Hydrogen energy unmanned aerial vehicle hydrogen production device and use method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone and its usage method, comprising: a chassis, arranged in a layered compartmentalized manner to house various modules; a hydrogen production module, including a cabinet, a pure water preparation unit, a PEM electrolysis reaction unit, and a hydrogen purification unit; a compression module, including a pneumatic booster pump that compresses low-pressure hydrogen to high-pressure hydrogen; a storage module, including at least two high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders arranged side by side; a drone supply module, including a support frame with a built-in hydrogen supply cylinder; and a refueling module, including a refueling interface, which is a quick-release connector for connecting to the supply cylinder. This invention, by setting up an integrated hydrogen production and refueling device, integrates the entire process of hydrogen production, purification, compression, storage, and refueling into a single movable module, realizing on-site production and use of hydrogen energy. Furthermore, its highly modular and compact design facilitates transportation and on-site deployment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen energy production, and in particular to a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen-powered drones are drones that use hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen internal combustion engines to convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy to drive flight. Compared with traditional lithium battery drones, hydrogen-powered drones have significant advantages in endurance, payload capacity, environmental adaptability, and refueling speed, and are widely used in fields such as photovoltaic cleaning, wind power inspection, and forest fire fighting.

[0003] The existing technical problems are as follows: Current hydrogen refueling for hydrogen-powered drones has the following issues: First, the refueling model is singular and relies on infrastructure. Currently, the most traditional hydrogen refueling methods depend on fixed hydrogen refueling stations or high-pressure hydrogen cylinder transport. The former requires large infrastructure investment and has limited deployment, while the latter involves the transportation of high-pressure hazardous chemicals, which poses safety risks and has high logistics costs.

[0004] Second, off-site hydrogen production results in a lengthy supply chain. Currently, the production, compression, transportation, and refueling of hydrogen are separated, leading to a decrease in overall energy efficiency and making it impossible to achieve self-sufficiency in hydrogen sources at the work site.

[0005] Third, there is insufficient safety management. For small-scale, high-frequency drone hydrogen refueling scenarios, there is a lack of highly automated and integrated solutions to match them.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a hydrogen refueling device that can produce hydrogen on demand, refuel quickly, be easy to deploy and have a high degree of automation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a hydrogen production and refueling device for hydrogen-powered drones. The technical problem to be solved is that traditional hydrogen refueling processes suffer from inconvenience, poor flexibility, high cost, and high safety risks.

[0008] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone, comprising: The chassis is designed with layered compartments to house the various modules; The hydrogen production module includes a cabinet, a pure water preparation unit, a PEM electrolysis reaction unit, and a hydrogen purification unit, wherein the pure water preparation unit, the PEM electrolysis reaction unit, and the hydrogen purification unit are integrated into the cabinet from bottom to top; The compression module includes a pneumatic booster pump, which uses dry compressed air as a power source to compress low-pressure hydrogen into high-pressure hydrogen. The storage module includes at least two high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders arranged side by side, the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders being used to store compressed high-pressure hydrogen; The drone supply module includes a support frame, the support frame having a built-in supply cylinder for storing hydrogen. The refueling module includes a refueling interface, which is a quick-release connector used to connect to the gas supply cylinder.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: the upper compartment of the chassis has double doors and a quick-release top cover is provided on the top; the interior of the upper compartment of the chassis is used to accommodate the hydrogen production module and the storage module; and the quick-release top cover is disassembled to allow the hydrogen production module and the storage module to be hoisted and placed inside.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: the lower compartment of the chassis is a flip-down door, the interior of which is used to accommodate the compression module, the refueling module and the UAV supply module, the flip-down door touches the ground after flipping, and the inner surface forms a ramp.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be further configured such that both ends of the lower compartment of the chassis are provided with blocks for blocking the compression module and the UAV gas cylinder module.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: the lower end of the chassis has recessed grooves on both the left and right sides, the grooves being used to embed the rear wheel arch space of the pickup truck bed.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be further configured such that: a telescopic support foot is slidably connected to the lower end of the chassis in the front-back direction, and the lower end of the support foot abuts against the ground.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that multiple high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders are connected in parallel.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for using a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone. The technical problem to be solved is that traditional hydrogen refueling processes suffer from inconvenience, poor flexibility, high cost, and significant safety risks.

