Hydrogen energy-based prefabricated modular data center energy comprehensive utilization method and device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of clean energy, and particularly provides a prefabricated modular data center energy comprehensive utilization method and device based on hydrogen energy, which is uniformly controlled by a central energy management system; hydrogen is released through a solid hydrogen storage unit, heated through waste heat of a medium-temperature loop of a heat management module, then enters a hydrogen fuel cell unit, direct-current electricity is generated through electrochemical reaction, and stable alternating-current electricity is output after inversion, load requirements of prefabricated data center IT modules are preferentially met, extra oxygen is collected and purified by an oxygen collection module, water vapor generated through reaction is stored in a water storage tank after condensation, part of the water vapor is used for water supply of a humidification system of the prefabricated data center IT modules, and the other part is used for water supply of an absorption refrigerating machine; high-temperature tail gas discharged from the hydrogen fuel cell unit enters a tail gas power generation unit to generate electricity for the second time, after electricity generation, the tail gas temperature is reduced to 120-150 DEG C, and the tail gas is sent into a plate heat exchanger of the heat management module as a heat source. Compared with the prior art, the application can make the data center operate efficiently and with low carbon emission, and resources can be recycled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clean energy technology, specifically providing a method and apparatus for the comprehensive utilization of energy in prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, the volume of global data is surging, making the demand for data centers increasingly urgent. Traditional data centers have long construction cycles (typically 18-24 months), high energy consumption, large carbon emissions, and rely on a single energy utilization method. Although there are attempts to power data centers using clean energy sources such as hydrogen and solar power, these systems often have the following limitations: (1) Low integration: Power generation, cooling and heating systems are mostly assembled on site, with complex interfaces between subsystems, making it difficult to optimize coordination efficiency and occupying a large area.

[0003] (2) Inflexible deployment: unable to adapt to the needs of rapid business deployment or elastic capacity expansion.

[0004] (3) Insufficient energy utilization: The energy has not been refined and integrated in stages. For example, the recycling rate of waste heat generated by hydrogen power generation, by-product oxygen, and heat dissipation of data centers is low.

[0005] (4) Limited application scenarios: Traditional systems are difficult to deploy in remote areas or in scenarios with weak energy infrastructure.

[0006] (5) Insufficient resource recycling: Existing hydrogen energy systems ignore the oxygen byproducts generated by fuel cells and directly emit them, resulting in resource waste; solid hydrogen storage equipment relies on external energy for heating, increasing system energy consumption; the water management system has low integration, which limits the flexibility of water replenishment function and energy efficiency optimization.

[0007] Prefabricated modular data centers are a construction model in which data center infrastructure (such as IT, power, air conditioning, etc.) are prefabricated and tested as standard modules in a factory, and then transported to the site for rapid assembly. It has advantages such as fast deployment, high quality, and easy scalability.

[0008] However, current mainstream prefabricated modular data centers still heavily rely on external power grids, and their energy supply systems themselves have not achieved modularization and deep greening. Therefore, deeply integrating hydrogen energy, a clean energy source, with the construction concept of prefabricated modular data centers, and proposing a comprehensive energy utilization method for prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy, has become the key to solving the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a highly practical method for the comprehensive utilization of energy in a prefabricated modular data center based on hydrogen energy.

[0010] A further technical objective of this invention is to provide a rationally designed, safe, and applicable prefabricated modular data center energy utilization device based on hydrogen energy.

[0011] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: A hydrogen-based prefabricated modular data center energy utilization method is uniformly managed by a central energy management system. First, hydrogen is released through a solid hydrogen storage unit, which is heated by the waste heat of the medium-temperature circuit of the thermal management module. Then, it enters the hydrogen fuel cell unit, where an electrochemical reaction generates direct current. After being inverted, a stable alternating current is output, which prioritizes meeting the load requirements of the prefabricated data center IT module. Excess oxygen from the reaction is collected and purified by an oxygen collection module. The water vapor generated by the reaction is condensed and stored in a water tank. Part of it is used to supply water to the humidification system of the prefabricated data center IT module through a smart valve, and the other part is used to make up for the water in the absorption chiller, thus achieving system water balance. The high-temperature exhaust gas emitted by the hydrogen fuel cell unit enters the exhaust gas power generation unit for secondary power generation, which can be used for self-consumption or grid connection. After power generation is completed, the exhaust gas temperature drops to 120-150℃ and is sent to the plate heat exchanger of the thermal management module as a heat source.

[0012] Furthermore, the plate heat exchanger receives the heat carried by the mixed exhaust gas of the energy supply module, and the generator of the absorption chiller is directly driven by the high-temperature heat medium on the primary side of the plate heat exchanger, enabling the unit to generate cooling capacity and provide continuous and stable cooling for the prefabricated data center IT module.

