US-based firm Infinite Composites has secured a $1.6 million contract with the US Military to pioneer the event of conformable gasoline tanks for hydrogen storage, with important parts of the tanks being produced with additive manufacturing methods. The event marks an important milestone within the pursuit of hydrogen as a compelling various gasoline supply for each army and industrial autos, finally lowering dependence on fossil fuels.

The Division of Protection’s dedication to advancing hydrogen expertise for varied army functions, together with plane, floor assist, and marine autos, underscores the importance of this undertaking. Infinite Composites’ proposal focuses on reimagining the standard storage container for hydrogen gasoline, which is often saved at extraordinarily excessive pressures, starting from 350 to 700 bar (5,000 to 10,000 psi) for car use.

Standard cylindrical or spherical tanks have limitations by way of placement inside car designs. The answer introduced by Infinite Composites includes the creation of conformable tanks with non-cylindrical geometries, providing higher flexibility and effectivity. The pliability supplied by conformal tanks will allow strategic positioning of hydrogen gasoline tanks, even throughout the wings of plane, enhancing general car design.

“These tanks will probably be manufactured utilizing 90 p.c additive manufacturing processes and are designed to be light-weight, utilizing non-cylindrical geometries, making them simpler to move and use in quite a lot of totally different environments,” mentioned Matt Villarreal, CEO and Co-Founding father of Infinite Composites.

“They’re product of superior composite supplies that leverage nano-scaled reinforcements, permitting for higher energy and sturdiness whereas sustaining a light-weight design.”

Industrial curiosity within the tanks has been piqued, with firms like Skydweller Aero and Empirical Methods Aerospace (ES Aero) contemplating the hydrogen vessels for his or her future car designs. Infinite Composites has already chosen Skydweller as an preliminary industrial integration companion, demonstrating the adoption of hydrogen expertise past army functions.

Come and tell us your ideas on our Fb, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t overlook to join our weekly additive manufacturing publication to get all the newest tales delivered proper to your inbox.