Hydrogen source system for unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydrogen source system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, and aims to solve the problem of inconvenience in hydrogenation of an existing hydrogen fuel cell unmanned aerial vehicle. The system comprises a hydrogen production module, a hydrogen storage module, a hydrogenation module and an automatic homeward voyage hydrogenation control module. The hydrogen production module generates high-purity hydrogen through a water electrolysis hydrogen production device; the hydrogen storage module stores a large amount of hydrogen through a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, and the long-time flight requirement is met; the hydrogenation module rapidly and accurately injects hydrogen into the unmanned aerial vehicle through a hydrogenation pipeline, a valve and a connector; the automatic homeward voyage hydrogenation control module monitors the state of the unmanned aerial vehicle in real time, judges hydrogenation requirements and controls the unmanned aerial vehicle to automatically return voyage to the platform for hydrogenation. The use convenience and the intelligent degree of the unmanned aerial vehicle are improved, and the unmanned aerial vehicle has the advantages of being compact in structure, complete in function, easy and convenient to operate and the like, is suitable for various hydrogen fuel cell unmanned aerial vehicles and has wide application prospects and market value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles, and in particular to a hydrogen source system platform for unmanned aerial vehicles comprising hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and hydrogen refueling functions. The platform can realize automatic return of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the hydrogen source system platform for hydrogen refueling when hydrogen is being refueled. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of drone technology, its application in various fields is becoming more and more extensive. However, most of the existing drones are powered by lithium batteries, which have the problem of short battery life, limiting the scope of application of drones. Hydrogen fuel cells, as an efficient and clean energy source, have the advantages of high energy density and long battery life, and have gradually become a research hotspot for drone power systems. However, the difficulty of hydrogen refueling for hydrogen fuel cell drones is more prominent. The hydrogen refueling infrastructure is seriously lacking. Compared with traditional fuel gas stations and electric vehicle charging piles, the number of hydrogen refueling stations is scarce and the distribution is extremely uneven. In many areas, there are even no hydrogen refueling stations at all, which makes it difficult for hydrogen fuel drones to find suitable stations when they need to refuel, affecting the efficiency and convenience of drone use. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen source system for unmanned aerial vehicles, so as to solve the problem of inconvenience in hydrogen refueling of hydrogen fuel cell unmanned aerial vehicles in the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A hydrogen source system for unmanned aerial vehicles, comprising a hydrogen production module, a hydrogen storage module, a hydrogen refueling module and an automatic return hydrogen refueling control module; The hydrogen production module is used to produce hydrogen, and includes a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water, has the advantages of high hydrogen production efficiency and high purity, and can provide a high-quality hydrogen source for the drone; The hydrogen storage module is used to store hydrogen, and includes a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank. The high-pressure hydrogen storage tank can store a large amount of hydrogen under a relatively high pressure, which can effectively improve the hydrogen storage capacity of the hydrogen source system and meet the refueling needs of the UAV for long-term flight; The hydrogenation module is used to add hydrogen from the hydrogen storage module to the hydrogen storage device of the drone, and includes a hydrogenation pipeline, a hydrogenation valve, and a hydrogenation interface. The hydrogenation pipeline connects the hydrogen storage module with the hydrogen storage device of the drone, the hydrogenation valve is used to control the hydrogen filling flow and pressure, and the hydrogenation interface matches the hydrogen storage device of the drone to ensure that hydrogen can be quickly and accurately filled into the drone; The automatic return hydrogenation control module is used to control the UAV to automatically return to the hydrogen source system platform for hydrogen refueling when hydrogen refueling is needed, and it includes a flight status monitoring unit, a hydrogen refueling demand judgment unit and a return control unit; the flight status monitoring unit is used to monitor the flight status and remaining hydrogen amount of the UAV in real time, and the hydrogen refueling demand judgment unit judges whether hydrogen refueling is needed based on factors such as the remaining hydrogen amount and the flight mission of the UAV. When it is judged that hydrogen refueling is needed, the return control unit controls the UAV to automatically return to the hydrogen source system platform and completes the hydrogen refueling through the hydrogen refueling module.

[0005] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By setting up a hydrogen production module, a stable and efficient hydrogen source can be provided for the UAV, which solves the problem of inconvenient hydrogen refueling of hydrogen fuel cell UAVs in the prior art and improves the convenience of using the UAV.

[0006] The hydrogen storage module combines multiple hydrogen storage methods such as high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, solid hydrogen storage materials and liquid hydrogen storage tanks, which effectively improves the hydrogen storage density and hydrogen storage capacity of the hydrogen source system, significantly improves the continuous operation time of the UAV, and expands the application scope of the UAV.

[0007] The design of the hydrogen refueling module enables hydrogen to be quickly and accurately added to the drone, improving the hydrogen refueling efficiency, shortening the refueling time, and further improving the efficiency of the drone's use.

[0008] The automatic return hydrogen refueling control module enables the UAV to automatically return to the hydrogen source system platform for hydrogen refueling when hydrogen refueling is needed, which improves the intelligence and autonomy of the UAV, reduces manual intervention, and reduces operation difficulty and cost.

