Liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocking

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocking, and relates to the technical field of liquid hydrogen storage and supply equipment. The cabinet comprises a cabinet body, a liquid hydrogen storage assembly, a supply pipeline assembly and a multiple safety interlocking system. A storage area and an operation area are arranged in the cabinet body; the liquid hydrogen storage assembly comprises a liquid hydrogen storage tank and a heat preservation layer. The supply pipeline assembly comprises a liquid outlet pipe, a vaporizer and a gas supply pipe; the multiple safety interlocking system comprises pressure, temperature, liquid level, door and leakage interlocking devices. When corresponding parameters are abnormal, the interlocking devices can timely take measures such as pressure relief, equipment operation stop and supply cut-off and give an alarm. Through multiple safety interlocking, all-around safety monitoring and protection of the liquid hydrogen storage and supply process are achieved, and the safety and reliability of equipment operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of liquid hydrogen storage and supply equipment, and in particular to a cabinet for a liquid hydrogen source with multiple safety interlocks. Background Art

[0002] Liquid hydrogen, as an efficient and clean energy carrier, is increasingly being used in new energy vehicles, aerospace, energy storage, and other fields. As core equipment for liquid hydrogen storage, output, and related control, the safety of liquid hydrogen source cabinets is of paramount importance.

[0003] Existing cabinets for liquid hydrogen sources have certain limitations in terms of safety protection. Some cabinets are equipped with only a single or limited number of safety protection devices and lack comprehensive multi-layer safety interlock mechanisms. If abnormal pressure, excessive temperature, liquid hydrogen leakage, or abnormal door opening occur inside the cabinet, effective safety protection measures cannot be implemented in a timely and coordinated manner. This can lead to serious safety accidents such as liquid hydrogen leakage and explosion, posing a significant threat to the surrounding environment and personnel safety.

[0004] Therefore, developing a cabinet with multiple safety interlock functions that can fully ensure the safety of liquid hydrogen storage and supply processes has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: The purpose of the invention is to overcome the defect of insufficient safety protection of liquid hydrogen source cabinets in the prior art, and to provide a liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks. By setting up multiple safety interlock devices, all-round safety monitoring and protection of the liquid hydrogen storage and supply process in the cabinet can be achieved, thereby improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] To achieve the above purpose, the invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A cabinet for a liquid hydrogen source with multiple safety interlocks comprises a cabinet body, a liquid hydrogen storage component, a supply pipeline component and a multiple safety interlock system.

[0009] The cabinet body is made of high-strength stainless steel, offering excellent low-temperature and corrosion resistance. The interior of the cabinet is divided into a storage area and an operating area. The storage area, located at the bottom of the cabinet, houses the liquid hydrogen storage components. The operating area, located at the top, houses the control panel and operating buttons.

[0010] The liquid hydrogen storage assembly includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank and an insulation layer. The liquid hydrogen storage tank is installed in the storage area, and the insulation layer is wrapped around the outside of the liquid hydrogen storage tank to reduce the evaporation loss of liquid hydrogen.

[0011] The supply pipeline assembly includes a liquid outlet pipe, a vaporizer and an air supply pipe. One end of the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the liquid hydrogen storage tank, and the other end is connected to the vaporizer. The vaporizer is connected to the external equipment through the air supply pipe, and is used to vaporize the liquid hydrogen and supply it to the external equipment.

[0012] The multiple safety interlock system includes pressure interlock, temperature interlock, liquid level interlock, door interlock and leakage interlock.

[0013] The pressure interlock device includes a pressure sensor, a pressure controller and a safety valve. The pressure sensor is installed on the liquid hydrogen storage tank and is used to detect the pressure inside the tank. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to the pressure controller, which is electrically connected to the safety valve. The safety valve is installed on the liquid outlet pipe. When the pressure sensor detects that the pressure inside the tank exceeds the set value, the pressure controller controls the safety valve to open, release the pressure, and send out an alarm signal at the same time.

[0014] The temperature interlock device includes a temperature sensor and a temperature controller. The temperature sensor is installed on the outer wall of the liquid hydrogen storage tank and is used to detect the temperature of the storage tank. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the temperature controller, and the temperature controller is electrically connected to the vaporizer. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the storage tank exceeds the set value, the temperature controller controls the vaporizer to stop working to prevent the liquid hydrogen from evaporating too quickly due to excessive temperature.

[0015] The liquid level interlock device includes a liquid level sensor and a liquid level controller. The liquid level sensor is installed in the liquid hydrogen storage tank and is used to detect the liquid level of liquid hydrogen in the storage tank; the liquid level sensor is electrically connected to the liquid level controller, and the liquid level controller is electrically connected to the solenoid valve on the liquid outlet pipe; when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level is lower than the set lower limit or higher than the set upper limit, the liquid level controller controls the solenoid valve to close, stops the output or input of liquid hydrogen, and sends an alarm signal.

