Insulation for cryogenic tanks
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorThorsten Rohwer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetic multi-layer insulation system for a cryogenic storage tank. The system includes multiple layers of insulation comprising a carrier support structure disposed between a first major surface of a magnetic material defining a north pole facing away from the carrier support structure, and a second and opposite major surface of a magnetic material defining a south pole facing away from the carrier support structure. A reflective surface, or metal foil, is disposed adjacent the magnetic poles to deflect radiation. The layers are repelled from one another without the use of spacers. In various embodiments, the magnetic material is a permanent magnet selected from the group consisting of Samarium-Cobalt, Alnico, Neodymium-Iron-Boron, an alloy of the Lanthanide group of elements, and mixtures and alloys thereof.
Claims17
A cryogenic storage vessel, comprising:
- an inner tank having a containment volume storing a cryogenic fluid;
- an outer tank surrounding said inner tank and defining an insulation space therebetween, said insulation space having a pressure less than atmospheric pressure;
- and
- at least two insulation layers disposed in said insulation space and surrounding said inner tank,
- wherein said insulation layers are separated from one another by magnetic repulsion.
A method of insulating a cryogenic storage vessel, comprising:
- providing an inner tank;
- providing an outer tank surrounding said inner tank and defining an inner space therebetween;
- and
- surrounding said inner tank with a plurality of magnetically repelled insulation layers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.