Hydrogen-electricity linkage system using metal hydrogen storage material for express delivery vehicle

By introducing air ducts and integrated design into the hydrogen-electric linkage system of the delivery vehicle using metal hydrogen storage materials, the problem of low hydrogen release efficiency at low temperatures has been solved, achieving efficient utilization of fuel cell waste heat and system compactness, thus improving the range and reliability of the electric delivery vehicle.

CN121756937APending Publication Date: 2026-03-31TAICANG SUNFLOWER POWER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-31
Publication Date
2026-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the hydrogen release rate and efficiency of metal hydrogen storage materials decrease at low temperatures, and the waste heat generated by fuel cells is not effectively utilized, resulting in short driving range, high energy consumption, and system instability for electric delivery vehicles.

Method used

By introducing a duct into the solid metal hydrogen storage system, the hot gas flow from the fuel cell is used to heat the hydrogen storage material. Combined with an integrated pressure reducing valve, lightweight carbon fiber bottle, moisture-resistant membrane electrode, and small-diameter solenoid valve, efficient heat utilization and system compactness are achieved.

Benefits of technology

It improves the system's efficiency and stability in low-temperature environments, extends the driving range, reduces energy consumption and failure rate, and enhances the reliability and economy of the entire vehicle.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a hydrogen-electricity linkage system for an express delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen energy power. The system comprises a metal solid hydrogen storage system, a power generation system and an electric control system, the power generation system comprises a hydrogen energy fuel cell and an air guide duct connected with the fuel cell and the solid hydrogen storage system; the core of the invention lies in that waste heat generated during operation of the fuel cell is actively guided to the metal solid hydrogen storage system through the air guide duct, and heat required by desorption is provided for a metal hydrogen storage material, so that efficient cooperative utilization of internal energy of the system is realized. The system effectively solves the problem that metal hydrogen storage and release are difficult in a low-temperature environment, the overall energy efficiency is improved, the endurance mileage is increased, meanwhile, the compactness, safety and reliability of the system are improved through the integrated pile-up valve, the light-weight bottle body, the layered electric control framework and the like, and the system is particularly suitable for commercial vehicles such as express delivery and take-out which have high requirements for endurance and energy supplementing efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydrogen energy and fuel cell application technology, specifically relating to a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid growth of urban logistics and delivery demands, problems such as short driving range, frequent battery charging / replacement, and performance degradation in low-temperature environments are becoming increasingly prominent for electric delivery / food delivery vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells, with their advantages of high energy density, fast refueling, and good low-temperature performance, are considered one of the potential solutions to these problems.

[0003] Solid-state hydrogen storage technology, particularly metal-based materials, has shown promise in mobile hydrogen energy applications due to its high safety and high volumetric hydrogen storage density. However, metal-based hydrogen storage materials typically absorb heat during hydrogen release, and the release rate and efficiency decrease significantly at low temperatures, limiting their application in vehicle environments. Traditional solutions involve adding external electric heating devices, but this increases system energy consumption and reduces overall energy efficiency.

[0004] Meanwhile, fuel cells generate a lot of waste heat when they are working. If this heat cannot be used effectively, it will not only waste energy, but may also affect the stable operation of the fuel cell itself and its surrounding components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials. Through innovative thermal management, the waste heat from the fuel cell is used to heat the solid hydrogen storage device, thereby improving the system's operating efficiency and stability in low-temperature environments, achieving efficient and comprehensive energy utilization, and increasing the vehicle's range and reliability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials, comprising:

[0007] A solid metal hydrogen storage system is used to store and supply hydrogen to the system.

[0008] The power generation system includes a hydrogen fuel cell for electrochemically reacting hydrogen supplied by the metal solid hydrogen storage system with oxygen in the air to generate electricity. An external charging and discharging battery is provided on the side of the hydrogen fuel cell and is arranged side by side with the metal solid hydrogen storage system.

[0009] An electronic control system is used to control the hydrogen supply of the metal solid hydrogen storage system and the operation of the power generation system.

[0010] The power generation system further includes a duct for guiding airflow between the hydrogen fuel cell and the solid metal hydrogen storage system. The hot airflow generated by the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell is guided through the duct to the solid metal hydrogen storage system for heating the metal hydrogen storage material in the solid metal hydrogen storage system.

