| abstract |
An apparatus for storage and liberation of compressed hydrogen gas is provided. The apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an array of hollow microcylinders defining cavities for storage compressed hydrogen gas. Each microcylinder has at least one end sealed with a plug made of an easily meltable alloy. The apparatus also includes a hydrogen liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the hydrogen gas from the cartridge into the chamber; and a control system operatively coupled to the discharge valve and liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof. According to another aspect of the invention, there are provided a system and method for filling a cartridge having an array of hollow microcylinders having open ends. The filling includes placing the cartridge into a chamber of an autoclave, and compressing the hydrogen gas in the chamber, thereby providing permeation of the hydrogen gas through the open ends into cavities of the microcylinders. Thereafter, the open ends are sealed with plugs made of an easily meltable alloy. |