Liquid hydrogen tanks

The project aims at developing ultralight aircraft tanks for liquid hydrogen (LH2). Hydrogen gas can be used in fuel cells generating electricity for motors or in fossil free combustion engines. The low weight is obtained by tanks in carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites. To minimise the volume the hydrogen must be stored in liquid form at very low temperature (-253°C).

Pressure and temperature changes during fuelling normally causes microcracks between the fibres, which causes gas leakage, but this can be suppressed by using thin composite plies of different orientation. The project will study gas permeability and microcracking at the low temperatures of liquid hydrogen.

The knowledge is demonstrated by design, manufacture and testing of complete tanks in composite material at relevant temperatures and pressure.

Thus, the project strengthens the leading position of Sweden in the area and allows marketing of Swedish hydrogen tanks with thin ply composites to the aircraft industry.