Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Hangzhou Impact New Materials: A Professional Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder Supplier

With the mission of accelerating the industrialization of fuel cells, our company is committed to promoting the development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell industries.

Professional Team

Our company brings together the backbone of the fuel cell field at home and abroad. The core R&D team comes from professional backgrounds such as "fuel cell + mass production vehicle" and has senior experience in the development and application of fuel cell stacks, fuel cell systems, and complete vehicles.

Variety of Products

Our new park has four major functions: R&D office, testing and verification, production and manufacturing, and hydrogen supply. The production line covers a full range of products such as membrane electrodes, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell systems, and hydrogen storage systems.

Multi-Field Practice

Our company has completed the product development of various fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems with power ranging from 6kW to 260kW. These products are widely used in passenger cars, city buses, highway buses, light, medium and heavy trucks, forklifts, trailers and many other fields, and can be extended to distributed power generation, combined heat and power, ships, aviation and other fields.

Multiple International Certifications

Our company has obtained ISO 13485 quality system certification and CE certification of TUV Rheinland. We have also passed FDA registration and BSCI audit. In addition, our products have been sold to more than 60 countries and regions, and they have been inspected by many customers.

Brief Introduction to Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Fuel cell hydrogen cylinders are tanks used to store compressed hydrogen. Hydrogen can be stored in gaseous and liquid forms. Gas storage tanks work by storing compressed hydrogen gas under pressure. The working principle of cryogenic storage tanks is to store liquid hydrogen, but in order to maintain the liquid state, the hydrogen needs to be stored under extremely cold conditions. General-purpose pressure vessels on the market adopt different structures and are currently divided into five categories, classified from I to IV according to quantity.

Features of Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Durable

The fuel cell hydrogen cylinder has high durability and can meet the demanding requirements of large-scale and high-consumption hydrogen in the coming years. They are made of durable metal materials and are specially designed to ensure resistance to external corrosion and the effects of internal hydrogen.

Light

Compressed hydrogen is stored in lightweight composite cylinders, allowing for increased payload and large-scale storage and transportation. This can help you save a lot on shipping and labor costs in the long run.

Safe and Reliable

Fuel cell hydrogen cylinders comply with various international standards. At the same time, our in-house testing capabilities for most relevant requirements (hydraulics, leaks, burst testing, bonfire, penetration, penetration) ensure the highest safety and quality standards. They are reliable enough not to leak easily.

Customizable

Fuel cell hydrogen cylinders are available in a variety of sizes, from Type I to Type IV. You can find the right tank for your application from the manufacturer. Moreover, these tanks can also be customized to meet special needs.

Benefits of Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Strong Security

Hydrogen is a clean energy source whose only byproduct of combustion is water vapor, but it can cause explosions if not stored properly. Fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders offer a safer solution. Its sturdy structure and unique internal design effectively prevent leaks.

Easy to Transport

Hydrogen is more convenient to store and transmit than electricity, especially in areas far away from the grid. Through fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders, hydrogen can be suitable for long-term storage and long-distance transportation, and can be released when needed to provide reliable energy supply.

Save Energy Costs

Fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders can be used with renewable energy systems to convert excess energy into hydrogen and store it. This helps save energy costs and promotes wider adoption of renewable energy.

Strong Applicability

Fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders are suitable for a variety of vehicles that rely on fuel cells, including cars, buses, trains, and airplanes. At the same time, it can also be used as a fuel reserve for low-noise power supplies for power supply, backup power, etc.

Types of Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Hydrogen Cylinders (Metallic)

Hydrogen cylinders are the most common hydrogen storage solution and are usually made of steel or aluminum. They are durable and have seamless metal construction. These hydrogen bottles can store hydrogen at pressures up to 350 bar. Although they are cost-effective and widely available, they tend to be heavier compared to other types.

Hydrogen Cylinders (Metallic-Lined)

Hydrogen cylinders are an evolution of Type I hydrogen cylinders with a twist. These hydrogen cylinders feature a metallic liner that is reinforced with a composite wrap. This design reduces the overall weight of the cylinder while maintaining its structural integrity. Type II hydrogen cylinders can store hydrogen at higher pressures, typically up to 700 bar.

Hydrogen Cylinders (Fully Composite)

Hydrogen cylinders are at the forefront of hydrogen cylinder technology. They are constructed entirely from composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy. These hydrogen cylinders are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as fuel cell vehicles. Type III hydrogen cylinders can store hydrogen at pressures ranging from 350 to 700 bar.

