Hydrogen Storage Tank Welding
by Alex Lee from MP Sonic Date: 30-08-2023
alex.lee@mp-sonic.com
Project description: Joining the high-density polymer liner from molded parts with IR technology developed by CNZHENBO | MP Sonic. IV-Type H2 storage tank consists of high-density polymer linear molded, carbon fiber composite Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) layer to strengthen tanks）, dome protection and valve assembly. As gas barrier layer, high-density polymer liner will be contacting with hydrogen, it should be in high anti-penetration under high pressure over than 70MPa for the small size of H2 molecule, the tank liner is requested to be in high density and even thickness for less stress, thus it can’t realize the one-time-forming by blowing molding or rotational molding, but by forming liner parts by injection molding or extrusion under high pressure then weld molded parts together into complete liner.
Construction of Hydrogen Fuel Tank:
I. Material to be welded (High-Density Polymer Liner): PA6, HDPE, PET, etc.
II. Requirement:
1. High welding strength;
2. Air-tightness;
3. Neat surface after welding at joining area;
4. High precision in tank parts compaction;
III. Challenge/Critical Factors:
For the operation of carbon fiber circling for the tank reinforcement, there is high requirement in welded tank including:
1. The high precision in consistency in measurement after welding;
2. High precision of compaction of tanks parts;
3. Flat and neat surface at welding area;
4. High concentricity of tanks.
Difficulty:
1. Shrinkage after molding cased difference in measurement;
2. Deformation cased by gravity;
3. Envirnmental factors cased variation of parts.
IV. Test after welding: