VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle (10), preferably an unmanned and/or autonomous vehicle for example an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, is described. The vehicle (10) comprises: a set of structural components (100), arranged to provide, at least in part, a structure of the vehicle (10) and to resist, at least in part, internal and external forces in one, two or three dimensions; a propulsion system (600), arranged to propel the vehicle (10), and/or an auxiliary power supply (700), arranged to provide electrical power to the vehicle (10); a set of hydrogen storage devices (200), including a first hydrogen storage device (200A), and optionally a set of heaters (300) including a first heater (300A), wherein the set of hydrogen storage devices (200) is arranged to provide hydrogen gas to the propulsion system (600) and/or to the auxiliary power supply (700); wherein the first hydrogen storage device (200A) comprises: a pressure vessel (230A), having a first fluid inlet (210A) and a first fluid outlet (220A), comprising therein a thermally conducting network (240A) optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (300A), wherein the pressure vessel (230A) is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network (240A); and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network (240A) has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions; and wherein the first hydrogen storage device (200A_, preferably the pressure vessel and/or the thermally conducting network (230A) thereof, provides a first structural component (100A) of the set of structural components (100).

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a set of structural components, arranged to provide, at least in part, a structure of the vehicle and to resist, at least in part, internal and/or external forces in one, two or three dimensions; a propulsion system, arranged to propel the vehicle, and/or an auxiliary power supply, arranged to provide electrical power to the vehicle; a set of hydrogen storage devices, including a first hydrogen storage device, and a set of heaters including a first heater, wherein the set of hydrogen storage devices is arranged to provide hydrogen gas to the propulsion system and/or to the auxiliary power supply; wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network; and wherein the thermally conducting network has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions; and wherein the first hydrogen storage device, preferably the pressure vessel and/or the thermally conducting network thereof, provides a first structural component of the set of structural components.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system and/or the auxiliary power supply comprises: a set of electrical generators, including a first electrical generator, configured to generate electricity using the hydrogen gas, selected from a group comprising a fuel cell and an electrical generator comprising a heat engine.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the first electrical generator is the fuel cell, selected from a group comprising a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, PEMFC, an alkaline fuel cell, AFC, and a phosphoric acid fuel cell, PAFC.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft, and wherein the first structural component defines an airframe, a fuselage, a fixed wing and/or a part thereof.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a watercraft, such as a surface watercraft or a submersible watercraft, and wherein the first structural component defines a hull or part thereof.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a land craft and wherein the first structural component defines a chassis or part thereof.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the thermally conducting network is thermally coupleable to an external surface of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the thermally conducting network is thermally coupleable to the propulsion system and/or to the auxiliary power supply.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, comprising: a controller configured to control the first heater based, at least in part, on a power output of the propulsion system and/or of the auxiliary power supply.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: the controller is configured to control the first heater based, at least in part, on a predicted rate of power output of the propulsion system and/or of the auxiliary power supply.

11. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen storage device has a hydrogen storage density of at least 0.01 wt. % of the first hydrogen storage vessel.

12. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system and/or the auxiliary power supply and the set of hydrogen storage devices and mutually releasably coupled.

13. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen storage device has at most two planes of symmetry and a shape arranged to reduce drag, in use.

14. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first heater comprises a Joule heater and/or a recirculating heater and the first hydrogen storage device is arranged to interchangeably receive the Joule heater and the recirculating heater therein and/or thereon.

15. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises the hydrogen storage material and wherein the hydrogen storage material comprises and/or is a solid hydride and/or a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, LOHC.

16. A charging station for charging a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to claim 1.

17. A charging station assembly comprising a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to claim 1 and a charging station for charging the hydrogen storage device.

