WO2024020003A1

WO2024020003A1 - System and method for multi-tank cryo-compressed hydrogen storage and operation

Info

Publication number: WO2024020003A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/027986
Authority: WO
Inventors: David E. JARAMILLO; Julio MORENO-BLANCO; Salvador M. Aceves
Original assignee: Verne Inc.
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2023-07-18
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

Systems and methods for cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system can include a set of storage vessels with a defined internal cavity for cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel; an insulation support layer that is a non-vacuum or low-vacuum insulation layer, wherein the set of storage vessels are encapsulated within the insulation support layer; and an outer jacket around the insulation support layer.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-TANK CRYO-COMPRESSED HYDROGEN STORAGE AND OPERATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/368,698, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-TANK CRYO-COMPRESSED HYDROGEN STORAGE AND OPERATION”, filed on 18-JUL-2022, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of cryo-compressed hydrogen, and more specifically to a new and useful system and method for cryo-compressed hydrogen storage and operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH₂) storage is a combination of the attributes of compressed hydrogen storage and liquid hydrogen storage. Some of the disadvantages of compressed hydrogen storage is that large volumes and moderate to high pressures are required to store sufficient energy for desired applications. Some of the main disadvantages of liquid hydrogen storage are boil-off losses and high operational complexity. Cryo-compressed hydrogen storage serves to curtail some of these challenges while maintaining key advantages.

[0004] As cryo-compressed hydrogen storage has started to advance from the laboratory scale to market entry, there is a greater need to enhance the dormancy (i.e., time before a hydrogen venting event) and durability of the insulation system, as well as simplify the manufacturing process in order to achieve low cost and high-volume production. Accomplishing this will enable the technology to transition from early commercial demonstrations to market adoption.

[0005] In cryo-compressed hydrogen storage today, many of the limitations stem from the insulation system. Cryo-compressed hydrogen storage vessels include multilayer insulation (MLI) which requires ultra-high vacuum to provide the required insulation performance. Ultra -high vacuum conditions require expensive and bulky

1

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) systems. Thick metallic jacket used to prevent buckling and large vacuum valves are often used. These components can make up a significant portion of a storage systems weight. This can affect the bottom line of truck fleet operators and constraint the range of hydrogen planes, as examples.

[0006] The process of achieving high vacuum can be a very time-consuming step, making manufacturability of these systems long and costly. The resulting high-vacuum MLI system is very sensitive to the vacuum pressure, and any minor leak during operation can dramatically decrease the insulation performance. This presents a high risk during commercial demonstrations as operations would be perturbed immediately in case of a minor leak. In such an event, it is likely that the hydrogen will warm up and lead to premature venting.

[0007] Furthermore, over time the composite layer outgases, which eventually degrades the vacuum beyond the critical pressure at which MLI starts to lose its effectiveness. To avoid this, a regularly scheduled vacuum maintenance step is required, which further increases operational complexity and cost for use of this technology. As a result, these systems today exhibit short dormancy, limited durability, and high upfront and operating costs. Overall, substantial challenges remain to be addressed before obtaining a commercially viable solution for industries such as trucking and aviation. [0008] Thus, there is a need in the field of cryo-compressed hydrogen storage to provide a commercially useful storage vessel for hydrogen storage and operation that is reliable, manufacturable at scale, and overall lower cost. This system and method provide such a solution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIGURE 1 is an example single tank system.

[0010] FIGURE 2 is a comparative use demonstration between a high-vacuum MLI based cryo-compressed storage vessel and an example four-tank system in a linear orientation.

[0011] FIGURE 3 is an example multi-tank system. [0012] FIGURE 4 is an example four-tank system where all tanks are positioned equidistant from the external surface, showing a top cross-sectional view and a side cross sectional view.

[0013] FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view of a linear four tank systems.

[0014] FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view of an example nine tank system with three distinct symmetry equivalent tanks.

[0015] FIGURE 7 is a cross sectional view of an example cylindrically shaped system with two distinct symmetry equivalent tanks.

[0016] FIGURE 8 is a plot of a simulation use case showing the heat transfer of each tank in the example linearly arranged four-tank system and the example cylindrically shaped system.

[0017] FIGURE 9 is a plot of a simulation use case for the example linearly arranged four tank system showing the time of dormancy as a function of fill capacity.

[0018] FIGURE 10 is a plot of a simulation use case for the example cylindrically shaped system, showing the dormancy of each tank as a function of time.

[0019] FIGURE 11 is a simulation showing dormancy if fluidic exchange occurs between symmetry-inequivalent tanks.

[0020] FIGURE 12 are two example hybrid systems that include vacuum insulation layers.

[0021] FIGURES 13A-13C are cross sectional views of system variations with structural support elements directly supporting the storage vessels.

[0022] FIGURE 14 is cross sectional views of a system variations where the insulation support layer includes structural support elements embedded within the insulation material.

[0023] FIGURES 15-17 are cross sectional views of system variations detailing fluidic exchange system variations.

[0024] FIGURE 18 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a system variation.

[0025] FIGURE 19 is a diagram showing a manufacturing assembly variation of one clamshell system variation.

[0026] FIGURE 20 is a diagram showing a manufacturing assembly clamshell variation where insulation is injected. [0027] FIGURE 21 is a diagram is a showing a manufacturing assembly variation where insulation material is injected into a cavity defined between an assembled outer jacket and the set of storage vessels.

[0028] FIGURE 22 is a chart showing insulation thickness as a function of dormancy.

[0029] FIGURE 23 is a flowchart representation of an example method.

[0030] FIGURE 24 is a flowchart representation of a manufacturing process.

[0031] FIGURE 25 is an exemplary system architecture that maybe used in implementing the system and/or method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The following description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

1. Overview

[0033] Systems and methods for multi-tank cryo-compressed hydrogen storage and operation described herein use a shared insulation support layer that overall can efficiently store cryo-compressed hydrogen while also potentially being a more manufacturable and usable system for a variety of hydrogen fuel applications. Applications includes on-board storage systems for heavy-duty trucking, aviation, shipping, and distribution.

[0034] The systems and methods can involve a plurality of storage vessels used to hold cryo-compressed hydrogen; an insulation support layer, situated on or around the storage vessels; and optionally an outer jacket encapsulating the system. The systems and methods of some variations may eliminate use of high-vacuum sealed tanks like the use of high-vacuum multi-layer insulation (MLI) for each storage vessel. The insulation support layer may make use of insulating materials such as aerogel foams or aerogel blankets. The insulation support layer is preferably shared across multiple storage vessels and the insulation support layer may provide partial or, in some variations, full structural support. Some variations may alternatively include limited use of high- vacuum MLI systems or simplify integration of such high-vacuum MLI systems as part of a hybrid storage solution.

[0035] In the multi-tank designs of the systems and methods, the plurality of storage vessels is preferably integrated into the system such that the insulation support layer serves as a shared insulation space across the plurality of storage vessels. As the insulation space is shared by multiple storage vessels, the overall system volumetric density may remain high despite potentially including non-vacuum or soft-vacuum insulation layer material with sufficient thickness.