[0016] The door interlock device includes a cabinet door travel switch and a control relay. The cabinet door travel switch is installed at the connection between the cabinet door and the cabinet body of the cabinet body. The cabinet door travel switch is electrically connected to the control relay, and the control relay is electrically connected to the power system in the cabinet. When the cabinet door is opened, the cabinet door travel switch is disconnected, and the control relay cuts off the power supply to the power system, causing the cabinet to stop working and prevent people from being injured during operation.

[0017] The leakage interlock device includes a hydrogen leakage sensor and a leakage controller. The hydrogen leakage sensor is installed on the upper part of the interior of the cabinet body and is used to detect whether there is a hydrogen leak in the cabinet; the hydrogen leakage sensor is electrically connected to the leakage controller, and the leakage controller is electrically connected to the emergency shut-off valve on the gas supply pipe, and is also electrically connected to the sound and light alarm outside the cabinet; when the hydrogen leakage sensor detects that the hydrogen concentration exceeds the set value, the leakage controller controls the emergency shut-off valve to close, cuts off the hydrogen supply, and controls the sound and light alarm to send out sound and light alarm signals.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, this invention offers faster detection speed: It incorporates multiple safety interlocks, including pressure, temperature, liquid level, door, and leak interlocks, enabling comprehensive monitoring and protection of the liquid hydrogen source cabinet's operating status, significantly enhancing cabinet safety. The interlocks work in tandem, enabling timely and effective measures to be taken in the event of an abnormality, such as pressure relief, equipment shutdown, and supply cutoff, to prevent further incidents. The cabinet's main body is constructed of high-strength stainless steel and features strategic internal partitioning, enhancing its structural strength and corrosion resistance while facilitating equipment installation and maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cabinet body of the invention;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the invented liquid hydrogen storage assembly;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the supply pipeline assembly of the invention;

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the ventilation system of the invention.

[0024] In the figure: 1. Cabinet body; 11. Storage area; 12. Operation area; 121. Control panel; 122. Operation button; 13. Cabinet door; 2. Liquid hydrogen storage assembly; 21. Liquid hydrogen storage tank; 22. Insulation layer; 23. Anti-dumping device; 231. Arc-shaped fixing bracket; 232. Buffer pad; 3. Supply pipeline assembly; 31. Liquid outlet pipe; 311. Solenoid valve; 32. Vaporizer; 33. Gas supply pipe; 331. Emergency shut-off valve; 34. Flow regulating device; 341. Flow meter; 342. Flow control valve; 4. Multiple safety interlock system; 41. Pressure link Locking device; 411. Pressure sensor; 412. Pressure controller; 413. Safety valve; 42. Temperature interlock device; 421. Temperature sensor; 422. Temperature controller; 43. Liquid level interlock device; 431. Liquid level sensor; 432. Liquid level controller; 44. Door interlock device; 441. Door travel switch; 442. Control relay; 45. Leakage interlock device; 451. Hydrogen leakage sensor; 452. Leakage controller; 5. Sound and light alarm; 6. Ventilation system; 61. Top vent; 62. Side air inlet; 63. Explosion-proof fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the invention, the invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application and the features therein can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0026] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] See also Figure 1-5 , according to the claim equipment preparation stage

[0028] The invention is further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0029] The safe storage and stable supply of liquid hydrogen are crucial in the fields of new energy and high-end manufacturing. A liquid hydrogen source cabinet equipped with multiple safety interlocks, with its sophisticated structural design and comprehensive safety assurance system, has become a key piece of equipment in this industry.

[0030] The cabinet body 1 serves as the basic framework of the entire device and is carefully welded from high-strength stainless steel. This material not only has excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively resist the low-temperature erosion that liquid hydrogen may cause, but also has extremely high structural stability and can withstand various stresses during equipment operation. The interior of the cabinet is cleverly divided into a storage area 11 and an operating area 12 by special partitions. This partition design not only ensures the independence of liquid hydrogen storage, but also provides a convenient space for operation and control. The front of the operating area 12 is equipped with a fully functional control panel 121. The high-definition display installed on the panel can clearly and in real time display the various operating parameters of the cabinet, including key information such as pressure, temperature, and liquid level; the operating buttons 122 next to it are rationally arranged, allowing operators to easily perform operations such as starting, stopping, and parameter setting, realizing efficient and convenient human-computer interaction.

