METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A MATRIX LINER FOR A PRESSURE VESSEL

摘要

A pressure vessel for the storage of pressurized fluids for a fuel cell system, a liner for the pressurized vessel and a method of making. The method of manufacturing a pressure vessel includes forming a lost core assembly, a reinforcement structure around the assembly and removing the core from said assembly to define an internal compartment. The lost core assembly includes a first sacrificial material used to define the shape of the pressure vessel's internal compartment, boss attachable to the first material for the introduction and removal of the fluid into the pressure vessel, and a second material for placement around the first material and at least a portion of the boss such that upon removal of the sacrificial first material, the second material defines the liner. The reinforcement structure is wound around the liner to give the pressure vessel a unitary, composite structure.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a pressure vessel for a fuel cell system, said method comprising:
forming a lost core assembly comprising:
a first material having a generally axisymmetric shape about a substantially longitudinal axis defined within said pressure vessel to define a core;at least one boss affixed to at least one end of said core, said at least one boss defining a fuel cell reactant-receiving aperture therein;a second material such that upon immersion of said core therein and subsequent solidification of said second material, said first and second material and said at least one boss defines said assembly with said second material comprising a liner portion thereof; forming a reinforcement structure around at least a portion of said at least one boss and said liner of said assembly; and removing said core from said assembly to define an internal compartment therein that is capable of withstanding up to at least about 30 bar of pressure from a fuel cell system reactant subsequently placed therein.