[0036] The cryo-compressed hydrogen storage systems can operate under a range of temperatures. As one example, a temperature range can be from 80 K following a refueling event, down to 30 K when the tank system is empty. The storage vessels themselves, as they operate at these cryogenic temperatures, may also help block heat transfer to neighboring tanks. The proposed operations may also enable performance that is comparable to or, in some cases, better than high-vacuum MLI insulated systems. [0037] The described multi-tank system approach may result in tanks that can exhibit different thermal properties based on their placement within the shared insulation space of the insulation support layer. These differences in thermal properties can be leveraged by methods, such as by fluidic exchange mechanisms between tanks, to enhance the overall performance of the system. As no vacuum is required in some variations or only a soft -vacuum (e.g., a vacuum that may be created using a roughing pump with potentially a pressure of 100 millibar or greater compared to 1 microbar for a high-vacuum hydrogen tank), the components maybe more manufacturable and lighter. For example, a thick metallic jacket may not be necessary, and in some instances, a jacket altogether may not be required. This greatly decrease the system weight and cost. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is faster as no pump-down time is needed as it is in the manufacturing processes of high-vacuum storage vessels. Overall, this results in a compact and high-performing multi-tank system that overcomes may of the challenges with high- vacuum MLI.

[0038] The systems and methods described herein may make use of novel and surprising design approaches to leverage endothermic reaction resulting from conversion between para to ortho states of hydrogen molecules (H₂). For cryo- compressed hydrogen, the nuclear spin state of hydrogen may be leveraged for thermal management by the systems and methods. Hydrogen molecules (H₂) have two nuclear spin states: an ortho configuration and a para configuration. The para configuration is the thermodynamically favored state but at room temperature, hydrogen molecules populate both states, and bulk hydrogen comprises approximately 75% ortho-H₂ and 25% para-H₂. This is known as “normal” hydrogen. As hydrogen is cooled, the para-H₂ population increases, reaching 99.7% at 20 K and 1 bar. Conversion of ortho hydrogen to para hydrogen is a very exothermic reaction. At 20 K, 708 kJ/kg is released during the conversion, which is greater than the enthalpy of vaporization of hydrogen (445 kJ/kg). However, the reaction is relatively slow, and catalysts are typical implemented. To avoid substantial boil-off once the hydrogen is stored as a liquid, the conversion may be implemented during the liquefaction steps. Once the system is subsequently warmed up during storage, the equilibrium concentration of para decreases, and over sufficiently long time periods (e.g. hours) para-to-ortho conversion is possible. This is an endothermic reaction which can effectively absorb heat flux and thereby extend time before a venting event occurs (i.e., increase hydrogen “dormancy”). If the hydrogen is stored in a cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system, the temperature and pressures that can be reached are greater than in liquid hydrogen storage systems. In other words, cryo-compressed hydrogen storage systems sample a much greater equilibrium concentration of ortho-hydrogen relative to liquid hydrogen storage systems. Liquid hydrogen storage systems typically have a working temperature range of 20 - 33 K, while cryo-compressed hydrogen systems can range from 13 - 100 K, or warmer. Due to this wide range of equilibrium concentrations and the associated endothermicity, this phenomenon maybe important to control and leverage for cryo-compressed hydrogen systems.

[0039] The systems and methods may make use of configured arrangements of storage vessels, monitoring systems, interconnections between storage vessels, or other control mechanisms for the plurality of storage vessels to manage the para-to-ortho conversion in the interest of enabling new capabilities for hydrogen storage. In particular, the systems and methods may use specially configured arrangements of the plurality of storage vessels to establish subsets of storage vessels with different thermal properties resulting from the experienced insulation effects by configured arrangements. As such, the systems and methods may have the storage vessels exhibit different thermal properties as a function of geometry and relative placement. These differences in thermal properties maybe utilized during controlled fluidic exchange between storage vessels. The system geometry and fuel management across the plurality of storage vessels may function to improve hydrogen dormancy and/ or improve hydrogen use capacity as a fuel source.

[0040] The system and method may be implemented in any general use case of cryocompressed hydrogen. The systems and methods for a cryo-compressed hydrogen storage and operation may be used for mobile and/ or stationary storage solutions for direct use of hydrogen. For example, the systems and methods maybe used in storing hydrogen fuel for running a vehicle. In another example, the systems and methods may be used in storing hydrogen fuel used by a stationary system like a datacenter.

[0041] The system and method may be particularly useful for use-cases where there is a need for high compact energy storage, such as on-board trucks, planes, ships, trains, industrial machinery (e.g., mining machines/ vehicles, farming equipment, etc.), and/or other machines, and where there is constant utilization. Due to the increase in manufacturability, the system maybe implemented in cases where high volumes of product are required, such as in trucking. The system and methods may be particularly useful when long, unexpected dwell times occur, such as with a ship that is idling as it waits to enter a port. Due to the weight savings of avoiding high-vacuum metallic jacket and associated components, the systems and methods may be particularly useful for onboard aviation storage. Additionally, the system and method may be particularly useful as a fuel source for data centers or in powering other stationary equipment.

[0042] The system and method may provide a number of potential benefits. The system and method are not limited to always providing such benefits and are presented only as exemplary representations for how the system and method maybe put to use. The list of benefits is not intended to be exhaustive and other benefits may additionally or alternatively exist.

[0043] A major potential benefit of the system and method is that hydrogen storage vessels are not required to have vacuum insulation. The cost of manufacturability is lowered as the vacuum pre-baking step is no longer required. Furthermore, high- vacuum components are no longer needed. This decreases the total cost of the system. Additionally, frequent maintenance to re-establish high vacuum (lost due to molecular out-gassing) is no longer required. This lowers the maintenance cost of the system and decreases operational complexity. Furthermore, high-vacuum metallic jackets, which can represent close to 40 - 50% of the weight of insulated storage systems, are not needed in some instances. This represents a major benefit for weight-sensitive applications, such as aviation.

[0044] Another potential benefit of the system and method is that the storage system may contain multiple pressure vessels under a shared insulation layer. Thus, the insulation layer is not required to be a high-vacuum multi-layer insulation; what is today considered the state of the art for cryo-compressed hydrogen storage systems. This shared insulation space used by the system and method may enable a storage solution with comparable performance without depending on high-vacuum insulation. Steady-state hydrogen fill densities, dormancy at relevant fill rates, and system storage densities may all remain competitive with high-vacuum MLI storage solutions.

[0045] As a related potential benefit, the shared insulation space leveraged by the systems and methods may enable the system to reduce non-vacuum insulation layer thickness requirements compared to insulation thickness that is directly equivalent to the thermal properties of high-vacuum MLI (e.g., greater than 70 cm). This maybe achieved, at least in part, by sharing insulation space, coupling thermodynamic properties of storage vessels based on their relative positioning, use with cryocompressed hydrogen, and active exchange of fuel between storage vessels. In other words, the some of the systems and methods described here can achieve the insulation capabilities of high-vacuum MLI, while avoiding some of its associated limitations. [0046] Another potential benefit of the system and method is to provide a lighter system. As high vacuum is no longer required, a high-vacuum shell, which are typically made of stainless steel, is not required. To prevent buckling of the high- vacuum jackets for large vessels, a thick wall and additional support structures are often required in legacy solutions. In some variations of the systems and methods described herein, a thin outer jacket maybe used to encapsulate the insulation, thereby enabling a lighter system. As there is no concern of buckling due to pressure differential, this jacket may be very thin and may not need any additional support structures. In some variations, the outer jacket maybe made out of plastic. In other variations, the insulation is itself a protective layer and no jacket is needed.