[0013] Furthermore, the thermal management module includes a high-temperature circuit, a medium-temperature circuit, and a low-temperature circuit; The high-temperature circuit is led out from the plate heat exchanger and connected to the absorption chiller, the heating circuit, and the heated domestic water circuit to form a circuit respectively; The medium-temperature circuit is drawn from the absorption chiller and connected to the heating circuit and the domestic hot water heating circuit, respectively. The low-temperature circuit is drawn from the heating circuit and connected to the domestic water heating circuit.

[0014] Furthermore, during winter operation, the medium-temperature circuit distributes heat to the park's heating system, utilizes the waste heat from the absorption chiller, and leverages energy cascade technology to meet the building's heating needs. If the heating demand increases, some of the heat from the high-temperature circuit will be distributed to the park's heating system.

[0015] Furthermore, during the summer and transitional seasons, when heating is not required, the thermal management module uses waste heat to drive the absorption chiller for refrigeration, and the low-temperature circuit continuously heats domestic water throughout the year to meet the living needs of the park. The low-temperature circuit can be opened simultaneously by introducing low-grade waste heat from the absorption chiller and heating system, or high-grade waste heat from the plate heat exchanger, or selectively opened according to actual conditions.

[0016] Furthermore, based on real-time monitoring of IT load, ambient temperature, and user heat demand data, the central energy management system prioritizes data center cooling and intelligently allocates waste heat for heating and hot water supply through a dynamic valve opening control algorithm.

[0017] Furthermore, when the central energy management system is in operation, when the IT load increases, the valve opening of the high-temperature circuit flowing to the absorption chiller is increased; when the heating demand increases in winter, the valve opening of the connection between the medium-temperature circuit and the heating system is adjusted to maximize the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0018] Furthermore, the power input interface and chilled water input interface in the prefabricated data center IT module both adopt plug-in interfaces that are compatible with the energy supply module and thermal management module.

[0019] A prefabricated modular data center energy utilization device based on hydrogen energy includes: at least one memory and at least one processor; The at least one memory is used to store a machine-readable program; The at least one processor is used to invoke the machine-readable program to execute a hydrogen-based prefabricated modular data center energy comprehensive utilization method.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the hydrogen-based prefabricated modular data center energy comprehensive utilization method and device of the present invention have the following outstanding advantages: (1) Deeply integrate the entire value chain of hydrogen energy “electricity-heat-cooling”, maximize the utilization of energy in stages, and achieve a comprehensive energy efficiency of over 90%, which is far higher than that of traditional systems.

[0021] (2) Using hydrogen energy as a primary energy source, there is no carbon emission throughout the entire process; at the same time, the comprehensive utilization of waste heat by-products results in significant environmental benefits.

[0022] (3) Due to its energy self-sufficiency, the system is particularly suitable for remote areas with weak grid coverage or high costs, as well as for mobile energy data center consortia for emergency disaster relief and field scientific research.

[0023] (4) The prefabricated modular design enables the energy center to be "plug and play", shortening the construction cycle of traditional energy stations from several months to several weeks, greatly improving the speed of data center launch. When the data center's IT load or energy demand increases, it can be easily expanded by simply adding the corresponding energy supply modules and thermal management modules, just like building blocks. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the comprehensive energy utilization method for prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the thermal management module in a hydrogen-based prefabricated modular data center energy comprehensive utilization method.

[0026] The markings in the attached diagram represent: 1. Energy supply module; 11. Hydrogen fuel cell unit; 12. Exhaust gas power generation unit; 13. Solid hydrogen storage unit; 2. Thermal management module; 21. Plate heat exchanger; 22. Absorption chiller; 23. High temperature circuit; 24. Medium temperature circuit; 25. Low temperature circuit; 3. Prefabricated data center IT module; 4. Oxygen collection module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] The following is a preferred embodiment: like Figure 1-2 As shown in this embodiment, the prefabricated modular data center energy utilization method based on hydrogen energy firstly ensures the cooling of the data center by using a dynamic valve opening control algorithm based on real-time monitoring of IT load, ambient temperature, and user heat demand data, and intelligently allocates waste heat for heating and hot water supply.

[0029] When IT load increases, increase the valve opening of the high-temperature circuit to the absorption chiller; when winter heating demand increases, adjust the valve opening of the medium-temperature circuit to the heating system, etc., to maximize the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0030] The specific steps are as follows: Hydrogen is released through a solid hydrogen storage unit (13), which is heated by the waste heat of the medium-temperature circuit (24) of the thermal management module (2) (the heating temperature is maintained at 50-80°C) to optimize the hydrogen release efficiency, and then enters the hydrogen fuel cell unit (11).

