PRINTING AND STORAGE

Prince Fibre’s profiles can be used in a wide variety of ways. The carbon profiles, in particular, are broadly applicable due to the strength of the carbon fibers. Thus, these profiles can also be used to facilitate very high-pressure storage.

Storage of hydrogen
An example of storage that comes under very high pressure is hydrogen storage. Hydrogen normally occurs in the form of a gas. To preserve it, however, the liquid state of hydrogen is preferred.
Liquefaction, can be accomplished in two ways: by cooling the hydrogen sharply or by putting it under high pressure.
Cooling the hydrogen takes a lot of energy because the temperature must remain low to prevent evaporation. In order to pressurize hydrogen and keep it that way, a very strong tank is needed.

Store under high pressure
A steel tank in which the hydrogen is stored under high pressure must have thick walls and therefore quickly becomes heavy. If the tank remains in a fixed location, this weight is not a problem. However, if the tank needs to be moved, as in the case of fuel tanks of cars or trucks, moving all that weight takes a lot of energy. The weight then causes increased fuel consumption. The hydrogen tank of a car can easily weigh about 200 kg extra due to the use of steel.

Participating in the solution
The total weight of a carbon hydrogen tank, including contents of hydrogen, is approximately equal to the weight of the traditional fuel tank.

Since carbon is stronger than steel and weighs less, it is the best material to make hydrogen tanks out of. In any case, it is possible to manufacture the tanks out of carbon. Prince Fibre has already helped build a stationary hydrogen tank. Practical ways to apply carbon in mobile tanks are now being looked at in particular.

Looking for a solution with composites?
The high pressure and light weight required for practical application of hydrogen tanks make carbon the best composite to apply . For similar issues, it is further possible to use thick-walled fiberglass profiles. Are you looking for a suitable composite solution? If so, contact Prince Fibre.