Hydrogen supply system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hydrogen supply system including a first refrigerant circuit including a first refrigerant line along which a refrigerant circulates and a first heat exchanger, a first compressor, a second heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve disposed in series on the first refrigerant line. The system also includes a second refrigerant circuit including a second refrigerant line along which a refrigerant circulates and a second heat exchanger, a second compressor, a third heat exchanger, and a second expansion valve disposed in series on the second refrigerant line. The system also includes a coolant circuit including a coolant line along which a coolant circulates in selective heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit, and a hydrogen compression tank disposed on the coolant line and configured to store a metal hydride. Hydrogen gas is stored and compressed by the metal stored in the hydrogen compression tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hydrogen supply systems, and more specifically, to hydrogen supply systems capable of storing and compressing hydrogen using metal hydrides. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with increasing interest in energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles.

[0003] Environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles that use engines and batteries.

[0004] Hydrogen vehicles are equipped with hydrogen storage tanks and generate the power needed to drive the vehicle by burning the hydrogen stored in the tanks.

[0005] When hydrogen is consumed during the operation of a hydrogen vehicle, it needs to be refilled into cylinders at a hydrogen refueling station. Traditionally, hydrogen refueling stations use electric compressors to fill the cylinders with hydrogen.

[0006] However, using an electric compressor to fill the cylinder with hydrogen presents the problem of consuming a large amount of electrical energy and increasing maintenance costs.

[0007] The matters described in the background section are intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure and may include matters that are not yet known to a person skilled in the art to which this technology pertains. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen supply system that can reduce power consumption and maintenance costs.

[0009] The hydrogen supply system may include a first refrigerant circuit, which includes a first refrigerant line through which refrigerant circulates. The first refrigerant circuit also includes a first heat exchanger, a first compressor, a second heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve, sequentially arranged on the first refrigerant line. The hydrogen supply system may also include a second refrigerant circuit, which includes a second refrigerant line through which refrigerant circulates. The second refrigerant circuit also includes a second heat exchanger, a second compressor, a third heat exchanger, and a second expansion valve, sequentially arranged on the second refrigerant line. The hydrogen supply system may also include a coolant circuit, along which coolant selectively exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first and second refrigerant circuits circulates. The coolant circuit also includes a hydrogen compression tank disposed on the coolant line and configured to store metal hydrides. Hydrogen is stored and compressed by the metal stored in the hydrogen compression tank according to temperature changes of the coolant circulating in the coolant line.

[0010] The coolant circuit may include a first coolant circuit, which includes a first coolant line along which coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first coolant circuit circulates. The first coolant circuit also includes a connecting line for selective connection to the first coolant line, along which a hydrogen compression tank is disposed. The coolant circuit may also include a second coolant circuit, which includes a second coolant line along which coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the second coolant circuit circulates. The second coolant circuit also includes the aforementioned connecting line for selective connection to the second coolant line, along which a hydrogen compression tank is disposed. The second coolant circuit also includes a cooling valve mounted on the connecting line, configured to selectively supply coolant circulating in both the first and second coolant lines to the hydrogen compression tank.

[0011] The cooling valve can be a four-way valve.

[0012] The first coolant line may include an eleventh coolant line, on which a first coolant pump and a first heat exchanger are disposed. The first coolant line may also include a first connecting line selectively and fluidly connected to the eleventh coolant line, and a hydrogen compression tank is disposed on the first connecting line. The first coolant line may also include a second connecting line selectively and fluidly connected to the eleventh coolant line, and a radiator is disposed on the second connecting line. The first coolant line may also include a twelfth coolant line selectively and fluidly connected to the first connecting line. The first coolant line may also include a thirteenth coolant line selectively and fluidly connected to the second connecting line.

[0013] The second coolant line may include a twenty-first coolant line, on which a second coolant pump and a third heat exchanger are disposed. The second coolant line may also include a first connecting line selectively and fluidly connected to the twenty-first coolant line, on which a hydrogen compression tank is disposed. The second coolant line may also include a second connecting line selectively and fluidly connected to the twenty-first coolant line, on which a radiator is disposed. The second coolant line may also include a twenty-second coolant line selectively and fluidly connected to the first connecting line. The second coolant line may also include a twenty-third coolant line selectively and fluidly connected to the second connecting line.

