the budget constraints.

7. Support Infrastructure: Basic instrumentation and monitoring equipment are chosen to facilitate system operation and maintenance without exceeding the budget.

8. Installation and Maintenance: Efficient installation practices are employed, and routine maintenance activities are planned to minimize costs while ensuring optimal performance.

9. Compliance and Standards: The system is designed to meet the necessary safety standards within the given budget, ensuring legal compliance and avoiding additional expenses.

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What are the ways to utilize Hydrogen as a source of vehicle fuel and how:

Fuel Cells: Hydrogen fuel cells are a common method of using hydrogen as a vehicle fuel. In a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the fuel cell, generating electricity to power an electric motor. This process only produces water vapor as a byproduct, making FCVs environmentally friendly. They offer high energy efficiency, longer driving ranges compared to electric vehicles, and quick hydrogen refueling.

Combustion: Hydrogen can be used in internal combustion engines, similar to gasoline or diesel engines. However, this method is less common and presents challenges. In a hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE) vehicle, hydrogen is burned, creating mechanical power to propel the vehicle. Engine modifications are needed due to hydrogen's low density and ignition energy. Hydrogen combustion engines may produce nitrogen oxide emissions, although engine advancements can mitigate this issue.

Advantages and disadvantages of a hydrogen tank

ADVANTAGES

High Energy Density: Hydrogen has a high energy-to-weight ratio, making it a suitable fuel for applications that require energy storage with minimal weight.

Rapid Refueling: Hydrogen tanks can be refueled quickly compared to electric vehicle batteries, which can significantly reduce downtime and allow for longer driving ranges.

Versatility: Hydrogen tanks can be used in various applications, including transportation (such as fuel cell vehicles), stationary power generation, and industrial processes.

Low Environmental Impact: When hydrogen is used in a fuel cell, the only byproduct is water, making it a clean energy source with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

DISADVANTAGES

Storage Challenges: Hydrogen has low energy density by volume, requiring high-pressure or cryogenic storage systems to achieve sufficient energy storage. This can present challenges in terms of tank size, weight, and safety.

Cost: Hydrogen storage tanks, especially those designed to handle high-pressure or cryogenic conditions, can be expensive to manufacture, adding to the overall cost of hydrogen-based systems.

Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable and can pose safety risks if not handled properly. Special precautions and safety measures are necessary to ensure the safe storage and handling of hydrogen tanks.

Limited Infrastructure: The infrastructure for hydrogen storage and refueling is still developing and not as widespread as conventional gasoline or electric charging stations. Limited availability of refueling stations can restrict the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Hydrogen Mass calculation

To calculate the mass of hydrogen in its liquid state, the following properties of hydrogen at liquified state are as stated below:

V = 1 liter = 0.001 m³ T = -253.16° Celcius P = 8 bar = 0.8 MPa

Hence; ρ = 65.91 kg/m³

Hence, to obtain the total mass, calculate with the equation below as follows:

M = ρV M = (65.91)(0.001) M = 0.06591 kg = 65.91 g

Therefore, the mass of hydrogen in its liquid state, at a pressure of 8 bar, volume of 1 liter, and boiling temperature of -253.16 degrees Celsius, is approximately 65.91 grams.

Tank Dimensions calculation

To calculate the dimensions of a cylindrical hydrogen tank with a volume of 1 liter, we can use the formula for the volume of a cylinder:

Volume = π * r^2 * h

where:

Volume is given as 1 liter = 1000 cm^3, π is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159, r is the radius of the cylinder, h is the height of the cylinder.

Let's solve for the dimensions:

Convert the volume to cubic centimeters:

Volume = 1 liter = 1000 cm^3

Rearrange the formula to solve for the height (h):

h = Volume / (π * r^2)

Choose a radius (r) value. For simplicity, let's assume a radius of 5 centimeters.