[0047] Another potential benefit of the system and method is that the multi-tank system may provide greater flexibility to improve both operation and storage of hydrogen. Dependent on the desired use case (e.g., heavy-duty truck operation or aviation operation), cryo-compressed hydrogen may be transferred between tanks with generally different thermodynamic properties. During device operation, hydrogen may be transferred to tanks that provide better operating conditions; whereas while the device is inactive, hydrogen may be transferred to tanks that provide better long-term storage conditions. The methods leverage the differences in the thermodynamic states of the tanks and can be used to increase usable capacities, dormancy, or both.

[0048] Thus, dependent on use case, multi-tank systems may be designed to optimize or maximize storage capacity and usable hydrogen densities. For these use cases, the system and method may further leverage cryo-compressed hydrogen’s configuration properties (e.g., para-to-ortho hydrogen conversion) to further increase hydrogen dormancy. For example, a warmer tank that contains a higher concentration of ortho hydrogen may be transferred to a colder tank with a lower concentration of ortho hydrogen. This transfer may introduce enough ortho hydrogen to kick-off an autocatalytic endothermic para-ortho conversion, thereby increasing dormancy.

[0049] Yet another potential benefit is that the insulation properties can be finetuned for a particular use case. In non-vacuum insulation systems, the insulation performance is dependent on the thickness, an easy variable to control, even at high production volumes. While some delivery hydrogen trucks may need longer dormancy times, and thereby thicker insulation, other uses cases, such as mining trucks, may require very little dormancy time as those systems are nearly always running. In some variations, the systems and methods may provide options for customizing insulation for use-case specific dormancy targets.

2. System [0050] As shown in FIGURE 1, a cryo-compressed hydrogen system for hydrogen storage and operation comprises: at least one storage vessel 110, wherein each storage vessel is enabled to contain cryo-compressed hydrogen; and an insulation support layer 120, situated on or around the at least one storage vessel. In some variations the system may additionally include an outer jacket 130, situated around the insulation support layer 120, while in other variations an outer surface of the insulation support layer 120 may function as an outer jacket. The system functions as a hydrogen containment environment enabled for low temperature, low to high pressure hydrogen storage. In many variations, the system may operate under a wide range of pressures and temperatures, including 30 K - 300 K, and 5 bar - 700 bar, for example. In one embodiment, under normal operations, the system can operate from 30 - 100 K and 8 bar - 400 bar.

[0051] The system may use a non-high vacuum insulation support layer, which functions to avoid manufacturing and operational complexities of some high-vacuum systems. Accordingly, in some variations, a cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system may more particularly comprise: a set of storage vessels 110 (plurality of storage vessels / multiple storage vessels), with each storage vessel of the set of storage vessels having a defined internal cavity for cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel; an insulation support layer 120 that is a non-high vacuum insulation layer, wherein the set of storage vessels 110 are encapsulated within the insulation support layer 120; and an outer jacket 130 around the insulation support layer.

[0052] In some variations, the arrangement of storage vessels may be specially configured within a shared insulation space of the insulation support layer 120 to establish different thermal properties for subsets of the storage vessels. Accordingly, in some variations, the set of storage vessels may include a first subset of storage vessels and a second subset of storage vessels may have different distinct thermal properties (e.g., heat flux) properties based on an arrangement of the set of storage vessels within the insulation support layer. The different tanks with shared or substantially similar thermal properties may be described as being symmetry equivalent tanks or vessels (where their geometric arrangements create similar insulation conditions). Tanks with different thermal properties may be described as being symmetry inequivalent tanks or vessels (because of the different insulation conditions resulting from their placement within the multi-tank system). The first subset of storage vessels and the second subset of storage vessels being subsets of the set of storage vessels. More generally, in some variations, the set of storage vessels may include at least two subsets of storage vessels, where each subset has different, distinct thermal properties from the other subsets of storage vessels. The resulting distinct thermal properties can result from the insulation profile surrounding a storage vessel and the storage vessels relative proximity to other storage vessels.

[0053] In many variations, as shown in FIGURES 4-7, the system comprises a multitank storage system (i.e., the set of storage vessels comprises at least two storage vessels), wherein the geometrical arrangement of the storage vessels in relation to each other and the outer jacket provides distinct storage properties to sets of storage vessels, thereby enabling more complex capability for hydrogen storage and use. Various geometries and arrangements are described herein such as radial array arrangements and grid array arrangements.

[0054] As a system for both hydrogen storage and use, the system may further include operation and control components. Accordingly, in some variations of the system described herein, the system may include exchange systems, monitoring/ sensing systems, and control systems. These maybe used to enable fluidic exchange between systems to enhance the performance of the system. In particular these systems may use the distinct thermal properties of subsets of storage vessels and/or the ortho-to-para conversion of hydrogen to alter dormancy of the system. Accordingly, the system may additionally include a fluidic exchange system 140 between a first subset of storage vessels and a second subset of storage vessels. The fluidic exchange system maybe a control valve or any suitable system by which fuel may flow from one storage vessel to another storage vessel. In some variations, the control valve may actuate upon pressure in at least one storage vessel reaching a defined threshold. The actuation of the control valve can thereby transfer hydrogen from a high-pressure tank to a lower pressure tank. This may function to enhance dormancy by introducing sufficient ortho hydrogen in one storage vessel to seed an auto-catalytic conversion in the other storage vessel. The system may include a control system 150 that includes configuration to internally manage transfer between vessels of different heat flux properties. In other words, the control system can include a control line to the control valves to determine how to manage fluidic exchange between storage vessels. The system may additionally include a monitoring system 160 such as pressure sensors. The pressure sensors may supply pressure data of the set of storage vessels to the control system, wherein the configuration to internally mange transfer between vessels of different heat flux properties is based on para-ortho conversion pressure conditions.

[0055] As shown in FIGURE 18, a system variation for a cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system may incorporate various features in combination. Such a variation may include: a set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels (no); an insulation support layer 120 that is a single non-high vacuum insulation layer comprising foam or aerogel, wherein the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 110 are encapsulated within the insulation support layer 120 in an arrangement that establishes different thermodynamic properties for at least a first subset of the set of cryo- compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 112 and a second subset of the set of cryo- compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 114; a fluidic exchange system 140 comprising a control valve 142 connecting the first subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 112 and the second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 114; a control system 150 connected to the control valve (by some control line) and the control system comprising configuration to manage transfer (fluidic/fuel transfer) between the first subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 112 and the second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 114. The system may additionally include a monitoring system 160 comprising pressure and temperature sensors integrated into the set of cryo- compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels. The sensors may supply pressure data of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels to the control system, wherein the configuration to manage transfer between the first subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 112 and the second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 114 is based on para-ortho conversion conditions. The system could similarly include an outer jacket 130 around the insulation support layer 120 and include any of the variations described herein. [0056] The at least one storage vessel 110 functions as the component that directly stores hydrogen. Dependent on implementation, each storage vessel 110 (also referred to as tank, or storage tank) may have any general shape or geometry such that the storage vessel can retain gaseous and/or liquid hydrogen, preferably cryo-compressed hydrogen, at the desired thermodynamic conditions (e.g., at generally low temperatures and at moderate to high pressures).

[0057] The at least one storage vessel 110 is preferably a set of storage vessels or more specifically a plurality of storage vessels (e.g., multiple storage vessels).