[0031] The liquid hydrogen storage assembly 2 is the core of the cabinet. Its liquid hydrogen storage tank 21 utilizes an advanced double-layer vacuum structure. This minimizes heat transfer, effectively maintaining a low temperature inside the tank and providing optimal storage conditions for liquid hydrogen. The tank is installed within the storage area 11 and tightly wrapped with an insulation layer 22. Made of high-quality insulation material, this layer further enhances the tank's thermal insulation performance, reduces evaporation losses of liquid hydrogen, and ensures long-term, stable storage of liquid hydrogen.

[0032] The supply pipeline assembly 3 is responsible for transporting and converting liquid hydrogen. One end of the liquid outlet pipe 31 is precisely connected to the liquid hydrogen storage tank 21, while the other end seamlessly connects to the vaporizer 32, ensuring the smooth flow of liquid hydrogen. The vaporizer 32 is connected to external equipment via the gas supply pipe 33. The quick-connect design at the end of the gas supply pipe 33 greatly improves the efficiency of external equipment connection, providing convenient and fast connection, excellent sealing performance, and effectively preventing hydrogen leakage.

[0033] The multi-safety interlock system 4 is the safety core of the cabinet. It is composed of multiple precisely coordinated devices to fully protect the safe operation of the equipment.

[0034] In the pressure interlock device 41, the pressure sensor 411 is like a sensitive "tactile nerve", which accurately detects the pressure changes in the tank at all times and transmits the data to the pressure controller 412 in real time. The pressure controller 412 serves as the "command center" and maintains a close electrical connection with the safety valve 413. When the pressure in the tank exceeds the set value due to an unexpected situation, the pressure controller 412 responds quickly and immediately controls the safety valve 413 to automatically open for pressure relief. At the same time, a clear alarm signal is issued to remind the operator to deal with it in time; and when the pressure gradually drops to the set safety value, the safety valve 413 can automatically close and restore the normal sealing state to ensure that the tank pressure is always within a safe range.

[0035] The temperature interlock 42 also plays a key role. A temperature sensor 421 continuously monitors the tank's temperature and transmits this data to a temperature controller 422. If the temperature exceeds a preset safety threshold, the controller 422 immediately sends a command to the vaporizer 32 to shut down, preventing any danger from excessive temperatures. Once the temperature drops to the set safety threshold, the controller 422 promptly resumes operation, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.

[0036] The liquid level interlock 43 provides reliable monitoring of the liquid hydrogen level. The liquid level sensor 431 can accurately detect the liquid level of the liquid hydrogen in the storage tank and feed this information back to the liquid level controller 432. The liquid level controller 432 is closely linked to the solenoid valve 311 on the liquid outlet pipe 31. When the liquid level falls below the set lower limit, which may cause idling damage to the equipment, or rises above the set upper limit, posing a risk of overflow, the liquid level controller 432 quickly controls the solenoid valve 311 to close, cutting off the outflow channel of the liquid hydrogen. At the same time, a clear alarm message is displayed on the control panel 121, prompting the operator to make a timely adjustment to the liquid level.

[0037] The door interlock 44 ensures safety during operation. A door travel switch 441 is cleverly installed at the junction of the cabinet door 13 and the cabinet body, electrically connected to a control relay 442, which in turn is connected to the power system within the cabinet. When an operator opens the cabinet door 13 for maintenance or other operations, the travel switch immediately opens, and the control relay 442 subsequently shuts off the power to the power equipment, shutting it down. This fundamentally prevents accidents caused by operators contacting running equipment while the cabinet door 13 is open, ensuring absolute safety during operation.

[0038] The leak interlock 45 is the last critical line of defense against hydrogen leaks. The hydrogen leak sensor 451 acts as a sensitive "smell organ," constantly monitoring the cabinet for hydrogen leaks. It maintains an electrical connection with the leak controller 452, which in turn is connected to the emergency shut-off valve 331 on the gas supply pipe 33 and the external audible and visual alarm 5. When the hydrogen concentration inside the cabinet exceeds a set value, the leak controller 452 reacts quickly. Firstly, it closes the emergency shut-off valve 331, preventing further hydrogen flow and preventing the leak from spreading. Secondly, it activates the external audible and visual alarm 5, emitting a strong audible and visual alarm signal, promptly notifying relevant personnel for emergency response and minimizing the risk of leakage.

[0039] This liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks provides a solid safety barrier for the storage and supply of liquid hydrogen through the coordinated work of various components and multiple safety assurance mechanisms, and has broad application prospects in industrial production and scientific research.

