A 37-kilogram HGV2/EC79 bus system using 350-bar COPVs (far left) and an aerospace hydrogen tank (bottom right) by Hexagon Purus, as well as some tank examples (top right) from Infinite Composites. Sources | Hexagon Purus and Infinite Composites
The article from CompositesWorld discusses the increasing use of composite pressure vessels in energy storage applications, particularly for hydrogen and compressed natural gas (CNG). These vessels, made from composite materials like carbon fiber, offer significant advantages over traditional metal tanks, including higher strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and the ability to withstand higher pressures. The article highlights how these properties make composite vessels ideal for storing hydrogen, which is crucial for fuel cell vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. It also mentions the growing market demand driven by the push towards cleaner energy solutions, with companies like Hexagon Composites and Worthington Industries leading in the development and production of these advanced storage solutions. The piece further explores the technical challenges, such as ensuring safety and longevity under high pressure, and the ongoing innovations in material science to enhance performance and reduce costs.