[0031] The electrochemical reaction generates direct current, which is then inverted to output stable alternating current. The power exceeding 800kW is prioritized to meet the load requirements of the data center IT module (3). Excess oxygen from the reaction is collected and purified by the oxygen collection module (4) (purity can reach over 90%). The purified oxygen can be stored or supplied to medical and industrial settings in the park. The water vapor generated by the reaction is condensed and stored in a water tank. Part of it is controlled by an intelligent valve to supply water to the humidification system of the prefabricated data center IT module (3), and the other part provides water to the absorption chiller (22) to achieve system water balance.

[0032] The high-temperature exhaust gas emitted from the hydrogen fuel cell (rich in unreacted hydrogen and water vapor, with a temperature of 150-200℃) enters the exhaust gas power generation unit (12) for secondary power generation, producing 50-100kW of electricity for self-consumption of the module or grid connection. After power generation is completed, the exhaust gas temperature drops to 120-150℃ and is sent as a heat source to the plate heat exchanger (21) of the thermal management module (2).

[0033] The plate heat exchanger (21) serves as the core distribution hub of the entire thermal management system. It receives the heat carried by the mixed exhaust gas from the energy supply module (1) (which is cooled to about 120-150°C after passing through the exhaust gas power generation unit). The generator of the absorption chiller (22) is directly driven by the high-temperature heat medium on the primary side of the plate heat exchanger (21), which enables the unit to generate cooling capacity and provide continuous and stable cooling for the prefabricated data center IT module (3). This replaces the traditional electric refrigeration compressor and has a significant energy-saving effect.

[0034] The thermal management module (2) also includes a high-temperature circuit (23), a medium-temperature circuit (24) and a low-temperature circuit (25). The high-temperature circuit is led out from the plate heat exchanger and connected to the absorption chiller, the heating circuit and the heating domestic water circuit respectively. The medium-temperature circuit is led out from the absorption chiller and connected to the heating circuit and the heating domestic water circuit respectively. The low-temperature circuit is led out from the heating circuit and connected to the heating domestic water circuit.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, during winter operation, heat is distributed to the heating system of the park through the medium temperature circuit (24), and the waste heat of the absorption chiller is used to utilize energy in a cascade manner to meet the heating needs of the building. If the heating demand increases, part of the heat from the high temperature circuit (23) can also be distributed to the heating system of the park at the same time.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, during the summer and transitional seasons, when heating is not required, the thermal management module mainly uses waste heat to drive the absorption chiller (22) for cooling. The low-temperature loop can continuously heat domestic water throughout the year to meet the hot water needs of the park's canteen, showers, etc. It can introduce low-grade waste heat from the absorption chiller and heating system, as well as high-grade waste heat from the plate heat exchanger (21). It can be turned on simultaneously, or one or several can be turned on selectively according to the actual situation. Its temperature and heat regulation range is wider, and the energy cascade utilization is more thorough.

[0037] Among them, the prefabricated data center IT module (3) is a standard data center container module. Its special feature is that the power input interface and the chilled water input interface both adopt quick-connect interface that matches the energy supply module (1) and the thermal management module (2), so as to achieve "plug and play".

[0038] Energy supply module 1 serves as the core power source, integrating a hydrogen fuel cell unit 11, a tail gas power generation unit 12, an oxygen collection module 4, and a solid hydrogen storage unit. The hydrogen fuel cell unit 11 converts hydrogen energy into electrical energy, while simultaneously producing water and oxygen. The oxygen collection module 4, connected to the exhaust port of the hydrogen fuel cell unit 11, collects and purifies oxygen byproducts for external use (such as medical or industrial applications). The solid hydrogen storage unit utilizes metal hydride materials, and its heating device is connected to the medium-temperature circuit 24 of the thermal management module 2, using system waste heat to maintain the optimal hydrogen release temperature (50-80℃) of the hydrogen storage material. The tail gas power generation unit 12 utilizes the high-temperature tail gas emitted from the fuel cell for secondary power generation.

[0039] The thermal management module 2 serves as the thermal energy dispatch center, comprising a high-temperature circuit 23, a medium-temperature circuit 24, and a low-temperature circuit 25. It integrates a plate heat exchanger 21, an absorption chiller 22, water pumps, valves, and piping. Its function is to receive waste heat from the energy supply module 1 and distribute it through the plate heat exchanger 21. Part of the heat drives the absorption chiller 22 for data center cooling, while the remaining heat is used for heating and domestic water heating. Part of the waste heat from the medium-temperature circuit 24 can be distributed to the heating device of the solid hydrogen storage unit. Water produced by the hydrogen fuel cell unit 11 is stored in a water tank and controlled by intelligent valves. Part of the water is used for the humidification system of the prefabricated data center IT module 3, and the remaining water provides makeup water for the absorption chiller 22, ensuring system water balance.