18. A hydrogen storage device for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a set of structural components, arranged to provide, at least in part, a structure of the vehicle and to resist, at least in part, internal and/or external forces in one, two or three dimensions; and a propulsion system, arranged to propel the vehicle, and/or an auxiliary power supply, arranged to provide electrical power to the vehicle; wherein the hydrogen storage device is arranged to provide hydrogen gas to the propulsion system and/or to the auxiliary power supply and wherein the hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network; and wherein the thermally conducting network has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions; and wherein the hydrogen storage device provides a first structural component of the set of structural components.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which:

[0088] FIG. 1 is a CAD exploded, perspective view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0089] FIG. 2 is a CAD axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, arranged in a first configuration;

[0090] FIG. 3 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of the vehicle of FIG. 1, arranged in a second configuration;

[0091] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cutaway, perspective view of a simulation of the of the hydrogen storage device of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

[0092] FIG. 5 is a graph of flight time as a function of payload for exemplary embodiments and for a comparative example;

[0093] FIG. 6A is a schematic axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment and FIGS. 6B to 6D are schematic transverse cross-sections of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 6A;

[0094] FIGS. 7A to 7C schematically depict thermally conducting networks for a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0095] FIG. 8A is a photograph of a foam for a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 8B is a schematic view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, in more detail;

[0096] FIG. 9A is a plan elevation view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 9A;

[0097] FIG. 10 is a CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0098] FIG. 11 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 10;

[0099] FIG. 12 is a CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 10;

[0100] FIG. 13 is an alternative CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 10;

[0101] FIG. 14 is a CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device fora vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0102] FIG. 15 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 14;

[0103] FIG. 16 is a CAD radial cross-section of a thermally conducting network of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 14;

[0104] FIG. 17 schematically depicts Bravais lattices for a thermally conducting network;

[0105] FIG. 18 is a CAD perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0106] FIG. 19 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 18;

[0107] FIG. 20 is a CAD axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0108] FIG. 21 is a CAD perspective view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0109] FIG. 22 is a CAD perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 21, in more detail;

[0110] FIG. 23 is a CAD cutaway perspective view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0111] FIG. 24 is a CAD perspective cross-section view of hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0112] FIG. 25 is a CAD cross-section view of the hydrogen storage device for a vehicle of FIG. 24;

[0113] FIG. 26 is a CAD perspective view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0114] FIG. 27A is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 27B is a cutaway perspective exploded view of a related hydrogen storage device;

[0115] FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0116] FIG. 29A is a CAD partial cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 29B is a CAD longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device; and FIG. 29C is a CAD perspective view of the thermally conducting network, in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] FIG. 1 is a CAD exploded, perspective view of a vehicle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the vehicle 10 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), particularly a quad copter. The vehicle 10 comprises: a set of structural components 100, arranged to provide, at least in part, a structure of the vehicle 10 and to resist, at least in part, internal and external forces in one, two or three dimensions; a propulsion system 600 (comprising four propulsion sub-systems 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D), arranged to propel the vehicle 10; a set of hydrogen storage devices 200, including a first hydrogen storage device 200A, and optionally a set of heaters 300 including a first heater 300A, wherein the set of hydrogen storage devices 200 is arranged to provide hydrogen gas to the propulsion system 600; wherein the first hydrogen storage device 200A comprises: a pressure vessel 230A, having a first fluid inlet 210A and a first fluid outlet 220A, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240A (not shown) thermally coupled to the first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230A is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240A; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 240A has a lattice geometry in three dimensions; and wherein the first hydrogen storage device 200A, particularly the pressure vessel thereof, provides a first structural component 100A of the set of structural components 100. In this example, the vehicle 10 does not comprise an auxiliary power supply 700, which is additional and/or alternative to the propulsion system 600.

[0118] In this example, the propulsion system 600 is releasably coupled to the first hydrogen storage device 200A. In this example, the first hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a set of 4 female coupling members arranged to receive corresponding male coupling members of detachable rotor arms (i.e. the four propulsion sub-systems 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D) of the vehicle 10. In this example, the first hydrogen storage device 200A comprises a major portion, of at least 65% by mass of the vehicle.

[0119] FIG. 2 is a CAD axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device 200A of the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1, arranged in a first configuration. FIG. 3 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200A of the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1, arranged in a second configuration. In this example, the first hydrogen storage device 200A comprises a passageway 250A, wherein the first hydrogen storage device 200A is arrangeable in: a first configuration to receive a Joule heater in the passageway 250A; and a second configuration to receive a flow of a liquid through the passageway 250A. In the first configuration, a cartridge heater (not shown) is insertable into the passageway 250A through an end thereof and the opposed end of the passageway 250A is closed, with an insulating plug 260A. In the second configuration, the cartridge heater and the plug 260A are removed and fluid couplings 270A, 280A instead fitted to the ends, such that a recirculating liquid, such as coolant from a fuel cell, may be pumped therethrough.