[0014] The cooling valve can be installed at the junction of the first connecting pipeline, the second connecting pipeline, the eleventh coolant pipeline, and the twenty-first coolant pipeline.

[0015] The hydrogen compression tank may include a tank body configured to contain a metal hydride. The hydrogen compression tank may also include a coolant inlet line selectively and fluidly connected to a second connecting line. The hydrogen compression tank may also include a coolant outlet line selectively and fluidly connected to a first connecting line. The hydrogen compression tank may further include a hydrogen inlet line configured to supply hydrogen to the tank body and having a first hydrogen valve thereon. The hydrogen compression tank may further include a hydrogen outlet line configured to discharge hydrogen desorbed from the metal hydride and having a second hydrogen valve thereon.

[0016] Based on the operation of the cooling valve, the first hydrogen valve, and the second hydrogen valve, the hydrogen supply system is configured to operate in one of the following modes: a cooling mode for cooling the metal in the hydrogen compression tank; an adsorption mode for adsorbing hydrogen onto the metal in the hydrogen compression tank; a heating mode for heating the metal hydride in the hydrogen compression tank; and a discharge mode for discharging the hydrogen compressed in the hydrogen compression tank.

[0017] In cooling mode, the cooling valve can fluidly connect the eleventh coolant line and the first connecting line, and can fluidly connect the twenty-first coolant line and the second connecting line, and can close the first hydrogen valve and the second hydrogen valve.

[0018] In adsorption mode, the cooling valve can fluidly connect the eleventh coolant line and the first connecting line, and can also fluidly connect the twenty-first coolant line and the second connecting line. The first hydrogen valve can be opened, and the second hydrogen valve can be closed.

[0019] In heating mode, the cooling valve can fluidly connect to the eleventh coolant line and the second connecting line, and can also fluidly connect to the twenty-first coolant line and the first connecting line, and can close the first hydrogen valve and the second hydrogen valve.

[0020] In emission mode, the cooling valve can fluidly connect to the eleventh coolant line and the second connecting line, and can also fluidly connect to the twenty-first coolant line and the first connecting line. The first hydrogen valve can be closed, and the second hydrogen valve can be opened.

[0021] According to the implementation method, by storing and compressing hydrogen based on the temperature changes of the metal hydride, energy consumption and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0022] Other effects that can be obtained or predicted by implementing the methods are described explicitly or implicitly in the detailed description of this disclosure. In other words, various effects can be expected based on the implementation methods described in the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0023] These accompanying drawings are used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, and the technical spirit of this disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen refueling station using a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen compression tank according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a diagram used to explain the cooling and adsorption modes of the hydrogen supply system according to the embodiments.

[0028] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram used to explain the heating and emission modes of the hydrogen supply system according to the implementation method.

[0029] It should be understood that the above figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather illustrate various features in a simplified form to explain the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of this disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, should be determined in part by the specific intended application and usage environment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form includes the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when terms such as “comprising” and “including” are used in this disclosure, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any or all combinations of one or more related items.

[0031] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] The accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and in this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0033] Furthermore, for ease of understanding and description, the dimensions and thicknesses of each configuration shown in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily illustrated, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for clarity, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., have been exaggerated.

[0034] Terms such as “module” and “unit” used to describe constituent elements in this document are for ease of writing only and have no distinguishing meaning or function in themselves. When controllers, modules, units, components, devices, elements, etc., are described in this document as having a certain purpose or performing a certain operation or function, these controllers, modules, units, components, devices, elements, etc., should be considered as being “configured” to achieve that purpose or perform that operation or function. Each controller, module, unit, component, device, element, etc., may be embodied independently or may be included in a device as part of a processor and memory (such as non-volatile computer-readable media).

[0035] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, detailed descriptions of such embodiments are omitted when it is determined that a detailed description related to a known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure.

[0036] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical spirit disclosed herein is not limited to the drawings. It should be understood that this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0037] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., are used only to describe various components and should not be interpreted as limiting these components.

[0038] The singular forms used in this article, such as “a,” “one,” and “the,” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] These terms are used only to distinguish one component from other components.

[0040] The hydrogen refueling station using the hydrogen supply system according to the embodiment is described in detail below.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen refueling station using a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment.

