Metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device
By using the fuel cell tail exhaust gas to heat the metal hydrogen storage tank in the metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device, and combining the vortex device and proportional adjustment device, the problem of inaccurate temperature control is solved, efficient storage and release of hydrogen is achieved, and the system energy efficiency and safety is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421920504.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-08
AI Technical Summary
The existing metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted devices are not accurate enough in temperature control, resulting in low hydrogen storage and release efficiency, and failure to effectively utilize the waste heat in the fuel cell tail exhaust gas, causing energy waste and affecting the system energy efficiency.
A metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device is designed, using the fuel cell tail exhaust gas as a heat source to heat the metal hydrogen storage tank through the hot and cold conduction pipe, combining the vortex device and the proportional adjustment device to accurately control the temperature, realize efficient adsorption and desorption of hydrogen, use the vortex device to improve the efficiency of heat energy utilization, and control the flow direction of the cooling or heating medium by switching valves to ensure the accuracy of temperature management.
It improves the efficiency of hydrogen storage and release, reduces safety risks, improves the overall energy efficiency of the system, and realizes dynamic temperature management and efficient thermal energy utilization.
Smart Images

Figure CN223137598U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrogen energy storage and application, and specifically relates to a metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device. Background Art
[0002] With the acceleration of global energy transformation, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy carrier, is gradually becoming an important part of the energy system. Among the many hydrogen energy applications, the on-board hydrogen energy system has shown great development potential in the field of transportation due to its zero emission and high efficiency. However, the storage and transportation of hydrogen is one of the key technical bottlenecks restricting the widespread application of hydrogen energy. Especially for on-board applications, how to achieve high-density and safe storage of hydrogen in a limited space while ensuring the rapid and stable release of hydrogen is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.
[0003] Traditional on-board hydrogen storage methods mainly include high-pressure gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen. High-pressure gaseous hydrogen is stored by compressing it to a pressure of about 700 bar, but this method has extremely high requirements for the strength and sealing of the container, and has the problem of low volume energy density. Liquid hydrogen needs to be stored at extremely low temperatures. Although it can greatly increase the volume energy density, the refrigeration and insulation costs are high, and there is a challenge of liquid hydrogen evaporation loss. In recent years, metal hydrogen storage technology has attracted widespread attention due to its unique advantages. Metal hydrogen storage refers to the chemical reaction of hydrogen with specific metals or alloys to form metal hydrides, thereby achieving high-density storage of hydrogen. Compared with high-pressure gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen, metal hydrogen storage has higher volume energy density, lower storage pressure and better safety. However, metal hydrogen storage technology also faces a series of technical challenges, such as the adsorption and desorption process of hydrogen is sensitive to temperature and requires precise temperature control; the thermal properties of metal hydrogen storage materials often limit the release rate of hydrogen; in addition, the particularity of the on-board environment requires that the metal hydrogen storage system must have a high degree of integration and reliability. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device, which aims to solve the problem that the existing devices in the prior art are often not precise enough in temperature control, resulting in low efficiency in hydrogen storage and release, and easily causing safety hazards. In the process of hydrogen release, the waste heat in the tail exhaust gas of the fuel cell is not effectively utilized, resulting in energy waste; at the same time, the heat source required to heat the metal hydrogen storage material is single, affecting the overall energy efficiency of the system.
[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides the following technical solutions:
[0006] Metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device, comprising:
[0007] Box;
[0008] A metal hydrogen storage tank, which is connected inside the box body;
[0009] A cold and heat transfer pipe, which is fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the box body, and the metal hydrogen storage tank is matched with the cold and heat transfer pipe;
[0010] A first four-way switching valve, which is connected to the upper end of the box body, and a cold end inlet and outlet are arranged at the lower end of the first four-way switching valve, and the cold end inlet and outlet are connected to the cold and heat transfer pipe;
[0011] A second four-way switching valve, which is connected to the upper end of the box body, and a hot end inlet and outlet are arranged at the lower end of the second four-way switching valve, and the hot end inlet and outlet are matched with the cold and heat transfer pipe.
[0012] As a preferred solution of the present utility model, an eddy current device is connected to the side end of the first four-way switching valve by bolt threading, and a proportional regulating device is connected to the upper end of the eddy current device.
[0013] As a preferred solution of the present utility model, a connecting pipe is connected between the eddy current device and the second four-way switching valve.
[0014] As a preferred solution of the present utility model, a temperature acquisition port is connected to the box body.
[0015] As a preferred solution of the present utility model, a heat dissipation substance is arranged inside the cold and heat transfer pipe.
