A method for connecting and disconnecting a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogen refueling device, and a method for filling the cylinder with hydrogen.

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for connecting and disconnecting a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogen refueling device, as well as a method for filling the cylinder with hydrogen, relating to the field of hydrogen production and refueling. The filling method includes: pushing the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed onto the quick-connect female connector and locked in place, thus connecting the gas path and completing the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen refueling device; turning on the switch of the hydrogen production module to start the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and fill the hydrogen storage cylinder with hydrogen; detecting that the hydrogen storage cylinder has been filled with hydrogen, turning off the hydrogen production module; pressing a button, which, through a locking and disconnecting device, pushes the opening and closing sliding sleeve to the side away from the quick-connect male connector, causing the quick-connect female connector to pop out from the quick-connect male connector and the hydrogen storage cylinder, completing the disconnection of the hydrogen storage cylinder from the hydrogen refueling device. This invention achieves automatic and rapid assembly and disassembly of the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen refueling device through the cooperation between the locking and disconnecting device and the quick-connect male and female connectors, realizing automatic hydrogen filling of the hydrogen storage cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen production and hydrogenation, and in particular to a method for connecting and disconnecting a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogenation device, as well as a method for filling the cylinder with hydrogen. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing application and widespread use of small hydrogen storage devices and fuel cell stacks in transportation and other fields, the demand for hydrogen refueling has also increased dramatically. Current low-pressure hydrogen refueling methods generally require dedicated operators to travel to hydrogen refueling stations to connect the refueling nozzle to the inlet of the hydrogen storage tank and control the valves to refuel the tank.

[0003] Clearly, existing hydrogen refueling stations cannot adequately meet the needs of users for high-frequency, low-volume hydrogen refueling. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a miniaturized hydrogen production and refueling device. To ensure ease of operation for users, the entire hydrogen refueling method and process must be simple and highly automated, thereby guaranteeing the smooth operation of the entire hydrogen refueling process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, the present invention provides a method for connecting and disconnecting a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogen refueling device, as well as a method for filling the cylinder with hydrogen, to solve the problems involved in the background art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for connecting a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen refueling device, wherein the hydrogen refueling device is configured with a horizontally arranged gas cylinder compartment, and a hydrogen filling connector connected to a hydrogen production module is provided inside the gas cylinder compartment, and the hydrogen filling connector is provided with a quick-connect female connector; the hydrogen storage cylinder filling port is provided with a quick-connect male connector.

[0006] The connection method includes:

[0007] Push the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed onto the quick-connect female connector and locked in place to connect the gas path and complete the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen filling device.

[0008] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for disconnecting a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogen refueling device, wherein the hydrogen refueling device is configured with a horizontally arranged gas cylinder compartment, and a hydrogen filling connector connected to a hydrogen production module is provided inside the gas cylinder compartment. The hydrogen filling connector is provided with a quick-connect female connector, and the quick-connect female connector is provided with a gas passage opening and closing sliding sleeve suitable for cooperating with a quick-connect male connector; the hydrogen filling port of the hydrogen storage cylinder is provided with a quick-connect male connector.

[0009] A button is also provided on the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, as well as a locking and disengaging device that is kinetically connected to the button and adapted to push the opening and closing sliding sleeve to move away from the end of the quick-connect male connector;

[0010] The connection method includes:

[0011] Push the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed onto the quick-connect female connector and locked in place to connect the gas path and complete the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen filling device.

[0012] Thirdly, the present invention also provides an automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen filling device. The hydrogen filling device is equipped with a horizontally arranged gas cylinder compartment. Inside the gas cylinder compartment, a hydrogen filling connector connected to a hydrogen production module is provided. The hydrogen filling connector is equipped with a quick-connect female connector. The quick-connect female connector is provided with a gas passage opening and closing sliding sleeve suitable for cooperating with a quick-connect male connector. The hydrogen filling port of the hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a quick-connect male connector.

[0013] A button is also provided on the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, as well as a locking and disengaging device that is kinetically connected to the button and adapted to push the opening and closing sliding sleeve to move away from the end of the quick-connect male connector;

[0014] The hydrogen charging method includes:

[0015] Push the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed on the quick-connect female connector and locked in place to connect the gas path and complete the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen filling device.