[0042] First, refer to Figure 1 A hydrogen refueling station that uses the hydrogen supply system according to the embodiment is described in detail.

[0043] The hydrogen supply system according to the embodiments can be applied to hydrogen refueling stations configured for hydrogen refueling.

[0044] The hydrogen supply system according to the embodiment can store or compress hydrogen by utilizing the principle that hydrogen is adsorbed onto or desorbed from the metal hydride (MH) according to the temperature change of the metal hydride (MH).

[0045] For example, when a metal is cooled, hydrogen molecules can adsorb onto the metal molecules, and hydrogen gas can be stored in a container containing the metal hydride. Conversely, when the metal hydride is heated, the hydrogen molecules adsorbed onto the metal hydride can desorb, and hydrogen gas can be compressed in a container containing the metal hydride.

[0046] Utilizing this principle, the hydrogen supply system described in this embodiment can be applied to hydrogen refueling stations. For example, when a hydrogen cylinder is loaded onto a tubular trailer and enters a hydrogen refueling station, the hydrogen in the cylinder can be supplied to the hydrogen supply system, and the metal within the system can be cooled, allowing the hydrogen to be stored in the form of a metal hydride. Subsequently, when the metal hydride is heated, causing hydrogen to desorb from it and increasing the pressure, the hydrogen can be dispensed into a hydrogen-electric vehicle via a dispenser.

[0047] The hydrogen supply system according to the embodiments is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen compression tank according to an embodiment.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen supply system according to the embodiment may include a first refrigerant circuit 100 of refrigerant circulation, a second refrigerant circuit 200 of refrigerant circulation, and a coolant circuit of coolant circulation that selectively exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 and the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 200.

[0050] The first refrigerant circuit 100 may include a first refrigerant line 110 through which refrigerant circulates, and may include a first heat exchanger 120, a first compressor 130, a second heat exchanger 140, and a first expansion valve 150 sequentially arranged on the first refrigerant line 110. The first heat exchanger 120, the first compressor 130, the second heat exchanger 140, and the first expansion valve 150 may be sequentially arranged on the first refrigerant line 110 along the refrigerant flow direction.

[0051] The second refrigerant circuit 200 may include a second refrigerant line 210 through which refrigerant circulates, and may include a third heat exchanger 230, a second expansion valve 240, a second heat exchanger 140, and a second compressor 220 sequentially arranged on the second refrigerant line 210. The third heat exchanger 230, the second expansion valve 240, the second heat exchanger 140, and the second compressor 220 may be sequentially arranged on the second refrigerant line 210 along the refrigerant flow direction.

[0052] The coolant circuit may include a coolant line along which coolant selectively exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 and the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 200. The coolant circuit may also include a hydrogen compression tank 500 disposed on the coolant line.

[0053] Therefore, the coolant circuit may include a first coolant circuit 300, in which coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first coolant circuit 100 circulates. The coolant circuit may also include a second coolant line 410, in which coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 200 circulates.

[0054] The first coolant circuit 300 may include a first coolant line 310 along which coolant circulates, a first coolant pump 320 disposed on the first coolant line 310, a radiator 330 disposed on the first coolant line 310, and a hydrogen compression tank 500 disposed on the first coolant line 310.

[0055] Specifically, the first coolant line 310 may include an eleventh coolant line 311, on which a first coolant pump 320 and a first heat exchanger 120 are disposed. The first coolant line 310 may also include a first connecting line 361, selectively and fluidly connected to the eleventh coolant line 311, and a hydrogen compression tank 500 is disposed on the first connecting line. The first coolant line 310 may also include a second connecting line 362, selectively and fluidly connected to the eleventh coolant line 311, and a radiator 330 is disposed on the second connecting line. The first coolant line 310 may also include a twelfth coolant line 312, selectively and fluidly connected to the first connecting line 361. The first coolant line 310 may also include a thirteenth coolant line 313, selectively and fluidly connected to the second connecting line 362.

[0056] The first coolant pump 320 can pump the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300.

[0057] The radiator 330 can cool the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0058] The second coolant circuit 400 may include a second coolant line 410 along which coolant circulates, a second coolant pump 420 disposed on the second coolant line 410, a radiator 330 disposed on the second coolant line 410, and a hydrogen compression tank 500 disposed on the second coolant line 410.

