Hydrogen production and hydrogenation system based on hydrogen energy unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The hydrogen production and hydrogenation system based on the hydrogen energy unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a hydrogen production module, a pressurization system, a hydrogen storage unit, a hydrogenation unit, an energy supply module and an intelligent control module, and all the modules cooperate to achieve full-process automatic operation of preparation, pressurization, storage and filling of hydrogen. The method specifically comprises the following structures and working processes: task 1, a hydrogen production module adopts a proton exchange pure water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, the hydrogen production rate is 0.5-1 Nm / h, the hydrogen output purity is greater than or equal to 99.999%, the output pressure is 0.8-3 MPa, the system energy consumption is less than or equal to 5.4 kWh / Nm, hydrogen production and hydrogen purification functions are integrated, and integrated design is realized; the supercharging ratio of the pneumatic booster pump is 60: 1, the maximum output pressure is about 480 bar, and the maximum outlet flow is 65 NL / MIN; the maximum output pressure of the electric booster pump is about 35 MPa. By integrating the hydrogen production module, the pressurization system, the hydrogen storage unit and the intelligent control module, automatic operation of the whole process of'hydrogen preparation, pressurization, storage and filling 'is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drone technology, specifically to a hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of drone technology in fields such as power line inspection, emergency rescue, and geographic surveying, the shortcomings of traditional lithium battery drones—short flight time and slow recharging—are becoming increasingly apparent, making it difficult to meet the needs of long-term operations. Hydrogen energy, as a high-energy-density, green, and zero-emission clean energy source, has become a key direction for solving the flight time problem in the drone field.

[0003] While current hydrogen-powered drones have achieved long-endurance flights, their associated hydrogen production and refueling systems suffer from numerous limitations. Currently, hydrogen production modules lack compatibility with pressurization and storage systems, are mostly deployed in a decentralized manner, and have low integration levels. The refueling process relies on manual operation, resulting in low refueling efficiency and compromised safety. Furthermore, the system has poor adaptability, struggling to accommodate the hydrogen storage tank interfaces and pressure requirements of different hydrogen-powered drone models. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a hydrogen production and refueling system based on hydrogen-powered drones to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone, in order to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone includes a hydrogen production module, a pressurization system, a hydrogen storage unit, a hydrogen refueling unit, an energy supply module, and an intelligent control module. These modules work together to automate the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, storage, and refueling. The specific structure and workflow are as follows: Task 1: The hydrogen production module adopts proton exchange pure water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, with a hydrogen production rate of 0.5~1Nm³ / h, hydrogen output purity ≥99.999%, output pressure 0.8~3MPa, system energy consumption ≤5.4kWh / Nm³, and integrates hydrogen production and hydrogen purification functions to achieve integrated design; Task 2: The booster system can be either a pneumatic booster pump or an electric booster pump. The pneumatic booster pump has a boost ratio of 60:1, a maximum output pressure of approximately 480 bar, and a maximum outlet flow rate of 65 NL / MIN. The electric booster pump has a maximum output pressure of approximately 35 MPa and a noise level of ≤70 dB. It achieves a stable pressure increase through primary and secondary buffer gas cylinders. Task 3: The hydrogen storage unit uses a 35MPa high-pressure composite material hydrogen storage cylinder with a water capacity of 3~20L and a hydrogen storage capacity of 71~513g. The cylinder is manufactured using an aluminum alloy inner liner combined with a high-strength carbon fiber winding process, which reduces the weight by 40%~50% compared to traditional cylinders. Task 4: The hydrogen refueling unit is equipped with a high-pressure quick-connect male and female connector, with a hydrogen refueling pipe length of ≥1.5m, and is compatible with the hydrogen storage cylinder interface of hydrogen-powered drones to achieve rapid refueling, with a single hydrogen refueling time of ≤10 minutes; Task 5: The energy supply module adopts a photovoltaic power generation system that complements the grid power supply. The photovoltaic installation capacity is 5~10kW, and it is equipped with a 20kWh lithium battery energy storage device. Priority is given to using the surplus photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen. After the lithium battery energy storage is fully charged, it automatically switches to hydrogen production mode. Task Six: The intelligent control module is built on a PLC control system and integrates pressure monitoring, leakage alarm, and automatic start-stop functions. It realizes real-time monitoring of parameters throughout the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen refueling, supports manual or automatic dual-mode switching, and has a fault interlocking protection mechanism.

