Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPTResearch project "H2-StrukTank"
Hydrogen pressure tanks in aviation
Mobility is one of the major fields of application for hydrogen technologies – not only in cars, but also in aviation, for example. One of the main challenges in storing hydrogen is the low energy density of the volatile gas under normal ambient conditions. Carbon fiber-reinforced pressure tanks, in which the hydrogen is still stored in gaseous form but under high pressure, solve this challenge for many applications.
For many years, Fraunhofer IPT has been researching laser-assisted winding processes that can be used to produce Type 4 pressure tanks. These consist of a plastic base body that is wrapped with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic tapes. Unlike conventional manufacturing methods such as the wet winding process with thermosetting resins, laser-assisted winding uses thermoplastic unidirectional tapes, known as UD tapes. By dispensing with downstream curing, the process chain can be shortened and additional material can be saved.
Optimizing the shape and function of the pressure tank
In airplanes, hydrogen tanks are usually housed in the fuselage so that this space is no longer available for luggage and passengers. In addition, the high weight of the tanks must be deducted from the payload.
The aim of the "H2-StrukTank" research project is to overcome these disadvantages by integrating thin, long pressure tanks into the wings of the aircraft. With this design, the pressure tank not only serves as a storage tank for the hydrogen, but also fulfills a load-bearing function.
The task in the project is now to develop a new winding process for long, thin pressure tanks and to test corresponding demonstrators. The scientists at Fraunhofer IPT are also building a corresponding system for winding the tanks.
Producing the pressure tank sustainably
In addition to the optimal function of the pressure tank, its sustainable production also plays an important role in the "H2-StrukTank" project. In contrast to conventional thermoset material, the thermoplastic wallpaper material can be processed in an energy- and resource-efficient manner thanks to in-situ consolidation. The taping material is only heated locally where it is needed and welded together directly during deposition, so that no subsequent process steps are necessary. A research team at Fraunhofer IPT, for example, was able to show in a previous project, "Tankcycling", that the carbon fiber tape (CFRP) can be detached from the base body of the tank in an unwinding process and recycled for other components.
Projekt coordination
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Aachen
Project consortium
- FFT Produktionssysteme GmbH, Fulda
- APUS Zero Emission GembH, Strausberg