Hydrogen Cylinders (Fully Composite with Liner)

Hydrogen cylinders represent the pinnacle of hydrogen cylinder engineering. They combine the benefits of Type III hydrogen cylinders with an additional plastic liner that enhances hydrogen containment. This innovative design maximizes safety and weight reduction, allowing for higher storage pressures.

Hydrogen Cylinders(Linerless Composite)

Hydrogen cylinders are not widely available yet. These are the next generation of gas cylinders, and currently, they are only used in the most advanced military and aerospace applications. They are unlikely to be widely available on the commercial market for a few years.

Two Installation Methods for Fuel Cell Storage Cylinder

When placing the cylinder in the target application, the question arises of how to secure it in place. During operation, the pressurized hydrogen tank expands and contracts. Typically this is less than 5% of the volume or length, but this must be taken into account for safe and long-lasting operation.

Neck mounted Hydrogen Cylinder

Neck mounting means that the tank is tightly secured to the load-bearing structure of the neck, while all other support structures are loosely mounted to allow for expansion and contraction movement.

Strap mounted Hydrogen Cylinder

Strap mounting means that the tank is secured around the tank by wrapping straps and securing them to the structure to which the tank is to be secured. In turn, the straps need to accommodate estimated maximum expansion and contraction movements.

Choosing the Right Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Regardless of the application, choosing the right gas cylinder is critical. The following are things to consider when selecting a gas cylinder for various applications.

Industrial – Onsite
For on-site industrial use, a simple Type 1 cylinder is often the most suitable and best value solution. In typical applications such as metal fabrication and welding, the cylinder does not need to be moved, so heavier weight is not a major consideration. Cost is usually the main factor. The lighter weight Type 2 or Type 3 cylinders may provide a better option for high-volume industrial applications where the cylinder needs to be refilled regularly and where it needs to be moved around the site.

Industrial - Portable
In portable industrial applications, such as mobile welding or mining use, cylinder weight becomes even more important. Type 1 cylinders may be suitable where limited portability is required, but Type 2 cylinders generally provide the best balance between cost and portability. If low weight and significant portability are required, a Type 3 cylinder may be the best choice.

Labs and Science
Type 1 and Type 2 cylinders are suitable for a variety of in-laboratory applications where portability is not required. For field work, equipment testing and calibration applications, Type 3 cylinders and in some cases Type 4 cylinders may be more practical due to their lighter weight.

Aerospace, Drones and Military
For any type of flight application, weight is important. Every kilogram counts, so depending on the application, Type 3, 4 and 5 cylinders are the most suitable. For drone use, Type 3 cylinders can provide a more resilient and robust solution than Type 4 cylinders. Type 3 cylinders are also best suited for the aviation industry and have full regulatory approval.

Medical Industry
For the medical industry, the main considerations in selecting a cylinder are capacity and weight. Type 1 cylinders are suitable for hospital use, but in 2020, Type 2 and 3 cylinders are preferred. For ambulance and portable/home oxygen use, lightweight cylinders offer real, practical benefits. Type 3 cylinders are lighter in weight and have higher capacity, making them the natural choice for these applications.

General Precautions When Handling Fuel Cell Hydrogen Cylinder

Use a Dedicated Regulator: Always use a regulator designed for use with hydrogen. Never try to repair or force a regulator that doesn't fit together easily. Avoid opening hydrogen cylinder valves to remove dust or dirt from fittings, as this practice (although acceptable for other gases) may cause spontaneous combustion.

Avoid Leaks: The fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinder must be secured in an upright position to avoid being knocked over. Use leak checking equipment to regularly check for hydrogen leaks.

Keep away from sources of ignition: Eliminate sources of ignition (e.g. open flames, equipment that may produce sparks, sources of static electricity) as much as possible during hydrogen operation.

Correct Way to Move: Before moving the hydrogen cylinder from its fixed position, replace the regulator with a protective valve cap. Never roll, drop or lift cylinder by protective cap.

Proper Storage: During storage and use, hydrogen bottles must be separated from oxidizing gases by at least 20 feet (NFPA). Protect cylinders from high temperatures and direct sunlight.

Ensure Ventilation: Due to the small size of the molecules, hydrogen can leak through holes that other gases cannot pass through. Always ensure adequate ventilation to handle the largest expected hydrogen leak or spill. Ventilation using large volumes of air can dilute small amounts of leaked hydrogen below the lower flammability limit of 4% in air.

Set Up an Alarm System: It is recommended to use a flammable gas detection alarm system and place the alarm close to the expected leak area. If hydrogen exceeds a specified concentration, an alarm is triggered, providing early warning of a possible leak. Be sure to calibrate your alarm/combustible gas detection system regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Professional Personnel Training: Combustible gas detector alarm systems cannot prevent leaks from occurring, nor can they indicate what measures should be taken. Therefore, on-site personnel must be trained in safe working practices and correct emergency response measures.

