Development of Dual Volume Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage System

We are developing cryogenic capable pressure vessels with thermal endurance at least 5 times longer than conventional liquid hydrogen (LH₂) tanks that can eliminate evaporative losses in routine use while providing high hydrogen storage weight and volume performance. The generation 2 vessel, installed onboard a Toyota Prius hydrogen hybrid experimental vehicle, has demonstrated the longest driving distance on a single LH₂ tank and the longest LH₂ hold time without evaporative losses. In addition to presenting the basic concept and recent progress on cryogenic capable pressure vessels, this paper describes the potential for greatly exceeding the hydrogen storage density of the generation 2 vessel through conformable dual volume containers that can better occupy box-shaped spaces onboard a vehicle. We present a design and analysis of a dual volume vessel that shows promise for delivering unprecedented hydrogen storage weight and volume performance. Future work will focus on demonstrating the technology onboard the experimental vehicle.