What are the common types of coal storage sheds?

Coal is one of my country’s primary energy sources and has long accounted for a significant share of the country’s energy mix. With the extensive use of coal, storage has become a critical issue for both coal producers and consumers. As the economy and technology have advanced, coal storage methods have evolved from open-air yards to semi-enclosed and fully enclosed facilities. Balancing economic efficiency with environmental protection during storage has become a key challenge. This article outlines five common types of coal storage sheds.

1. Open-air coal yard

A form widely used by traditional coal enterprises in my country, characterized by an open, uncovered layout, typically in a linear (strip) configuration.

2. Semi-enclosed coal yard

In this configuration, the yard is partially enclosed; the gable ends on two sides remain open or are fitted only with wind-blocking and dust-suppression walls, while the top remains open to the air.

3. Grouped cylindrical silos

Another option is the large, fully enclosed circular coal yard—a common architectural form for enclosed storage in recent years. These structures utilize steel space frames or portal rigid frames as the skeleton, with single-layer color-coated steel sheets serving as the enclosure.

4. Steel structure coal storage yard

A common architectural form for enclosed storage in recent years, utilizing steel space frames or portal rigid frames as the skeleton and single-layer color-coated steel sheets as the enclosure. Steel space frame structures can be combined with various cladding materials, such as color-coated steel sheets or PVDF membrane materials. PVDF membranes offer excellent flexibility, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, waterproofing, UV protection, and self-cleaning properties, with light transmission rates reaching up to 35%–40%.

Steel structure coal sheds using membrane materials benefit from low structural weight and reduced steel consumption. Membranes allow for large spans, minimizing the need for steel framing; they offer short construction periods, excellent environmental performance (95% dust suppression and 100% rain protection), though the overall cost is relatively high.

5. Inflatable membrane coal shed

Inflatable membrane coal sheds offer advantages unmatched by traditional building structures. With its eco-friendly nature, high energy efficiency, massive storage capacity, intelligent monitoring system, remarkably low construction costs, exceptional operational economy, and fully enclosed structural design, this innovative architectural form demonstrates immense appeal through its user-friendliness, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

The air-supported membrane coal shed utilizes a cable-membrane structure with membrane material as the primary component. Supported by air pressure rather than beams or columns, it features an intelligent ventilation system and can achieve spans of up to 200 meters while offering superior wind and seismic resistance. The structure provides large storage capacity and excellent sealing, effectively preventing coal loss and moisture accumulation.

An automatic water-spraying system activates to suppress dust when the concentration of coal dust inside the shed becomes excessive.