[0058] A storage vessel no preferably includes a defined internal cavity for cryocompressed hydrogen fuel such that the storage vessel contains or may be used to store cryo-compressed hydrogen. The system may include one or more input and/or output lines and associated valves coupled to the storage vessels to enable supplying of fuel and/ or dispensing contained fuel. In some variations, the pressure vessel 110 is cylindrical with hemi-spherical caps, nearly hemi-spherical caps, ellipsoidal caps, or otherwise domed caps.

[0059] The storage vessel is preferably constructed of material that inhibits hydrogen permeation out of the defined cavity. The storage vessel 110 may be made from a material or include an inner layer (e.g., an inner liner) within an internal surface of the storage vessel 110 that is constructed of a material that is effectively inert to hydrogen and limits the permeation of cryo-compressed hydrogen. Additionally or alternatively, the composition of may inhibit permeation or may be impermeable to hydrogen gas and/or other compounds that maybe placed in the storage vessel. In some variations, storage vessel is composed of aluminum or stainless-steel alloys. Alternatively, the storage vessel may be composed of other compounds unreactive and impermeable to hydrogen.

[0060] The storage vessel 110 may alternatively have any other shape or design attributes, as desired by implementation. For example, in some variations, the storage vessel may comprise a tank as described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2023/064970, filed on 26-MAR-2023, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety, that has a geometry that optimizes the surface area to volume ratio of the tank to leverage para -hydrogen to ortho-hydrogen conversion. [0061] As discussed, one potential benefit of the system is avoidance or reduction of complications and cost of high-vacuum storage solutions. The set of storage vessels no will preferably include one or more storage vessels that are non-high vacuum storage vessels. A non-high vacuum insulation support layer may be a non-vacuum insulation support layer where there is no intentional vacuum or pressure differential implemented within or across the insulation support layer 120. A non-high vacuum insulation support layer may have a vacuum of loomillibar or greater. A non-high vacuum insulation support layer may alternatively be a soft-vacuum (e.g., low vacuum) insulation support layer. The vacuum insulation support layer accordingly maybe described as an insulation layer with a pressure differential greater than 100 millibar. In some variations, the set of storage vessels is a set of non-vacuum storage vessels where no storage vessel is a vacuum storage vessel.

[0062] In some variations, an individual storage vessel may or may not include an individual insulation layer. The individual insulation layer maybe an individual non- vacuum layer (e.g., a layer of foam individually surrounding the storage vessel). The individual insulation layer may alternatively be a non-vacuum MLI or other form of insulation.

[0063] Inclusion of a high vacuum MLI systems may be used as part of a hybrid variation. In some variations, a subset of the set of storage vessels may be vacuum- insulated storage vessels such as a high-vacuum MLI storage vessel. For example, the set of storage vessels may include one or a limited number of high-vacuum MLI storage vessels with the other storage vessels being non-vacuum storage vessels. As shown in FIGURE 12 (right), one, or multiple, storage vessels 110 may incorporate a high vacuum insulation layer (e.g., MLI). In these variations, the system may leverage the properties of some MLI tanks in combination with the properties of the system.

[0064] Hybrid variations have various benefits. For example, a system can have an external double wall high vacuum MLI insulation system that can be removed. The storage system can therefore be used for lightweight applications (without the external double wall insulation) or can be used for extended duration storage (with the external double wall insulation). An example of a system is shown on the left on Figure 12. In another instance, the high-vacuum MLI insulation can surround a tank, which is contained within a non-vacuum insulation system. This can enable a wide range of thermodynamic properties between the tanks with the high-vacuum insulation, such as the T2 tanks on the right side of Figure 12, and the tanks with no high-vacuum insulation, such as the T3 tanks on the right side of Figure 12. The vast difference in thermodynamic properties, which at a given point can include pressure, for example, can be leveraged to carry out thermal management and increase usable capacities. [0065] In an alternative “hybrid” variation, the storage vessel 110 includes an external insulation layer in addition to the insulation support layer 120 situated outside of the storage vessel. For example, the insulation support layer 120 maybe a nonvacuum insulation system, which is enclosed by an outer jacket 130. In a hybrid variation, the system can include an external insulation system that is a high-vacuum MLI surrounded by a second, external jacket. The high-vacuum MLI may be contained between the two jackets. There can be an external insulation system, as shown in FIGURE 12 (left), which can be high-vacuum MLI. In such a system, the high-vacuum MLI may not suffer from molecular outgassing originating from the carbon-fiber overwrap, as that is contained by insulation support layer 120 and/or the outer jacket 130.

[0066] In some variations, the at least one storage vessel 110 comprises a plurality of storage vessels, i.e., multi-tank variations. In multi -tank variations, each storage vessel 110 may be identical, all storage vessels may be distinct, or groups of storage vessels may be identical. The number of storage vessels for multi -tank variations may vary dependent on implementation. As shown in FIGURE 3, one example system may comprise two storage vessels 110. In another example system, as shown in FIGURE 4, the system may comprise four storage vessels 110. Dependent on implementation, multi-tank variations may include any number of storage vessels no and may only be limited by the geometry of how and where they will be used (e.g., the number of tanks that could be fit onto a truck or in the fuselage of a plane). The plurality of storage vessels is preferably integrated into a shared insulations pace by being surrounded by a shared single insulation support layer 120.

[0067] As shown in example FIGURES 4-7, the plurality of storage vessels 110 for multi-tank variations, may be situated in a specific geometry in relation to each other. These may be selected for different applications depending on size constraints, fueling requirements, expected dormancy periods, and/or other use-case specific requirements. Specific geometries may enable storage vessels no to have distinct heat flux properties, wherein storage vessels no closer to the external surface (or with more exposed surfaces) would have a greater heat flux as compared to more internally situated storage vessels. Dependent on implementation, any number of storage vessels no, in any number of shapes may be used.

[0068] As two main multi-tank variations, a set of storage vessels may include storage vessels arranged within the insulation support layer 120 in a grid array (i.e., a grid array arrangement) or in a circular array (i.e., a circular array arrangement). A grid array arrangement may include positioning following patterns with a rectangular grid. Other grids such as a hexagonal grid or any suitable 2D grid maybe used. A circular array arrangement may include positioning following patterns in a radial pattern from a central point. The arrays may use regular placement following consistent positioning patterns for all tanks. Alternatively, the arrangement may use any suitable positioning. While the outer form of the system is not limited to any particular form, a grid array arrangement may lend itself to more box-like form factors (optionally including rounded edges) and a circular array may lend itself to more cylindrical form factors. In some variations, the positioning and arrangement is selected to establish positiondependent storage vessel insulation conditions or in other words different thermal property conditions. In this way arrangement of the storage vessels can be used to create heterogeneous insulation states with different groups of storage vessels having different thermal properties.

[0069] In a grid array variation, the grid array may be an n by m grid array. For a multi-tank variation n is least one and m is at least two. In a multi -tank variation where the tanks have differing thermal properties n is at least one and m is at least three. The thermal properties may alternatively be altered by varying a profile of the insulation support layer 120. For example, a 1 by 2 grid array arrangement may have increased insulation around one storage vessel thereby altering the thermal properties for that one storage vessel. [0070] For example, two 4 tank variations, as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, may include a set of tanks situated in a linear configuration (FIGURE 5), or situated in a box or grid array configuration (FIGURE 4). The linear geometry may enable two sets of storage vessels 110 establishing storage vessels with two types of thermal properties: a first subset of storage vessels (T2) with a first heat flux property (T2) and a second subset of storage vessels with a second heat flux property (T3), where the first and second heat flux properties are substantially distinct (e.g., different). The "endpoint" tanks (T3), which have more surfaces exposed to the exterior environment, may have a greater heat flux as compared to the "middle" tanks (T2). For the box configuration, each storage vessel 110 (T4) is situated with a symmetrical arrangement and equidistant to the system exterior, thus all storage vessels have the same thermal properties or heat flux.