[0120] In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200A is arranged to be oriented horizontally, in use. In this example, the pressure vessel 230A is generally cylindrical, having dished ends. In this example, the passageway, provided by a tube having a circular cross-section, extends between the dished ends longitudinally, offset from an axis of the pressure vessel 230A. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240A partially fills an internal volume of the pressure vessel 230A, particularly a region of the internal volume extending across about 75% of a diameter the pressure vessel, thereby completely surrounding the tube, such that an unfilled volume UV above the thermally conducting network 240A is defined. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240A is thermally coupled to at least a part of an internal surface of the pressure vessel 230A and an external surface of the tube. In this example, the unfilled volume UV acts as a buffer, providing a reservoir of hydrogen during charging and similarly during release, for example to account for kinetics thereof.

[0121] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cutaway, perspective view of a simulation, particularly by finite element analysis (FEA) the hydrogen storage device of the vehicle of FIG. 1. In this example, the pressure vessel is generally cylindrical, having a wall thickness of 2 mm, and hemispherical dished ends, having a wall thickness of 1.5 mm. In this example, the pressure vessel is formed from a material having a yield stress at 100° C. of 181 MPa. In this example, a maximum stress at an operating pressure of 20 bar is 61 MPa, giving a safety factor of about 3. In this example, a maximum stress at an operating pressure of 5 bar is 15.2 MPa, giving a safety factor of about 11.9. Also shown is the deformed pressure vessel 230A′ and deformed passageway 240A′, following simulated yield.

[0122] FIG. 5 is a graph of flight time as a function of payload for exemplary embodiments and for a comparative example. In this example, the vehicle is a hexicopter UAV, as described with respect to Table 1. The comparative example is powered by a Li-ion polymer 6S16P (2.5 Ah/cell) system, as described with respect to Table 2. As the hydrogen storage density is increased, longer flight times and higher payloads may be achieved compared with the comparative example.

[0123] FIG. 6A is a schematic axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device 200 for a power supply 100 according to an exemplary embodiment and FIGS. 6B to 6D are schematic transverse cross-sections of the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 6A.

[0124] FIG. 6 shows a hydrogen storage device 200 for the power supply 100. The hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a hollow metal cylinder (outer cylindrical vessel wall (1)) and along with two metallic end-caps (2), providing the pressure vessel. Inside this volume exists the hydrideable metal/metal alloy (5), an aluminium fractal structure (4) with metallic foam in contact with it (not shown in figure). Both end-caps (2) contain an internal cavity for the location of multiple peltier devices (6) and heat/cold sinks (7). In the outer cylindrical vessel wall (1), there are three gas inlets (10) and three gas outlets (11) allow for heating/cooling gas (air) access to this internal cap cavity to add/remove heat. There is also an electronic entry/exit point (12) in the outer cylindrical vessel wall (1). In one of the end-caps four ports (holes) are included, allowing access into the pressure vessel; they are a hydrogen gas inlet (8), a hydrogen gas outlet (9), a pressure sensor connection (15) and a temperature sensor connection (14). The end-caps are held in place and form a seal through a thread and o-ring arrangement (3). The end-caps can be removed for easy access to the pressure vessel. The end-caps have covers (13) which can be removed for easy access to the heating/cooling gas containment volume within them. That is, the hydrogen storage device 200 comprises the pressure vessel 1, having the first fluid inlet 8 and the first fluid outlet 9, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 4 optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (not shown), wherein the pressure vessel 1 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 4, wherein the first fluid inlet 8 and/or the first fluid outlet 9 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 4 has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0125] FIGS. 7A to 7C schematically depict thermally conducting networks for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 7 shows there are shown three alternative fractal networks (A) Gosper Island; (B) ‘Snowflake’ design; and (C) Koch Snowflake for the thermally conducting network of the hydrogen storage device 200. The 2D radially symmetric fractal patterns extend axially. Axial cross-sections, midpoint radial cross-sections and perspective views for the fractal networks are shown.

[0127] FIG. 8A is a photograph of a foam for a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 8B is a schematic view of a hydrogen storage device for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment, in more detail.