[0009] The hydrogen source system platform of the present invention has the advantages of compact structure, complete functions, and easy operation. It can be widely used in various types of hydrogen fuel cell drones and has broad application prospects and market value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hydrogen source system for the UAV of the present invention.

[0011] Wherein: the above drawings include the following reference numerals: 1. Hydrogen production module; 2. Hydrogen storage module; 3. Hydrogen refueling module; 4. Automatic return hydrogen refueling control module; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hydrogen production module Water electrolysis hydrogen production device: Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis hydrogen production technology is used. Specifically, a set of devices including proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, DC power supply, cooling system and other components are used. The electrolyzer is composed of multiple single cells in series, and each single cell is composed of a proton exchange membrane, a cathode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The DC power supply provides a stable current to the electrolyzer, so that water is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The cooling system is used to control the temperature of the electrolyzer to ensure that it works within the optimal temperature range and improve the efficiency and stability of hydrogen production.

[0013] Hydrogen production process control: An automatic control system is used to adjust the operating parameters of the water electrolysis hydrogen production device. The control system includes sensors, controllers and actuators. The sensors monitor the current, voltage, temperature, hydrogen pressure and other parameters of the electrolyzer in real time and transmit the data to the controller. The controller accurately adjusts the output current of the DC power supply, the cooling water flow of the cooling system, etc. through the actuator according to the preset hydrogen production process parameters and real-time monitoring data, thereby achieving a stable and efficient hydrogen production process.

[0014] Hydrogen storage module High-pressure hydrogen storage tanks: Multiple high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks with high compressive strength and good sealing performance are selected, and their working pressure can reach 70MPa. These hydrogen storage tanks adopt carbon fiber composite material winding structure, which has the characteristics of light weight and high strength, and can store a large amount of hydrogen in a small volume.

[0015] Hydrogen storage module integration: High-pressure hydrogen storage tanks are rationally arranged in the hydrogen storage area of ​​the hydrogen source system platform. They are connected to each other through pipelines and connected to the hydrogen output end of the hydrogen production module and the hydrogen input end of the hydrogenation module. Valves and pressure sensors are set on the pipelines to control the flow direction of hydrogen and monitor the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen storage module.

[0016] Hydrogenation Module

[0017] Hydrogenation pipeline: Stainless steel pipelines that are resistant to hydrogen corrosion and have good sealing properties are selected as hydrogenation pipelines. Their inner diameter and length are designed according to the hydrogenation flow and hydrogenation time requirements of the UAV.

[0018] Hydrogenation valve: Several high-precision hydrogenation valves are installed on the hydrogenation pipeline, including shut-off valves, pressure reducing valves and flow regulating valves. The shut-off valve is used to control the on-off of hydrogen, the pressure reducing valve is used to reduce the high-pressure hydrogen in the hydrogen storage module to a pressure range suitable for drone hydrogenation, and the flow regulating valve is used to accurately control the hydrogen filling flow.

[0019] Hydrogenation interface: A hydrogenation interface that matches the hydrogen storage device of the drone is designed. The interface adopts quick connection and sealing technology. One end of the interface is connected to the hydrogenation pipeline, and the other end is provided with a plug and a sealing ring that match the hydrogenation port of the drone's hydrogen storage device. When hydrogenating, just insert the plug into the hydrogenation port of the drone and rotate it a certain angle to achieve quick connection and sealing, so that hydrogen can be quickly and accurately filled into the drone.

[0020] Hydrogenation process control: The hydrogenation module is also equipped with an automatic control system. During the hydrogenation process, the control system automatically adjusts the opening of the hydrogenation valve according to the hydrogenation demand of the drone and the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen storage module, controls the hydrogen filling flow and pressure, and ensures the safety and efficiency of the hydrogenation process. At the same time, the system also monitors the hydrogen pressure, temperature and other parameters in the hydrogenation pipeline and the drone hydrogen storage device in real time. Once an abnormal situation is found, such as hydrogen leakage, excessive or low pressure, etc., an alarm will be immediately issued and the hydrogenation operation will be stopped to ensure the safety of the hydrogenation process.

[0021] Automatic return hydrogen refueling control module Flight status monitoring unit: A variety of sensors are installed on the drone, including hydrogen pressure sensors, flight attitude sensors, GPS positioning sensors, etc. The hydrogen pressure sensor monitors the hydrogen pressure in the drone's hydrogen storage device in real time. The flight attitude sensor is used to obtain the drone's flight attitude information, such as pitch angle, roll angle, and yaw angle. The GPS positioning sensor is used to determine the drone's real-time location. These sensors transmit the monitored data to the control center of the hydrogen source system platform through wireless communication modules.

[0022] Hydrogen refueling demand judgment unit: After receiving the flight status data of the drone, the control center will judge the hydrogen refueling demand according to the preset hydrogen refueling strategy. For example, when the hydrogen pressure in the drone's hydrogen storage device is lower than a certain threshold (such as 10MPa), or when the drone's flight mission is about to be completed and the remaining hydrogen is insufficient to support its return to the take-off point, it is judged that the drone needs hydrogen refueling. At the same time, the drone's flight distance, flight altitude, flight speed and other factors will be comprehensively considered to further confirm and optimize the hydrogen refueling demand.