[0016] As a preferred solution of the present utility model, adjusting switches are arranged on both the first four-way switching valve and the second four-way switching valve.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are:
[0018] 1. In this solution, when the fuel cell is operating, a large amount of heat energy is contained in its tail exhaust gas. These tail exhaust gases can be directly used as a heat source and introduced into the cold and heat transfer pipe through a specific pipeline to provide initial heating for the metal hydrogen storage tank and promote the hydrogen desorption process. This method makes full use of existing resources, without additional power consumption, and improves the overall energy efficiency of the system. On the basis of utilizing the heat of the fuel cell tail exhaust gas, the eddy current device further increases the heat required for hydrogen release. The eddy current device can convert the inflowing hot air flow into a more efficient and uniform heat energy distribution through the principle of fluid dynamics, thereby accelerating the heating rate of the metal hydrogen storage tank, shortening the hydrogen release time, and improving the response speed and efficiency of the device.
[0019] 2. In this solution, in hydrogen charging mode, in order to avoid overheating of the metal hydrogen storage tank, effective heat dissipation is required through the cold end inlet and outlet of the first four-way switching valve. At this time, switch the valve to cooling mode, connect the cold and heat transfer pipe to the external cooling source, and take away the excess heat released by the hydrogen storage tank through the circulating cooling medium to ensure the safety and stability of the hydrogen charging process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a first-perspective stereogram of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 It is a second perspective stereogram of the utility model;
[0023] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the utility model.
[0024] In the figure: 1. Box body; 2. Metal hydrogen storage tank; 3. First four-way switching valve; 4. Proportional adjustment device; 5. Eddy current device; 6. Second four-way switching valve; 7. Cold and heat transfer pipes; 8. Heat dissipation material; 9. Cold end inlet and outlet; 10. Hot end inlet and outlet; 11. Temperature collection port; 12. Connecting pipe; 13. Adjustment switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.
[0026] Example 1
[0027] See also Figures 1 - 3 , the utility model provides the following technical solutions:
[0028] Metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device, comprising:
[0029] Box 1;
[0030] A metal hydrogen storage tank 2, which is connected to the box body 1;
[0031] A heat transfer pipe 7, which is fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the box body 1, and the metal hydrogen storage tank 2 matches the heat transfer pipe 7;
[0032] The first four-way switching valve 3 is connected to the upper end of the box body 1. A cold end inlet / outlet 9 is provided at the lower end of the first four-way switching valve 3, and the cold end inlet / outlet 9 is connected to the cold and heat transfer pipe 7.
[0033] The second four-way switching valve 6 is connected to the upper end of the box body 1. A hot end inlet / outlet 10 is provided at the lower end of the second four-way switching valve 6, and the hot end inlet / outlet 10 is matched with the cold and heat transfer pipe 7.
[0034] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the box body 1 serves as the outer shell of the entire device, providing structural support and protection, ensuring that the internal components are protected from the external environment, and at the same time playing a certain degree of heat insulation role to help maintain the temperature stability inside the metal hydrogen storage tank. The metal hydrogen storage tank 2 is filled with a hydrogen storage alloy inside. When hydrogen comes into contact with the alloy, hydrogen atoms will be absorbed by the alloy lattice to form metal hydrides, thereby realizing the high-density storage of hydrogen. The matching design of the metal hydrogen storage tank and the cold and heat transfer pipe 7 can effectively utilize the external temperature change to promote the hydrogen adsorption and desorption process. The cold and heat transfer pipe 7 is fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the box body 1, and its design can effectively conduct heat. When hydrogen needs to be released, by heating the cold and heat transfer pipe, the internal temperature of the metal hydrogen storage tank can be increased to promote the desorption of hydrogen from the alloy; on the contrary, when hydrogen needs to be stored, cooling the cold and heat transfer pipe can reduce the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank to promote hydrogen adsorption. The first four-way switching valve 3 is connected to the upper end of the box body 1 and is connected to the cold and heat transfer pipe 7 through its cold end inlet / outlet 9. This valve is responsible for controlling the flow direction of the cooling medium in the cold and heat transfer pipe. When the metal hydrogen storage tank needs to be cooled to adsorb hydrogen, the first four-way switching valve introduces the cooling medium into the cold and heat transfer pipe. The second four-way switching valve 6 is also connected to the upper end of the box body 1, and its hot end inlet / outlet 10 is matched with the cold and heat transfer pipe 7, responsible for controlling the flow direction of the heat medium. When the metal hydrogen storage tank needs to be heated to release hydrogen, the second four-way switching valve introduces the heat medium into the cold and heat transfer pipe.
[0035] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 - 3 . A vortex device 5 is connected to the side end of the first four-way switching valve 3 by bolt threading, and a proportional regulating device 4 is connected to the upper end of the vortex device 5.