[0128] FIG. 8A shows a photograph of voids (i.e. open space) in a metal foam, particularly aluminium foam. The aluminium foam is produced from 6101 aluminium alloy, retaining 99% purity of the parent alloy. The foam has a reticulated structure in which cells (i.e. pores) are open and have a dodecahedral shape. The foam has a bulk density of 0.2 g/cm3; a porosity of 93% porosity and about 8 pores/cm.

[0129] FIG. 8B schematically depicts a metal hydride powder included and/or in contact with a metal foam which in turn is thermally coupled to a thermally conducting network.

[0130] FIG. 9A is a plan elevation view of a hydrogen storage device 200′ fora power supply according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200′ of FIG. 9A.

[0131] FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically depict a compact design of a hydrogen storage device 200′. The hydrogen storage device 200′ comprises a hydrogen gas containment volume formed from a cuboid-based container vessel (1) with square-planar lid (2). The lid (2) is secured through the use of four axial-corner screws in screw fixings (7) and it is sealed by an O-ring (3) positioned between the vessel (1) and the lid (2). The hydrogen containment volume has within it a hydrideable metal/metal alloy (5) and metal foam (not shown). On one surface there is a thermally conducting network (4) having a flat square-based fractal geometry, that acts to dissipate heat radially. A Peltier device (6), thermally coupled to the thermally conducting network (4) and outside of the vessel (1) acts as a heater/cooler. Two holes (8) and (9) located through the lid (2) and the thermally conducting network (4) act as a hydrogen gas inlet (8) and outlet (9), respectively. That is, the hydrogen storage device 200′ comprises the pressure vessel 1, having the first fluid inlet 8 and the first fluid outlet 9, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 4 optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (not shown), wherein the pressure vessel 1 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 4, wherein the first fluid inlet 8 and/or the first fluid outlet 9 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 4 has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0132] FIG. 10 is CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200″ for a power supply according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a CAD radial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. The hydrogen storage device 200″ comprises a pressure vessel 201″, having a first fluid inlet 208″ and a first fluid outlet 209″, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 204″ optionally thermally coupled to the first heater (not shown), wherein the pressure vessel 201″ is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 204″, wherein the first fluid inlet 208″ and/or the first fluid outlet 209″ are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network 204″ has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions.

[0133] In this example, the pressure vessel 201″ is generally cylindrical, having a generally dished first end and a necked second end opposed thereto, and having a single aperture providing both the first fluid inlet 208″ and the first fluid outlet 209″. In other words, the pressure vessel 201″ is bottle-shaped. An inner wall portion 2011″ of the pressure vessel 201″ provides an axial cylindrical, elongate blind passageway 210″, arranged to receive a first heater 206″ (not shown), that extends from the first end towards the second end and that is coaxial with an outer wall portion 2010″ of the pressure vessel 201″. A second blind passageway in the first end is arranged to receive a thermocouple (not shown).

[0134] In this example, the pressure vessel has an internal volume of about 500 cm.sup.3, thereby providing a hydrogen storage capacity of about 25 g Hz. In this example.

[0135] In this example, the thermally conducting network 204″ has a lattice geometry in three dimensions. In this example, an effective density of the lattice geometry is uniform in a first dimension, particularly axially, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, particularly radially. Particularly, the effective density decreases radially outwards, such that there is faster heat transfer proximal the passageway 210″ and hence the first heater. In this example, the thermally conducting network 204″ is formed from an aluminium alloy. Alternatively, the thermally conducting network 204″ may be formed from copper, respective alloys thereof such as brass or bronze alloys, and/or stainless steel, as described previously.

[0136] FIG. 13 is an alternative CAD radial cross-section for the hydrogen storage device 200″ of FIG. 10. In this example, a node density (i.e. number of nodes per unit volume) of the lattice geometry, generally otherwise similar to the lattice geometry of FIG. 12 mutatis mutandis, is relatively lower than that of the lattice geometry of FIG. 12. A cross-sectional area of the arms is relatively larger than that of FIG. 12.

[0137] FIG. 14 is a CAD cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200′″ for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 15 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200′″ of FIG. 14. In this example, the pressure vessel 201′″ has an internal volume of about 50 cm.sup.3, thereby providing a hydrogen storage capacity of about 2.5 g H.sub.2.

