By rosebell
The patent, titled Compressed Gas Storage Tank, System and Method, was issued on 22 September. It protects the intellectual property behind the company’s approach to storing compressed hydrogen in purpose-built underground shafts.
Underground Shafts Designed for Large-Scale Storage
The patented system uses specially constructed vertical shafts deep underground to contain compressed hydrogen. The surrounding rock mass forms part of the underground storage arrangement, potentially reducing the need for costly pressure-containment materials compared with conventional approaches.
Each shaft is designed to accommodate up to 150 tonnes of hydrogen, with multiple shafts able to be developed at a single site to increase total storage capacity.
Locating the storage chambers underground can also reduce the surface footprint compared with above-ground storage infrastructure, making the approach potentially suitable for sites requiring substantial hydrogen storage capacity.
Blind Boring Technology at the Core
The system draws on Abergeldie’s experience in blind bore shaft construction. The method involves drilling a large-diameter vertical shaft and installing a steel liner, which is grouted into position and connected to above-ground facilities.
The storage configuration is designed to accommodate movement within the surrounding structure while maintaining the volume of the pressurised gas chamber. This feature is central to the system’s approach to containing compressed hydrogen underground.
By combining specialist shaft construction with a purpose-designed storage system, Ardent Underground aims to develop a repeatable solution for sites requiring large-scale hydrogen storage.
Patent Marks Milestone for Hydrogen Infrastructure
Abergeldie chief executive officer Mark Bruzzone described the patent as an important milestone for the technology and its potential role in the developing hydrogen industry.
“The granting of this patent is a significant milestone for Ardent Underground and recognises the innovation behind a solution that has a key role to play in supporting the development of the hydrogen industry,” Bruzzone said.
“Abergeldie has always looked for innovative ways to solve complex infrastructure challenges. Ardent Underground brings together that mindset with our specialist underground engineering capability to address one of the challenges associated with hydrogen: storing it safely and effectively at scale.”
The patent establishes intellectual property protection for the company’s approach. Further deployment, however, will depend on the technology’s development and implementation at suitable sites.