[0016] Turn on the switch of the hydrogen production module, start the electrolyzer to begin producing hydrogen, and fill the hydrogen storage bottle with hydrogen;

[0017] Once the hydrogen storage cylinder has been filled with hydrogen, the hydrogen production module is shut down.

[0018] Pressing the button pushes the opening and closing sleeve away from the quick-connect male connector through the locking and disengagement device. The quick-connect female connector pops out the quick-connect male connector and the hydrogen storage bottle, completing the disengagement of the hydrogen storage bottle from the hydrogen refueling device.

[0019] Preferably or optionally, the locking and unlocking device includes:

[0020] Multiple mounting components are fixedly installed on the gas cylinder compartment;

[0021] The push rod is slidably installed between the mounting components; it extends from the inside of the gas cylinder compartment to the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment;

[0022] The slider has its upper part fixedly mounted on the push rod and its lower part locked onto the outer edge of the opening and closing sliding sleeve.

[0023] An elastic element is fitted onto the push rod to keep the slider in a state of disengagement from the opening and closing sleeve;

[0024] A button is located on the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment. The opening and closing sleeve is pushed away from the quick-connect male connector by a push rod and a slider.

[0025] Preferably or optionally, the hydrogen refueling device is further provided with a human-machine interface display screen, which is connected to the controller of the hydrogen refueling device via signal connection;

[0026] The hydrogen charging method further includes:

[0027] The display screen provides relevant information, including: hydrogen production time, hydrogen charging time, hydrogen charging amount, and alarm information.

[0028] Preferably or optionally, the gas cylinder compartment has a plurality of heat dissipation holes evenly distributed in the circumference; and heat dissipation devices are provided on both sides of the gas cylinder compartment;

[0029] The hydrogen charging method further includes:

[0030] If the temperature of the gas cylinder compartment is detected to rise to a first preset temperature, the heat dissipation device is activated.

[0031] The cooling device stops when the temperature of the gas cylinder compartment drops to the third preset temperature or hydrogen production stops.

[0032] If the temperature of the gas cylinder compartment continues to rise and reaches the second preset temperature, the hydrogen production power of the hydrogen production module is reduced or hydrogen production is stopped.

[0033] Preferably or optionally, a gas-liquid separator and a drying device are connected in sequence between the hydrogen production module and the hydrogen charging connector;

[0034] The hydrogen charging method further includes:

[0035] The mixture of hydrogen and water vapor obtained from the hydrogen production module is passed sequentially through a gas-water separator and a drying device. The gas-water separator physically separates the liquid water in the mixture, and the drying device chemically adsorbs and separates the gaseous water in the mixture.

[0036] Preferably or optionally, the drying device includes at least two drying tubes, and each drying tube contains a regenerable desiccant. Multiple color sensors are disposed on the outside of the drying tubes, and the color sensors are aligned with the regenerable desiccant inside the drying tubes.

[0037] The hydrogen charging method further includes:

[0038] The color change of the regenerable desiccant is monitored in real time using a color sensor.

[0039] Based on the color change of the regenerable desiccant, determine whether the regenerable desiccant has failed and / or calculate the failure time of the regenerable desiccant;

[0040] If the regenerable desiccant fails or the failure time of the regenerable desiccant is close to zero, hydrogen charging is stopped, and the drying tube undergoes desiccant regeneration.

[0041] Preferably or optionally, the hydrogen production module includes: an electrolyzer, a water tank adapted to provide pure water for the electrolyzer, and a power supply for supplying power to the electrolyzer.

[0042] Preferably or optionally, the hydrogen charging method further includes:

[0043] Wait for the predetermined time until the mixed gas inside the hydrogen refueling unit is emptied, then connect the hydrogen storage cylinder to the gas circuit of the hydrogen refueling unit to begin filling the hydrogen storage cylinder with hydrogen.

