A hydrogen energy high-speed train cross-car hydrogen supply system
By establishing an interconnected hydrogen pipeline network and safety monitoring unit, the problems of uneven hydrogen storage and easy damage to traditional hoses in high-speed hydrogen-powered trains have been solved, achieving dynamic balance of hydrogen throughout the train and efficient hydrogen refueling, thus improving the reliability and safety of the system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610477986.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2026-01-06
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
The uneven hydrogen storage in hydrogen-powered high-speed trains leads to a short driving range. Traditional flexible hoses are easily damaged under dynamic operating conditions, making it impossible to achieve efficient cross-vehicle hydrogen supply and refueling, and there is a lack of safety monitoring methods.
An interconnected hydrogen pipeline network is adopted, including a dynamic adaptive hose connection device and a safety monitoring unit. The hydrogen distribution between vehicles is realized through high-pressure flexible composite hoses, reset support modules and positioning guide modules, and infrared temperature sensing monitoring is introduced at key connection points to ensure the dynamic adaptability and safety of the system.
It achieves dynamic balance of hydrogen gas throughout the train, improves hydrogen refueling efficiency and system reliability, extends driving range, and enhances safety through an early warning mechanism.
Smart Images

Figure CN122107279A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of rail train body structure, and more particularly to a hydrogen supply system for hydrogen-powered high-speed trains. Background Technology
[0002] Due to their requirements for large capacity and long range, hydrogen-powered high-speed trains typically have hydrogen storage tanks mounted on the roofs of multiple carriages. For example, a train configuration of "11 tanks + 21 tanks + 21 tanks + 11 tanks" results in significant differences in hydrogen storage capacity between carriages. While the fuel cells in each carriage have similar rated power, during operation, the first and last carriages (11 tanks each) with lower hydrogen storage will be the first to experience insufficient hydrogen supply, causing the fuel cells in each carriage to malfunction and thus limiting the overall driving range of the train.
[0003] To solve the above problems, it is necessary to achieve cross-vehicle hydrogen supply. However, during the operation of high-speed trains, there are complex multi-directional relative movements and high-frequency vibrations between the carriages, which traditional rigid connections cannot adapt to. Furthermore, the flexible hoses commonly used in existing technologies for transporting diesel, gasoline, or compressed natural gas cannot be directly applied because their materials have insufficient resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, poor hydrogen barrier properties, and rated working pressures that are usually below 35MPa, far from meeting the requirements of a 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen system. Although the pressure resistance and hydrogen resistance technology of fixed or towed hoses used in 70MPa hydrogen refueling stations can be used as a reference, directly transplanting them to the extremely demanding mobile scenario of high-speed trains faces entirely new technical challenges: the design of hydrogen refueling station hoses mainly considers static or low-speed towing conditions, while the high-frequency, multi-directional composite vibrations generated by high-speed train operation place extremely high demands on the fatigue life of the pipeline, the durability of the joint seals, and the dynamic adaptability of the entire connection system.
[0004] Existing solutions generally lack systematic buffering, reset, and positioning mechanisms for such dynamic operating conditions, which makes hoses prone to stress concentration, fatigue damage, and positional displacement under long-term dynamic loads, leading to seal failure and hydrogen leakage.
[0005] Furthermore, to achieve rapid hydrogen refueling, hydrogen-powered high-speed trains are equipped with multiple hydrogen refueling ports on both sides. If the hydrogen systems of each carriage are isolated from each other, refueling requires separate operation for each carriage in different directions, which is cumbersome and inefficient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reliable connection solution that can connect the hydrogen systems of each carriage, adapt to dynamic operating conditions, and achieve efficient refueling and hydrogen supply balance. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This invention aims to address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology and provides a cross-vehicle hydrogen supply system for hydrogen-powered high-speed trains. Its core objectives include: Achieving dynamic balance of onboard hydrogen: Through cross-vehicle connection, hydrogen can be flexibly allocated between carriages with different hydrogen storage capacities, ensuring that the fuel cells in all carriages can obtain a continuous and sufficient supply of hydrogen, thereby ensuring the train's extended operation. Adapting to dynamic movement between carriages: A flexible hose connection device that can effectively buffer high-frequency vibration and multi-directional displacement is provided to avoid stress concentration and fatigue damage, and ensure the long-term reliability of the connection pipeline under high-speed operation. Supports efficient hydrogen refueling on both sides: By connecting the hydrogen systems of each carriage through cross-vehicle pipelines, the hydrogen refueling port on either side can replenish hydrogen to the entire train system, greatly improving the flexibility and efficiency of hydrogen refueling operations. Integrated proactive safety monitoring: Introducing status monitoring at critical connection points enables early warning of hydrogen leaks, enhancing the proactive safety of the system.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following specific technical solution: A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains, comprising: an interconnected hydrogen pipeline network and a safety monitoring unit; The interconnected hydrogen pipeline network is formed by connecting the main hydrogen storage cylinder groups of the head car, the first intermediate car, the second intermediate car, and the tail car of the train using dynamic adaptive hose connection devices. The dynamic adaptive flexible hose connection device includes a high-pressure flexible composite hose arranged between two adjacent train cars, a reset support module, and a positioning guide wire module, wherein: The reset support module provides constraint force in all four directions of the high-pressure flexible composite hose; The high-pressure flexible composite hose is connected to the carriage near the carriage via the positioning and guiding module. The aforementioned safety monitoring unit is arranged at the connection joints at both ends of the high-pressure flexible composite hose spanning the vehicle. The safety monitoring unit is used to monitor the temperature of the connection joint in real time.