[0138] FIG. 16 is a CAD radial cross-section of a thermally conducting network of the hydrogen storage device of FIG. 14. Generally, the lattice geometry is as described with respect to FIG. 13.

[0139] FIG. 17 schematically depicts Bravais lattices for a thermally conducting network, as described above.

[0140] FIG. 18 is a CAD perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200B for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, generally as described with respect to the hydrogen storage device 200A. FIG. 19 is a CAD axial cross-section of the hydrogen storage device 200B of FIG. 18. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200B is arranged to be oriented horizontally, in use. In this example, the pressure vessel 230B is generally cylindrical, having dished ends. In this example, a passageway 250B, provided by a tube having a circular cross-section, extends between the dished ends longitudinally, offset from an axis of the pressure vessel 230A. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240B partially fills an internal volume of the pressure vessel, particularly a region of the internal volume extending across about 75% of a diameter the pressure vessel, thereby completely surrounding the tube, such that an unfilled volume above the thermally conducting network 240B is defined. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240B is thermally coupled to at least a part of an internal surface of the pressure vessel 230B and an external surface of the tube. In this example, the unfilled volume acts as a buffer, providing a reservoir of hydrogen during charging and similarly during release, for example to account for kinetics thereof.

[0141] FIG. 20 is a CAD axial cross-section of a hydrogen storage device 240C for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, generally as described with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, having a relatively longer axial length and a relatively smaller diameter.

[0142] FIG. 21 is a CAD perspective view of a vehicle 20 according to an exemplary embodiment, generally as described with respect to the vehicle 10. FIG. 22 is a CAD perspective view of the vehicle 20 of FIG. 21, in more detail. In this example, the vehicle 20 is a quad copter UAV. In this example, the propulsion system is releasably coupled, using mechanical fasteners, to the first hydrogen storage device. In this example, the first hydrogen storage device has at most two planes of symmetry, particularly having a shape arranged to reduce drag (i.e. shaped aerodynamically), in use. In this example, a fuel cell and a controller are releasably coupled, using mechanical fasteners, to the first hydrogen storage device, particularly to an external surface thereof.

[0143] FIG. 23 is a CAD cutaway perspective view of a vehicle 30 according to an exemplary embodiment, generally as described with respect to the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 30 is a quad copter UAV. In this example, the pressure vessel comprises a double wall (i.e. an inner pressure wall and an outer wall). In this example, the outer wall is shaped aerodynamically. In this example, the inner wall is cylindrical, having dished ends. In this example, one or more components, particularly a fuel cell and a controller, of the vehicle 30 are arranged in the gap within the double wall.

[0144] FIG. 24 is a CAD perspective cross-section view of hydrogen storage device 200C for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 is a CAD cross-section view of the hydrogen storage device 200C of FIG. 24.

[0145] In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200C provides a first structural component 100C, particularly a fixed wing, of the set of structural components 100 of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is a fixed wing aircraft. In this example, a wall of the pressure vessel 230C of the hydrogen storage device 200C provides an aerofoil, thereby defining upper, lower, leading and trailing edges, of the fixed wing. In this example, the pressure vessel 230C comprises a tube 260C having a circular cross-section, arranged to receive a first heater therein, providing a wing spar. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240C has a lattice geometry in three-dimensions. In this example, the thermally conducting network is formed, at least in part, by 3D printing. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240C is thermally coupled to an external surface of the vehicle by being thermally coupled to an internal surface of the pressure vessel. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240C is thermally coupled to the tube 260C. In this example, the lattice geometry is a body-centred cubic lattice.

[0146] FIG. 26 is a CAD perspective view of a charging station assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The charging station assembly 1 comprises a charging station 2 and a hydrogen storage device 200. In this example, the charging station 2 is arranged to receive eight hydrogen storage devices, arranged in a bank of 4×2 hydrogen storage devices. In this example, the charging station 2 is arranged to charge a plurality of hydrogen storage devices 200, for example simultaneously. In this example, the charging station 2 comprises a manifold 3 coupleable to the plurality of hydrogen storage devices 200. In this example, the charging station 2 comprises a cooling system 4, arranged to cool a hydrogen storage device during charging thereof. In this example, the cooling system 2 comprises a plurality of fans.

