IP Library Granted Patent US 9,244,033
Granted Patent B2
US 9,244,033 · App. 13/749,195 · Granted Jan 26, 2016

Method for online detection of liner buckling in a storage system for pressurized gas

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,244,033
App. No.
13/749,195
Granted
Jan 26, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A pressurized gas storage system includes an outer shell having an inner and outer surface. The inner surface defines an inner volume for holding a pressurized gas. A first electrically conductive layer is attached to the outer shell. An inner liner is disposed over the inner surface. A second electrically conductive layer is attached to the inner liner. A capacitance meter measures the capacitance between the first and second electrically conductive layers wherein a change in capacitance indicates buckling in the storage system.

Claims (12)

1. A method for detection of liner buckling in a storage system for pressurized gas, the method comprising:

providing an outer shell having an inner surface and outer surface, the outer shell including a solid matrix, the inner surface defining an inner volume holding pressurized gas at a pressure 100 bar to 700 bar;

providing a first electrically conductive layer attached to the outer shell;

providing an inner liner disposed over the inner surface;

providing a second electrically conductive layer associated with the inner liner, the second electrically conductive layer being electrically insulated from the first electrically conductive layer; and

providing a capacitance meter that measures capacitance between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer; and

detecting buckling in the storage system in which the inner liner separates from the outer shell to form a separation, the buckling being detected from the capacitance between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the solid matrix comprises a carbon fiber composite.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first electrically conductive layer is embedded in the solid matrix.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first electrically conductive layer is positioned at the inner surface.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the second electrically conductive layer is embedded in the inner liner.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the outer shell has a circular cross section.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2014
From: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 034287/0601 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 12, 2014
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
To: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Reel/Frame 033135/0336 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 25, 2013
From: JAEGER, RALF
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 029692/0982 →