Abstract: A pressure regulator for a hydrogen storage system, wherein the pressure regulator is adapted to operate at temperatures below ?50° C., while minimizing the need for separate sealing elements and O-rings. The pressure regulator includes a main body including an inner cavity bounded by an interior wall, a piston disposed in the inner cavity, the piston including a first channel disposed adjacent a first portion, wherein the first portion is adapted to cooperate with the interior wall to form a seal between the piston and the interior wall, a first biasing device disposed in the first channel, wherein the first biasing device is adapted to exert a force on the first portion of the piston to form a seal between the first portion and the interior wall, and an end cap coupled to the main body thereby enclosing the piston to form an outlet pressure chamber.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a hydrogen storage system, wherein the pressure regulator is adapted to operate at temperatures below ?50° C., while minimizing the need for separate sealing elements and O-rings. The pressure regulator includes a main body including an inner cavity bounded by an interior wall, a piston disposed in the inner cavity, the piston including a first channel disposed adjacent a first portion, wherein the first portion is adapted to cooperate with the interior wall to form a seal between the piston and the interior wall, a first biasing device disposed in the first channel, wherein the first biasing device is adapted to exert a force on the first portion of the piston to form a seal between the first portion and the interior wall, and an end cap coupled to the main body thereby enclosing the piston to form an outlet pressure chamber.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a gas storage tank comprising a structural outer layer, an internal liner layer, an annular boss, and a liquid sealant disposed between the overlapped section of the liner layer and the boss to provide a gas-tight seal.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a hydrogen storage system, wherein the pressure regulator is adapted to operate at temperatures below ?50° C., while minimizing the need for separate sealing elements and O-rings. The pressure regulator includes a main body including an inner cavity bounded by an interior wall, a piston disposed in the inner cavity, the piston including a first channel disposed adjacent a first portion, wherein the first portion is adapted to cooperate with the interior wall to form a seal between the piston and the interior wall, a first biasing device disposed in the first channel, wherein the first biasing device is adapted to exert a force on the first portion of the piston to form a seal between the first portion and the interior wall, and an end cap coupled to the main body thereby enclosing the piston to form an outlet pressure chamber.

Abstract: The performance and durability of static and dynamic seals for hydrogen storage and supply systems has been improved by utilizing a spring-energized and plastic coated radial seal in combination with at least a mating surface that has been treated by one of a variety of procedures. These procedures include applying to the mating surface a low-friction, hard, and hydrogen impervious coating, chemically polishing the mating surface, and electrochemically polishing the mating surface. Each of these procedures significantly reduces, on a microscopic scale, the surface roughness of the mating surface. The seal can thus form a tighter and more gas-tight seal with the smoother mating surface so as to decrease the loss of hydrogen gas across the seal. The smoother mating surface can also improve seal life by reducing seal surface wear.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a gas storage tank comprising a structural outer layer, an internal liner layer, an annular boss, and a liquid sealant disposed between the overlapped section of the liner layer and the boss to provide a gas-tight seal.

Abstract: The performance and durability of static and dynamic seals for hydrogen storage and supply systems has been improved by utilizing a spring-energized and plastic coated radial seal in combination with at least a mating surface that has been treated by one of a variety of procedures. These procedures include applying to the mating surface a low-friction, hard, and hydrogen impervious coating, chemically polishing the mating surface, and electrochemically polishing the mating surface. Each of these procedures significantly reduces, on a microscopic scale, the surface roughness of the mating surface. The seal can thus form a tighter and more gas-tight seal with the smoother mating surface so as to decrease the loss of hydrogen gas across the seal. The smoother mating surface can also improve seal life by reducing seal surface wear.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas flow from high pressure storage to a lower pressure hydrogen-using device is managed using one or more axial flow pressure regulators comprising a cup-shaped housing with an inlet for high pressure hydrogen gas at one end of the flow axis and a closure with a low pressure hydrogen outlet at the other end of the flow axis. A piston head with a piston stem are aligned on the flow axis and a hydrogen flow passage is formed up the stem and through the piston head to the hydrogen flow outlet. One or more combinations of a corrugated tubular bellows (or like expansive sealing vessel) with static seals attaching one bellows end to the piston stem or head and the other bellows end to the housing or closure are used to accommodate axial movement of the piston while isolating and containing hydrogen gas flow from a high pressure chamber at a flow entrance to the piston stem to a low hydrogen pressure chamber at the piston head and closure outlet.