[0016] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a method for using a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone, comprising the following steps: S1, Pure Water Preparation: First, municipal tap water is introduced into the raw water tank, then filtered through sand, carbon, and softening filters. An anti-viscosity agent is added, and the water passes through a precision filter and RO reverse osmosis system before being stored in an intermediate water tank. The water in the intermediate tank then passes through a conductivity meter and an electronic deionization device, and the pure water is stored in an ultrapure water tank while wastewater is discharged. Finally, the water in the ultrapure water tank is sterilized with ultraviolet light to obtain the final product, deionized water, which is then used to proceed to the next stage. S2, Electrolysis reaction: Deionized water from the ultrapure water tank is injected into the pure water tank. The deionized water is then filtered and tested for water quality. Unqualified deionized water is discharged, while qualified deionized water is electrolyzed in a PEM electrolysis cell. The hydrogen produced by electrolysis is cooled by an air-cooled heat exchanger before proceeding to the next stage. Incompletely electrolyzed deionized water is returned to the pure water tank for further electrolysis, while oxygen is discharged. S3, hydrogen purification, hydrogen is passed through a gas-liquid separator, wastewater is collected in a water seal tank and then discharged, while hydrogen is passed through a drying tower for deep drying, and then the dried finished hydrogen is output to the next node. S4, Hydrogen Compression: The finished hydrogen is introduced into the buffer tank, while an air compressor is used to draw in outside air, cool and dry the air, and compress the finished hydrogen using compressed air, so that the compressed hydrogen is output to the next node. S5, hydrogen storage, storing compressed air in high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders connected in parallel; S6, Hydrogen Refilling: Secure the quick connector to the supply cylinder on the drone's supply module to refill the supply cylinder.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that, in step S2, a stream of deionized water in the pure water tank passes sequentially through an air-cooled heat exchanger, a resin tank, and a pre-filter before flowing back into the pure water tank, thereby achieving cooling of the PEM electrolysis cell.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that, in step S3, the finished hydrogen gas after passing through the drying tower is divided into three paths: the first path of finished hydrogen gas is transported to the next node after passing through the back pressure valve and the pressure reducing valve; the second path is discharged after passing through the venting solenoid valve; and the third path is discharged after passing through the leak detector and the pressure reducing valve, for hydrogen gas sampling and detection.

[0019] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By setting up an integrated hydrogen production and refueling unit, the entire process of hydrogen production, purification, compression, storage, and refueling is integrated into a single mobile module, realizing on-site production and use of hydrogen energy. Furthermore, it adopts a highly modular and compact design, which facilitates transportation and on-site deployment. 2. By integrating the complete micro hydrogen production and refueling chain into a mobile platform, the compact size allows it to be transported directly to the work site by pickup truck, completely eliminating the dependence on fixed hydrogen refueling infrastructure and greatly expanding the operating range of hydrogen-powered drones; 3. By converting hydropower input into a complete supply chain for high-pressure hydrogen output, the risks and costs of long-distance transportation of high-pressure hydrogen are avoided, and the barriers to hydrogen source acquisition are lowered; 4. By designing a multi-compartment chassis, both transport stability and maintenance convenience are ensured, reducing safety risks caused by human error. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of Example 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of Embodiment 1 in its unfolded state; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure in the unfolded state of Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the support leg in Embodiment 1; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen production module in Example 1; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the compression module in Example 1; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the storage module in Embodiment 1; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the UAV supply module and refueling module in Embodiment 1; Figure 9 This is a flowchart of Example 2; Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of the pure water preparation unit in Example 2; Figure 11 This is a schematic flow diagram of the PEM electrolysis reaction unit in Example 2; Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of the hydrogen purification unit in Example 2; Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the compression module of Example 2; Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the storage module of Embodiment 2; Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the drone supply module and refueling module of Embodiment 2.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1. Chassis; 11. Double door; 12. Quick-release top cover; 13. Flip-down door; 14. Stop; 15. Groove; 16. Support foot; 2. Hydrogen production module; 21. Cabinet; 22. Pure water preparation unit; 23. PEM electrolysis reaction unit; 24. Hydrogen purification unit; 3. Compression module; 31. Pneumatic booster pump; 4. Storage module; 41. High-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder; 5. UAV supply module; 51. Support frame; 52. Supply cylinder; 6. Refueling module; 61. Refueling interface. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Example 1: like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone includes a chassis 1, a hydrogen production module 2, a compression module 3, a storage module 4, a drone supply module 5, and a refueling module 6.