[0011] Preferably, the metal solid hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen storage cylinder filled with metal hydrogen storage material, and an integrated pressure reducing and shut-off valve assembly located at the outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder. This integrated valve combines pressure reducing and shut-off functions, reduces external pipelines and leakage points, and can directly output hydrogen at a stable pressure, making the system structure more compact and safer.

[0012] Preferably, the integrated pressure reducing valve assembly includes a quick-connect interface for easy and safe replacement of the hydrogen storage cylinder.

[0013] Preferably, the hydrogen storage cylinder body includes a carbon fiber shell made of carbon fiber material, which achieves lightweight while ensuring safety and strength.

[0014] Preferably, the metal solid hydrogen storage system has a through-type air duct structure inside, which is used to receive the hot airflow from the air duct and make the hot airflow flow evenly around the metal hydrogen storage material to ensure heating uniformity and optimize hydrogen release performance.

[0015] Preferably, the hydrogen fuel cell uses a moisture-resistant membrane electrode assembly, which has strong water retention capacity, can extend the fuel cell's constant emission cycle, reduce hydrogen waste, and improve hydrogen utilization.

[0016] Preferably, the electronic control system includes an integrated control and power board, which comprises an upper board and a lower board:

[0017] The upper panel is configured to collect operating parameters of the power generation system and the metal solid hydrogen storage system.

[0018] The lower plate is configured to control the power output of the hydrogen fuel cell based on the operating parameters collected by the upper plate.

[0019] The upper plate and the lower plate are connected by a pin header and nut header structure, which improves the stability of signal transmission and the vibration resistance of the system.

[0020] Preferably, the electronic control system further includes a hydrogen inlet solenoid valve and a constant discharge solenoid valve. The hydrogen inlet solenoid valve and the constant discharge solenoid valve are small-diameter solenoid valves, which reduce hydrogen loss during the constant discharge process while meeting the flow requirements.

[0021] Preferably, a heat sink is provided at the bottom of the lower plate, the heat sink is in contact with the power device on the lower plate, and the contact surface of the heat sink has a concave-convex structure, which improves heat dissipation efficiency and ensures reliable operation of the power device.

[0022] Preferably, the system is applied to express delivery or food delivery vehicles, and its structure is integrated and its performance is optimized for their specific usage scenarios.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials, which has the following advantages:

[0024] 1. This invention utilizes the waste heat from fuel cell operation to provide desorption heat for solid-state hydrogen storage devices, realizing the cascade utilization of energy within the system, significantly improving overall energy efficiency, solving the problem of poor hydrogen release performance of metal hydrogen storage materials under low-temperature conditions, and enhancing the system's operational stability under complex climates;

[0025] 2. This invention reduces the number of components, leakage points, and failure rate by using an integrated pressure reducing valve, a lightweight carbon fiber bottle body, and a layered upper and lower plate electronic control architecture, making the system structure more compact, lighter, and safer and more reliable in operation.

[0026] 3. The application of the moisture-resistant membrane electrode and small-diameter solenoid valve in this invention effectively reduces hydrogen consumption; efficient waste heat utilization reduces or avoids additional heating energy consumption; quick-connect interface improves hydrogen replenishment efficiency; these measures work together to extend vehicle range and reduce the frequency and cost of battery / hydrogen swapping during operation.

[0027] 4. This invention provides a comprehensive optimization of the system to address pain points such as range anxiety, frequent refueling, and limited space in delivery / takeout vehicles, offering an efficient, reliable, and economical hydrogen-electric hybrid power solution with high market potential. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure proposed in this invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure proposed in this invention;

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Metal solid hydrogen storage system; 101. Integrated pressure reducing and shut-off valve assembly; 102. Hydrogen storage cylinder body; 103. Carbon fiber shell;

[0033] 2. Power generation system; 201. Hydrogen fuel cell; 202. External charging and discharging battery; 203. Air duct;

[0034] 3. Electrical control system; 301. Integrated control and power board; 302. Hydrogen inlet solenoid valve; 303. Stable discharge solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials, according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, includes:

[0038] A solid metal hydrogen storage system 1 is used to store and supply hydrogen to the system.