[0071] In another example, as shown in FIGURE 6, a larger box configuration comprising nine storage vessels 110, the storage vessels may comprise three subsets of heat fluxes. The most exposed storage vessels no (T7) may have the greatest flux, followed by the storage vessels with less external exposure (T6), followed by the storage vessel (T5) located in the interior of the system.

[0072] In a circular array arrangement variation, the set of storage vessels can be arranged around a central point. In one such variation, the set of storage vessels may include a first storage vessel oriented within a central position in the circular array. The first storage vessel can exhibit a unique heat flux relative to the other storage vessels in the set of storage vessels. Other storage vessels may be radially positioned around this central storage vessel.

[0073] In a third example, the system may have a round geometry (e.g., cylindrical, circular, radial array). In one exemplary implementation, as shown in FIGURE 7, all exterior storage vessels (Ti) have the same heat flux, with an isolated interior storage vessel (To) having a lower heat flux. The system geometry and tank arrangement may have a significant effect on the thermodynamic properties of each tank, and thus the entire system itself. That is, over time, heat transfer of each geometry and tank may differ significantly. As shown in FIGURE 8, the example linear arrangement of tanks leaves a greater number of tanks exposed to the external environment, which may allow a significantly greater amount of heat transfer with the external environment. Alternatively, the cylindrical geometry enables tanks to be less exposed to the external environment and provides a completely isolated internal tank (To) that has very little heat transfer.

[0074] The insulation support layer 120 functions to encase the storage vessels and a primary source of insulation for the set of storage vessels. The insulation support layer 120 maybe situated on and around each storage vessel 110 thereby functioning as a thermal break that reduces heat transfer between each storage vessel and the external environment. Additionally, the insulation may provide a "mesh" that holds each storage vessel 110 in a fixed position in relation to all other storage vessels. In this manner, the insulation support layer 120 additionally functions to maintain the geometric positioning of the at least one storage vessel 110.

[0075] The insulation support layer 120 may comprise any suitable material with a low thermal conductivity. The insulation support layer 120 may include a single material layer made of foam, aerogel, or other insulating material. Multiple materials may alternative be used. Depending on the material used, the insulation support layer 120 may include a material layer that is 5-20 centimeters in thickness. In some variations, the insulation thickness maybe calibrated and configured for planned usage patterns. As shown in FIGURE 22, a linear multi-tank system may have foam insulation thickness calibrated according to dormancy targets. Tanks Ti and T2 may have thinner foam insulation thickness when targeting less than 9 hours of dormancy compared to when targeting 12-20 hours.

[0076] In many variations, the insulation support layer 120 comprises polymeric foam. The foam may be a rigid foam or a sprayed foam. While these materials provide some structural capacity to hold the storage vessels 110 fixed in place, the insulation support layer 120 may further include support structures that reinforces the insulation support layer 120. Examples of foams include: polyisocyanurate or polyurethane. Examples of sprayed foams include: sprayed polyurethane foam. Some foams may provide greater compressive strength than others at the expense of thermal insulation. A mixture of various foams can be implemented to optimize for a given set of desired bulk properties. For example, a spray foam, which can have thermal conductivities of 20 mW/m-K can be used in tandem with polymethacrylimide foam, which can have twice the thermal conductivity but about 50X greater compressive strength.

[0077] In many variations, the insulation support layer 120 comprises aerogels. The aerogel may be silica or metal-oxide based. In some instances, they aerogel can contain additives to fine-tune properties, such as compressibility or emissivity, for a particular application. The aerogels are typically pre-made blankets, but they can also be sprayable. The aerogel systems can be pre-formed in mold, in which the tanks can be inserted into for ease of manufacturing.

[0078] The insulation support layer 120 may serve as a full structural support within the system for supporting and holding the storage vessels 110 in place. The insulation support layer 120 may alternatively function as a partial structural support. The insulation support layer 120 contacts the storage vessels and any optional outer jacket and has a thickness whereby it provides some degree of structural support.

[0079] In some variation, the insulation support layer 120 (or the system more broadly) may include additional structural supports 122 integrated within the insulation support layer 120 or in addition to the insulation support layer, which functions to provide additional rigidity and robustness to maintain the storage vessels 110 in place throughout operations. Accordingly, the insulation support layer 120 may include a foam layer (or other insulating material layer) and a structural support element (or system) (122) integrated within the foam between an outer surface of the storage vessel no and an inner surface of the outer jacket 130. The structural support may additionally function to prevent degradation or breakdown of foam or other insulating material. These systems may be used on-board heavy-duty transportation vehicles, in which case the system needs to tolerate daily operating forces (e.g., greater than 5g, vibrations, etc.). The structural support can be one or more structural members. These may be placed within the insulation support layer 120. In some variations, they may physically connect or otherwise physically couple with adjacent layers of the storage system such as the storage vessel or the outer jacket. In some variations they maybe structures oriented within the insulation without contacting adjacent layers such that it provides structural integrity to the insulation foam or other type of insulation material. The design of the structural supports 122 maybe adjusted based on the intended use case. For example, trucking, aviation, and mining equipment may all have different requirements.

[0080] The support structures can complement the insulation support layer 120 to provide sufficient rigidity and structural integrity. For example, the support structure can connect the inner pressure vessel 110 to the outer wall 130. In some variations, the structural support 122 maybe or include a grid, mesh, and/or lattice extending between the outer surface of the storage vessel 110 and the inner surface of the outer jacket 130 as shown in the example of FIGURE 13A. In another variation, the structural support 122 may include connection points on opposing ends of the storage vessels as shown in FIGURE 13B. This option may also minimize contact points with the storage vessel for insulation purposes and may also be a good connection point for an optional outer jacket 130. In yet another variation, shown in FIGURE 13C, there maybe structural supports between an outer jacket 130 and between adjacent storage vessels in order to constrain/limit lateral movement of the storage vessel.

[0081] In another variation, the structural support 122 may include a set of support beams or elements arranged at a plurality of spots between the outer surface of the storage vessel and the inner surface of the outer jacket 130 as shown in FIGURE 14. These rigid supports provide structural support to the foam that surrounds the tank, for example. A combination of rigid supports and foam can allow an insulation system that can sustain the volumetric expansion and contraction that occur throughout cryocompressed hydrogen cycling.

[0082] The support structure can be made of materials with low conductivity but high strength, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, polymethacrylimide foam, and/or polyethylenimine. In one embodiment, fiberglass and polymethacrylimide foam can be combined with a silica-based aerogel to provide the required low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength. In some instances, the fiberglass provides most of the structural support to keep tanks upright and in the given place. The fiberglass can be used to connect the tanks to the outer jacket 130, for example.

