US 12,325,073 B2
Structural vehicle components for hydrogen storage
Simona E. Hunyadi Murph, North Augusta, SC (US); and Henry T. Sessions, Aiken, SC (US)
Assigned to Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC, Aiken, SC (US)
Filed by SAVANNAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLC, Aiken, SC (US)
Filed on Mar. 18, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/822,634.
Prior Publication US 2021/0291267 A1, Sep. 23, 2021
Int. Cl. B22F 3/11 (2006.01); B29C 64/153 (2017.01); B64D 37/30 (2006.01); B64U 50/19 (2023.01); B64U 50/32 (2023.01); C22C 1/08 (2006.01); F17C 11/00 (2006.01); F17C 13/08 (2006.01); H01M 8/04082 (2016.01); B22F 10/10 (2021.01)
CPC B22F 3/1125 (2013.01) [B29C 64/153 (2017.08); B64D 37/30 (2013.01); B64U 50/19 (2023.01); B64U 50/32 (2023.01); C22C 1/08 (2013.01); F17C 11/005 (2013.01); F17C 13/084 (2013.01); H01M 8/04201 (2013.01); B22F 10/10 (2021.01); B22F 2301/052 (2013.01); B22F 2301/205 (2013.01); F17C 2221/012 (2013.01); H01M 2250/20 (2013.01); Y02E 60/32 (2013.01); Y02E 60/50 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A removably attachable structural component configured for attachment to a vehicle, the structural component comprising:
a) a metal foam, the metal foam comprising sintered particles, the sintered particles comprising first particles including a metal hydride and second particles comprising an inert scaffolding material;
b) a casing surrounding the metal foam;
c) a fluid line in fluid communication with the metal foam; and
d) an attachment device configured to retain the structural component in place during use and configured to release the structural component from the vehicle;
wherein the attachment device is configured such that upon the attachment and release, the metal foam is placed into and taken out of, respectively, fluid communication with a hydrogen fuel cell via the fluid line.