[0039] The power generation system 2 includes a hydrogen fuel cell 201, which is used to electrochemically react hydrogen supplied by the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1 with oxygen in the air to generate electricity.

[0040] The electronic control system 3 is used to control the hydrogen supply of the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1 and the operation of the power generation system 2.

[0041] The power generation system 2 also includes a duct 203 between the hydrogen fuel cell 201 and the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1. The hot air generated by the operation of the hydrogen fuel cell 201 is guided to the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1 through the duct 203 to heat the metal hydrogen storage material in the metal solid hydrogen storage system.

[0042] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system 1 and the power generation system 2 are arranged side by side, and an external charging and discharging battery 202 is provided on the side of the hydrogen fuel cell 201 for buffering power output and energy recovery. The air duct 203 can be an independent pipe or an air channel formed by utilizing the vehicle's seat bucket structure to ensure efficient transfer of hot airflow to the hydrogen storage system.

[0043] The technical effects achieved by the above embodiments are: to realize the efficient recovery and utilization of waste heat from fuel cells, to provide the heat required for desorption of metal hydrogen storage materials, to significantly improve the working stability and energy utilization efficiency of the system in low-temperature environments, and to reduce the dependence on external heating devices.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metal hydrogen storage materials includes all the contents of Example 1. In addition, the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1 also includes a hydrogen storage cylinder 102 containing metal hydrogen storage materials, and an integrated pressure reducing valve assembly 101 located at the outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder 102.

[0046] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that the integrated pressure reducing and shut-off valve assembly 101 integrates pressure reducing and shut-off functions into the same valve body, reducing external pipelines and leakage points, and can directly output hydrogen at a stable pressure. The hydrogen storage cylinder body 102 includes a carbon fiber shell 103 made of carbon fiber material, achieving a combination of lightweight and high strength.

[0047] The technical effects achieved by the above embodiments are: improving the compactness and safety of the system and reducing the risk of leakage; the lightweight design helps to improve the vehicle's range; and the integrated valve structure simplifies the system layout and facilitates installation and maintenance.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metal hydrogen storage materials includes all the contents of Example 1. In addition, the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1 has a through-type air duct structure inside, which is used to receive the hot airflow from the air duct 203 and make the hot airflow flow evenly around the metal hydrogen storage material.

[0050] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that the hydrogen fuel cell 201 adopts a moisture-resistant membrane electrode assembly, which has strong water retention capacity, can extend the fuel cell's constant emission cycle, and reduce hydrogen waste. The air duct 203 works in conjunction with the through-type air duct structure to ensure uniform heat distribution and optimize hydrogen release performance.

[0051] The technical effects achieved by the above embodiments are: improving the uniformity and efficiency of thermal management, enhancing the hydrogen release capacity of hydrogen storage materials at low temperatures; reducing hydrogen consumption by moisture-resistant membrane electrodes, and improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0052] Example 4

[0053] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials includes all the contents of Example 1. In addition, the electronic control system 3 includes an integrated control and power board 301, which is divided into an upper board and a lower board:

[0054] The upper plate is used to collect operating parameters of the power generation system 2 and the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1;

[0055] The lower plate is used to control the power output of the hydrogen fuel cell 201 based on the parameters collected by the upper plate;

[0056] The upper plate and the lower plate are connected by a pin header and nut header structure.

[0057] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that the electronic control system 3 also includes a hydrogen inlet solenoid valve 302 and a constant discharge solenoid valve 303, both of which are small-diameter solenoid valves to reduce hydrogen loss. A heat sink with a concave-convex structure is provided at the bottom of the lower plate, which fits in contact with the power devices to improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0058] The technical effects achieved by the above embodiments are as follows: the layered electronic control architecture improves the system's response speed and vibration resistance; the small-diameter solenoid valve reduces hydrogen consumption; and the efficient heat dissipation design ensures the stable operation of power devices, thereby improving system reliability and lifespan.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a hydrogen-electric linkage system for express delivery vehicles using metallic hydrogen storage materials includes all the contents of Examples 1 to 4. In addition, the system is designed specifically for express delivery or food delivery vehicles, with all components integrated into the vehicle's under-seat storage compartment or chassis space, and the hydrogen storage cylinder can be quickly replaced through a quick-connect interface.