[0147] FIG. 27A is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. The hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a pressure vessel 230, having a first fluid inlet 210 and a first fluid outlet 220, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240 thermally coupled to a first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240, wherein the first fluid inlet 210 and/or the first fluid outlet 220 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and wherein the thermally conducting network 240 has a lattice geometry in three dimensions.

[0148] In this example, the pressure vessel 230 is generally cylindrical, having a generally internally dished first end and a flanged second end opposed thereto, and having a single aperture providing both the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220. In other words, the pressure vessel 230 is can-shaped. An inner wall portion 2301 of the pressure vessel 230 provides an axial cylindrical, elongate blind passageway P, arranged to optionally receive a second heater 300B (not shown) of the set of heaters 300, particularly a cartridge heater (not shown), that extends from the first end towards the second end and that is coaxial with an outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230. Blind passageways in the second end are arranged to receive thermocouples TC. In this example, the first heater 300A is provided by a recirculating heater, for example heated using waste heat from a fuel cell coupled thereto, and includes a double helix heating tube 350, having an inlet 310 and an outlet 320, in thermal contact with the thermally conducting network 20, which is arranged between the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the heating tube 350. The double helix heating tube 350 extends from the second end towards the first end is coaxial with an outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230. The inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 are directly in thermal contact with the inner wall portion 2301 and the outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230, respectively. A pressure gauge PG is provided in the second end. The second end is mechanically releasably coupled to the pressure vessel 230, using mechanical fasteners.

[0149] In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a lattice geometry in three dimensions, in which generally each node is connected by four arms to four other nodes, respectively, in an axially adjacent preceding layer, such that generally each node is thus connected by eight arms to eight other nodes, four nodes in the axially adjacent preceding layer and four nodes in an axially adjacent proceeding layer. Nodes proximal the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the heating tube 350 are in mutual thermal contact therewith. In this example, an effective density of the lattice geometry is uniform in a first dimension, particularly axially, and non-uniform in mutually orthogonal second and third dimensions, particularly radially. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a porosity of at least 90%. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 is formed from an aluminium alloy. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 comprises inner 2401 and outer 2400 portions, having annular shapes. The outer portion 2400 is received in thermal contact with and between the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 while the inner portion 2401 is received in thermal contact with and within the inner helix 3501.

[0150] FIG. 27B is a cutaway perspective exploded view of a related hydrogen storage device 200. In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 27A, the thermally conducting network 240 of the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIG. 27B comprises inner 2401, middle 240M and outer 2400 portions. The inner portion 2401 has a cylindrical shape and the middle 240M and outer 2400 portions have annular shapes. The outer portion 2400 is received in thermal contact and without the outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350, the middle portion 240M is received in thermal contact with and between the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices while the inner portion 2401 is received in thermal contact with and within the inner helix 3501.

[0151] FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. The hydrogen storage device 200 is generally as described with respect to the hydrogen storage devices 200 of FIGS. 27A and 27B and like reference signs denote like features.

[0152] In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 27A and 27B, the hydrogen storage device 200 does not include the inner wall portion 2301 of the pressure vessel 230 of FIGS. 27A and 27B and does not include blind passageways in the second end to receive thermocouples. In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 27A and 27B, the thermally conducting network 240 is cylindrical, to be received in thermal contact with the outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230. In contrast with the hydrogen storage device 200 of FIGS. 27A and 27B, the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 are integrated within the thermally conducting network 240. Hence, the inner 3501 and outer 3500 helices of the double helix heating tube 350 are mutually spaced apart from and only indirectly in thermal contact with the outer wall portion 2300 of the pressure vessel 230, respectively, via the thermally conducting network 240. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 includes a bed compression disc 231, internal to the pressure vessel 230 proximal the first end and bed compression disc bolts 232 mechanically coupled thereto, extending through the first end, for uniaxially compressing the hydrogen storage material to improve thermal contact with the thermally conducting network. O-rings 233 are arranged in the outer wall portion 2300 to prevent loss of the hydrogen storage material during compression thereof.

[0153] FIG. 29A is a CAD partial cutaway perspective view of a hydrogen storage device 200 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 29B is a CAD longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage device 200; and FIG. 29C is a CAD perspective view of the thermally conducting network, in more detail.