[0040] Throughout this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," and "specific embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0041] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is susceptible to various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements within the spirit and principles of the invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet for liquid hydrogen source with multiple safety interlocks, characterized in that: It comprises a cabinet body (1), a liquid hydrogen storage component (2), a supply pipeline component (3) and a multiple safety interlock system (4); The interior of the cabinet body (1) is divided into a storage area (11) and an operating area (12), the storage area (11) is used to place the liquid hydrogen storage component (2), and the operating area (12) is provided with a control panel (121) and operating buttons (122); The liquid hydrogen storage assembly (2) comprises a liquid hydrogen storage tank (21) and a thermal insulation layer (22), wherein the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21) is installed in the storage area (11), and the thermal insulation layer (22) is wrapped around the outside of the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21); The supply pipeline assembly (3) includes a liquid outlet pipe (31), a vaporizer (32) and an air supply pipe (33), one end of the liquid outlet pipe (31) is connected to the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21), and the other end is connected to the vaporizer (32), and the vaporizer (32) is connected to external equipment through the air supply pipe (33); The multiple safety interlock system (4) includes a pressure interlock device (41), a temperature interlock device (42), a liquid level interlock device (43), a door interlock device (44) and a leakage interlock device (45).

2. A liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure interlock device (41) comprises a pressure sensor (411), a pressure controller (412) and a safety valve (413). The pressure sensor (411) is mounted on the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21). The pressure sensor (411) is electrically connected to the pressure controller (412). The pressure controller (412) is electrically connected to the safety valve (413). The safety valve (413) is mounted on the liquid outlet pipe (31).

3. A liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature interlock device (42) includes a temperature sensor (421) and a temperature controller (422). The temperature sensor (421) is mounted on the outer wall of the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21). The temperature sensor (421) is electrically connected to the temperature controller (422). The temperature controller (422) is electrically connected to the vaporizer (32).

4. A cabinet for liquid hydrogen source with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid level interlocking device (43) comprises a liquid level sensor (431) and a liquid level controller (432). The liquid level sensor (431) is installed in the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21). The liquid level sensor (431) is electrically connected to the liquid level controller (432). The liquid level controller (432) is electrically connected to the solenoid valve (311) on the liquid outlet pipe (31).

5. The cabinet for liquid hydrogen source with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The door interlock device (44) comprises a cabinet door travel switch (441) and a control relay (442). The cabinet door travel switch (441) is installed at the connection between the cabinet door (13) of the cabinet body (1) and the cabinet body. The cabinet door travel switch (441) is electrically connected to the control relay (442), and the control relay (442) is electrically connected to the power system in the cabinet.

6. The liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The leakage interlock device (45) comprises a hydrogen leakage sensor (451) and a leakage controller (452). The hydrogen leakage sensor (451) is installed above the interior of the cabinet body (1). The hydrogen leakage sensor (451) is electrically connected to the leakage controller (452). The leakage controller (452) is electrically connected to the emergency shut-off valve (331) on the gas supply pipe (33) and is also electrically connected to the sound and light alarm (5) outside the cabinet.

7. The liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a ventilation system (6), wherein the ventilation system (6) includes a top vent (61), a side air inlet (62) and an explosion-proof fan (63); the top vent (61) is opened at the top of the cabinet body (1), the side air inlet (62) is opened at the lower side wall of the cabinet body (1), and the explosion-proof fan (63) is installed at the top vent (61) and is electrically connected to the leakage interlock device (45); when the leakage interlock device (45) detects hydrogen leakage, the explosion-proof fan (63) automatically starts to form a directional airflow from the side air inlet (62) to the top vent (61), and quickly discharges the leaked hydrogen.

8. The liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid hydrogen storage assembly (2) further comprises an anti-dumping device (23), the anti-dumping device (23) comprising an arc-shaped fixing bracket (231) and a buffer pad (232); the arc-shaped fixing bracket (231) is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21) and fixedly connected to the bottom of the storage area (11); the buffer pad (232) is adhered to the inner side of the arc-shaped fixing bracket (231) and is in contact with the outer wall of the liquid hydrogen storage tank (21), and is used to limit the lateral displacement of the storage tank and absorb vibration impact.

9. The liquid hydrogen source cabinet with multiple safety interlocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supply pipeline assembly (3) further comprises a flow regulating device (34), the flow regulating device (34) comprising a flow meter (341) and a flow control valve (342); the flow meter (341) is connected in series to the gas supply pipe (33) for detecting the flow rate of the output hydrogen; the flow control valve (342) is connected in series downstream of the flow meter (341) and is electrically connected to the control panel (121), and a flow threshold can be set through the control panel (121); when the flow meter (341) detects that the flow exceeds the threshold, the flow control valve (342) automatically adjusts its opening to stabilize the flow.

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