[0059] Specifically, the second coolant line 410 may include a twenty-first coolant line 411, with a second coolant pump 420 and a third heat exchanger 230 disposed on the twenty-first coolant line 411. The second coolant line 410 may also include a first connecting line 361, selectively and fluidly connected to the twenty-first coolant line 411, with a hydrogen compression tank 500 disposed on the first connecting line. The second coolant line 410 may also include a second connecting line 362, selectively and fluidly connected to the twenty-first coolant line 411, with a radiator 330 disposed on the second connecting line 362. The second coolant line 410 may also include a twenty-second coolant line 412, selectively and fluidly connected to the first connecting line 361. The second coolant line 410 may also include a twenty-third coolant line 413, selectively and fluidly connected to the second connecting line 362.

[0060] The second coolant pump 420 can pump the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400.

[0061] The radiator 330 can cool the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400 by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0062] The cooling valve 340 can be installed at the junction of the first connecting line 361, the second connecting line 362, the eleventh coolant line 311, and the twenty-first coolant line 411. The cooling valve 340 can be implemented as a four-way valve.

[0063] Depending on the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311 and the first connecting line 361 can be fluidly connected, and the twenty-first coolant line 411 and the second connecting line 362 can be fluidly connected. Alternatively, the eleventh coolant line 311 and the second connecting line 362 can be fluidly connected, and the twenty-first coolant line 411 and the first connecting line 361 can be fluidly connected.

[0064] According to the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311 and the first connecting line 361 can be fluidly connected, and the twenty-first coolant line 411 and the second connecting line 362 can be fluidly connected, so that the eleventh coolant line 311, the first connecting line 361 and the twelfth coolant line 312 can form a closed loop, and the twenty-first coolant line 411, the second connecting line 362 and the twenty-third coolant line 413 can form a closed loop.

[0065] According to the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311 and the second connecting line 362 can be fluidly connected, and the twenty-first coolant line 411 and the first connecting line 361 can be fluidly connected, so that the eleventh coolant line 311, the second connecting line 362 and the thirteenth coolant line 313 can form a closed loop, and the twenty-first coolant line 411, the first connecting line 361 and the twenty-second coolant line 412 can form a closed loop.

[0066] Cooling valve 340 can selectively supply coolant circulating in the first coolant line 310 and coolant circulating in the second coolant line 410 to the hydrogen compressor tank 500. In other words, depending on the operation of cooling valve 340, coolant circulating in the first coolant line 310 can be supplied to the hydrogen compressor tank 500, or coolant circulating in the second coolant line 410 can be supplied to the hydrogen compressor 500.

[0067] Metal hydride (MH) can be stored in hydrogen compression tank 500. The metal hydride stored in hydrogen compression tank 500 can store and compress hydrogen according to the temperature changes of the coolant circulating in the coolant line.

[0068] As described above, when the metal is cooled by a low-temperature coolant, hydrogen molecules can be adsorbed onto the metal, and the hydrogen gas can be stored in the hydrogen compression tank 500. Conversely, when the metal hydride is heated by a high-temperature coolant, the hydrogen molecules adsorbed onto the metal can be desorbed, and the hydrogen gas can be compressed in the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The hydrogen compression tank 500 may include: a tank body 510 for storing metal hydrides, a coolant inlet line 520 for introducing coolant into the tank body 510, a coolant discharge line 530 for discharging coolant received through the coolant inlet line 520 and circulated in the tank body 510, a hydrogen inlet line 540 for supplying hydrogen to the tank body 510, and a hydrogen discharge line 550 for discharging hydrogen generated in the tank body 510.

[0070] The coolant inlet line 520 can be selectively and fluidly connected to the connection line upstream of the hydrogen compression tank 500, and the coolant outlet line 530 can be fluidly connected to the connection line downstream of the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0071] A first hydrogen valve 560 can be installed on the hydrogen inlet line 540. Hydrogen can be selectively supplied to the tank 510 depending on whether the first hydrogen valve 560 is open or closed. When the first hydrogen valve 560 is open, hydrogen can be introduced into the tank 510, and when the first hydrogen valve 560 is closed, hydrogen will not be introduced into the tank 510.

