Seamless Cryogenic tanks for hydrogen

Liquid hydrogen provides a significant advantage over gaseous hydrogen when storage space and weight are critical factors. Although hydrogen is an ultralight gas, its volume at atmospheric pressure is extremely large, requiring around 11 000 l to store 1 kg. Compression to 700 bar reduces this volume to about 24 l, whereas liquefaction further decreases it to approximately 14 l, thereby enabling highly compact storage solutions. The objective of this project is to design a process chain for the manufacturing of cryogenic tanks dedicated to liquid hydrogen storage. The primary challenge lies in achieving a seamless structure while simultaneously meeting demanding dimensional requirements. To address these challenges, a feasibility study is being conducted, integrating systematic literature research with numerical simulations to evaluate potential production strategies. Various metal forming processes are under investigation, including extrusion, ring rolling, flow forming, and spinning, in combination with the use of aluminium alloys and stainless steels.