[0044] This invention relates to a method for connecting and disconnecting a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogen refueling device, as well as a method for filling the cylinder with hydrogen. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages: This invention achieves automatic and rapid assembly and disassembly of the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen refueling device through the cooperation of locking and disconnecting devices, quick-connect male and female connectors, and automatic hydrogen filling of the storage cylinder. The user pushes the hydrogen storage cylinder in with one finger to connect it to the refueling device; after filling, a light press of a button pops the cylinder out for easy removal. Therefore, the user operation is quick and simple, resulting in a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the hydrogenation device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hydrogenation device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hydrogenation device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and releasing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 This is an explosion diagram of the hydrogen filling connector and hydrogen storage bottle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the automatic hydrogen charging method in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0051] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0052] 100. Chassis; 110. Hydrogen outlet port; 120. Oxygen outlet port; 210. Electrolyzer; 220. Water tank; 230. Power supply; 240. Gas-liquid separator; 250. Drying device; 310. Hydrogen charging connector; 311. Quick-connect female connector; 400. Gas cylinder compartment; 410. Heat dissipation hole; 420. Cooling fan; 500. Locking and releasing device; 510. Opening and closing sliding sleeve; 520. Mounting component; 530. Push rod; 540. Slider; 550. Elastic component; 560. Button; 570. Mounting baffle; 600. Hydrogen storage cylinder; 610. Quick-connect male connector. Detailed Implementation

[0053] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] See appendix Figures 1 to 5 A hydrogen refueling device includes: a chassis 100, a hydrogen production module, a hydrogen filling module, and a gas cylinder compartment 400.

[0056] The chassis 100 is equipped with multiple grilles for housing the hydrogen production module, the hydrogen filling module, and connecting pipelines, power supply, and control lines. The hydrogen production module is located inside the chassis 100; for details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 The hydrogen production module includes: a PEM electrolyzer 210, a water tank 220 suitable for supplying water to the PEM electrolyzer 210, and a power supply 230 for supplying power to the PEM electrolyzer 210. The hydrogen charging module is connected to the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen production module. The hydrogen charging module includes: a hydrogen charging pipeline connected to the hydrogen production device, and various valves and components and a hydrogen charging connector 310 installed on the hydrogen charging pipeline. The various valves and components are used to vent the mixed gas and achieve stable pressure hydrogen charging. The hydrogen charging connector 310 mainly achieves a sealed connection with the hydrogen storage cylinder 600.

[0057] It is worth noting that since the hydrogen obtained from the hydrogen production module generally contains a high moisture content, it also needs to be dried. Therefore, a gas-water separator 240 and a drying device 250 are connected in series between the hydrogen production module and the hydrogen filling module. This maintains the dryness of the hydrogen in the hydrogen filling pipeline and prevents the hydrogen storage powder inside the hydrogen filling bottle from becoming deactivated, thereby affecting the hydrogen storage performance of the hydrogen filling bottle.

[0058] To ensure the safety and simplicity of the entire hydrogen refueling unit, the gas cylinder compartment 400 is recessed inside the chassis 100. The gas cylinder compartment 400 is a receiving cavity with one open end face and one closed end face. The hydrogen filling connector 310 is fixedly installed on the closed end face side of the gas cylinder compartment 400 by a mounting baffle 570. The orientation design of the gas cylinder compartment 400 needs to consider several factors. In this embodiment, the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 adopts a solid-state hydrogen storage mode, with built-in hydrogen storage alloy material. Hydrogen is stored through the hydrogen storage alloy material, and the pressure of the entire hydrogen storage cylinder 600 can be guaranteed not to exceed 1.5 MPa. Because the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is built into the hydrogen storage alloy material, the cylinder compartment 400 cannot be designed as an inverted structure from top to bottom, otherwise the hydrogen storage alloy material would block the hydrogen outlet. Similarly, the cylinder compartment 400 cannot be designed as an insert structure from bottom to top. For safety reasons, the movable space of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 needs to be reduced, and a support structure or fixing structure needs to be set at the bottom of the chassis 100 to ensure the connection stability between the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 and the hydrogen filling structure. This makes the hydrogen filling process more complicated and affects the user experience.

[0059] Therefore, in this embodiment, the gas cylinder compartment 400 is horizontally arranged within the housing 100 along the central axis of the hydrogen filling connector 310, suitable for horizontal placement of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600. On the one hand, this overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages, ensuring the stability of the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 and the hydrogen filling device, while preventing the solid hydrogen storage powder inside the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 from clogging the hydrogen filling port; on the other hand, since the gas cylinder compartment 400 is horizontally placed, the hydrogen storage alloy can also be horizontally deployed inside the gas cylinder during the hydrogen filling process. Compared to the vertically placed hydrogen storage cylinder 600, the hydrogen storage alloy has a larger contact area with hydrogen, resulting in higher hydrogen filling efficiency.