Calculate the height (h) using the formula:

h = 1000 / (3.14159 * 5^2) ≈ 12.732 cm

Therefore, for a cylindrical hydrogen tank with a volume of 1 liter, assuming a radius of 5 centimeters, the dimensions would be approximately:

Diameter: 10 centimeters (2 times the radius) Height: 12.732 centimeters Please note that these dimensions are approximate and can vary depending on design specifications, safety considerations, and manufacturing constraints.

Final dimensions: 5 x 5 x 12.732 (cm)

Material Selection: Stainless steel 316L

Thickness formula for circumferential stress direction:

Thickness formula for longitudinal stress direction:

E = 0.70 (For welded shells without radiography examination)

P = 8 bar = 116 psi

R = 50mm = 1.9685 in

S = 20000 Psi

Corrosion allowance = 1.5 mm = 0.06 in

t circumferential = 116 x (1,9685 + 0,06) / ((20000 x 0,7) - (0,7 x 116)) = 0.016905 in. (With corrosion allowance = 0.0769 in = 1.95mm)

t longitudinal = 116 x (1,9685 + 0,06) / ((2 x 20000 x 0,7) + (0,4 x 116)) = 0.00839 in. (With corrosion allowance = 0.06839 in = 1.74mm)

Hence, the minimum thickness for the material of the tank is 1.95mm

Why use Stainless Steel 316L?

Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel 316L exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in harsh environments, including marine, chemical, and industrial applications. It has a high resistance to corrosion from a wide range of chemicals, acids, and chlorides.

High Temperature Resistance: Stainless steel 316L has good resistance to high temperatures, making it suitable for applications where elevated temperatures are present. It can withstand prolonged exposure to temperatures up to approximately 870°C (1600°F) without significant degradation.

Strength and Durability: Stainless steel 316L has good mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and excellent durability. It offers good resistance to deformation and maintains its structural integrity even under heavy loads or in harsh conditions.

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Stainless steel 316L is easy to clean and maintain, making it a popular choice in industries that require high levels of cleanliness and hygiene, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.

Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel 316L has an attractive appearance, with a smooth and polished surface finish. It is commonly used in architectural applications, decorative elements, and consumer products where aesthetics are important.

Weldability: Stainless steel 316L exhibits good weldability, allowing for easy fabrication and joining using various welding techniques. This makes it a preferred choice for manufacturing processes that involve welding or forming.

Low Maintenance: Due to its corrosion resistance and durability, stainless steel 316L requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan. It is resistant to staining, discoloration, and rust, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Calculation of the production cost

To calculate the production cost, first and foremost, it is a must that we consider and calculate the material cost.

Material volume = Outer radius cylinder volume - Inner radius cylinder volume

Outer radius volume = π(r+t)²(h+2t)

t = thickness = 12.732 cm (the t is multiplied by two because the thickness 'thickens' in both directions for height.

Calculation: Out. radius vol. = π(5+(1.95))²(12.732+2(1.95)) = 2523.852431 cm³

Inner radius volume = πr²h

In. radius vol. = π(5)²(12.732) = 999.9689416 cm³

Material volume = Outer radius cylinder volume - Inner radius cylinder volume = 2523.852431 - 999.9689416 = 1523.883489 cm³ = 0.001523883489 m³

After calculating the volume, proceed to calculate the mass:

M = ρV

The density of Aluminium 6061 is 2720 kg/m³

M = 2720 x 0.001523883489

M = 4.14496309 kg ~ 4.14 kg

The cost for aluminium 6061 is around $2.75 per kg or IDR 41,000

Total material cost for hydrogen tank:

41,000 * 4.14 = IDR 169,740

With the material cost now calculated, we can now have an estimate in which material cost make up to 40%-70% of the total production cost. Let's estimate for the most expensive outcome, in which the material cost is only 40%, hence the total production cost would be IDR 424,350. It is quite expensive, but it is still below the client's requirement of being below IDR 500,000 in total production cost.