Hydrogen has emerged as a promising energy vector for internal combustion engines or fuel cell electric vehicles, offering the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts. To store and transport hydrogen efficiently, high-pressure type IV tanks produced using carbon fibre-reinforced polymers are typically used. However, composite materials are associated with significant environmental impacts due to their energy-intensive production and challenging recycling processes. To address these drawbacks, thermoplastic matrix composites can be employed as an alternative to traditional thermosetting matrix composites. In this context, the present paper reports a comprehensive life cycle assessment study comparing the environmental impacts of different pressure vessel types for hydrogen transport. A design phase was conducted to define the product's characteristics and provide primary data. Types IV and V vessels produced by filament winding were considered for the environmental sustainability analysis; different scenarios with carbon fibre tows pre-impregnated with both thermosetting and thermoplastic matrix were considered as raw materials (epoxy resin and polyetherimide). Different impact categories were employed to provide a complete vision of the scenario’s effects on the environment. The analysis showed that the type V pressure vessel with a thermoplastic matrix composite is the most environmentally friendly option with life cycle impacts equal to 2568.5 kg CO₂ eq vs. 3797.7 kg CO₂ eq for the epoxy/towpreg type IV vessel and 3462.1 kg CO₂ eq for the epoxy/towpreg type V vessel. This impact reduction is due to lower material use due to the absence of an internal liner and the recyclability of the thermosetting matrix towpregs
Life cycle assessment of pressure vessels realized with thermoplastic and thermosetting matrix composites / Mignanelli, Chiara; Bianchi, Iacopo; Forcellese, Archimede; Simoncini, Michela. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY. - ISSN 0268-3768. - 135:9-10(2024), pp. 4491-4509. [10.1007/s00170-024-14742-x]
Life cycle assessment of pressure vessels realized with thermoplastic and thermosetting matrix composites
Mignanelli, Chiara
;Bianchi, Iacopo;Forcellese, Archimede;Simoncini, Michela
2024-01-01
Abstract
Hydrogen has emerged as a promising energy vector for internal combustion engines or fuel cell electric vehicles, offering the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts. To store and transport hydrogen efficiently, high-pressure type IV tanks produced using carbon fibre-reinforced polymers are typically used. However, composite materials are associated with significant environmental impacts due to their energy-intensive production and challenging recycling processes. To address these drawbacks, thermoplastic matrix composites can be employed as an alternative to traditional thermosetting matrix composites. In this context, the present paper reports a comprehensive life cycle assessment study comparing the environmental impacts of different pressure vessel types for hydrogen transport. A design phase was conducted to define the product's characteristics and provide primary data. Types IV and V vessels produced by filament winding were considered for the environmental sustainability analysis; different scenarios with carbon fibre tows pre-impregnated with both thermosetting and thermoplastic matrix were considered as raw materials (epoxy resin and polyetherimide). Different impact categories were employed to provide a complete vision of the scenario’s effects on the environment. The analysis showed that the type V pressure vessel with a thermoplastic matrix composite is the most environmentally friendly option with life cycle impacts equal to 2568.5 kg CO₂ eq vs. 3797.7 kg CO₂ eq for the epoxy/towpreg type IV vessel and 3462.1 kg CO₂ eq for the epoxy/towpreg type V vessel. This impact reduction is due to lower material use due to the absence of an internal liner and the recyclability of the thermosetting matrix towpregsFile | Dimensione | Formato | |
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