[0060] In a further embodiment, to facilitate the user's hydrogen filling process, the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is connected to the hydrogen filling connector 310 in a detachable sealed manner within the gas cylinder compartment 400. Specifically, the connection port of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is provided with a quick-connect male connector 610; the hydrogen filling connector 310 is provided with a quick-connect female connector 311, and the quick-connect female connector 311 is provided with a gas passage opening and closing sliding sleeve 510 suitable for cooperating with the quick-connect male connector 610. The gas cylinder compartment 400 is also provided with a locking and disengaging device 500, which drives the movement of the opening and closing sliding sleeve 510 to realize the connection and disconnection of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 and the hydrogen filling device.

[0061] Specifically, see the appendix. Figure 4The locking and unlocking device 500 includes multiple mounting parts 520, push rods 530, sliders 540, elastic elements 550, and buttons 560. Multiple mounting components 520 are horizontally arranged above the gas cylinder compartment 400. A push rod 530 is mounted on the mounting component 520, extending from the inner side of the gas cylinder compartment 400 to the outer side of the gas cylinder compartment 400, and can slide horizontally along the mounting component 520. The upper part of the slider 540 is fixedly mounted on the push rod 530 and can move together with the push rod 530. The lower part of the slider 540 is engaged on the outer edge of the opening and closing sliding sleeve 510. An elastic element 550 is fitted on the push rod 530 and located between the slider and the mounting baffle 570, so that the slider 540 is kept detached from the opening and closing slider 540. A button 560 is arranged outside the gas cylinder compartment 400 on the push rod 530 and the slider 540 is fixedly connected to the push rod 530 and adapted to push the opening and closing sliding sleeve 510 to move away from the quick-connect male connector 610. During the connection process, the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to be filled with hydrogen is inserted into the gas cylinder compartment 400 and pushed forward gently to connect the quick-connect male connector 610 of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to the quick-connect female connector 311 of the hydrogen filling connector 310, achieving automatic connection. After the hydrogen filling is completed, the user presses the button 560, which pushes the opening and closing slider 540 to move the opening and closing sleeve 510 away from the quick-connect male connector 610 through the push rod 530 and the slider 540, so that the quick-connect male connector 610 and the quick-connect female connector 311 are separated, and the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 filled with hydrogen is taken out.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the chassis 100 is also provided with a hydrogen outlet 110 and an oxygen outlet 120; the hydrogen outlet 110 and the oxygen outlet 120 are respectively connected to the hydrogen outlet and oxygen outlet of the hydrogen production module. Users can connect external pipelines as needed to make reasonable use of the excess hydrogen and oxygen produced, such as to produce hydrogen-rich water.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] Based on Example 1, this example proposes an automatic hydrogen filling method using the hydrogen refueling device and hydrogen storage cylinder 600 from Example 1. (See attached document.) Figure 6 The hydrogen charging method includes:

[0065] S100. Push the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed on the quick-connect female connector and locked in place to connect the gas path and complete the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen filling device.

[0066] During the connection process, the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to be filled with hydrogen is inserted into the gas cylinder compartment 400 and pushed forward gently to connect the quick-connect male connector 610 of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to the quick-connect female connector 311 of the hydrogen filling connector 310, thereby realizing the automatic docking of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 and the hydrogen filling device.

[0067] S200. Turn on the switch of the hydrogen production module and start the electrolyzer to begin producing hydrogen.

[0068] Specifically, the hydrogen production module includes: a PEM electrolyzer 210, a water tank 220 adapted to provide water for the PEM electrolyzer 210, and a power supply 230 for supplying power to the PEM electrolyzer 210. The power supply 230 module is electrically connected to the electrode plates of the PEM electrolyzer 210 to supply power to the PEM electrolyzer 210. The water tank 220 is filled with pure water, which is introduced into the PEM electrolyzer 210 by a water pump. The PEM electrolyzer is the main site for material transfer and electrochemical reaction in the entire electrolyzer, generating hydrogen and oxygen. A hydrogen outlet and an oxygen outlet are provided on the side of the PEM electrolyzer 210.

[0069] S200. Wait for the predetermined time until the mixed gas inside the hydrogen refueling unit is emptied, then connect the hydrogen storage bottle to the gas circuit of the hydrogen refueling unit to refuel the hydrogen storage bottle.