[0083] The system may include an outer jacket 130. The outer jacket 130 functions as the exterior surface of the system, wherein the outer jacket surrounds the insulation support layer 120. The outer jacket may function as a system support. The outer jacket 130 may have any desired geometry, wherein the interior geometry is shaped to match the geometry set by the insulation support layer 120, and the exterior geometry may enable incorporation of the system for the desired use case (e.g., shaped to fit on the back of a truck cab). The outer jacket 130 maybe composed of any desired type of material. The outer jacket 130 maybe composed or made of plastic or any other solid, non-reactive material. The outer jacket can be made up light weight material to protect the insulation materials from the elements. The outer jacket does not need to be high- vacuum compatible. As discussed, in some hybrid variations, a high vacuum MLI or other type of external insulation system may interface with the outer jacket 130.

[0084] As discussed, in some variations, an outer surface of the insulation support layer 120 may serve the function as the exterior surface. In some variations, an outer surface of the insulation support layer 120 maybe treated or coated with some weather proofing or other protective layer.

[0085] The system may enable a variety of manufacturing approaches because of the lack or minimization of reliance on vacuum insulation. In one variation, the system may be made wherein an insulation portion may be premade and storage vessels can be easily inserted and enclosed within the insulation. The outer jacket 130 may have a clamshell design that can be closed around the set of storage vessels and then sealed. Accordingly, in some variations, the insulation support layer and the outer jacket may be a clam-shell encasement with at least two opposing portions that are enclosed around the set of storage vessels as shown in FIGURE 19. In some variation, insulation maybe injected into the space between the storage vessels and the clamshell jacket after the assembly of clamshell jacket is complete as shown in FIGURE 20.

[0086] In alternative variations, insulation material may be injected or deposited within a cavity defined between an assembled outer jacket 130 and supported storage vessels 110 as shown in FIGURE 21. Other assembly and manufacturing processes may alternatively be used such as systematically wrapping or otherwise each layer one at a time.

[0087] In some variations, the system may include an operation control system that functions to augment the operation and management of fuel storage within the system. That is, via the operation control system, hydrogen may be monitored, transferred between storage vessels, and/or transferred from the system to an external device. The operation control system may include a fluidic exchange system 140, a control system 150, and/or a monitoring system 160. The operation control system maybe particularly useful for multi -tank variations, wherein the operation control system may enable both real time inter-tank gas exchange and utilization based on usage and tank conditions. [0088] The fluidic exchange system 140 functions to facilitate hydrogen transfer. Hydrogen transfer can include inter-tank hydrogen transfer or transfer with an external system. The fluidic exchange system 140 preferably includes interconnections between a portion of the storage vessels no. In particular, the system establishes controlled fluidic connections between storage vessels with different thermal properties (e.g., a first subset of storage vessels and a second subset of storage vessels).

[0089] The fluidic exchange system 140 may include any suitable components to facilitate a controlled exchange of hydrogen between storage vessels or with an outside system. In particular, the fluidic exchange system 140 may include or be a control valve between a first subset and a second subset of storage vessels and associated hydrogen lines. The control valve preferably includes an actuated or activated state to establish flow of fluid (e.g., hydrogen) between the subsets of storage vessels. The control valve may be a one-way control valve such that fluid can only flow one direction. The control valve may alternatively be a two-way valve such that flow may be controlled in two directions. The amount of flow may be controlled. Alternatively, the control valve may have an activated/open state and a deactivated/closed state.

[0090] The control valve (or more generally the fluidic exchange system 140) preferably actuates (or activates exchange) upon pressure in at least one storage vessel reaching a defined threshold. Actuation of the control valve will thereby transfer hydrogen from a high-pressure storage vessel to a lower pressure storage vessel. The storage vessels if they have different thermal properties (e.g., being symmetry- inequivalent in their thermal properties) the exchange of hydrogen may enhance dormancy by introducing ortho hydrogen in a sufficient amount to seed an autocatalytic ortho-to-para conversion.

[0091] The fluidic exchange system 140 may additionally include passive fluidic exchange connection, which function to enable natural exchange between two or more storage vessels. This maybe used to couple the thermal state and/or the para/ortho hydrogen state of two or more storage vessels.

[0092] The fluidic exchange system 140 (and thereby the control valves) are preferably controlled by a control system 150. The control system 150 could be a digital control system. The control system 150 may alternatively be an analog / mechanized based control system that functions automatically based on thermal/pressure conditions.

[0093] The fluidic exchange system 140 may include a variety of inter-tank architectures to connect storage vessels. Different arrangements may employ a variety of architectures of fluidic exchange systems, which may offer different levels of control, operational/manufacturing simplicity, or other affordances.

[0094] In one variation, the fluidic exchange system may include fluidic interconnections from a first subset of storage vessels to each storage vessel of a second subset of storage. In an example shown in FIGURE 15, a central storage vessel of a circular array could have a control valve connection to each of the storage vessels adjacent to it. These maybe individually controlled or controlled as a group.

[0095] In another variation, as shown in FIGURE 16, the fluidic exchange system may couple a first storage vessel of a first subset to a second storage vessel of a second subset. The fluidic exchange system may additionally include passive interconnections 143 between all storage vessels of subset of storage vessels. The second storage vessels may all be symmetry-equivalent and thereby may all be in similar thermodynamic states. This approach minimizes the number of control valves needed between symmetry inequivalent tank subsets.

[0096] In another variation, the fluidic exchange system may include paired fluidic coupling between storage vessels with different thermal properties (e.g., from different subsets of storage vessels) as shown in FIGURE 17.

[0097] The control system 150 functions to manage the operations of the cryocompressed hydrogen within the system. The control system 150 may function to leverage information from the monitoring system and operate the control valves or other controllable aspects of the fluidic exchange system 140 to allocate hydrogen accordingly, as desired by implementation. The control system 150 can include configuration to internally manage transfer between vessels of different heat flux properties. The control system 150 may be an external digital control system that resides outside the outer jacket 130 and interfaces with the fluidic exchange system 140 through control lines and the monitoring system 160 through data or sensor connections.

[0098] The control system 150 maybe use a variety of inputs in determining exerted control on the fluidic exchange system. Pressure data and/or temperature data from the monitoring system 160 maybe used in some variations. The configuration to internally mange transfer between vessels of different heat flux properties may be based on paraortho conversion pressure conditions. A transfer of hydrogen may be initiated when a pressure vessel reaches a pressure threshold where introduction of hydrogen at a different thermal state can trigger an ortho-to-para conversion.

[0099] The monitoring system 160 may function to monitor and track state of one or more pressure vessels. The monitoring system 160 may include gauges and sensors that monitor thermodynamic and kinetic properties (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rates, ortho-hydrogen concentration) of the stored hydrogen. Additionally, the monitoring system 160 may include components that monitor material transfer (i.e., hydrogen) between storage vessels 110, into the system, and/or out of the system. The monitoring system may include: temperature sensors, pressure gauges, flow sensors, and the like. Each storage vessel 110 maybe equipped with monitoring sensors. Alternatively, a select subset of the storage vessels 110 maybe used for monitoring.