[0072] A second hydrogen valve 570 can be installed on the hydrogen discharge line 550. Depending on whether the second hydrogen valve 570 is open or closed, hydrogen generated in the tank 510 can be selectively discharged. When the second hydrogen valve 570 is open, hydrogen generated in the tank 510 can be discharged to the outside of the tank 510; when the second hydrogen valve 570 is closed, hydrogen generated in the tank 510 will not be discharged to the outside of the tank 510.

[0073] As mentioned above, metal hydrides (MH) can be contained inside the tank.

[0074] According to the operation of cooling valve 340, tank 510 can be cooled by a low-temperature coolant, and when hydrogen is supplied to tank 510 through hydrogen inlet line 540, hydrogen molecules can be adsorbed onto the metal. Therefore, hydrogen can be stored inside tank 510.

[0075] Conversely, depending on the operation of the cooling valve, when the tank 510 is heated by the high-temperature coolant, hydrogen molecules can desorb from the metal hydride, and the hydrogen gas inside the tank 510 can be compressed.

[0076] Refer again Figure 2 The first compressor 130, which is installed on the first refrigerant circuit 100, can compress the gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0077] The first heat exchanger 120 allows heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant line 110 and the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant line 210, and the refrigerant compressed by the first compressor 130 can condense into a liquid state. In other words, the first heat exchanger 120 can exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied by the first compressor 130 and the refrigerant supplied through the second refrigerant line 210 to cause it to condense. In this case, the first heat exchanger 120 can function as a condenser in the first refrigerant circuit 100.

[0078] The first expansion valve 150 can expand the refrigerant condensed by the first heat exchanger 120, and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant from high pressure to low pressure.

[0079] The second heat exchanger 140 allows heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant line 110 and the coolant circulating in the first coolant line 310, and can evaporate the low-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the first expansion valve 150. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant can change phase to gaseous refrigerant. Furthermore, as the coolant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 140, the temperature of the coolant decreases. In this case, the second heat exchanger 140 can function as an evaporator in the first refrigerant circuit 100.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit 100 can function as a cooling device to cool the refrigerant flowing through the first coolant line 310.

[0081] The second compressor 220, installed in the second refrigerant circuit 200, can compress gaseous refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0082] The third heat exchanger 230 allows heat exchange between the coolant circulating in the second coolant line 410 and the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant line 110, and the refrigerant compressed by the second compressor 220 can condense into a liquid state in the third heat exchanger 230. Furthermore, as the coolant circulating in the second coolant line 410 exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant at the third heat exchanger 230, the temperature of the coolant increases. In this case, the third heat exchanger 230 can function as a condenser in the second refrigerant circuit 200.

[0083] The second expansion valve 240 can expand the refrigerant condensed by the third heat exchanger 230, and reduce the refrigerant pressure from high pressure to low pressure.

[0084] The first heat exchanger 120 allows heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant line 210 and the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant line 110, and can evaporate the low-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the second expansion valve 240. In this case, the first heat exchanger 120 can function as an evaporator in the second refrigerant circuit 200.

[0085] In this embodiment, the second refrigerant circuit 200 can function as a heating device to heat the refrigerant flowing through the second coolant line 410.

[0086] The operation of the hydrogen supply system according to the embodiments is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] According to the embodiments, the hydrogen supply system can operate in one of the following modes based on the operation of the cooling valve 340, the first hydrogen valve 560, and the second hydrogen valve 570: a cooling mode (for cooling the metal hydride in the hydrogen compression tank 500), an adsorption mode (for adsorbing hydrogen onto the metal hydride in the hydrogen compression tank 500), a heating mode (or a compression mode, for heating the metal hydroxide in the hydrogen compression tank 500), and a discharge mode (for discharging the hydrogen compressed in the hydrogen compression tank 500).

[0088] Cooling mode will refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A detailed description is provided. The cooling mode can be used to cool the metal stored in the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0089] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In cooling mode, cooling valve 340 can be fluidly connected to eleventh coolant line 311 and first connecting line 361, and can also be fluidly connected to twenty-first coolant line 411 and second connecting line 362. Furthermore, first hydrogen valve 560 and second hydrogen valve 570 can be closed.

[0090] According to the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311, the first connecting line 361 and the twelfth coolant line 312 can form a closed loop, while the twenty-first coolant line 411, the second connecting line 362 and the twenty-third coolant line 413 can form a closed loop.