[0070] Specifically, the pipeline pressure is controlled by an exhaust valve. When the pressure in the hydrogen charging pipeline reaches a certain value, the exhaust valve is opened in a pulsed manner at certain intervals. The mixed gas is ejected under pressure to completely remove the gas before the pipeline, thereby improving the purity of the hydrogen in the pipeline and ensuring hydrogen charging efficiency and quality.

[0071] The hydrogen production module continuously produces hydrogen at a predetermined power; the predetermined power is a curve that changes with the hydrogen charging process. Specifically, the hydrogen production module continuously generates hydrogen, which is the hydrogen production end, and the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 contains hydrogen storage alloy powder, which is the hydrogen consumption end. As the hydrogen production module generates hydrogen, it continuously charges the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 with hydrogen, and the charging rate gradually decreases. If the predetermined power is a fixed value, it will cause the pressure in the hydrogen charging pipeline to continuously increase, creating a safety hazard. Therefore, the predetermined power is not a fixed value, but a curve that changes with the hydrogen charging process. In this embodiment, since the hydrogen storage device changes with the internal pressure and the hydrogen absorption rate of the hydrogen storage alloy, it is necessary to dynamically adjust the output of the hydrogen production power supply 230 so that the hydrogen production rate is also adjusted accordingly to follow the change in the hydrogen absorption rate, achieve a relative balance and stability of the pressure, and reduce the start-up and shutdown of the PEM electrolyzer 210.

[0072] S400: After the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is detected to be fully charged with hydrogen, the hydrogen production module is turned off;

[0073] Specifically, the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 can be judged as to whether it has completed hydrogen filling based on the hydrogen filling rate and the pressure change in the hydrogen filling pipeline. For example, when the pressure in the hydrogen filling pipeline continues to increase, the hydrogen production module is stopped. If the pressure in the hydrogen filling pipeline remains basically unchanged within a predetermined time, it can be considered that the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 has completed the hydrogen filling process; otherwise, the hydrogen production module is turned on to continue hydrogen production.

[0074] S500, Press button 560, and the locking and disengaging device 500 pushes the opening and closing sliding sleeve 510 to move away from the quick-connect male connector 610. The quick-connect female connector 311 pops out the quick-connect male connector 610 and the hydrogen storage bottle 600, completing the disengagement of the hydrogen storage bottle 600 from the hydrogen refueling device.

[0075] Specifically, after hydrogen filling is completed, the user presses button 560, which pushes the opening and closing slider 540 to move the opening and closing sleeve 510 away from the quick-connect male connector through the push rod 530 and slider 540. This causes the quick-connect male connector 610 and quick-connect female connector 311 to separate, and the user can then remove the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 filled with hydrogen, thus detaching the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 from the hydrogen filling device.

[0076] In a further embodiment, the hydrogen refueling device is also equipped with a human-machine interface display screen, which is signal-connected to the controller of the hydrogen refueling device. Correspondingly, the hydrogen charging method further includes: the display screen outputting hydrogen charging-related information according to user needs; the hydrogen charging-related information includes: hydrogen production time, hydrogen charging time, hydrogen charging amount, and alarm information. The hydrogen charging-related information may also include the connection status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to the hydrogen refueling device, the pressure change status of the hydrogen charging connector 310, the pressure change status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600, the temperature change status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600, and the health status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600. The health status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is determined by a comprehensive rating based on multiple parameters such as the pressure change status of the hydrogen charging connector 310, the pressure change status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600, the temperature change status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600, and the hydrogen charging time. When the health status of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is poor, the user is prompted to send the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to the relevant manufacturer for activation to improve the hydrogen storage capacity of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600.

