Abstract: In a hydrogen storing tank (solid filling tank) in which a hydrogen absorbing alloy (solid) is filled, a heat exchanger for executing heat exchange with the hydrogen absorbing alloy is constructed by laminating alternately first heat-transferring fins formed in corrugated plate shape and second heat-transferring fins formed in flat plate shape. Partitioned portions that are partitioned by the first heat-transferring fins and the second heat-transferring fins restrict movement of hydrogen absorbing alloy powders (MH powders) in a subsiding direction. Therefore, movement of the MH powders can surely be prevented by not using members that has no concern with the heat exchange and reduces an amount of filled MH powders and a volume in which the heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage apparatus that includes multiple gas storage tanks that each house a storing/adsorbing material and through the interior of which a fluid travels is provided. The gas storage apparatus 10 includes roughly cylindrical gas storage tanks 20 that house hydrogen-storing alloy. The multiple gas storage tanks 20 are disposed longitudinally parallel to each other in an ordered fashion such that roughly triangular prism-shaped empty spaces are formed between multiple adjacent hydrogen storage tanks 20. Coolant paths through which coolant flows are formed in these roughly triangular prism-shaped empty spaces. These coolant paths are thermally connected to the hydrogen-storing alloy in the gas storage tanks 20 via constituent members of the gas storage tanks 20 and via heat transfer plates 28 disposed on the gas storage tanks 20.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system 10, a refrigerant channel 70 that circulates refrigerant is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and each of a fuel cell 30, a hydrogen storage tank 20 having a hydrogen storage alloy, and a radiator 50. The hydrogen storage alloy has a higher absorption temperature at which absorption and release become equilibrium under the predetermined hydrogen pressure than the temperature of the fuel cell 30 in a steady-state operation. The refrigerant after cooling the fuel cell carries the heat generated by hydrogen absorption to the hydrogen storage alloy during storing from the tank 20 and facilitates absorption of hydrogen.

Abstract: An HM reservoir for storing hydrogen includes a housing and a plurality of storage units. The storage units are stacked in the interior of the housing. Each storage unit includes a pair of plate-like molded bodies and a flat heat exchanger. The plate-like molded bodies are formed by compressing powder of hydrogen storage material. The heat exchanger is provided between the molded bodies. Each molded body includes a first side and a second side, which is opposite to the first side. The first side contacts the heat exchanger. A plurality of flat hydrogen passages are formed in the interior of the housing to face the second sides of the associated molded bodies. The structure of the HM reservoir is thus simple. Further, the molded bodies of the HM reservoir smoothly absorb hydrogen and smoothly release the same.

Abstract: A hydrogen-storage container which demonstrates a high hydrogen-storage capacity, which is reduced in mass, and which is suited to be installed in an automobile is provided. In a hydrogen-storage container holding a hydrogen-occlusion alloy in which hydrogen is occluded, an air gap portion formed in the container is filled with hydrogen gas whose pressure is above a plateau equilibrium pressure of hydrogen gas contained in the hydrogen-occlusion alloy at a temperature of a location where the hydrogen-storage container is installed. This hydrogen-storage container has a liner made of metal or resin, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer provided outside the liner.

Abstract: In a hydrogen storing tank (solid filling tank) in which a hydrogen absorbing alloy (solid) is filled, a heat exchanger for executing heat exchange with the hydrogen absorbing alloy is constructed by laminating alternately a first heat-transferring fins formed in corrugated plate shape and a second heat-transferring fins formed in flat plate shape. Partitioned portions that are partitioned by the first heat-transferring fins and the second heat-transferring fins restrict movement of hydrogen absorbing alloy powders (MH powders) in a subsiding direction. Therefore, movement of the MH powders can surely be prevented by not using members that has no concern with the heat exchange and reduces an amount of filled MH powders and a volume in which the heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage apparatus that includes multiple gas storage tanks that each house a storing/adsorbing material and through the interior of which a fluid travels is provided. The gas storage apparatus 10 includes roughly cylindrical gas storage tanks 20 that house hydrogen-storing alloy. The multiple gas storage tanks 20 are disposed longitudinally parallel to each other in an ordered fashion such that roughly triangular prism-shaped empty spaces are formed between multiple adjacent hydrogen storage tanks 20. Coolant paths through which coolant flows are formed in these roughly triangular prism-shaped empty spaces. These coolant paths are thermally connected to the hydrogen-storing alloy in the gas storage tanks 20 via constituent members of the gas storage tanks 20 and via heat transfer plates 28 disposed on the gas storage tanks 20.