[0100] As mentioned above, the operation control unit may be quite useful for multitank implementations, wherein the operational control may leverage the properties of the system (e.g., system geometry) and the use case to optimize gas storage and use. A heat transfer profile for one example use case, a heavy-duty truck driving profile using a set of four linearly positioned tanks (FIGURE 5), wherein the insulation structure 120 comprises a 20 cm aerogel blanket is shown in FIGURE 8 (T2 and T3) wherein the monitoring system may calculate this heat transfer profile in real time. As shown in FIGURE 8, dependent on the tank positioning, the heat transfer profile maybe significantly different depending on the position of the tank. Heat transfer can be a function of geometry and tank arrangement. As shown in FIGURRE 8, the linear multitank design with T3 and T2 (shown in dashed lines) exhibit higher heat transfer than a circular array multi-tank design (shown in solid lines) with Ti and To. Dependent on the current use at the time, the operation control unit may transfer hydrogen from the T2 tank to the T3 tanks (e.g., to enable heating of hydrogen to an optimal use temperature), or transfer hydrogen from the T3 tanks to the T2 (e.g., to slow down heating of cryo-compressed hydrogen). In this case, this thermal management functionality can increase usable capacities and functionally replace in-tank heat exchangers, or other methods to warm the tanks which typically require many components.

[0101] Additionally, as shown in FIGURE 9, the operation control unit may leverage the system geometry to increase hydrogen dormancy (i.e., time before hydrogen needs to be expelled due to increase in pressure). Due to the heat exchange difference of the more-exposed (T3) and less-exposed (T2) tanks, hydrogen dormancy is less for the T3 tanks is less than the T2 tanks for the same fill capacity. During use, the operation control unit may prioritize use of hydrogen from the T3 thanks while using the T2 tanks for longer term storage. In this case, this method functionally replaces what is known as boil-off management systems.

[0102] In another example, as shown in FIGURE 10, the system geometry and tank positioning may further enable use of other properties of the cryo-compressed hydrogen to increase hydrogen dormancy. In the cylindrical example of FIGURE 7, the interior tank (To), that is significantly better insulated, maybe controlled to use molecular configuration changes of cryogenic hydrogen to increase dormancy. That is, at the appropriate thermodynamic conditions, para-hydrogen may convert to ortho-hydrogen via an endothermic transition, causing a significant drop in pressure. In this example, the exterior tanks (Ti) may increase in temperature too fast to utilize the para to ortho conversion. Thus, the pressure in the exterior tanks may increase in pressure until hydrogen needs to be released. In this configuration, the operation control unit may appropriately move hydrogen between the interior and exterior tanks, to extend hydrogen dormancy through the para to ortho conversion while reducing the amount of hydrogen that needs to be released from the exterior. Ti and To may have very different thermodynamic profiles. In some cases, Ti may have a much higher concentration of ortho-hydrogen than To. In this case, enough hydrogen can be transferred to To to seed the auto-catalytic para-ortho conversion in To. This will result in a temperature and pressure decrease and increase To dormancy.

[0103] As shown in FIGURE 11, the tanks may have different pressure and temperature due to operational profiles and thermal properties. In such a scenario, a set of tanks can function as receiving tanks to prevent venting. For example, Ti can transfer hydrogen to To.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments a system for a control system of a cryocompressed hydrogen storage system such as described herein may be implemented wherein a system is or comprises: one or more computer-readable mediums storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer processors, cause a computing platform to perform operations comprising: one or more of the methods described herein.

3. Method

[0105] As shown in FIGURE 23, a method for storage and operational use of cryocompressed includes: providing a multi-tank cryo-compressed hydrogen storage S100; monitoring individual tank status S200, comprising: monitoring based on each tank status, transferring hydrogen S300. The method functions as a way of storing and using cryo-compressed hydrogen that leverages a system geometry and properties of cryocompressed hydrogen, to provide "efficient" hydrogen use and storage that improves hydrogen dormancy and provides better hydrogen use capacity. The method maybe used with a system as described above but may be generally implemented with any cryo- compressed hydrogen system. In some variations, block S100 maybe performed individually as a process of manufacturing a cryo-compressed hydrogen storage vessel. In some variations, block S200 and S300 maybe performed as a form of operational control processes.

[0106] Block S100, which includes providing a multi-tank cryo-compressed hydrogen storage, functions to provide a storage compartment for the cryo-compressed hydrogen. The storage device includes multiple tanks. Preferably at least one of the multiple tanks has different conditions as compared to the rest (e.g., different volume, different amount of insulation, different shape, etc.). In one variation, the different tanks have a different amount of heat exchange with the external environment.

[0107] Providing the multi-tank cryo-compressed hydrogen may include producing or manufacturing a system such as described herein. As shown in FIGURE 24, manufacturing a storage vessel may include arranging a set of storage vessels into an arrangement S110, forming an insulation support layer around the set of storage vessels as a shared insulation layer S120; and encasing the insulation support layer with an outer jacket S130. The method for manufacturing may additionally include interconnecting the storage vessels with a fluidic exchange system S115.

[0108]

[0109] Block S200, which includes monitoring individual tank status, functions to monitor the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of hydrogen in each tank. Generally, monitoring individual tank status may include monitoring any applicable metric for the desired use case. More specifically, monitoring individual tank status may include measuring the temperature and pressure within each tank, from which many properties can be estimated, such as the amount of hydrogen, the concentration of ortho hydrogen, and the heat flux of each tank. Additionally or alternatively, these properties can be monitored directly using specific sensors for each of these quantities.

[0110] During a filling even the fluidic control system and different thermodynamic properties of tank subsets can be leveraged. During a filling event, for example at a refueling station, the tank which will be used to first provide the hydrogen to the fuel cell following the refueling event, can be filled first. This tank will be the warmest and it receives the warmest hydrogen.

[0111] During operating conditions, such as when hydrogen if being transferred to the fuel cell or hydrogen internal combustion engine, the control system can dispense hydrogen from the warmest tank. By selectively dispensing tank from a single tank, the other tanks will be warming up, which can increase usable capacities. This procedure can be optimized based on the expected range required for the trip.

[0112] If the expected dormancy is known in advance, say at the start of driving before the vehicle will eventually stop and remain idle for a given amount of time, the control system can dispense from various combinations of tanks in order to ensure that the system as a whole will minimize any possible vent losses.

[0113] Block S300, which includes transferring hydrogen S300 based on each tank status, functions to leverage information from Block S200, and transferring hydrogen dependent on use. Transferring hydrogen S300 may include filling hydrogen into the multi-tank cryo-compressed hydrogen storage from an external source (e.g., a hydrogen fueling station) and/or transferring hydrogen between different tanks. Dependent on the properties of the tanks, transferring hydrogen S300 may include filling, or transferring, hydrogen to tanks for a desired use case to provide improved operating capacity, and/or improved storage capacity.

[0114] In an exemplary optimal/enhanced use case for using cryo-compressed hydrogen may be at, or near, an optimal temperature range. If for example, the cryo- compressed hydrogen is too well-insulated, by the time it reaches its minimum operating pressure, for example 10 bar, the tank will contain very high-density hydrogen which may result in unusable hydrogen. In such a scenario, hydrogen may be transferred to tanks that have less insulation from the external environment, thereby enabling the hydrogen to heat up to enter an operating range that increases the usable capacity. The non-vacuum or low vacuum insulation of the present system can enable higher usable capacities. As shown in FIGURE 2, a multi-tank solution variation of the present system exhibits superior hydrogen usable capacities when performing a comparative analysis, between a four-tank foam system (as represented on the right of FIGURE 2) and a standard high-vacuum MLI system. A high-vacuum MLI system shown in FIGURE 2, a common system to store cryo-compressed hydrogen, which is currently available, would enter a temperature range that results in low usable capacities. Such a system would require expensive and complicated tank heating systems.