[0154] The hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a pressure vessel 230, having a first fluid inlet 210 and a first fluid outlet 220, comprising therein a thermally conducting network 240 thermally coupled to a first heater 300A, wherein the pressure vessel 230 is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material (not shown) in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network 240, wherein the first fluid inlet 210 and/or the first fluid outlet 220 are in fluid communication with the first releasable fluid inlet coupling (not shown) and/or the first releasable fluid outlet coupling (not shown), respectively; and wherein the thermally conducting network 240 has a lattice geometry in three dimensions. In this example, the hydrogen storage material comprises and/or is a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, LOHC. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 is a dynamic hydrogen storage device 200. In this example, the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are mutually spaced apart at opposed ends of the first vessel 230, thereby defining, at least in part, a path for flow of the hydrogen storage material and/or hydrogen therebetween, for example via the voids of the thermally conducting network 240. In this example, the first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 comprise releasable couplings, thereby providing coupling thereto and uncoupling therefrom, for example repeatedly, of corresponding couplings. In this example, the lattice geometry is Bravais lattice particularly a cubic lattice specifically a primitive cubic lattice. In this example, the thermally conducting arms have a cross sectional dimension (for example a diameter or a width) of about 0.5 mm. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 partially fills an internal volume of the first vessel 230, of at least 90%, by volume of the first vessel 230. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 comprises a LOHC hydrogenation and/or dehydrogenation catalyst, for example provided on and/or in a surface thereof. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a porosity in a range from 75% to 95%, by volume of the thermally conducting network 240. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 has a specific surface area in a range from 1 m.sup.−1 to 10 m.sup.−1, particularly about 7 m.sup.−1. In this example, the thermally conducting network 240 comprises a LOHC hydrogenation and/or dehydrogenation catalyst, for example provided on and/or in a surface thereof. In this example, the first heater is arranged heat the hydrogen storage material to temperature in a range from 150° C. to 300° C. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 comprises a pump (not shown) arranged to flow the hydrogen storage material through the first vessel 230. In this example, the hydrogen storage device 200 is a reactor.

[0155] Generally, the first vessel 230 is an elongated cylinder formed from a Ti alloy (to withstand an operating pressure of about 2 bar at a temperature of about 260° C. for dehydrogenation), having a bore extending therethrough for the first heater, particularly a Joule cartridge heater. The first fluid inlet 210 and the first fluid outlet 220 are provided with Swagelok releasable couplings. The first fluid inlet 210 is arranged at an acute angle to the axis of the first vessel and the first fluid outlet is arranged parallel to the axis, to suit the particular application.

Alternatives

[0156] Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

SUMMARY

[0157] In summary, a vehicle, preferably an unmanned and/or autonomous vehicle for example an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, is described. The vehicle comprises: a set of structural components, arranged to provide, at least in part, a structure of the vehicle and to resist, at least in part, internal and external forces in one, two or three dimensions; a propulsion system, arranged to propel the vehicle, and/or an auxiliary power supply, arranged to provide electrical power to the vehicle; a set of hydrogen storage devices, including a first hydrogen storage device, and optionally a set of heaters including a first heater, wherein the set of hydrogen storage devices is arranged to provide hydrogen gas to the propulsion system and/or to the auxiliary power supply; wherein the first hydrogen storage device comprises: a pressure vessel, having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, comprising therein a thermally conducting network optionally thermally coupled to the first heater, wherein the pressure vessel is arranged to receive therein a hydrogen storage material in thermal contact, at least in part, with the thermally conducting network; and preferably, wherein the thermally conducting network has a lattice geometry, a gyroidal geometry and/or a fractal geometry in two and/or three dimensions; and wherein the first hydrogen storage device, preferably the pressure vessel and/or the thermally conducting network thereof, provides a first structural component of the set of structural components. By storing the hydrogen using the hydrogen storage material in the pressure vessel of the hydrogen storage device, a hydrogen storage capacity is improved while a storage pressure is reduced, compared with conventional storage of hydrogen, thereby enhancing safety while increasing a range and/or a payload and/or decreasing a fuel consumption of the vehicle. Since the hydrogen storage device provides the first structural component, a structural integrity of the vehicle is improved while a mass of the vehicle is reduced, thereby increasing a range and/or a payload and/or decreasing a fuel consumption of the vehicle.

DISCLOSURE

[0158] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0159] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at most some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0160] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0161] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.