[0006] Preferably, the electrolyzer of the hydrogen production module in Task 1 adopts air cooling, the power supply is a three-phase five-wire system, the working environment temperature range is -20~50℃, and the relative humidity is ≤95%.

[0007] Preferably, in Task 2, the pneumatic booster pump is driven by compressed air, with a driving air pressure requirement of 2~8 bar. The driving inlet is equipped with a two-piece pressure regulating valve, and adding oil is prohibited. The driving air is completely isolated from the hydrogen being boosted. The electric booster pump is powered by 220V AC mains, with a rated power of 1.5kW, and has high-pressure cutoff, high-pressure relief, and touch operation functions.

[0008] Preferably, the working pressure of the gas cylinder of the hydrogen storage unit in Mission 3 is 350 bar, the outer diameter is 112~238 mm, the length is 420~575 mm, and the weight is 1.4~6.1 kg, which is suitable for the hydrogen storage and power supply needs of various types of hydrogen-powered drones.

[0009] Preferably, the hydrogen refueling unit in Task 4 has a built-in backfire prevention valve and temperature sensor. When the nozzle temperature is ≥80℃, the hydrogen supply is automatically cut off. During the refueling process, the refueling pressure and flow rate are monitored in real time, and the refueling is automatically stopped after the preset pressure is reached.

[0010] Preferably, the surplus photovoltaic power from the energy supply module in Task 5 is preferentially stored in the lithium battery energy storage cabinet. When the lithium battery energy storage reaches the set capacity, the energy management system controls the inverter to connect the surplus power to the hydrogen production module.

[0011] Preferably, the intelligent control module in Task Six includes a CPU module, an analog input / output module, a digital input / output module, and a power supply module. The display terminal is a host computer that supports parameter setting and operation status monitoring. The programming language is ladder diagram, which has a fast scanning speed and sufficient memory capacity.

[0012] Preferably, the system also includes a safety protection module, equipped with a hydrogen leak alarm, a safety valve, a gas-liquid separator and an electromagnetic drain valve. The equipment shell is made of custom-processed steel plate and has shockproof, windproof, rainproof, lightning protection, fireproof and anti-theft protection measures, with a protection level ≥ IP55.

[0013] Preferably, the system adopts a modular design. The hydrogen production module has a size of 840×800×1350mm, the electric booster system has a size of 1800×800×1350mm, and the pneumatic booster system, including the air compressor, has a total floor area of ​​≤5㎡. It can be deployed by means of casters and is suitable for various scenarios such as substations, office building rooftops, and field operations.

[0014] Preferably, the system is integrated with the hydrogen-powered drone nest, which integrates hydrogen storage, hydrogen refueling, and temperature control systems. It is equipped with high-strength steel fences for physical isolation and protection, as well as night vision high-definition monitoring cameras and infrared detectors, enabling integrated operation of drone autonomous take-off and landing, automatic hydrogen refueling, and data uploading.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This hydrogen production and refueling system based on hydrogen-powered drones integrates a hydrogen production module, a pressurization system, a hydrogen storage unit, and an intelligent control module to achieve fully automated operation of the "hydrogen production-pressurization-storage-refueling" process. With a high-pressure quick-connect interface, the single hydrogen refueling time is ≤10 minutes, which is suitable for the autonomous refueling needs of drone nests, greatly reducing the cost of manual intervention and improving the continuity of operation.

[0016] This hydrogen production and refueling system based on hydrogen-powered drones supports flexible selection of pneumatic and electric booster systems, and the output pressure can be adjusted within the range of 35MPa-480bar. It is compatible with 35MPa hydrogen storage cylinders with different water capacities of 3-20L and is suitable for multiple models of hydrogen-powered drones. The system adopts a modular design and is equipped with casters, making it mobile and deployable in substations, field operation areas and other scenarios, with strong environmental adaptability.