[0091] Since the eleventh coolant line 311, the first connecting line 361 and the twelfth coolant line 312 form a closed loop, the low-temperature refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 and the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 can exchange heat in the second heat exchanger 140, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300.

[0092] The cooled coolant can cool the hydrogen compression tank 500 through the first connecting line 361 and the coolant inlet line 520, and can also cool the metal stored in the tank 510.

[0093] Since the first hydrogen valve 560 and the second hydrogen valve 570 are closed, hydrogen will not be introduced into the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0094] Furthermore, the high-temperature refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 200 and the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400 can exchange heat in the third heat exchanger 230, causing the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400 to rise. Since the twenty-first coolant line 411, the second connecting line 362, and the twenty-third coolant line 413 form a closed loop, the high-temperature coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400 will not be introduced into the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 Describe the adsorption mode in detail. The adsorption mode can be a mode used to adsorb hydrogen onto the metal inside the hydrogen compression tank 500 and store the adsorbed hydrogen.

[0096] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The cooling valve 340 operates in the same way in adsorption mode as in cooling mode. However, in adsorption mode, the first hydrogen valve 560 can be opened and the second hydrogen valve 570 can be closed.

[0097] According to the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311, the first connecting line 361 and the twelfth coolant line 312 can form a closed loop, while the twenty-first coolant line 411, the second connecting line 362 and the twenty-third coolant line 413 can form a closed loop.

[0098] Since the eleventh coolant line 311, the first connecting line 361 and the twelfth coolant line 312 form a closed loop, the low-temperature refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 and the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 can exchange heat in the second heat exchanger 140, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300.

[0099] The cooled coolant can cool the hydrogen compression tank 500 through the first connecting line 361 and the coolant inlet line 520, and can also cool the metal stored in the tank 510.

[0100] When the first hydrogen valve 560 is opened, hydrogen can be introduced into the tank 510 through the hydrogen inlet pipeline 540.

[0101] Hydrogen introduced into tank 510 can be adsorbed onto the cooled metal, and hydrogen can be stored inside tank 510.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Describe the heating mode in detail. The heating mode may be a compression mode used to heat the metal hydride and compress the hydrogen gas inside the tank 510.

[0103] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 In heating mode, cooling valve 340 can be fluidly connected to eleventh coolant line 311 and to second connecting line 362, as well as to twenty-first coolant line 411 and first connecting line 361. Furthermore, first hydrogen valve 560 and second hydrogen valve 570 can be closed.

[0104] According to the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311, the second connecting line 362 and the thirteenth coolant line 313 can form a closed loop, while the twenty-first coolant line 411, the first connecting line 361 and the twenty-second coolant line 412 can form a closed loop.

[0105] Since the twenty-first coolant line 411, the first connecting line 361, and the twenty-second coolant line 412 form a closed loop, the low-temperature refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 200 and the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400 can exchange heat in the third heat exchanger 230, thereby increasing the temperature of the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400.

[0106] The heated coolant can heat the hydrogen compression tank 500 through the first connecting line 361 and the coolant inlet line 520, and can also heat the metal hydride stored in the tank 510. When the metal hydride is heated, hydrogen molecules can desorb from the metal hydride.

[0107] Since the first hydrogen valve 560 and the second hydrogen valve 570 are closed, the pressure of the hydrogen desorbed from the metal hydride in the hydrogen compression tank 500 can be gradually increased.

[0108] Furthermore, the low-temperature refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 and the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 can exchange heat in the second heat exchanger 140, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300. Since the eleventh coolant line 311, the second connecting line 362, and the thirteenth coolant line 313 form a closed loop, the low-temperature coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 will not be introduced into the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0109] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 9 Describe the emission mode in detail. The emission mode can be the emission of compressed hydrogen gas inside tank 510.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9In emission mode, the operation of cooling valve 340 is the same as in heating mode. However, in emission mode, the first hydrogen valve 560 can be closed and the second hydrogen valve 570 can be opened.

[0111] According to the operation of the cooling valve 340, the eleventh coolant line 311, the second connecting line 362 and the thirteenth coolant line 313 can form a closed loop, while the twenty-first coolant line 411, the first connecting line 361 and the twenty-second coolant line 412 can form a closed loop.