[0008] Furthermore, a solenoid valve controlled by the train's hydrogen safety control system is installed on the high-pressure flexible composite hose located between the head car, the first intermediate car, the second intermediate car, and the tail car.
[0009] Furthermore, the high-pressure flexible composite hose is in the shape of a three-dimensional spiral, and the reset support device includes a support plate located in the middle of the three-dimensional spiral high-pressure flexible composite hose. The support plate is connected to the high-pressure flexible composite hose by four circumferentially distributed springs.
[0010] Furthermore, the rated working pressure of the high-pressure flexible composite hose is 70 MPa.
[0011] Furthermore, the high-pressure flexible composite hose has a multi-layer structure: the outer layer is made of corrosion-resistant PA material; the middle layer is a high-strength steel wire winding reinforcement layer; and the inner layer is made of hydrogen-permeable POM material. The end connection adopts a conical seal and nut locking to ensure high-pressure sealing.
[0012] Furthermore, the positioning guide module includes a positioning spring with an adjusting screw, one end of which is connected to the carriage via the adjusting screw, and the other end of which is connected to a high-pressure flexible composite hose via the positioning spring.
[0013] Furthermore, the safety monitoring unit is an infrared temperature sensing monitoring unit. The monitoring result signal of the infrared temperature sensing monitoring unit can be transmitted to the train hydrogen safety control system to trigger an alarm or to shut down the relevant solenoid valves.
[0014] The present invention has the following advantages and advancements compared to the prior art: (1) It solved the problem of insufficient driving range caused by uneven hydrogen storage: Through cross-vehicle hydrogen supply and intelligent valve control, dynamic allocation of hydrogen resources for the entire train was achieved, ensuring that all fuel cells operated synchronously and at full load, effectively extending the train's driving range. (2) Improved hydrogenation efficiency and flexibility: The interconnected pipeline network enables both sides of the hydrogen refueling port to serve the entire vehicle, simplifying the hydrogen refueling process, shortening the refueling time, and adapting to different station layouts. (3) Dynamic adaptability and long lifespan design: The spiral hose layout, combined with the spring return and positioning mechanism, effectively buffers vibration and displacement, reduces stress concentration and fatigue risk, and enables the device to maintain a reliable connection at a speed of 250 km / h. (4) A security system combining passive and active measures has been constructed: Based on a robust mechanical structure and sealed design, an infrared sensing-based online monitoring method was introduced, enabling early warning of high-risk points and improving the overall safety level of the system. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply system; Figure 2 Front view of the dynamic adaptive flexible hose connection device; Figure 3 Side view of the dynamic adaptive flexible hose connection device; Figure 4 This is an isometric view of a dynamic adaptive flexible hose connection device.
[0016] In the figure: 1-Dynamic adaptive hose connection device; 11-High pressure flexible composite hose; 12-Reset support module; 121-Support plate; 122-Spring; 13-Positioning wire module; 131-Adjusting screw; 132-Positioning spring. Detailed Implementation
[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0018] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the word “comprising” as used in this specification means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that the word “and / or” as used herein includes any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.
[0019] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the same meaning as in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless defined as herein.
[0020] To provide a detailed description of the hydrogen supply system within this invention, specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021] Reference Figure 1Using train 1 (the lead car) and train 2 (the first intermediate car) as examples, the system includes an interconnected hydrogen pipeline network. This network connects the main hydrogen storage cylinder groups of train 1 (lead car) - 2 (first intermediate car) and 3 (second intermediate car) - 4 (last car) into a unified network through dynamic adaptive hose connection devices and matching valve groups. In this network, solenoid valves V01 and V02, controlled by the train's hydrogen safety control system, are installed on the hydrogen supply pipelines between cars with different hydrogen storage capacities. When the controller in the train's hydrogen safety control system detects that the pressure in a car has dropped to a set low value, it can open these solenoid valves to allow hydrogen from the high-pressure car to flow to the low-pressure car until the pressure is balanced, achieving dynamic equilibrium of the hydrogen supply across the entire train. This network also ensures that when hydrogen is added at any refueling port on either side, hydrogen can be distributed to the hydrogen storage cylinders in other cars through this network.