[0017] This hydrogen production and refueling system based on hydrogen-powered drones is equipped with multiple safety protection devices, including hydrogen leak alarms, safety valves, and backfire prevention valves. Combined with PLC intelligent control, it achieves real-time monitoring of pressure and temperature and fault interlock protection, with a protection level of ≥IP55. The energy supply adopts a complementary mode of photovoltaic and grid power, giving priority to using surplus photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen. It is equipped with lithium battery energy storage equipment to reduce operating costs. The hydrogen production purity is ≥99.999%, ensuring the stable operation of the fuel cell system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system reference principle for an embodiment of a hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone, including a hydrogen production module, a pressurization system, a hydrogen storage unit, a hydrogen refueling unit, an energy supply module, and an intelligent control module. These modules work together to automate the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, storage, and refueling. Specifically, the system includes the following structure and workflow: Task 1: The hydrogen production module adopts proton exchange pure water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, with a hydrogen production rate of 0.5~1Nm³ / h, hydrogen output purity ≥99.999%, output pressure 0.8~3MPa, system energy consumption ≤5.4kWh / Nm³, and integrates hydrogen production and hydrogen purification functions to achieve integrated design; Task 2: The booster system can be either a pneumatic booster pump or an electric booster pump. The pneumatic booster pump has a boost ratio of 60:1, a maximum output pressure of approximately 480 bar, and a maximum outlet flow rate of 65 NL / MIN. The electric booster pump has a maximum output pressure of approximately 35 MPa and a noise level of ≤70 dB. It achieves a stable pressure increase through primary and secondary buffer gas cylinders. Task 3: The hydrogen storage unit uses a 35MPa high-pressure composite material hydrogen storage cylinder with a water capacity of 3~20L and a hydrogen storage capacity of 71~513g. The cylinder is manufactured using an aluminum alloy inner liner combined with a high-strength carbon fiber winding process, which reduces the weight by 40%~50% compared to traditional cylinders. Task 4: The hydrogen refueling unit is equipped with a high-pressure quick-connect male and female connector, with a hydrogen refueling pipe length of ≥1.5m, and is compatible with the hydrogen storage cylinder interface of hydrogen-powered drones to achieve rapid refueling, with a single hydrogen refueling time of ≤10 minutes; Task 5: The energy supply module adopts a photovoltaic power generation system that complements the grid power supply. The photovoltaic installation capacity is 5~10kW, and it is equipped with a 20kWh lithium battery energy storage device. Priority is given to using the surplus photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen. After the lithium battery energy storage is fully charged, it automatically switches to hydrogen production mode. Task Six: The intelligent control module is built on a PLC control system and integrates pressure monitoring, leakage alarm, and automatic start-stop functions. It realizes real-time monitoring of parameters throughout the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen refueling, supports manual or automatic dual-mode switching, and has a fault interlocking protection mechanism.

[0023] Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrolyzer of the hydrogen production module in Task 1 uses air cooling, a three-phase five-wire power supply, and operates in an ambient temperature range of -20 to 50°C with a relative humidity of ≤95%. In Task 2, the pneumatic booster pump is driven by compressed air, requiring a driving air pressure of 2 to 8 bar. A dual-unit pressure regulating valve is installed at the drive inlet, and refueling is prohibited. The driving air is completely isolated from the pressurized hydrogen. The electric booster pump uses 220V AC mains power, has a rated power of 1.5kW, and features high-pressure shut-off, high-pressure release, and touch-screen operation functions. In Task 3, the hydrogen storage unit's cylinders operate at a pressure of 350 bar, with an outer diameter of 112 to 238 mm, a length of 420 to 575 mm, and a weight... With a capacity of 1.4~6.1kg, it is suitable for the hydrogen storage and power supply needs of various models of hydrogen-powered drones. In Task 4, the hydrogen refueling unit has a built-in backfire prevention valve and temperature sensor. When the nozzle temperature is ≥80℃, the hydrogen supply is automatically cut off. During the refueling process, the refueling pressure and flow rate are monitored in real time, and the refueling is automatically stopped after the preset pressure is reached. In Task 5, the photovoltaic surplus electricity of the energy supply module is preferentially stored in the lithium battery energy storage cabinet. When the lithium battery energy storage reaches the set capacity, the energy management system controls the inverter to connect the surplus electricity to the hydrogen production module. In Task 6, the intelligent control module includes a CPU module, an analog input / output module, a digital input / output module, and a power supply module. The display terminal adopts a host computer, which supports parameter setting and operation status monitoring. The programming language is ladder diagram, which has a fast scanning speed and sufficient memory capacity.

