Lightweight Hydrogen Storage & Transport

High-Performance Type III and IV
Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs)
for Safe and Secure Hydrogen Storage and Transport

We set the standard for safe and effective storage, transport, and distribution of hydrogen. Our durable pressure vessels offer either seamless aluminum (Type III) or polymeric (Type IV) construction and are completely overwrapped with epoxy-impregnated carbon fiber composite.

These vessels feature:

Patented “Steelhead” expanded port openings with hydrogen-ready, stainless steel or aluminum threaded connections large enough to house an in-tank valve and regulator
Custom, high-performance carbon fiber composite for least weight and long life capabilities
Size availability range from 6L to 270L
Broad operating temperature range — from -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Pressure options range from 350, 500, and 700 bar – please inquire if desired option is off-the-shelf or custom configuration requiring certifications
Custom sizes/pressures available upon request
Predictable leak-before-burst failure characteristics
Fast-fill capabilities
Proven durability for drop and impact damage
Minimal permeation of hydrogen at its maximum operating pressure

Steelhead Composites design and manufacturing offers:

Decades of pressure vessel manufacturing experience
Sophisticated modeling and design tools
Manufactured in our ISO 9001-2005 quality system and under an ISO 14001 environmental system
Modern, fully electronic quality assurance system

SPECIFICATIONS

BROCHURE

HydrogenCube™ Plus Containerized (MEGC) Storage

Lightweight 20, 40, and 53-Foot Multiple-Element Gaseous Containers (MEGCs)

Permanently mounted to high-strength steel frameworks, these mobile-friendly units feature:

Quick-connect filling and discharging receptacles (custom connections available)
Pressure line isolation valves
Thermal and pressure relief devices
Container and all contents designed for corrosion resistance in highly demanding environments — including desert and marine

Learn more

270 Liter COPV — Our largest vessel to date

Hydrogen Type III Vessels — Aluminum Liner

Limited permeation
Type III — Aluminum exhibits very good gas permeation resistance. Using rough estimates of hydrogen gas permeation at 50 MPa, aluminum-lined vessels have a permeation constant of around 2 x 10-16 mol-H2/(m-s).
Durability
Steelhead vessels are damage tolerant and will pass the requisite DOT certification testing, as well as minimize risks and threats during operation. This is especially important to consider in relation to the shock loads expected during loading and unloading of the swappable modules.
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN FULL-RANGE FILL CYCLES (0 TO FILL PRESSURE)
Because Type III vessels are sized during the autofrettage pressure to ensure intimate contact between the liner and the composite shell, there is zero chance of H2 gas collecting in the interstitial space, which can result in buckling of the liner at zero pressure.
No potential electrostatic discharge
The aluminum lined Type III vessel has no potential for electrostatic discharge either during gas pressure cycles, or that could be caused by corona discharge
Safe failure during fire
The failure mode of a Type III vessel is inherently safer as the metallic liner will not degrade or melt before the pressure can be safely vented in a controlled manner through the valves
Filling efficiency
The higher thermal conductivity of the metal liner within a Type III vessel allows for more complete and efficient fills in a fast-fill operation
BENIGN END-OF-LIFE FAILURE MODE
Steelhead Composites Type III vessels will exceed the stated cycle life without failure. Once the end of design life is passed, there is negligible risk of catastrophic vessel rupture due to the inherent leak-before-burst fatigue failure of the aluminum liner.

Hydrogen Type IV Vessels — Polymeric Liner

Lighter In Weight
Type IV pressure vessels are lighter in weight than comparable Type III vessels
Limited permeation
Type IV — Polymeric-lined vessels have a permeation constant of around 4 x 10-8(mol-H2/(m-s) at 50 MPa
Durability
Steelhead vessels are damage tolerant and will pass the requisite DOT certification testing, as well as minimize risks and threats during operation. This is especially important to consider in relation to the shock loads expected during loading and unloading of the swappable modules.
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN REPEATED FILL CYCLES
Type IV pressure vessels are more tolerant of constant cycling — Ideal for fleet use where refueling frequently

REQUEST A QUOTE

Lightweight Hydrogen Storage & Transport

High-Performance Type III and IV
Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs)
for Safe and Secure Hydrogen Storage and Transport

HydrogenCube™ Large-Volume Integrated Storage Systems

HydrogenCube™ Plus Containerized (MEGC) Storage

Hydrogen Storage for Fuel Cell Systems

Hydrogen Type III Vessels — Aluminum Liner

Limited permeation

Durability

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN FULL-RANGE FILL CYCLES (0 TO FILL PRESSURE)

No potential electrostatic discharge

Safe failure during fire

Filling efficiency

BENIGN END-OF-LIFE FAILURE MODE

Hydrogen Type IV Vessels — Polymeric Liner

Lighter In Weight

Limited permeation

Durability

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN REPEATED FILL CYCLES

Lightweight Hydrogen Storage & Transport

High-Performance Type III and IV Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) for Safe and Secure Hydrogen Storage and Transport

HydrogenCube™ Large-Volume Integrated Storage Systems

HydrogenCube™ Plus Containerized (MEGC) Storage

Hydrogen Storage for Fuel Cell Systems

Hydrogen Type III Vessels — Aluminum Liner

Hydrogen Type IV Vessels — Polymeric Liner

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High-Performance Type III and IV
Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs)
for Safe and Secure Hydrogen Storage and Transport