Abstract: A pressure tank includes a liner separated into a cap and a main body. A shell covers the outer surface of the liner. The shell is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic. A heat exchanger is arranged in the liner. A header is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported on the liner by fastening the header to the cap or the main body.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system 10, a refrigerant channel 70 that circulates refrigerant is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and each of a fuel cell 30, a hydrogen storage tank 20 having a hydrogen storage alloy, and a radiator 50. The hydrogen storage alloy has a higher absorption temperature at which absorption and release become equilibrium under the predetermined hydrogen pressure than the temperature of the fuel cell 30 in a steady-state operation. The refrigerant after cooling the fuel cell carries the heat generated by hydrogen absorption to the hydrogen storage alloy during storing from the tank 20 and facilitates absorption of hydrogen.

Abstract: A high pressure tank has a cylindrical liner and a fiber reinforced plastic layer which covers the outer surface of the liner. At least one end of the liner is separable. The liner includes a cylindrical liner body and a lid. An O-ring is located between the contact surfaces of the liner body and the lid in the circumferential direction. Each contact surface has a seal surface which contacts the O-ring. One of the liner body and the lid has a deformable portion which deforms toward the seal surfaces. The structure can securely seal the separated portions of the liner when the high pressure tank is in a high pressure state.

Abstract: Methods for making hydrogen storage tanks may include disposing a substantially solid block of hydrogen-absorbing alloy within an activation vessel. Hydrogen gas may then be introduced into the activation vessel under conditions that will cause the hydrogen-absorbing alloy to absorb hydrogen and crack or break apart. Preferably, a substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is formed thereby. Thereafter, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy can be transferred from the activation vessel to a hydrogen storage tank without substantially exposing the powered hydrogen-absorbing alloy to oxygen. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably ingot-shaped when introduced into the activation vessel. Further, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably produced by continuously breaking the ingot-shaped hydrogen-absorbing alloy within the activation vessel due to volume expansion caused by the hydrogen-absorbing alloy having absorbed hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods for making hydrogen storage tanks may include disposing a substantially solid block of hydrogen-absorbing alloy within an activation vessel. Hydrogen gas may then be introduced into the activation vessel under conditions that will cause the hydrogen-absorbing alloy to absorb hydrogen and crack or break apart. Preferably, a substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is formed thereby. Thereafter, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy can be transferred from the activation vessel to a hydrogen storage tank without substantially exposing the powered hydrogen-absorbing alloy to oxygen. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably ingot-shaped when introduced into the activation vessel. Further, the substantially powdered hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably produced by continuously breaking the ingot-shaped hydrogen-absorbing alloy within the activation vessel due to volume expansion caused by the hydrogen-absorbing alloy having absorbed hydrogen.

Abstract: A case for a hydrogen absorption indirect heat exchanger of the present invention includes a square cylindrical portion 11 having each portion thereof formed integrally by die-casting or extrusion molding. The corners 11a of this square cylindrical portion 11 and the center portion of its side 11b are shaped to a greater thickness than that of other portions. The weight of the case can be reduced while the case powder capacity is secured.

Abstract: An HM reservoir for storing hydrogen includes a housing and a plurality of storage units. The storage units are stacked in the interior of the housing. Each storage unit includes a pair of plate-like molded bodies and a flat heat exchanger. The plate-like molded bodies are formed by compressing powder of hydrogenstorage material. The heat exchanger is provided between the molded bodies. Each molded body includes a first side and a second side, which is opposite to the first side. The first side contacts the heat exchanger. A plurality of flat hydrogen passages are formed in the interior of the housing to face the second sides of the associated molded bodies. The structure of the HM reservoir is thus simple. Further, the molded bodies of the HM reservoir smoothly absorb hydrogen and smoothly release the same.

Abstract: In a heat-exchange unit 1a constituting a chief portion of an indirect heat exchanger 1, the streams of hot medium that flow through many small flow passages 20 in the flat tubes 2 in the upstream heat-exchange set 5, meet together in the tubular headers 4 for each of the flat tubes 2 and, then, flow again into many small flow passages 20 in the flat tubes 2 in the downstream heat-exchange set 6. Even in case some of the small flow passages 20 are clogged or constricted, all the small flow passages 20 from the upstream common header 71 to the downstream common header 72 do not become incapable of exchanging heat and do not lose the function for exchanging heat, and most of the area of the upstream side and of the downstream side can be normally used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combined system for activating a fuel cell with hydrogen absorbed and stored in a hydrogen-storage alloy to drive an electric vehicle and for conditioning the air with the hydrogen absorbed and stored in the hydrogen-storage alloy. The combined system of the invention sucks hydrogen out of the hydrogen-storage alloy by a compressor. The combined system of the invention cools the air with a cooling power generated in discharge of hydrogen from the hydrogen-storage alloy and heats the air with a heat generated in absorption of hydrogen into the hydrogen-storage alloy. The combined system preferably includes a heat storage tank disposed in a conduit of a heating medium for storing an excess of a cooling power caused by a variation in an amount of hydrogen required for the fuel cell. Alternatively, the combined system has a secondary battery which is charged with an excess power of the fuel cell and discharges to make up for a deficient power of the fuel cell.