[0077] In a further embodiment, since the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 continuously releases heat during the hydrogen filling process, multiple heat dissipation holes 410 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the cylinder compartment 400; and cooling fans 420 are provided on both sides of the cylinder compartment 400 to continuously dissipate heat from the hydrogen storage cylinder 600, ensuring the hydrogen filling efficiency of the cylinder compartment 400. Correspondingly, the hydrogen filling method further includes: detecting that the temperature of the cylinder compartment 400 rises to a first preset temperature, activating the cooling fan 420; detecting that the temperature of the cylinder compartment 400 drops to a third preset temperature or stops hydrogen production, stopping the cooling fan 420; detecting that the temperature of the cylinder compartment 400 continues to rise and reaches a second preset temperature, reducing the hydrogen production power of the hydrogen production module or stopping hydrogen production. Generally, the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, and the first preset temperature is greater than the third preset temperature. Because the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 continuously releases heat during the hydrogen filling process, if the temperature of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is too high, it will affect the hydrogen filling efficiency of the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 and even cause irreversible damage to the hydrogen storage cylinder 600. Therefore, the cooling fan 420 is used to cool the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 to ensure that the temperature of the hydrogen storage device is stable during the hydrogen filling process. When the cooling fan 420 cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements, the hydrogen production rate of the hydrogen production module is reduced and the hydrogen filling pressure is appropriately reduced to ensure that the hydrogen storage cylinder 600 is always within a safe hydrogen filling temperature range.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the drying device 250 includes at least two drying tubes, each containing a regenerable desiccant. Multiple color sensors are externally mounted on the drying tubes, aligning with the regenerable desiccant inside. The regenerable desiccant is color-changing silica gel. Correspondingly, the hydrogen charging method further includes: real-time monitoring of the color change of the regenerable desiccant using color sensors; determining whether the regenerable desiccant has failed and / or calculating its failure time based on the color change; if the regenerable desiccant has failed or its failure time is close to zero, switching the hydrogen charging line to another drying tube and regenerating the desiccant in that tube. The circuitry or automation logic of the color sensors can easily handle questions such as "when the desiccant fails." It can also monitor the color change of the desiccant in real time during the process, thereby assessing the moisture content of the gas and calculating the future failure time of the desiccant, thus achieving fully automated processing and eliminating human error.

[0079] The various variations and specific examples of the small hydrogen refueling device in the aforementioned Embodiment 1 are also applicable to the automatic hydrogen charging method of this embodiment. Through the foregoing detailed description of a hydrogen refueling device, those skilled in the art can clearly understand the implementation method of the automatic hydrogen charging method in this embodiment. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0080] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

Claims

1. A method for connecting a hydrogen storage cylinder to a hydrogen refueling device, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling device is equipped with a horizontally arranged gas cylinder compartment. Inside the gas cylinder compartment is a hydrogen filling connector connected to the hydrogen production module. The hydrogen filling connector is equipped with a quick-connect female connector, and the quick-connect female connector is equipped with an opening and closing sliding sleeve suitable for mates with a quick-connect male connector. The hydrogen storage cylinder is filled with hydrogen storage alloy material, and the hydrogen filling port of the hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a quick-connect male connector. A button is also provided on the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, and a locking and disengaging device is also provided on the gas cylinder compartment, which is kinetically connected to the button; the locking and disengaging device includes: a push rod and a slider, the push rod extends from the inner side of the gas cylinder compartment to the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, the upper part of the slider is fixedly mounted on the push rod, and the lower part of the slider is engaged with the opening and closing sleeve; the button pushes the opening and closing sleeve to move away from the quick-connect male connector through the push rod and the slider; The connection method includes: pushing the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed on the quick-connect female connector and locked in place, so that the gas passage is connected and the hydrogen storage cylinder is connected to the hydrogen filling device.

2. A method for separating a hydrogen storage cylinder from a hydrogen refueling device, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling device is equipped with a horizontally arranged gas cylinder compartment. Inside the gas cylinder compartment is a hydrogen filling connector connected to the hydrogen production module. The hydrogen filling connector is equipped with a quick-connect female connector, and the quick-connect female connector is equipped with an opening and closing sliding sleeve suitable for mates with a quick-connect male connector. The hydrogen storage cylinder is filled with hydrogen storage alloy material, and the hydrogen filling port of the hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a quick-connect male connector. A button is also provided on the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, and a locking and disengaging device is also provided on the gas cylinder compartment that is pulsatorically connected to the button; the locking and disengaging device includes a push rod and a slider, the push rod extends from the inner side of the gas cylinder compartment to the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, the upper part of the slider is fixedly installed on the push rod, and the lower part of the slider is engaged with the opening and closing sliding sleeve; The button pushes the opening and closing sleeve away from the quick-connect male connector via a push rod and a slider; The detachment method includes: Pressing the button pushes the opening and closing sleeve away from the quick-connect male connector through the locking and disengagement device. The quick-connect female connector pops out the quick-connect male connector and the hydrogen storage bottle, completing the disengagement of the hydrogen storage bottle from the hydrogen refueling device.