[0040] Energy supply module 1, thermal management module 2, prefabricated data center IT module 3, and oxygen collection module 4 are connected on-site via prefabricated quick-connect interfaces (power interface, cooling water interface, and heat transfer medium interface). The electricity generated by energy supply module 1 is directly transmitted to prefabricated data center IT module 3 via a quick-connect busbar to power its servers and other IT equipment. The high-temperature exhaust gas from energy supply module 1 drives a turbine to generate electricity, and the resulting heat transfer medium enters thermal management module 2. Within thermal management module 2, the heat first drives an absorption chiller 22 to produce chilled water, which is then piped to prefabricated data center IT module 3 for heat dissipation.

[0041] The residual heat after refrigeration is exchanged through plate heat exchanger 21 and used for the following two purposes: ① heating the auxiliary office area; ② heating domestic water. Water produced by the chemical reaction in energy supply module 1 is temporarily stored in a water tank and used to humidify the prefabricated data center IT module 3 and replenish water for absorption chiller 22.

[0042] All functional modules are standard container sizes, with internal equipment, piping, and wiring pre-installed and tested in the factory. On-site deployment only requires module placement, interface connection, and system commissioning, reducing the deployment cycle by more than 60%. The system is equipped with a unified thermal management and control system that dynamically optimizes energy allocation strategies based on data center load, outdoor ambient temperature, and user-side demand (heat and hot water) to achieve maximum overall system energy efficiency.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for comprehensive energy utilization in prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy, characterized in that, It is under the unified management and control of the central energy management system; First, hydrogen is released through a solid hydrogen storage unit, which is heated by the waste heat of the medium-temperature circuit of the thermal management module. Then, it enters the hydrogen fuel cell unit, where an electrochemical reaction generates direct current. After being inverted, a stable alternating current is output, which prioritizes meeting the load requirements of the prefabricated data center IT module. Excess oxygen from the reaction is collected and purified by an oxygen collection module. The water vapor generated by the reaction is condensed and stored in a water tank. Part of it is used to supply water to the humidification system of the prefabricated data center IT module through a smart valve, and the other part is used to make up for the water in the absorption chiller, thus achieving system water balance. The high-temperature exhaust gas emitted by the hydrogen fuel cell unit enters the exhaust gas power generation unit for secondary power generation, which can be used for self-consumption or grid connection. After power generation is completed, the exhaust gas temperature drops to 120-150℃ and is sent to the plate heat exchanger of the thermal management module as a heat source.

2. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate heat exchanger receives the heat carried by the mixed exhaust gas from the energy supply module. The generator of the absorption chiller is directly driven by the high-temperature heat medium on the primary side of the plate heat exchanger, enabling the unit to generate cooling capacity and provide continuous and stable cooling for the prefabricated data center IT module.

3. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management module includes a high-temperature circuit, a medium-temperature circuit, and a low-temperature circuit; The high-temperature circuit is led out from the plate heat exchanger and connected to the absorption chiller, the heating circuit, and the heated domestic water circuit to form a circuit respectively; The medium-temperature circuit is drawn from the absorption chiller and connected to the heating circuit and the domestic hot water heating circuit, respectively. The low-temperature circuit is drawn from the heating circuit and connected to the domestic water heating circuit.

4. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 3, characterized in that, During winter operation, the medium-temperature circuit distributes heat to the park's heating system, utilizes the waste heat from the absorption chiller, and leverages energy cascade technology to meet the building's heating needs. If the heating demand increases, some of the heat from the high-temperature circuit will be distributed to the park's heating system.

5. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the summer and transitional seasons, when heating is not required, the thermal management module uses waste heat to drive the absorption chiller for refrigeration, and the low-temperature circuit continuously heats domestic water throughout the year to meet the living needs of the park. The low-temperature circuit can be opened simultaneously by introducing low-grade waste heat from the absorption chiller and heating system, or high-grade waste heat from the plate heat exchanger, or selectively opened according to actual conditions.

6. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on real-time monitoring of IT load, ambient temperature, and user heat demand data, the central energy management system prioritizes data center cooling and intelligently allocates waste heat for heating and hot water supply through a dynamic valve opening control algorithm.

7. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the central energy management system is in operation, the valve opening of the high-temperature circuit to the absorption chiller is increased when the IT load increases; when the heating demand increases in winter, the valve opening of the connection between the medium-temperature circuit and the heating system is adjusted to maximize the overall energy efficiency of the system.

8. The method for comprehensive energy utilization of prefabricated modular data centers based on hydrogen energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power input interface and chilled water input interface in the prefabricated data center IT module both adopt plug-in interfaces that are compatible with the energy supply module and thermal management module.

9. A prefabricated modular data center energy comprehensive utilization device based on hydrogen energy, characterized in that, include: At least one memory and at least one processor; The at least one memory is used to store a machine-readable program; The at least one processor is configured to invoke the machine-readable program to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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