[0023] Return control unit: When the hydrogenation demand judgment unit determines that the drone needs hydrogenation, the return control unit starts. The control center sends a return command to the drone through the wireless communication module, and plans the optimal return path based on the real-time location of the drone and the location of the hydrogen source system platform. After receiving the return command, the drone automatically adjusts its flight attitude and heading, and flies to the hydrogen source system platform according to the planned path. During the return process, the flight status monitoring unit continues to monitor the flight status of the drone in real time, and feeds the data back to the control center. The control center adjusts and optimizes the return path in real time based on the feedback data to ensure that the drone returns to the hydrogen source system platform safely and accurately for hydrogenation.

[0024] Through the specific implementation methods of the above modules, the hydrogen source system for drones can achieve stable and efficient hydrogen production, storage and refueling, and enable the drone to have the function of automatic return and refueling, which effectively solves the problem of inconvenience in hydrogen refueling of hydrogen fuel cell drones and improves the convenience and intelligence of drones.

Claims

1. A hydrogen source system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, characterized in that: include: A hydrogen production module (1) is used to produce hydrogen, comprising a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water; A hydrogen storage module (2), used for storing hydrogen, comprising a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank is capable of storing a large amount of hydrogen at a relatively high pressure; A hydrogenation module (3) is used to add hydrogen from the hydrogen storage module (2) to the hydrogen storage device of the drone, comprising a hydrogenation pipeline, a hydrogenation valve and a hydrogenation interface, wherein the hydrogenation pipeline connects the hydrogen storage module (2) to the hydrogen storage device of the drone, the hydrogenation valve is used to control the hydrogen filling flow rate and pressure, and the hydrogenation interface matches the hydrogen storage device of the drone; The automatic return hydrogenation control module (4) is used to control the UAV to automatically return to the hydrogen source system platform for hydrogen refueling when hydrogen refueling is required, and comprises a flight status monitoring unit, a hydrogenation demand judgment unit and a return control unit; the flight status monitoring unit is used to monitor the flight status and remaining hydrogen volume of the UAV in real time, the hydrogenation demand judgment unit judges whether hydrogenation is required based on factors such as the remaining hydrogen volume and the flight mission of the UAV, and when hydrogenation is determined to be required, the return control unit controls the UAV to automatically return to the hydrogen source system platform and completes hydrogen refueling through the hydrogenation module (3).

2. The hydrogen source system for drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water electrolysis hydrogen production device adopts proton exchange membrane water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, including components such as a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, a direct current power supply, and a cooling system; the electrolyzer is composed of a plurality of single cells connected in series, and each single cell is composed of a proton exchange membrane, an anode and cathode catalyst layers, and a gas diffusion layer; the direct current power supply provides a stable current for the electrolyzer, and the cooling system is used to control the temperature of the electrolyzer.

3. The hydrogen source system for drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-pressure hydrogen storage tank adopts a carbon fiber composite material winding structure, and the working pressure can reach 70MPa.

4. The hydrogen source system for drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogenation pipeline is made of stainless steel pipe that is resistant to hydrogen corrosion and has good sealing performance; the hydrogenation valve includes a shut-off valve, a pressure reducing valve and a flow regulating valve; the hydrogenation interface adopts quick connection and sealing technology, one end of which is connected to the hydrogenation pipeline, and the other end is provided with a plug and a sealing ring that matches the hydrogenation port of the drone hydrogen storage device.

5. The hydrogen source system for drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flight status monitoring unit includes a hydrogen pressure sensor, a flight attitude sensor, a GPS positioning sensor, etc., which are used to monitor the hydrogen pressure, flight attitude information and real-time position in the hydrogen storage device of the drone in real time; the hydrogen refueling demand judgment unit determines whether the drone needs hydrogen refueling based on a preset hydrogen refueling strategy, taking into account factors such as hydrogen pressure, flight mission, flight distance, flight altitude, and flight speed; when the return control unit determines that the drone needs hydrogen refueling, it sends a return instruction to the drone, plans the optimal return path, and adjusts and optimizes the return path based on real-time flight status data.

6. The hydrogen source system for drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic return hydrogenation control module (4) also includes a wireless communication module for communicating with the UAV, which is used to receive flight status data of the UAV and send a return instruction and a hydrogenation control signal to the UAV.

7. The hydrogen source system for drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogenation module (3) also includes a hydrogenation process control system, which automatically adjusts the opening of the hydrogenation valve according to the hydrogenation demand of the drone and the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen storage module (2), controls the hydrogen filling flow and pressure, and monitors the hydrogen pressure, temperature and other parameters in the hydrogenation pipeline and the drone hydrogen storage device in real time. Once an abnormal situation is found, an alarm is immediately issued and the hydrogenation operation is stopped.

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