Composites Use in Pressure Vessels
High-pressure gas storage vessels represent one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for advanced composites, particularly for filament-wound carbon fiber composites. Although they are used in self-contained breathing apparatuses and provide oxygen and gas storage on aerospace vehicles, the primary end markets are for storage of liquid propane gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen gas (H2).
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DOE MAKE IT prize supports U.S.-based manufacturing of clean energy technology components for a diverse range of market applications.
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Multi-year agreement between the joint venture and a South Asian wind turbine manufacturer contributes to composite spar cap development.
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New deal with Chinese auto firm will develop and commercialize Type IV tanks for European, U.S. and Asian business markets.
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Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)
The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.
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Read MoreFAQ: Pressure Vessels
How are composites used in energy storage?
Composites are used to build pressure vessels to store compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, hydrogen gas.
These typically involve filament winding of glass or carbon fiber around a metal, plastic or all-composite liner.
What are the types of pressure vessels?
You may see pressure vessels or storage tanks listed as one of various numbered “Types.”
Pressure vessels are organized into five types:
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- Type I: All-metal construction, generally steel.
- Type II: Mostly metal with some fiber overwrap in the hoop direction, mostly steel or aluminum with a glass fiber composite; the metal vessel and composite materials share about equal structural loading.
- Type III: Metal liner with full composite overwrap, generally aluminum, with a carbon fiber composite; the composite materials carry the structural loads.
- Type IV: An all-composite construction, polymer — typically polyamide (PA) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner with carbon fiber or hybrid carbon/glass fiber composite; the composite materials carry all the structural loads.
- Type V: Linerless, all-composite construction.
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Do composites have a role in the hydrogen economy?
For years, composites have offered lightweight storage of compressed hydrogen (H2) gas for zero-emission, fuel cell-powered vehicles via Type IV tanks comprising plastic liners wrapped with carbon fiber and epoxy resin. Though H2 has long promised a sustainable source of clean energy, until recently, progress was slow.
As the market continues to grow, demand for Type IV tanks continues to increase, with new technologies in development.
Follow CompositesWorld’s continuing hydrogen market coverage for the latest.
Source: The potential for hydrogen to fuel composites growth