US 12,325,073 B2 · Structural vehicle components for hydrogen storage

Abstract

Vehicle structural components and additive manufacturing methods for forming the components are described. The structural components incorporate hydrogen storage materials for use in conjunction with hydrogen fuel cells in electric-powered vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The hydrogen storage materials can be in the form of a 3D printed metal foam that includes a metal hydride and an inert structural metal. The material can exhibit a very low weight density able to store hydrogen in a low pressure solid-state form at a high energy density. The structural components that carry the hydrogen storage materials can be exchangeable components of a vehicle, and the vehicle can be refueled by merely exchanging an exhausted component for a replacement component that is fully-charged with hydrogen.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A removably attachable structural component configured for attachment to a vehicle, the structural component comprising:

a) a metal foam, the metal foam comprising sintered particles, the sintered particles comprising first particles including a metal hydride and second particles comprising an inert scaffolding material;
b) a casing surrounding the metal foam;
c) a fluid line in fluid communication with the metal foam;
and
d) an attachment device configured to retain the structural component in place during use and configured to release the structural component from the vehicle;
wherein the attachment device is configured such that upon the attachment and release, the metal foam is placed into and taken out of, respectively, fluid communication with a hydrogen fuel cell via the fluid line.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Structural vehicle components for hydrogen storage

Life of this patent

Structural vehicle components for hydrogen storage

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19