[0024] This invention provides a hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone. The system also includes a safety protection module, equipped with a hydrogen leak alarm, safety valve, vapor-liquid separator, and electromagnetic drain valve. The equipment shell is custom-made from steel plate and has shockproof, windproof, rainproof, lightning protection, fireproof, and anti-theft protection measures, with a protection level ≥ IP55. The system adopts a modular design. The hydrogen production module measures 840×800×1350mm, the electric booster system measures 1800×800×1350mm, and the pneumatic booster system, including the air compressor, has a total footprint of ≤5㎡. It can be mobilely deployed via casters and is suitable for various scenarios such as substations, office building rooftops, and field operations. The system is integrated with the hydrogen-powered drone's nest, which integrates hydrogen storage, hydrogen refueling, and temperature control systems. It is equipped with a high-strength steel fence for physical isolation and protection, as well as a night-vision high-definition monitoring camera and infrared detector, enabling integrated operation of the drone's autonomous take-off and landing, automatic hydrogen refueling, and data uploading.

[0025] Working principle: Task 1, the hydrogen production module adopts proton exchange pure water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, with a hydrogen production rate of 0.5~1Nm³ / h, hydrogen output purity ≥99.999%, output pressure 0.8~3MPa, system energy consumption ≤5.4kWh / Nm³, integrating hydrogen production and hydrogen purification functions to achieve integrated design; Task 2: The booster system can be either a pneumatic booster pump or an electric booster pump. The pneumatic booster pump has a boost ratio of 60:1, a maximum output pressure of approximately 480 bar, and a maximum outlet flow rate of 65 NL / MIN. The electric booster pump has a maximum output pressure of approximately 35 MPa and a noise level of ≤70 dB. It achieves a stable pressure increase through primary and secondary buffer gas cylinders. Task 3: The hydrogen storage unit uses a 35MPa high-pressure composite material hydrogen storage cylinder with a water capacity of 3~20L and a hydrogen storage capacity of 71~513g. The cylinder is manufactured using an aluminum alloy inner liner combined with a high-strength carbon fiber winding process, which reduces the weight by 40%~50% compared to traditional cylinders. Task 4: The hydrogen refueling unit is equipped with a high-pressure quick-connect male and female connector, with a hydrogen refueling pipe length of ≥1.5m, and is compatible with the hydrogen storage cylinder interface of hydrogen-powered drones to achieve rapid refueling, with a single hydrogen refueling time of ≤10 minutes; Task 5: The energy supply module adopts a photovoltaic power generation system that complements the grid power supply. The photovoltaic installation capacity is 5~10kW, and it is equipped with a 20kWh lithium battery energy storage device. Priority is given to using the surplus photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen. After the lithium battery energy storage is fully charged, it automatically switches to hydrogen production mode. Task Six: The intelligent control module is built on a PLC control system and integrates pressure monitoring, leakage alarm, and automatic start-stop functions. It realizes real-time monitoring of parameters throughout the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen refueling, supports manual or automatic dual-mode switching, and has a fault interlocking protection mechanism.

