Compressed gas container with shape memory alloy pressure relief member

摘要

A container (10) for compressed gas with a pressure relief member (18) made from a bimorph shape memory material. The bimorph (18) is impermeable by the gas. The bimorph (18) assumes a shape which changes depending on temperature. Below a critical temperature, the bimorph (18) lies in a first (deformed) state, and reverts to a second (remembered) state thereabove. The gas is entrapped within the container (10) when the bimorph (18) assumes the first state. When pressure rises due to temperature increase above the critical temperature, gas may escape from the container (10). This is because the bimorph (18) reverts to its second state, in which a relief gas passageway is opened, thereby relieving gas pressure.