[0036] In this embodiment: The first four-way switching valve 3 is a key component of the control system. The four-way switching valve is bolted and threaded to the eddy current device 5 at its side end, which can accurately control the flow direction of fluids such as heating medium or cooling medium, ensuring temperature management during the hydrogen charging and discharging processes of the metal hydrogen storage tank 2. By switching the valve to different positions, heating or cooling of the heat transfer conduits 7 can be achieved, thereby controlling the temperature inside the metal hydrogen storage tank and promoting the adsorption or desorption of hydrogen. The eddy current device 5 is connected to the side end of the first four-way switching valve 3. Its design is based on the principles of fluid mechanics and can convert the incoming fluid such as the fuel cell tail gas into a more efficient and uniform heat energy distribution through a special eddy current effect. The eddy current device not only improves the utilization efficiency of heat energy but also accelerates the heating process of the metal hydrogen storage tank, thus accelerating the hydrogen release rate and improving the response speed of the device. The proportional adjustment device 4 is connected to the upper end of the eddy current device 5, and its function is to finely adjust the fluid flow rate flowing into the eddy current device. The proportional adjustment device can automatically adjust the fluid flow rate according to the actual temperature requirements of the metal hydrogen storage tank, thereby achieving precise control of the heating or cooling process, ensuring that hydrogen adsorption and desorption occur at the most suitable temperature, and improving the efficiency and safety of hydrogen storage and release.
[0037] For details, please refer to Figures 1 - 3 There is a connecting pipe 12 connected between the eddy current device 5 and the second four-way switching valve 6.
[0038] In this embodiment: The connecting pipe 12 serves as a channel for heat energy transmission, which can transport the optimized heat energy in the eddy current device 5 to the second four-way switching valve 6. Then, through the control of the second four-way switching valve, the heat energy is directed to the heat transfer conduits 7, ultimately heating the metal hydrogen storage tank 2 and promoting the hydrogen desorption process. Through the cooperation of the connecting pipe 12 and the second four-way switching valve 6, the heat energy transmission quantity and direction can be flexibly controlled according to the actual temperature requirements of the metal hydrogen storage tank. The second four-way switching valve can selectively open or close the connecting pipe according to system instructions to achieve precise management and distribution of heat energy. The design of the connecting pipe 12 not only realizes the physical connection between the eddy current device 5 and the second four-way switching valve 6 but also promotes the collaborative work among the components within the system, improving the integration and operation efficiency of the entire metal hydrogen storage vehicle device. The connecting pipe 12 is usually made of heat-insulating materials, which can minimize the heat energy loss during transmission, ensure that the heat energy generated in the eddy current device can be efficiently used for heating the metal hydrogen storage tank, and improve the energy utilization efficiency of the system.
[0039] For details, please refer to Figures 1 - 3 A temperature acquisition port 11 is connected to the box body 1.
[0040] In this embodiment: A temperature sensor is built into the temperature acquisition port 11, which can monitor the temperature changes inside and around the metal hydrogen storage tank 2 in real time. This is crucial for controlling the hydrogen adsorption and desorption processes. The temperature inside the metal hydrogen storage tank directly affects the hydrogen storage efficiency and release rate. Based on the data obtained through the temperature acquisition port, the system can ensure precise temperature regulation according to the actual temperature requirements. The temperature information collected by the temperature acquisition port 11 is fed back to the control system. Based on this data, the control system adjusts the heating or cooling state of the heat transfer conduit 7 through components such as the first four-way switching valve 3, the eddy current device 5, the proportional regulating device 4, and the second four-way switching valve 6 to achieve dynamic management of the temperature of the metal hydrogen storage tank.
[0041] For details, please refer to Figures 1 - 3 , and a heat dissipation substance 8 is provided inside the heat transfer conduit 7.
[0042] In this embodiment: The addition of the heat dissipation substance 8 can significantly improve the heat conduction performance of the heat transfer conduit 7. Generally, a liquid or phase change material with good thermal conductivity is selected as the heat dissipation substance, such as water, heat transfer oil, or certain phase change materials PCM. They can absorb or release a large amount of heat when the temperature changes, thereby accelerating the heating or cooling process of the metal hydrogen storage tank 2. The presence of the heat dissipation substance 8 helps to regulate the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the metal hydrogen storage tank, ensuring the uniformity of the tank temperature and avoiding local overheating or overcooling phenomena, which is very important for maintaining the performance of the metal hydrogen storage material and extending its service life. Especially when using a phase change material as the heat dissipation substance, they can absorb or release a large amount of latent heat during the phase change process, which not only improves the thermal energy storage efficiency but also can quickly release energy when needed, providing a stable heat source for heating the metal hydrogen storage tank. The combination of the heat dissipation substance 8 and the heat transfer conduit 7 optimizes the thermal management system of the entire metal hydrogen storage vehicle device, enabling components such as the first four-way switching valve 3, the eddy current device 5, and the second four-way switching valve 6 to work more efficiently and achieving precise control of the hydrogen adsorption and desorption processes.