[0026] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone, characterized in that, It includes a hydrogen production module, a pressurization system, a hydrogen storage unit, a hydrogen refueling unit, an energy supply module, and an intelligent control module. These modules work together to automate the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, storage, and refueling. The specific structure and workflow are as follows: Task 1: The hydrogen production module adopts proton exchange pure water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, with a hydrogen production rate of 0.5~1Nm³ / h, hydrogen output purity ≥99.999%, output pressure 0.8~3MPa, system energy consumption ≤5.4kWh / Nm³, and integrates hydrogen production and hydrogen purification functions to achieve integrated design; Task 2: The booster system can be either a pneumatic booster pump or an electric booster pump. The pneumatic booster pump has a boost ratio of 60:1, a maximum output pressure of approximately 480 bar, and a maximum outlet flow rate of 65 NL / MIN. The electric booster pump has a maximum output pressure of approximately 35 MPa and a noise level of ≤70 dB. It achieves a stable pressure increase through primary and secondary buffer gas cylinders. Task 3: The hydrogen storage unit uses a 35MPa high-pressure composite material hydrogen storage cylinder with a water capacity of 3~20L and a hydrogen storage capacity of 71~513g. The cylinder is manufactured using an aluminum alloy inner liner combined with a high-strength carbon fiber winding process, which reduces the weight by 40%~50% compared to traditional cylinders. Task 4: The hydrogen refueling unit is equipped with a high-pressure quick-connect male and female connector, with a hydrogen refueling pipe length of ≥1.5m, and is compatible with the hydrogen storage cylinder interface of hydrogen-powered drones to achieve rapid refueling, with a single hydrogen refueling time of ≤10 minutes; Task 5: The energy supply module adopts a photovoltaic power generation system that complements the grid power supply. The photovoltaic installation capacity is 5~10kW, and it is equipped with a 20kWh lithium battery energy storage device. Priority is given to using the surplus photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen. After the lithium battery energy storage is fully charged, it automatically switches to hydrogen production mode. Task Six: The intelligent control module is built on a PLC control system and integrates pressure monitoring, leakage alarm, and automatic start-stop functions. It realizes real-time monitoring of parameters throughout the entire process of hydrogen production, pressurization, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen refueling, supports manual or automatic dual-mode switching, and has a fault interlocking protection mechanism.

2. The hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolyzer for the hydrogen production module in Task 1 uses air cooling, and the power supply is a three-phase five-wire system. The operating temperature range is -20~50℃, and the relative humidity is ≤95%.

3. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, In Task 2, the pneumatic booster pump is driven by compressed air, with a required driving air pressure of 2~8 bar. The driving inlet is equipped with a two-piece pressure regulating valve, and adding oil is prohibited. The driving air is completely isolated from the hydrogen being boosted. The electric booster pump is powered by 220V AC mains, with a rated power of 1.5kW, and has high-pressure shut-off, high-pressure relief, and touch operation functions.

4. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage unit in Mission 3 has a working pressure of 350 bar, an outer diameter of 112~238 mm, a length of 420~575 mm, and a weight of 1.4~6.1 kg, which is suitable for the hydrogen storage and power supply needs of various types of hydrogen-powered drones.

5. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, In Task 4, the hydrogen refueling unit has a built-in backfire prevention valve and temperature sensor. When the nozzle temperature is ≥80℃, the hydrogen supply is automatically cut off. During the refueling process, the refueling pressure and flow rate are monitored in real time, and the refueling is automatically stopped after the preset pressure is reached.

6. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, In Task 5, the surplus photovoltaic power from the energy supply module is preferentially stored in the lithium battery energy storage cabinet. When the lithium battery energy storage reaches the set capacity, the energy management system controls the inverter to connect the surplus power to the hydrogen production module.

7. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent control module in Task Six includes a CPU module, an analog input / output module, a digital input / output module, and a power supply module. The display terminal uses a host computer, which supports parameter setting and operation status monitoring. The programming language is ladder diagram, which has a fast scanning speed and sufficient memory capacity.

8. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a safety protection module, equipped with a hydrogen leak alarm, safety valve, gas-liquid separator and electromagnetic drain valve. The equipment shell is made of custom-made steel plate and has shockproof, windproof, rainproof, lightning protection, fireproof and anti-theft protection measures, with a protection level of ≥IP55.

9. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system adopts a modular design. The hydrogen production module measures 840×800×1350mm, the electric booster system measures 1800×800×1350mm, and the pneumatic booster system, including the air compressor, has a total floor area of ​​≤5㎡. It can be deployed by means of casters and is suitable for various scenarios such as substations, office building rooftops, and field operations.

10. A hydrogen production and refueling system based on a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system is integrated with the hydrogen-powered drone nest, which integrates hydrogen storage, hydrogen refueling, and temperature control systems. It is equipped with high-strength steel fences for physical isolation and protection, as well as night vision high-definition monitoring cameras and infrared detectors, enabling integrated operation of drones for autonomous take-off and landing, automatic hydrogen refueling, and data uploading.

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