Abstract: Embodiments are directed to fiber-reinforced compressed gas storage tanks or vessels comprising one or more shells that are made by metal forming, plastic molding, braiding, filament-winding, or fiber placement. Particular embodiments employ one or more discrete pre-formed fiber-reinforced endcaps with fibers oriented in preferential angles that are integrated to the vessel end-domes to reinforce the polar openings and the dome-cylinder transition areas of the load carrying shells.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to compressed gas storage units exhibiting one or more safety features. Particular embodiments employ a pressure relief mechanism to rapidly yet safely vent the contents of the tank in the event of a fire. The mechanism may comprise an internally piloted relief valve in communication with temperature-sensitive element(s) present along the tank dimensions. Under high temperature conditions indicative of a fire, the element communicates a signal to open the internally piloted relief valve. In some embodiments the element is configured to communicate a heat signal (e.g., by thermal conduction). In certain embodiments the element is configured to communicate a pressure change signal (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic). In other embodiments the element may communicate different signal types, such as electric (e.g., thermoelectric) or mechanical (e.g., shear or tension forces). Also disclosed is a module incorporating a plurality of tanks to offer enhanced storage capacity.

Abstract: A fuel holding device is secured to a vehicle by means of straps and brackets, which sits on a system of gaskets to prevent longitudinal sliding and rotation. A gasket system for preventing longitudinal sliding is disposed circumferentially around the tank body, and between the tank body and a circumferential bracket system that includes a U-shaped strap and an L-shaped bracket. The gasket system comprises a wedge-shaped base and a slider portion, with the U-shaped strap secured around the slider portion. A system for preventing rotation of a fuel-holding device has a circumferential wedge gasket segment, or a corrugated segment, positioned at a gap between the U-shaped strap and the L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: Gas containment vessels are provided that are comprised of an inner corrosion resistant shell made of lower strength steel alloy or aluminum alloy or thermoplastic polymer, and an outer concentric shell constructed of high strength, albeit lower corrosion resistant, metal or fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber can comprise filaments derived from basaltic rocks, the filaments having been immersed in a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer matrix, and commingled with carbon, glass or aramid fibers such that there is load sharing between the basaltic fibers and carbon, glass or aramid fibers.

Abstract: Gas containment vessels are provided that are comprised of an inner corrosion resistant shell made of lower strength steel alloy or aluminum alloy or thermoplastic polymer, and an outer concentric shell constructed of high strength, albeit lower corrosion resistant, metal or fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber can comprise filaments derived from basaltic rocks, the filaments having been immersed in a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer matrix, and comingled with carbon, glass or aramid fibers such that there is load sharing between the basaltic fibers and carbon, glass or aramid fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to compressed gas storage units exhibiting one or more safety features. Particular embodiments employ a pressure relief mechanism to rapidly yet safely vent the contents of the tank in the event of a fire. The mechanism may comprise an internally piloted relief valve in communication with temperature-sensitive element(s) present along the tank dimensions. Under high temperature conditions indicative of a fire, the element communicates a signal to open the internally piloted relief valve. In some embodiments the element is configured to communicate a heat signal (e.g., by thermal conduction). In certain embodiments the element is configured to communicate a pressure change signal (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic). In other embodiments the element may communicate different signal types, such as electric (e.g., thermoelectric) or mechanical (e.g., shear or tension forces). Also disclosed is a module incorporating a plurality of tanks to offer enhanced storage capacity.

Abstract: Gas containment vessels are provided that are comprised of an inner corrosion resistant shell made of lower strength steel alloy or aluminum alloy or thermoplastic polymer, and an outer concentric shell constructed of high strength, albeit lower corrosion resistant, metal or fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber can comprise filaments derived from basaltic rocks, the filaments having been immersed in a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer matrix, and comingled with carbon, glass or aramid fibers such that there is load sharing between the basaltic fibers and carbon, glass or aramid fibers.