[0115] As shown in example FIGURE 9, for a truck use case, hydrogen dormancy is greater in more isolated tanks, and increases the less a tank is filled. The amounts tanks are filled may be reduced, or increased, to take into account the desired dormancy, wherein the more isolated tanks (T2), maybe filled to a greater capacity for storage. This may all be informed by the operating profile of the truck following the refueling in event. In some cases, the storage system may be fueled to max capacity as following the refueling event the truck will start its operations right away. In another case, the truck may start its operations but may have a long stop once it gets to its next stop. In this case, transferring hydrogen S300 may include initially using hydrogen from the more (or most) exposed tanks and then transferring hydrogen to the more isolated tanks for long time storage. Alternatively, for a very slow utilization rate, or if the truck will most likely be stationed for many days, the tanks maybe filled to half capacity. As shown in FIGURE 11 transferring hydrogen from one set of tanks with a given thermal property to another set of tanks that are more well insulated may enhance dormancy.

4. System Architecture

[0116] The systems and methods of the embodiments can be embodied and/ or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface, hardware/firmware/software elements of a user computer or mobile device, wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and/ or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer- readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.

[0117] In one variation, a system comprising of one or more computer-readable mediums (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable mediums) storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer processors, cause a computing platform to perform operations comprising those of the system or method described herein such as: providing a multi-tank cryo-compressed storage doing; monitoring individual tank status; and transferring hydrogen.

[0118] FIGURE 25 is an exemplary computer architecture diagram of one implementation of the system. In some implementations, the system is implemented in a plurality of devices in communication over a communication channel and/or network. In some implementations, the elements of the system are implemented in separate computing devices. In some implementations, two or more of the system elements are implemented in same devices. The system and portions of the system may be integrated into a computing device or system that can serve as or within the system.

[0119] The communication channel 1001 interfaces with the processors 1002A- 1002N, the memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM)) 1003, a read only memory (ROM) 1004, a processor-readable storage medium 1005, a display device 1006, a user input device 1007, and a network device 1008. As shown, the computer infrastructure maybe used in connecting a control system 1101, a fluidic exchange system 1102, a monitoring system 1103, other integrations with a cryo-compressed storage system, and/ or other suitable computing devices.

[0120] The processors 1002A-1002N may take many forms, such CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), microprocessors, ML/DL (Machine Learning / Deep Learning) processing units such as a Tensor Processing Unit, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays, custom processors, and/or any suitable type of processor.

[0121] The processors 1002A-1002N and the main memory 1003 (or some subcombination) can form a processing unit 1010. In some embodiments, the processing unit includes one or more processors communicatively coupled to one or more of a RAM, ROM, and machine-readable storage medium; the one or more processors of the processing unit receive instructions stored by the one or more of a RAM, ROM, and machine-readable storage medium via a bus; and the one or more processors execute the received instructions. In some embodiments, the processing unit is an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). In some embodiments, the processing unit is a SoC (System-on-Chip). In some embodiments, the processing unit includes one or more of the elements of the system. [0122] A network device 1008 may provide one or more wired or wireless interfaces for exchanging data and commands between the system and/ or other devices, such as devices of external systems. Such wired and wireless interfaces include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, Bluetooth interface, Wi-Fi interface, Ethernet interface, near field communication (NFC) interface, and the like.

[0123] Computer and/ or Machine-readable executable instructions comprising of configuration for software programs (such as an operating system, application programs, and device drivers) can be stored in the memory 1003 from the processor- readable storage medium 1005, the ROM 1004 or any other data storage system.

[0124] When executed by one or more computer processors, the respective machineexecutable instructions maybe accessed by at least one of processors 1002A-1002N (of a processing unit 1010) via the communication channel 1001, and then executed by at least one of processors 1001A-1001N. Data, databases, data records or other stored forms data created or used by the software programs can also be stored in the memory 1003, and such data is accessed by at least one of processors 1002A-1002N during execution of the machine-executable instructions of the software programs.

[0125] The processor-readable storage medium 1005 is one of (or a combination of two or more of) a hard drive, a flash drive, a DVD, a CD, an optical disk, a floppy disk, a flash storage, a solid state drive, a ROM, an EEPROM, an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, and the like. The processor-readable storage medium 1005 can include an operating system, software programs, device drivers, and/or other suitable sub-systems or software.

[0126] As used herein, first, second, third, etc. are used to characterize and distinguish various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Use of numerical terms maybe used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layer and/or section. Use of such numerical terms does not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Such numerical references may be used interchangeable without departing from the teaching of the embodiments and variations herein. [0127] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. A cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system comprising: a set of storage vessels with a defined internal cavity for cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel; an insulation support layer, wherein the set of storage vessels are encapsulated within the insulation support layer; and an outer jacket around the insulation support layer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulation support layer is a low- vacuum or nonvacuum layer with a pressure equal or greater than too millibar.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of storage vessels comprises a first subset of storage vessels and a second subset of storage vessels that have different distinct heat flux properties based on an arrangement of the set of storage vessels within the insulation support layer.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a control system that includes configuration to internally manage transfer between vessels of different heat flux properties.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising pressure sensors that supply pressure data of the set of storage vessels to the control system, wherein the configuration to internally mange transfer between vessels of different heat flux properties is based on para-ortho conversion pressure conditions.

6. The system of claim 4, comprising a control valve between the first subset of storage vessels and the second subset of storage vessels.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the control valve actuates upon pressure in at least one storage vessel reaching a defined threshold, actuation of the control valve thereby transferring hydrogen from a high-pressure tank to a lower pressure tank.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of storage vessels comprises storage vessels arranged within the insulation support layer in a circular array. The system of claim 8, wherein the set of storage vessels comprises a first storage vessel oriented within a central position in the circular array that exhibits a unique heat flux relative to other storage vessels of the set of storage vessels. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of storage vessels comprises storage vessels arranged within the insulation support layer in a grid array. The system of claim 1, wherein the grid array is an n by m grid array where n is at least one and m is at least three. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulation support layer comprises a single material layer made of foam or aerogel. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulation support layer comprises a material layer that is 5-20 centimeters in thickness. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer jacket is a made of a plastic material. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulation support layer comprises a foam layer and a structural support element integrated within the foam between an outer surface of the storage vessel and an inner surface of the outer jacket. The system of Claim 1, wherein the insulation support layer and the outer jacket is a clam-shell encasement with at least two opposing portions that are enclosed around the set of storage vessels. The system of claim 1, further comprising a high-vacuum multi-layer insulation system surrounded by the outer jacket. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage vessel has an operating range of 30 K - 300 K and 5 bar - 700. A cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system comprising: a set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels; an insulation support layer that is a single non-high vacuum insulation layer comprising foam or aerogel, wherein the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels are encapsulated within the insulation support layer in an arrangement that establishes different thermodynamic properties for at least a first subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels and a second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels; a control valve connecting the first subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels and the second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels; a control system connected to the control valve, the control system comprising configuration to manage transfer between the first subset of the set of cryo- compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels and the second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels; and an outer jacket around the insulation support layer. The cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system of claim 19, further comprising pressure sensors integrated into the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels, the pressure sensors supplying pressure data of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels to the control system, wherein the configuration to manage transfer between the first subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 112 and the second subset of the set of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel storage vessels 114 is based on para-ortho conversion pressure conditions.