H2-Flex

For effective hydrogen storage, efficient utilization of the available design space for hydrogen tanks is crucial. Conventional filament-wound pressure tanks, however, offer limited flexibility in terms of geometric dimensions. Moreover, any change in tank geometry requires a redesign of the liner, which serves as a barrier against hydrogen permeation and aids in the manufacturing process.

To address these limitations, a new design for cylindrical hydrogen tanks was developed and patented at Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe, allowing both the length and diameter of the tank to be nearly freely selected.

As part of the H2-Flex project, a production process is now being developed at Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe to manufacture these new tank designs. In collaboration with project partner Automation Steeg und Hoffmeyer, a production line will be designed and built based on this process, enabling automated production of the newly developed pressure tanks.

To improve the environmental footprint of the tanks, a bio-based resin system will be used instead of a petroleum-based winding resin. To tailor this resin system to the specific requirements of the manufacturing process, project partner Schill und Seilacher will develop a specially adapted bio-based matrix material.

In the new tank design, the loads in the dome area are absorbed by metallic components, which places high demands on the sealing and wear properties in the contact area of the metal parts to each other and to the composite material. Project partner Karl Wolf Präzision will identify suitable materials and surface treatments and manufacture the corresponding metallic components to achieve optimal properties for these specific requirements.