Abstract: A fuel holding device is secured to a vehicle by means of straps and brackets, which sits on a system of gaskets to prevent longitudinal sliding and rotation. A gasket system for preventing longitudinal sliding is disposed circumferentially around the tank body, and between the tank body and a circumferential bracket system that includes a U-shaped strap and an L-shaped bracket. The gasket system comprises a wedge-shaped base and a slider portion, with the U-shaped strap secured around the slider portion. A system for preventing rotation of a fuel-holding device has a circumferential wedge gasket segment, or a corrugated segment, positioned at a gap between the U-shaped strap and the L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: Gas containment vessels are provided that are comprised of an inner corrosion resistant shell made of lower strength steel alloy or aluminum alloy or thermoplastic polymer, and an outer concentric shell constructed of high strength, albeit lower corrosion resistant, metal or fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber can comprise filaments derived from basaltic rocks, the filaments having been immersed in a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer matrix, and comingled with carbon, glass or aramid fibers such that there is load sharing between the basaltic fibers and carbon, glass or aramid fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an alternative, cost-effective safety feature for on-board hydrogen storage containers incorporating a fill cycle sensor with a driver warning and shutdown system. The system monitors the number of times a hydrogen container is filled, and then takes action at a predetermined termination point. A controller monitors each time the hydrogen container is filled above 90% of the rated pressure or mass. Once the predetermined termination point of fill cycles is reached, the disclosed device/method will either disable the valve or refueling mechanism such that fuel supply to the vehicle is shutoff and the container cannot be filled again, essentially assuring the end of the life of the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an alternative, cost-effective safety feature for on-board hydrogen storage containers incorporating a fill cycle sensor with a driver warning and shutdown system. The system monitors the number of times a hydrogen container is filled, and then takes action at a predetermined termination point. A controller monitors each time the hydrogen container is filled above 90% of the rated pressure or mass. Once the predetermined termination point of fill cycles is reached, the disclosed device/method will either disable the valve or refueling mechanism such that fuel supply to the vehicle is shutoff and the container cannot be filled again, essentially assuring the end of the life of the container.

Abstract: A transportable solid oxide fuel cell and balance of plant in a portable enclosure. A fuel supply is provided in the enclosure. The fuel supply is refillable. Power conditioning of the electricity provided is also provided as part of the enclosure.

Abstract: A portable fuel cell powered electrical generator. The portable fuel cell generator can be provided in a towable trailer, or it can be a portable enclosure which is movable on a trailer. A hydrogen fuel source is transported with the fuel cell generator. The electricity provided by the fuel cell generator can be supplied in as AC or DC current. Power conditioning occurs within the trailer or enclosure.

Abstract: A portable hydrogen refueling stations which can dispense gaseous hydrogen from one or more internal high pressure tanks. The refueling station can be refilled with a lower pressure hydrogen gas feed and then compressed for storage within the refueling station.

Abstract: Devices and methods for storing hydrogen fuels or other gaseous fuels. One embodiment of a container for storing gaseous fuels in accordance with an aspect of the invention comprises a high-pressure vessel configured to contain the gas in a high-pressure zone at a pressure significantly above atmospheric pressure. The container can also include a storing medium in the vessel and an inlet/outlet line extending through the vessel. The storing medium can have a plurality of storage spaces configured to physically bind molecules of the gas to the storing medium, and the inlet/outlet line can be a tube extending through the vessel in fluid communication with the storing medium. In operation, the high-pressure vessel is pressurized with a gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen) to a pressure significantly above atmospheric pressure (e.g., approximately 3,000-10,000 psi).

Abstract: Devices and methods for storing hydrogen fuels or other gaseous fuels. One embodiment of a container for storing gaseous fuels in accordance with an aspect of the invention comprises a high-pressure vessel configured to contain the gas in a high-pressure zone at a pressure significantly above atmospheric pressure. The container can also include a storing medium in the vessel and an inlet/outlet line extending through the vessel. The storing medium can have a plurality of storage spaces configured to physically bind molecules of the gas to the storing medium, and the inlet/outlet line can be a tube extending through the vessel in fluid communication with the storing medium. In operation, the high-pressure vessel is pressurized with a gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen) to a pressure significantly above atmospheric pressure (e.g., approximately 3,000-10,000 psi).

Abstract: The controls for controlling the supply of natural gas fuel for a vehicle are integrated together in a module which is located at the gas tank. Such controls include a high pressure regulator for lowering the pressure of the gas flowing from the tank and an electronically controlled solenoid valve which shuts off the gas flow when no fuel is required by the engine and when the gas pressure in the tank falls below a predetermined value. Also included in the module are a pressure sensor for providing signals for controlling the shutoff valve; a check valve which permits one way flow of gas into the gas tank when it is filled; a pressure relief mechanism responsive to the temperature and pressure sensors for allowing safe release of the gas to the outside should the temperature rise above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A seal system for a pressure vessel which includes a substantially rigid outer shell with at least one opening therein, an inner liner disposed within the outer shell against the inside surface thereof, an opening aligned with the opening of the outer shell and a boss disposed in the opening of the outer shell. The boss includes a neck portion for fitting in the opening of the outer shell, a flange portion extending outwardly from one end of the neck portion and having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a generally cylindrical hollow substantially aligned with the outer shell opening and having an inwardly projecting annular shoulder. The lip segment of the liner extends radially inwardly under the lower surface of the flange portion of the boss and then upwardly into the hollow of the boss, along the interior wall of the hollow until a portion of the lip segment rests on the shoulder.