[0043] For details, please refer to Figures 1 - 3 , and adjustment switches 13 are provided on both the first four-way switching valve 3 and the second four-way switching valve 6.
[0044] In this embodiment: The adjustment switch 13 allows the operator or the control system to manually or automatically change the fluid path of the first four-way switching valve 3 and the second four-way switching valve 6 according to actual needs. This means that it is possible to flexibly determine whether the fluid enters the heat transfer conduit 7 for heating or cooling or bypasses these components for bypass flow, thereby achieving precise control of the temperature of the metal hydrogen storage tank 2. Through the adjustment switch 13, the operator can instantaneously adjust the valve state according to the temperature requirements of the metal hydrogen storage tank, the hydrogen charging or discharging state, and the changes in external environmental conditions to ensure that the system operates in the optimal working mode.
[0045] Working principle and usage process of the present utility model: First, ensure that the metal hydrogen storage tank 2, the box body 1, the cold and heat transfer pipe 7, and all other components are in good condition without leakage or damage. Connect to the external system: Connect the device to the fuel cell system, the cooling system, and the heating system, ensuring that all interfaces are well-sealed and the pipelines are unobstructed. Set the temperature acquisition port 11 to confirm that the temperature acquisition port is connected to the control system and can monitor the temperature inside the metal hydrogen storage tank in real time. Connect the cold end inlet and outlet 9 to the cold and heat transfer pipe 7 through the adjustment switch 13 of the first four-way switching valve 3, and start the cooling system to reduce the metal hydrogen storage tank to a temperature suitable for hydrogen charging. Switch to the hydrogen charging mode through the adjustment switch 13 of the second four-way switching valve 6. At this time, the hot end inlet and outlet 10 will be disconnected from the cold and heat transfer pipe 7 to avoid heating affecting the hydrogen charging efficiency. Use the temperature acquisition port 11 to monitor the temperature of the metal hydrogen storage tank in real time to ensure stable temperature during the hydrogen charging process. Adjust the temperature through the first four-way switching valve 3 if necessary. Before hydrogen release is required, connect the hot end inlet and outlet 10 to the cold and heat transfer pipe 7 through the second four-way switching valve 6, and use the fuel cell tail gas or an external heat source to increase the heat energy through the eddy current device 5 and the proportional adjustment device 4 to heat the metal hydrogen storage tank to an appropriate temperature. Precisely control the heating amount through the eddy current device 5 and the proportional adjustment device 4 to ensure that hydrogen is released from the metal hydrogen storage tank at a safe and controllable speed. Continuously monitor the temperature and pressure of the metal hydrogen storage tank to ensure a smooth hydrogen release process. At the same time, pay attention to observing the operating state of the fuel cell system. After the hydrogen release is completed, cool it again through the first four-way switching valve 3 until the metal hydrogen storage tank reaches a safe temperature, and then disconnect the connection to the external system.
[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A metal hydride vehicle-mounted device, characterized in that, Comprising: A box body (1); A metal hydrogen storage tank (2), which is connected inside the box body (1); A cold and heat transfer pipe (7), which is fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the box body (1), and the metal hydrogen storage tank (2) is matched with the cold and heat transfer pipe (7); A first four-way switching valve (3), which is connected to the upper end of the box body (1), and a cold end inlet and outlet (9) is arranged at the lower end of the first four-way switching valve (3), and the cold end inlet and outlet (9) is connected to the cold and heat transfer pipe (7); A second four-way switching valve (6), which is connected to the upper end of the box body (1), and a hot end inlet and outlet (10) is arranged at the lower end of the second four-way switching valve (6), and the hot end inlet and outlet (10) is matched with the cold and heat transfer pipe (7).
2. The metal hydrogen storage vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein: A vortex device (5) is connected to the side end of the first four-way switching valve (3) by bolt threading, and a proportional regulating device (4) is connected to the upper end of the vortex device (5).
3. The metal hydride vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting pipe (12) is connected between the vortex device (5) and the second four-way switching valve (6).
4. The metal hydride vehicle-mounted device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A temperature acquisition port (11) is connected to the box body (1).
5. The metal hydride vehicle-mounted device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A heat dissipation substance (8) is arranged inside the cold and heat transfer pipe (7).
6. The metal hydride vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Adjusting switches (13) are arranged on both the first four-way switching valve (3) and the second four-way switching valve (6).