[0112] Since the twenty-first coolant line 411, the first connecting line 361, and the twenty-second coolant line 412 form a closed loop, the low-temperature refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 200 and the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400 can exchange heat in the third heat exchanger 230, thereby raising the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the second coolant circuit 400.

[0113] The heated coolant can heat the hydrogen compression tank 500 through the first connecting line 361 and the coolant inlet line 520, and can also heat the metal hydride stored in the tank 510. When the metal hydride is heated, hydrogen molecules can desorb from the metal hydride.

[0114] Since the first hydrogen valve 560 is closed and the second hydrogen valve 570 is open, the hydrogen compressed in the hydrogen compression tank 500 can be discharged to the outside through the hydrogen discharge line 550.

[0115] Furthermore, the low-temperature refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 100 and the refrigerant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 can exchange heat in the second heat exchanger 140, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300. Since the eleventh coolant line 311, the second connecting line 362, and the thirteenth coolant line 313 form a closed loop, the low-temperature coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 300 will not be introduced into the hydrogen compression tank 500.

[0116] The hydrogen supply system according to the embodiment can minimize power consumption and reduce maintenance costs by storing and compressing hydrogen according to the temperature changes of the metal hydride.

[0117] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of this disclosure, and the accompanying drawings. These modifications fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0118] <Symbol Explanation>

[0119] 100: First refrigerant circuit

[0120] 110: First refrigerant pipeline

[0121] 120: First heat exchanger

[0122] 130: First compressor

[0123] 140: Second heat exchanger

[0124] 150: First expansion valve

[0125] 200: Second refrigerant circuit

[0126] 210: Second refrigerant line

[0127] 220: Second compressor

[0128] 230: Third heat exchanger

[0129] 240: Second expansion valve

[0130] 300: First coolant circuit

[0131] 310: First coolant line

[0132] 311: Eleventh Coolant Line

[0133] 312: Twelfth Coolant Line

[0134] 313: Thirteenth Coolant Line

[0135] 320: First coolant pump

[0136] 330: Radiator

[0137] 340: Cooling valve

[0138] 361: First connecting pipeline

[0139] 362: Second connecting pipeline

[0140] 400: Second coolant circuit

[0141] 410: Second coolant line

[0142] 411: Twenty-first coolant line

[0143] 412: Twenty-second coolant pipeline

[0144] 413: Twenty-third Coolant Line

[0145] 420: Second coolant pump

[0146] 500: Hydrogen compression tank

[0147] 510: Tank

[0148] 520: Coolant inlet line

[0149] 530: Coolant drain line

[0150] 540: Hydrogen inlet pipeline

[0151] 550: Hydrogen emission pipeline

[0152] 560: First Hydrogen Valve

[0153] 570: Second hydrogen valve

Claims

1. A hydrogen supply system, comprising: The first refrigerant circuit includes: The refrigerant circulates along the first refrigerant line; and A first heat exchanger, a first compressor, a second heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve are sequentially arranged on the first refrigerant pipeline; The second refrigerant circuit includes: The refrigerant circulates along the second refrigerant line; and A second heat exchanger, a second compressor, a third heat exchanger, and a second expansion valve are sequentially arranged on the second refrigerant pipeline; and The coolant circuit includes: A coolant line, along which coolant selectively exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit; and A hydrogen compression tank, which is located on the coolant line and configured to store metal hydrides. Hydrogen is stored and compressed in the hydrogen compression tank by means of metal, based on the temperature change of the coolant circulating in the coolant pipeline.

2. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The coolant circuit includes: The first coolant circuit includes: A first coolant line, through which coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit circulates; and A connecting line is provided for selectively connecting to the first coolant line, and the hydrogen compression tank is disposed on the connecting line; The second coolant circuit includes: The second coolant line is used for the circulation of coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit. The connecting line is selectively connected to the second coolant line, and the hydrogen compression tank is disposed on the connecting line; and A cooling valve, which is installed on the connecting line, is configured to selectively supply coolant circulating in the first coolant line and coolant circulating in the second coolant line to the hydrogen compression tank.

3. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 2, wherein, The cooling valve is a four-way valve.

4. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 2, wherein, The first coolant line includes: The eleventh coolant line is equipped with the first coolant pump and the first heat exchanger. A first connecting line is selectively and fluidly connected to the eleventh coolant line, and the hydrogen compression tank is disposed on the first connecting line; A second connecting line is selectively and fluidly connected to the eleventh coolant line, and a radiator is provided on the second connecting line. A twelfth coolant line, which is selectively and fluidly connected to the first connection line; and The thirteenth coolant line is selectively and fluidly connected to the second connection line.

5. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 4, wherein, The second coolant pipeline includes: The 21st coolant pipeline is equipped with the second coolant pump and the third heat exchanger. The first connecting line is selectively and fluidly connected to the twenty-first coolant line, and the hydrogen compression tank is disposed on the first connecting line; The second connecting line is selectively and fluidly connected to the 21st coolant line, and the radiator is disposed on the second connecting line; A twenty-second coolant line, which is selectively and fluidly connected to the first connection line; and The 23rd coolant line is selectively and fluidly connected to the second connection line.

6. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 5, wherein, The cooling valve is installed at the junction of the first connecting pipeline, the second connecting pipeline, the eleventh coolant pipeline, and the twenty-first coolant pipeline.

7. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 6, wherein, The hydrogen compression tank includes: A tank, configured to contain the metal hydride; A coolant inlet line, which is selectively and fluidly connected to the second connection line; A coolant discharge line, which is selectively and fluidly connected to the first connection line; A hydrogen inlet line configured to supply hydrogen to the tank, and a first hydrogen valve is provided on the hydrogen inlet line; and A hydrogen emission line is configured to emit hydrogen desorbed from the metal hydride, and a second hydrogen valve is provided on the hydrogen emission line.

8. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 6, wherein, Based on the operation of the cooling valve, the first hydrogen valve, and the second hydrogen valve, the hydrogen supply system is configured to operate in one of the following modes: Cooling mode, used to cool the metal in the hydrogen compression tank; An adsorption mode for adsorbing hydrogen onto the metal in the hydrogen compression tank; Heating mode for heating the metal hydride in the hydrogen compression tank; and Discharge mode for discharging hydrogen compressed in the hydrogen compression tank.

9. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 8, wherein, In the cooling mode: The cooling valve is configured to fluidly connect the eleventh coolant line and the first connecting line, and is also configured to fluidly connect the twenty-first coolant line and the second connecting line; and The first hydrogen valve and the second hydrogen valve are closed.

10. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 8, wherein, In the adsorption mode: The cooling valve is configured to fluidly connect the eleventh coolant line and the first connecting line, and is also configured to fluidly connect the twenty-first coolant line and the second connecting line. The first hydrogen valve is opened; and The second hydrogen valve was closed.

11. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 8, wherein, In the heating mode: The cooling valve is configured to fluidly connect the eleventh coolant line and the second connecting line, and is also configured to fluidly connect the twenty-first coolant line and the first connecting line; and The first hydrogen valve and the second hydrogen valve are closed.

12. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 8, wherein, Under the emission mode: The cooling valve is configured to fluidly connect the eleventh coolant line and the second connecting line, and is also configured to fluidly connect the twenty-first coolant line and the first connecting line; The first hydrogen valve was closed; and The second hydrogen valve is opened.

13. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 9, wherein, In the cooling mode: The eleventh coolant pipeline, the first connecting pipeline, and the twelfth coolant pipeline form a first closed loop; and The 21st coolant pipeline, the 2nd connecting pipeline, and the 23rd coolant pipeline form a second closed loop.

14. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 10, wherein, In the adsorption mode: The eleventh coolant pipeline, the first connecting pipeline, and the twelfth coolant pipeline form a first closed loop; and The 21st coolant pipeline, the 2nd connecting pipeline, and the 23rd coolant pipeline form a second closed loop.

15. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 11, wherein, In the heating mode: The eleventh coolant pipeline, the second connecting pipeline, and the thirteenth coolant pipeline form a first closed loop; and The 21st coolant pipeline, the first connecting pipeline, and the 22nd coolant pipeline form a second closed loop.

16. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 12, wherein, Under the emission mode: The eleventh coolant pipeline, the second connecting pipeline, and the thirteenth coolant pipeline form a first closed loop; and The 21st coolant pipeline, the first connecting pipeline, and the 22nd coolant pipeline form a second closed loop.

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