Our Factory

The following are our factory:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is hydrogen stored in cylinders?

A: Hydrogen can be physically stored as a gas or liquid. Storing hydrogen in gas form typically requires high-pressure storage tanks. Storage of liquid hydrogen requires low temperatures because hydrogen has a boiling point of -252.8 degrees Celsius at one atmosphere.

Q: What are the dangers of hydrogen cylinders?

A: Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas. It is not toxic. The immediate health hazard is the possibility of thermal burns. It is flammable and may form flammable or explosive mixtures with air. Violent reactions may occur if hydrogen is combined with air, oxygen, and oxidizing agents such as halogens.

Q: What are the rules for hydrogen storage?

A: Fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders shall be separated from incompatible materials (such as oxygen) by a distance of 20 feet or by noncombustible walls with a fire resistance rating of at least 0.5 hour and extending not less than 18 inches above and to the sides of the cylinder.

Q: What is the function of fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinder?

A: Cylinders play a vital role in the application of gaseous hydrogen. Whether used in stationary applications, mobile storage during transport, or at vehicle level, it is indispensable.

Q: Is the hydrogen in fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders very flammable?

A: Since hydrogen cylinders typically contain approximately 9000 liters of hydrogen, any leakage or damage to the cylinder could cause the LEL to be reached within minutes, turning the storage site into a highly explosive environment. This is extremely dangerous, especially since hydrogen gas can spontaneously ignite.

Q: What are Type III hydrogen cylinders made of?

A: Type III vessels consist of a fully wrapped composite cylinder with a metal lining that serves as a hydrogen permeation barrier. The metal lining is made of aluminum (Al), which solves the embrittlement problem and contributes >5% to the mechanical resistance.

Q: Why is hydrogen difficult to store?

A: Hydrogen is difficult to store due to its low volumetric energy density. It is the lightest and simplest of all elements, lighter than helium and therefore easily disappears into the atmosphere.

Q: Why does hydrogen leak so easily?

A: Hydrogen molecules are very small. Hydrogen molecules have small size, low molecular weight, high diffusivity, and low viscosity, so they leak easily.

Q: Are fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders safe?

A: Fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders undergo rigorous testing (combustion test, explosion test, pressure test, etc.). Moreover, they meet many international standards, so they are very safe.

Q: What causes a hydrogen explosion?

A: There will be no explosion in fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinders or any closed location containing only hydrogen. In open spaces, the concentration of oxidizing agents (e.g. oxygen) must be at least 10% pure oxygen or 41% air to cause a hydrogen explosion.

Q: Is the hydrogen in the fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinder a liquid or a gas?

A: Hydrogen is a gas at room temperature. If the temperature is above -240 degrees Celsius, the gas will not liquefy no matter how much pressure is added. This is called the critical temperature. Therefore, the hydrogen state in a cylinder is usually a gas unless it is cryogenically cooled below -240 degrees Celsius.

Q: Does hydrogen catch fire easily?

A: Hydrogen used in the fuel cells is a very flammable gas and can cause fires and explosions if it is not handled properly.

Q: What is Type 4 fuel cell hydrogen cylinder?

A: Type 4 hydrogen tanks have a non-metallic inner liner made of composite materials and are encased in an outer wrapping made up of carbon fibre and other interwoven thermoplastic polymers.

Q: How long do Type 3 hydrogen tanks last?

A: Type 3 tanks have a life cycle of 10 years with a mid-term inspection for safety reasons. Depending on how frequent the filling and emptying events are, their production emissions can be spread over a large quantity of hydrogen.

Q: How do fuel cell storage cylinders perform under extreme conditions, such as extremely cold or hot environments?

A: These cylinders are often designed to operate in extreme conditions, but additional insulation and cooling systems need to be considered to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Q: How does the weight of the fuel cell hydrogen storage cylinder affect vehicle performance?

A: The weight of the cylinder directly affects the fuel efficiency and load of the vehicle, so the weight and performance needs of the hydrogen storage system need to be balanced in the design.

Q: How to stop a hydrogen explosion?

A: Any application containing hydrogen presents an explosion hazard and should be prevented by relying on a combination of hydrogen sealing, purging operations to isolate the hydrogen from air or other oxidants, ventilation, and ignition source control.

We're well-known as one of the leading fuel cell hydrogen cylinder manufacturers and suppliers in China. We warmly welcome you to wholesale high quality fuel cell hydrogen cylinder at competitive price from our factory. For customized service, contact us now.