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the chassis 1 is arranged in a layered compartmentalized manner to accommodate various modules. The upper compartment of chassis 1 has double doors 11 and is used to accommodate the hydrogen production module 2 and the storage module 4. The top of chassis 1 is equipped with a quick-release top cover 12, which is fixed to chassis 1 by wing bolts at the four corners. The quick-release top cover 12 is removed to allow the hydrogen production module 2 and the storage module 4 to be hoisted and placed inside.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the lower compartment of the chassis 1 is a flip-down door 13, which houses the compression module 3, the refueling module 6, and the drone supply module 5. After flipping down, the flip-down door 13 touches the ground, and its inner surface forms a ramp, allowing for direct manual handling and facilitating the installation and removal of the compression module 3 and the drone supply module 5.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, both ends of the lower compartment of the chassis 1 are equipped with flip-up blocks 14 to block the compression module 3 and the drone gas cylinder module, so as to achieve the snap-fit ​​fixation of the compression module 3 and the drone supply module 5, thereby increasing the stability of the two during transportation. At the same time, after the flip-down door 13 is opened, the compression module 3 and the drone supply module 5 will not slide out, thereby increasing the stability of the compression module 3 and the drone supply module 5.

[0027] Therefore, by setting up a multi-compartment design for the chassis 1, both transportation stability and maintenance convenience are taken into account, and the safety risks caused by human error are reduced.

[0028] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the chassis 1 has recessed grooves 15 on both the left and right sides. The grooves 15 are for the rear wheel hump of the pickup truck to be embedded in, avoiding interference with the rear wheel hump. This allows the entire hydrogen production and refueling device to be placed directly on the pickup truck and transported to the work site by the pickup truck, completely eliminating the dependence on fixed hydrogen refueling infrastructure and greatly expanding the operating range of hydrogen-powered drones.

[0029] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a telescopic support leg 16 is slidably connected to the lower end of the casing 1 in the front-back direction, with the lower end of the support leg 16 touching the ground. Therefore, when the hydrogen production and refueling unit is transported, the support leg 16 can be stored in the recess of the casing 1. When the unit is placed on the ground, the support leg 16 can be pulled out to enhance the stability of the unit.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the hydrogen production module 2 includes a cabinet 21, a pure water preparation unit 22, a PEM electrolysis reaction unit 23, and a hydrogen purification unit 24. The pure water preparation unit 22, the PEM electrolysis reaction unit 23, and the hydrogen purification unit 24 are integrated in the cabinet 21 from bottom to top.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the pure water preparation unit 22 treats tap water into deionized water, i.e., "pure water", which is stored in a pure water tank as a raw material for electrolysis.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the PEM electrolysis reaction unit 23 is the core part, which adopts a PEM electrolysis cell. The electrolysis power supply provides direct current to the electrolysis reaction. The current flows from the anode to the cathode through the external circuit, driving water molecules to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of the electric field.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the hydrogen purification unit 24 removes moisture from the finished hydrogen gas through a gas-liquid separator and a condenser, and then enters a drying tower for further purification to achieve the production of pure hydrogen gas.

[0034] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the compression module 3 includes a pneumatic booster pump 31, which uses dry compressed air as a power source to compress low-pressure hydrogen into high-pressure hydrogen. The storage module 4 includes at least two high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders 41 connected in parallel, which are used to store the compressed high-pressure hydrogen.