[0061] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that the vehicle seat bucket structure has been optimized to close ineffective ventilation holes, ensuring that hot air circulates along the designed path, thereby further improving thermal management efficiency.

[0062] The technical effects achieved by the above embodiments are as follows: the system is highly integrated and suitable for commercial vehicles with limited space; the quick-change design greatly improves the energy replenishment efficiency; and the overall optimized thermal management and structural layout enable the system to maintain efficient and stable operation under complex working conditions.

[0063] The working principle and usage process of this invention are as follows:

[0064] When the vehicle is started or the external battery 202 has a low charge, the electronic control system 3 issues a command to open the hydrogen inlet solenoid valve 302. The hydrogen in the metal solid hydrogen storage system 1 is released under its own pressure and under the action of heating (initially, auxiliary start-up heating may be required, and during normal operation, it relies on the waste heat of the fuel cell). After depressurization, it enters the fuel cell 201.

[0065] Hydrogen and air undergo an electrochemical reaction in fuel cell 201 to generate electricity, while also generating waste heat. The waste heat is forced by the airflow through the air duct 203 to the solid hydrogen storage system 1 for continuous heating, thus maintaining efficient hydrogen release.

[0066] The generated electrical energy is converted from DC to DC to drive the vehicle and charge the external battery 202. The electronic control system 3 monitors the entire process and periodically controls the solenoid valve 303 to perform short venting to maintain the fuel cell water balance (this interval is relatively long due to the use of a moisture-resistant MEA); when the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank is depleted, it can be quickly replaced with a hydrogen-filled hydrogen storage tank through a quick-connect interface to achieve rapid refueling.

[0067] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hydrogen-electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material, characterized by, The system comprises: a metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1) for storing and supplying hydrogen; a power generation system (2) comprising a hydrogen energy fuel cell (201) for electrochemically reacting hydrogen supplied by the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1) with oxygen in air to generate electricity, the hydrogen energy fuel cell (201) being provided with an external charging and discharging battery (202) on the side and being arranged side by side with the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1); an electric control system (3) for controlling the hydrogen supply of the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1) and the operation of the power generation system (2); wherein the power generation system (2) further comprises an air guide duct (203) arranged between the hydrogen energy fuel cell (201) and the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1); hot air generated by the operation of the hydrogen energy fuel cell (201) is guided to the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1) through the air guide duct (203) for heating the metal hydrogen storage material in the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system.

2. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 1, characterized by, The metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1) comprises a hydrogen storage bottle body (102) containing metal hydrogen storage material, and an integrated pressure reducing stop valve assembly (101) arranged at the outlet of the hydrogen storage bottle body (102).

3. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 2, characterized by The integrated pressure reducing stop valve assembly (101) comprises a quick plug interface.

4. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 2, characterized by The hydrogen storage bottle body (102) comprises a carbon fiber shell (103) made of carbon fiber material.

5. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 2, characterized by The metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1) is internally provided with a through-type air duct structure for receiving hot air flow from the air guide duct (203) and making the hot air flow uniformly flow around the metal hydrogen storage material.

6. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 1, characterized by, The hydrogen energy fuel cell (201) adopts a moisture-resistant membrane electrode.

7. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 1, characterized by, The electric control system (3) comprises an integrated control and power board (301), which comprises an upper board and a lower board: The upper board is configured to collect operating parameters of the power generation system (2) and the metal solid-state hydrogen storage system (1); The lower board is configured to control the power output of the hydrogen energy fuel cell (201) according to the operating parameters collected by the upper board; wherein the upper board and the lower board are connected through a pin and female structure.

8. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 7, wherein The electric control system (3) further comprises a hydrogen inlet electromagnetic valve (302) and a constant discharge electromagnetic valve (303), which are small-bore electromagnetic valves.

9. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 7, wherein The bottom of the lower board is provided with a heat sink, which is attached to the power device on the lower board, and the contact surface of the heat sink is provided with a concave-convex structure.

10. The hydrogen electric hybrid system for a delivery vehicle using a metal hydrogen storage material according to claim 1, characterized by, The system is applied to express delivery or take-out delivery vehicles.