[0022] Reference Figures 2-4 Dynamic Adaptive Flexible Hoses Connection Device: This device is the core component for cross-vehicle connections. Its core is a high-pressure flexible composite hose with a rated working pressure of 70 MPa. This hose is designed in a three-dimensional spiral shape and arranged between the two vehicle compartments. The spiral structure effectively converts the relative displacement between the compartments into its own elastic deformation, thereby evenly distributing dynamic stress from the X, Y, and Z directions. To further improve reliability, the device also includes: 1. Reset Support Module: A support plate is set in the middle of the spiral hose, which is connected to the high-pressure flexible composite hose through four circumferentially distributed springs. The springs are used to provide restoring force after relative movement of the carriage, driving the hose back to its initial shape.
[0023] II. Positioning and Guiding Module: A positioning spring with an adjusting screw is installed at the connection point of the carriage to flexibly constrain the end of the hose, prevent it from swinging excessively, and ensure that it works within a safe space.
[0024] The system also includes a safety monitoring unit. Infrared temperature sensing monitoring units are installed at the key connection joints at both ends of the high-pressure flexible composite hose across the train. This unit monitors the temperature of the connection point in real time. Since the throttling effect of hydrogen leakage can cause local temperature anomalies, early diagnosis of minor leaks can be achieved by monitoring temperature changes. The signal can be transmitted to the train hydrogen safety control system to trigger an alarm or link to close the relevant solenoid valves.
[0025] The high-pressure flexible composite hose has a multi-layer structure. The outer layer is made of corrosion-resistant PA material; the middle layer is a high-strength steel wire winding reinforcement layer; and the inner layer is made of hydrogen-permeable POM material. The end connection adopts a conical seal and nut locking to ensure high-pressure sealing.
[0026] Those skilled in the art should understand that various improvements can be made to the hydrogen supply system proposed in this invention without departing from the scope of this invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the contents of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen-powered trains, characterized in that, The system includes: An interconnected hydrogen pipeline network and safety monitoring units; The interconnected hydrogen pipeline network is formed by connecting the main hydrogen storage cylinder groups of the head car, the first intermediate car, the second intermediate car, and the tail car of the train using dynamic adaptive hose connection devices. The dynamic adaptive flexible hose connection device includes a high-pressure flexible composite hose arranged between two adjacent train cars, a reset support module, and a positioning guide wire module, wherein: The reset support module provides constraint force in all four directions of the high-pressure flexible composite hose; The high-pressure flexible composite hose is connected to the carriage near the carriage via the positioning and guiding module. The aforementioned safety monitoring unit is arranged at the connection joints at both ends of the high-pressure flexible composite hose spanning the vehicle. The safety monitoring unit is used to monitor the temperature of the connection joint in real time.
2. The hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains according to claim 1, characterized in that, Solenoid valves controlled by the train's hydrogen safety control system are installed on the high-pressure flexible composite hoses located between the head car, the first intermediate car, the second intermediate car, and the tail car.
3. A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-pressure flexible composite hose is in the shape of a three-dimensional spiral. The reset support device includes a support plate located in the middle of the three-dimensional spiral high-pressure flexible composite hose. The support plate is connected to the high-pressure flexible composite hose by four circumferentially distributed springs.
4. A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The rated working pressure of the high-pressure flexible composite hose is 70 MPa.
5. A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The high-pressure flexible composite hose has a multi-layer structure. The outer layer is made of corrosion-resistant PA material; the middle layer is a high-strength steel wire winding reinforcement layer; and the inner layer is made of hydrogen-permeable POM material. The end connection adopts a conical seal and nut locking to ensure high-pressure sealing.
6. A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning and guiding module includes a positioning spring with an adjusting screw. One end is connected to the carriage via the adjusting screw, and the other end is connected to a high-pressure flexible composite hose via the positioning spring.
7. A hydrogen supply system for high-speed hydrogen trains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety monitoring unit is an infrared temperature sensing monitoring unit. The monitoring result signal of the infrared temperature sensing monitoring unit can be transmitted to the train hydrogen safety control system to trigger an alarm or to shut down the relevant solenoid valves.