[0035] like Figure 8 As shown, the drone supply module 5 includes a support frame 51, which houses a hydrogen supply cylinder 52. The refueling module 6 includes a refueling interface 61, which is a quick-release connector used to connect to the supply cylinder 52.

[0036] Therefore, by setting up an integrated hydrogen production and refueling unit, the entire process of hydrogen production, purification, compression, storage, and refueling is integrated into a single mobile module, realizing on-site production and use of hydrogen energy. Furthermore, the highly modular and compact design facilitates transportation and on-site deployment.

[0037] By converting hydropower input into high-pressure hydrogen output, a complete supply chain is established, avoiding the risks and costs of long-distance transportation of high-pressure hydrogen and lowering the barrier to hydrogen source acquisition. Simultaneously, the entire miniature hydrogen production and refueling chain is integrated into a compact mobile platform that can be directly transported to the work site by pickup truck, completely eliminating reliance on fixed hydrogen refueling infrastructure and significantly expanding the operational range of hydrogen-powered drones.

[0038] Example 2: like Figures 9-15 As shown, a method for using a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone includes the following steps: S1, pure water preparation, firstly, municipal tap water is introduced into the raw water tank, then after sand filtration, carbon filtration and softening filtration, an anti-viscosity agent is added, and then it passes through a precision filter and RO reverse osmosis in sequence before being stored in an intermediate water tank.

[0039] The water in the intermediate tank then passes through a conductivity meter and an electronic deionization device, and the pure water is stored in an ultrapure water tank, while the wastewater is discharged.

[0040] Finally, the water in the ultrapure water tank is sterilized by ultraviolet light to obtain the final product, deionized water, which then proceeds to the next stage.

[0041] S2, electrolysis reaction: Deionized water from the ultrapure water tank is injected into the pure water tank. Then, one of the deionized water streams is filtered and its water quality is tested. Unqualified deionized water is discharged, while qualified deionized water is electrolyzed in a PEM electrolysis cell.

[0042] After electrolysis, the hydrogen gas is cooled by an air-cooled heat exchanger and then flows to the next node. The deionized water that is not fully electrolyzed flows back to the pure water tank for further electrolysis, while oxygen is discharged.

[0043] Another stream of deionized water passes through an air-cooled heat exchanger, a resin tank, and a pre-filter before flowing back into the pure water tank, thus cooling the PEM electrolyzer.

[0044] S3, hydrogen purification, hydrogen is passed through a gas-liquid separator, wastewater is collected in a water seal tank and then discharged, while hydrogen is passed through a drying tower for deep drying, and then the dried finished hydrogen is output to the next node.

[0045] During this process, the finished hydrogen gas after passing through the drying tower is divided into three paths. The first path of finished hydrogen gas is transported to the next node after passing through the back pressure valve and the pressure reducing valve. The second path is discharged after passing through the venting solenoid valve. The third path is discharged after passing through the leak tester and the pressure reducing valve, and is used for hydrogen gas sampling and testing.

[0046] S4, Hydrogen Compression: The finished hydrogen gas is introduced into the buffer tank, while an air compressor is used to draw in outside air, cool and dry the air, and then use compressed air to compress the finished hydrogen gas, so that the compressed hydrogen gas is output to the next node.

[0047] S5, Hydrogen storage, storing compressed air in a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 41 connected in parallel.

[0048] S6, Hydrogen refueling: Fix the quick connector to the supply cylinder 52 on the UAV supply module 5 to fill the supply cylinder 52.

