Modular composite panel system for hydrogen bladder containment

Abstract

A modular composite panel system comprising a plurality of composite panels, each composite panel comprising co-cured layers including at least a carbon fiber layer and a resin between the carbon fiber layers, wherein each composite panel includes interlocking edge elements configured to mechanically connect with interlocking edge features of adjacent composite panels, and a hydrogen-impermeable bladder positioned within a structure formed by the plurality of composite panels when assembled, wherein the bladder is configured for hydrogen containment while the composite panels provide structural support. The composite panels may further include Kevlar layers co-cured with the carbon fiber layers and aluminum coatings applied to panel surfaces. The interlocking edge features may comprise dovetail connections, tongue-and-groove connections, or snap-fit mechanisms, and high-performance adhesives may be applied for bonding adjacent panels. The hydrogen-impermeable bladder may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane, multilayer polymer-metal laminates, or aluminum-coated films.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.