Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having a first conduit adapted for filling and extracting a cryogenic liquid from the tank and a second conduit adapted for filling and extracting a gas from the tank is disclosed, wherein heat originating from inlet and outlet conduits transferred to the tank is minimized.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for opening and closing a cryogenic tank that has particular application for a hydrogen consuming system, such as a fuel cell system or an internal combustion engine. The shut-off valve is positioned in a supply line coupled to the cryogenic tank, and is opened by a control valve. When the control valve is actuated, hydrogen pressure from the supply line is used to open the shut-off valve. The control valve is coupled to the output line either upstream or downstream of the shut-off valve. An output of the control valve can be vented to a cathode input, an anode input or a cathode exhaust of a fuel cell stack, to an air input of an internal combustion engine or to ambient, depending on the particular application.

Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. A common-access tube or conduit is used to route the various fluid flow lines into the interior of the inner vessel. The common-access tube facilitates modular construction and assembly of the storage tank.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a thermal shield in thermal contact with the inner vessel is disclosed, wherein the thermal shield is adapted to militate against heat transfer from the atmosphere to a cryogenic fluid by the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. The fluid flow lines that extend from the interior of the inner vessel to the exterior of the outer vessel have both corrugated- and non-corrugated portions. The corrugated portions advantageously facilitate the bending of the fluid flow lines into a desired orientation while the non-corrugated portions provide rigidity and stiffness for the fluid flow lines.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage and supply system comprises a storage vessel containing a liquefied or condensed hydrogen in sufficient contact with a catalyst inside the vessel. The storage vessel comprises an inner tank, an outer jacket, a vacuum insulation between said inner tank and outer jacket, and a catalyst disposed inside the inner tank, wherein the catalyst is capable of converting para-hydrogen to ortho-hydrogen at temperatures between about 20° K to about 80° K. A process of storing and supplying hydrogen using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending an inner tank within an outer tank to form a cryogenic storage tank. Opposing ends of the inner tank are suspended from the outer tank by suspension members. A preloading device facilitates the preloading of the suspension members to suspend the inner tank within the outer tank. The suspension members constrain the inner tank in a statically determinable manner so that a desired preloading and loading can be imparted upon the suspension members. The suspension members advantageously limit the parasitic heat leaks between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A construction for a multi-layered vacuum super insulated cryogenic tank and a method for making the same is disclosed. The cryogenic tank uses an inner tank that is wrapped with multiple layers of radiation shielding and is suspended within a frame by one or more suspension members. The frame is enclosed within a fluid tight outer tank that fits snuggly against the frame. An ultra-high vacuum is created between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel suspended within the outer vessel. One or more stiffening members support portions of the outer vessel. The use of the stiffening members limits deformation of the outer vessel due to the suspension of the inner vessel therein.

Abstract: A liquid hydrogen storage tank is provided with a boil-off release pressure above the critical pressure. The super critical pressure hydrogen storage tank has less hydrogen losses than a conventional tank even when used in vehicular applications and can be operated so as to provide zero hydrogen loss with reduced mandatory driving distances.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank having an insulated inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. A common-access tube or conduit is used to route the various fluid flow lines into the interior of the inner vessel. The use of a common-access tube reduces the number of obstructions that the insulation must accommodate and facilitates the production of the storage tank.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a thermal shield in thermal contact with the inner vessel is disclosed, wherein the thermal shield is adapted to militate against heat transfer from the atmosphere to a cryogenic fluid by the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having a first conduit adapted for filling and extracting a cryogenic liquid from the tank and a second conduit adapted for filling and extracting a gas from the tank is disclosed, wherein heat originating from inlet and outlet conduits transferred to the tank is minimized.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. The fluid flow lines that extend from the interior of the inner vessel to the exterior of the outer vessel have both corrugated-and non-corrugated portions. The corrugated portions advantageously facilitate the bending of the fluid flow lines into a desired orientation while the non-corrugated portions provide rigidity and stiffness for the fluid flow lines.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank having an insulated inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. A common-access tube or conduit is used to route the various fluid flow lines into the interior of the inner vessel. The use of a common-access tube reduces the number of obstructions that the insulation must accommodate and facilitates the production of the storage tank.

Abstract: A construction for a multi-layered vacuum super insulated cryogenic tank and a method for making the same is disclosed. The cryogenic tank uses an inner tank that is wrapped with multiple layers of radiation shielding and is suspended within a frame by one or more suspension members. The frame is enclosed within a fluid tight outer tank that fits snuggly against the frame. An ultra-high vacuum is created between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending an inner tank within an outer tank to form a cryogenic storage tank. Opposing ends of the inner tank are suspended from the outer tank by suspension members. A preloading device facilitates the preloading of the suspension members to suspend the inner tank within the outer tank. The suspension members constrain the inner tank in a statically determinable manner so that a desired preloading and loading can be imparted upon the suspension members. The suspension members advantageously limit the parasitic heat leaks between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel. A common-access tube or conduit is used to route the various fluid flow lines into the interior of the inner vessel. The common-access tube facilitates modular construction and assembly of the storage tank.

Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel suspended within the outer vessel. One or more stiffening members support portions of the outer vessel. The use of the stiffening members limits deformation of the outer vessel due to the suspension of the inner vessel therein.