[0049] The specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to these embodiments without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone, characterized in that: include: The chassis (1) is arranged in a layered compartmentalized manner and is used to accommodate various modules; The hydrogen production module (2) includes a cabinet (21), a pure water preparation unit (22), a PEM electrolysis reaction unit (23) and a hydrogen purification unit (24), wherein the pure water preparation unit (22), the PEM electrolysis reaction unit (23) and the hydrogen purification unit (24) are integrated in the cabinet (21) from bottom to top; The compression module (3) includes a pneumatic booster pump (31), which uses dry compressed air as a power source to compress low-pressure hydrogen into high-pressure hydrogen. The storage module (4) includes at least two high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders (41) arranged side by side, the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders (41) being used to store compressed high-pressure hydrogen; The drone supply module (5) includes a support frame (51) with a hydrogen supply cylinder (52) built into the support frame (51). The filling module (6) includes a filling interface (61), which is a quick-release connector for connecting the gas supply cylinder (52).

2. The hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper compartment of the chassis (1) has double doors (11) and a quick-release top cover (12) on the top. The interior of the upper compartment of the chassis (1) is used to accommodate the hydrogen production module (2) and the storage module (4). The quick-release top cover (12) is removed to allow the hydrogen production module (2) and the storage module (4) to be hoisted and placed inside.

3. The hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower compartment of the chassis (1) is a flip-down door (13), which is used to house the compression module (3), the refueling module (6) and the UAV supply module (5). After the flip-down door (13) flips over, it touches the ground and forms a ramp on its inner surface.

4. The hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both ends of the lower compartment of the chassis (1) are provided with blocks (14) for blocking the compression module (3) and the UAV gas cylinder module.

5. The hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the chassis (1) has recessed grooves (15) on both the left and right sides, which are used to embed the rear wheel bulge of the pickup truck bed.

6. The hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower end of the chassis (1) is slidably connected to a telescopic support foot (16) in the front-back direction, and the lower end of the support foot (16) touches the ground.

7. The hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders (41) are connected in parallel.

8. A method of using a hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1, Pure Water Preparation: First, municipal tap water is introduced into the raw water tank, then filtered through sand, carbon, and softening filters. An anti-viscosity agent is added, and the water passes through a precision filter and RO reverse osmosis system before being stored in an intermediate water tank. The water in the intermediate tank then passes through a conductivity meter and an electronic deionization device, and the pure water is stored in an ultrapure water tank while wastewater is discharged. Finally, the water in the ultrapure water tank is sterilized with ultraviolet light to obtain the final product, deionized water, which is then used to proceed to the next stage. S2, Electrolysis reaction: Deionized water from the ultrapure water tank is injected into the pure water tank. The deionized water is then filtered and tested for water quality. Unqualified deionized water is discharged, while qualified deionized water is electrolyzed in a PEM electrolysis cell. The hydrogen produced by electrolysis is cooled by an air-cooled heat exchanger before proceeding to the next stage. Incompletely electrolyzed deionized water is returned to the pure water tank for further electrolysis, while oxygen is discharged. S3, hydrogen purification, hydrogen is passed through a gas-liquid separator, wastewater is collected in a water seal tank and then discharged, while hydrogen is passed through a drying tower for deep drying, and then the dried finished hydrogen is output to the next node. S4, Hydrogen Compression: The finished hydrogen is introduced into the buffer tank, while an air compressor is used to draw in outside air, cool and dry the air, and compress the finished hydrogen using compressed air, so that the compressed hydrogen is output to the next node. S5, hydrogen storage, storing compressed air in a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder (41) connected in parallel; S6, Hydrogen refueling: Fix the quick connector to the supply cylinder (52) on the UAV supply module (5) to fill the supply cylinder (52).

9. The method of using the hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step S2, a stream of deionized water in the pure water tank passes sequentially through the air-cooled heat exchanger, the resin tank, and the pre-filter before flowing back into the pure water tank, thereby cooling the PEM electrolyzer.

10. The method of using the hydrogen production and refueling device for a hydrogen-powered drone according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step S3, the finished hydrogen gas after passing through the drying tower is divided into three paths. The first path of finished hydrogen gas is transported to the next node after passing through the back pressure valve and the pressure reducing valve. The second path is discharged after passing through the venting solenoid valve. The third path is discharged after passing through the leak tester and the pressure reducing valve, and is used for hydrogen gas sampling and testing.

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