3. An automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen filling device, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling device is equipped with a horizontally arranged gas cylinder compartment. Inside the gas cylinder compartment is a hydrogen filling connector connected to the hydrogen production module. The hydrogen filling connector is equipped with a quick-connect female connector, and the quick-connect female connector is equipped with an opening and closing sliding sleeve suitable for mates with a quick-connect male connector. The hydrogen storage cylinder is filled with hydrogen storage alloy material, and the hydrogen filling port of the hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a quick-connect male connector. A button is also provided on the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, and a locking and disengaging device is also provided on the gas cylinder compartment, which is kinetically connected to the button; the locking and disengaging device includes a push rod and a slider, the push rod extends from the inner side of the gas cylinder compartment to the outer end face of the gas cylinder compartment, the upper part of the slider is fixedly mounted on the push rod, and the lower part of the slider is engaged with the opening and closing sleeve; the button pushes the opening and closing sleeve to move away from the quick-connect male connector through the push rod and the slider; The hydrogen charging method includes: Push the hydrogen storage cylinder to be filled into the gas cylinder compartment until the quick-connect male connector is installed on the quick-connect female connector and locked in place to connect the gas path and complete the connection between the hydrogen storage cylinder and the hydrogen filling device. Turn on the switch of the hydrogen production module, start the electrolyzer to begin producing hydrogen, and fill the hydrogen storage bottle with hydrogen; Once the hydrogen storage cylinder has been filled with hydrogen, the hydrogen production module is shut down. Pressing the button pushes the opening and closing sleeve away from the quick-connect male connector through the locking and disengagement device. The quick-connect female connector pops out the quick-connect male connector and the hydrogen storage bottle, completing the disengagement of the hydrogen storage bottle from the hydrogen refueling device.

4. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking and releasing device further includes: multiple mounting components, fixedly installed on the gas cylinder compartment, and a push rod slidably installed between the mounting components; An elastic element is fitted onto the push rod to keep the slider in the state of being disengaged from the opening and closing sleeve.

5. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling device is also equipped with a human-machine interface display screen, which is connected to the controller of the hydrogen refueling device via signal. The hydrogen charging method further includes: The display screen provides relevant information, including: hydrogen production time, hydrogen charging time, hydrogen charging amount, and alarm information.

6. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gas cylinder compartment has multiple heat dissipation holes evenly distributed around its circumference; and heat dissipation devices are provided on both sides of the gas cylinder compartment. The hydrogen charging method further includes: If the temperature of the gas cylinder compartment is detected to rise to a first preset temperature, the heat dissipation device is activated. Once the temperature of the gas cylinder compartment drops to the third preset temperature or hydrogen production stops, the heat dissipation device will stop working. If the temperature of the gas cylinder compartment continues to rise and reaches the second preset temperature, the hydrogen production power of the hydrogen production module is reduced or hydrogen production is stopped.

7. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage cylinder and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A gas-liquid separator and a drying device are also connected sequentially between the hydrogen production module and the hydrogen charging connector. The hydrogen charging method further includes: The mixture of hydrogen and water produced by the hydrogen production module is passed sequentially through a gas-water separator and a drying device.

8. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage tank and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drying device includes at least two drying tubes, and each drying tube contains a regenerable desiccant. Multiple color sensors are installed on the outside of the drying tubes, and the color sensors are aligned with the regenerable desiccant inside the drying tubes. The hydrogen charging method further includes: The color change of the regenerable desiccant is monitored in real time using a color sensor. Based on the color change of the regenerable desiccant, determine whether the regenerable desiccant has failed and / or calculate the failure time of the regenerable desiccant; If the regenerable desiccant fails or the failure time of the regenerable desiccant is close to zero, hydrogen charging is stopped, and the drying tube undergoes desiccant regeneration.

9. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage tank and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen production module includes: an electrolyzer, a water tank suitable for providing pure water for the electrolyzer, and a power supply for supplying power to the electrolyzer.

10. The automatic hydrogen filling method based on a hydrogen storage tank and a hydrogen filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen charging method further includes: Wait for the predetermined time until the mixed gas inside the hydrogen refueling unit is emptied, then connect the hydrogen storage cylinder to the gas circuit of the hydrogen refueling unit to begin filling the hydrogen storage cylinder with hydrogen.

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