Hydrogen charging machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hydrogen charging machine. Comprising a shell, a cold water tank installed in the shell, a hydrogen storage tank installed in the cold water tank and used for storing hydrogen, an inflation assembly installed in the shell and used for filling the hydrogen storage tank with the hydrogen, and a cold water assembly installed in the shell and used for providing cooling liquid for the cold water tank. The reflux pump is installed in the shell and used for enabling the cooling liquid in the cold water tank to flow back into the cold water assembly; the inflation assembly comprises an air inlet pipe which is mounted in the shell and is communicated with the hydrogen storage tank, an air inlet valve mounted on the air inlet pipe, and an air inlet detection valve mounted on the air inlet pipe; the hydrogen storage tank is mounted in the cold water tank, heat emitted by the hydrogen storage tank is absorbed by cooling liquid in the cold water tank, and the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank can be maintained in a safe and stable range, so that the risks of hydrogen expansion and pressure increase caused by temperature rise are effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas processing equipment technology, and in particular to a hydrogen charging machine. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is a flammable and explosive gas, requiring extremely strict temperature and pressure control during storage. Traditional hydrogen storage methods may lack effective temperature control measures, leading to overheating of the storage tank due to changes in ambient temperature or heat buildup during the filling process. This can cause hydrogen expansion and increase the pressure inside the tank. When the pressure exceeds the tank's tolerance limit, serious safety accidents such as leaks or even explosions may occur. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a reliable hydrogen charging machine.

[0004] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A hydrogen filling machine includes a housing, a cold water tank installed inside the housing, a hydrogen storage tank installed inside the cold water tank for storing hydrogen, a filling assembly installed inside the housing for filling the hydrogen storage tank with hydrogen, a cooling water assembly installed inside the housing for providing coolant to the cold water tank, and a return pump installed inside the housing for returning the coolant from the cold water tank to the cooling water assembly; the filling assembly includes an inlet pipe installed inside the housing and communicating with the hydrogen storage tank, an inlet valve installed on the inlet pipe, and an inlet detection valve installed on the inlet pipe.

[0006] Furthermore, the inflation assembly also includes an air outlet pipe installed inside the housing and connected to the air inlet pipe, an air outlet valve installed on the air outlet pipe, and an air outlet detection valve installed on the air outlet pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, the cold water tank also includes a water inlet disposed on the cold water tank, and the cold water assembly is connected to the cold water tank through the water inlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the cold water tank also includes a water outlet located at the bottom of the cold water tank, and the reflux pump is connected to the cold water tank through the water outlet.

[0009] Furthermore, the hydrogen filling machine also includes a control component installed inside the housing, and the control component has a control operation window on the housing opposite to it.

[0010] Furthermore, the control assembly includes a control element installed inside the housing and an alarm element installed on the housing; the control element includes a control unit installed inside the housing, a display unit installed on the control unit, an inflation control valve installed on the control unit, and a cooling control valve installed on the control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the hydrogen filling machine also includes a cooling fan installed inside the housing. The cooling fan also includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is located towards the cold water tank, and the air inlet has an air intake channel relative to the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the cold water tank also includes an observation port located opposite the hydrogen storage tank and an observation window installed on the observation port.

[0013] Furthermore, there are multiple hydrogen storage tanks arranged side by side in the cold water tank. Each hydrogen storage tank includes a tank body and an inflation port. A fixing port is provided on the cold water tank opposite to the inflation port. The inflation port extends from one side of the fixing port. The hydrogen filling machine also includes a fixing plate installed on one side of the fixing port for connecting and fixing the multiple fixing ports.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] The hydrogen filling machine of this invention, by installing the hydrogen storage tank inside a cold water tank, utilizes the coolant in the cold water tank to absorb the heat emitted by the hydrogen storage tank, thus maintaining the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank within a safe and stable range. This effectively reduces the risk of hydrogen expansion and pressure increase caused by temperature rise, greatly improving the safety of hydrogen storage. The cold water assembly provides coolant to the cold water tank, and the reflux pump circulates the coolant between the cold water tank and the cold water assembly, forming a stable coolant circulation system. During the hydrogen filling process, this system continuously absorbs and removes the generated heat, ensuring that the internal temperature of the hydrogen filling machine remains within a suitable range. This guarantees the efficiency and safety of hydrogen filling, while also contributing to improving the quality of the filled hydrogen. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a hydrogen charging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hydrogen charging machine from another angle;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a hydrogen filling machine after the outer casing has been removed;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3An exploded view of the hydrogen filling machine from another angle after the outer casing has been removed;

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cold water tank of the hydrogen charging machine. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "vertical direction," "up," "down," and "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This invention provides a hydrogen filling machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising a housing 10, a cold water tank 20 installed inside the housing 10, a hydrogen storage tank 30 installed inside the cold water tank 20 for storing hydrogen, a filling assembly 40 installed inside the housing 10 for filling the hydrogen storage tank 30 with hydrogen, a cooling water assembly 50 installed inside the housing 10 for providing coolant to the cold water tank 20, and a return pump 60 installed inside the housing 10 for returning the coolant in the cold water tank 20 to the cooling water assembly 50. In this embodiment, the return pump 60 is connected to the cold water tank 20 and the cooling water assembly 50 respectively via pipes, and the cooling water assembly 50 is connected to the cold water tank 20 via pipes.

[0025] The working principle of this hydrogen filling machine is as follows: The hydrogen storage tank 30 is placed inside the cold water tank 20. The coolant in the cold water tank 20 can absorb and remove the heat generated by the hydrogen storage tank 30. Hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage tank 30 under certain pressure and temperature conditions. Due to the special properties of hydrogen, its temperature needs to be effectively controlled during storage to prevent hydrogen expansion due to excessive temperature, which could lead to excessive pressure inside the hydrogen storage tank 30 and other safety issues. The cold water tank 20 acts as a heat exchanger, exchanging heat with the hydrogen storage tank 30 through the coolant to maintain the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank 30 within a suitable range. The filling component 40 is located inside the outer shell 10. When hydrogen needs to be filled into the hydrogen storage tank 30, the filling component 40 is activated. During the filling process, hydrogen enters the hydrogen storage tank 30 under the action of pressure difference. At the same time, because the entire device has a temperature control system consisting of the cold water tank 20 and the cold water component 50, the temperature changes during the filling process can also be effectively controlled. The system controls the flow rate of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage tank 30. The coolant in the cold water tank 20 absorbs heat from the coolant supplied by the cold water assembly 50, ensuring the safety and stability of the filling process. After absorbing heat in the cold water tank 20, the coolant's temperature rises. The return pump 60 extracts the heated coolant from the cold water tank 20 and returns it to the cold water assembly 50 via a pipeline. In the cold water assembly 50, the coolant is cooled and restored to a lower temperature before being returned to the cold water tank 20. This cycle repeats continuously, forming a complete coolant circulation system that continuously provides cooling to the cold water tank 20, ensuring the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank 30 remains within a suitable range. The intake valve 42 on the intake pipe 41 precisely controls the flow rate of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage tank 30. The opening of the intake valve 42 can be adjusted according to actual needs, making the hydrogen filling process more precise. Combined with the intake detection valve 43, which monitors the hydrogen intake in real time, the hydrogen intake process can be controlled more accurately.

[0026] Compared to existing technologies, the hydrogen filling machine of this invention, by installing the hydrogen storage tank 30 inside the cold water tank 20, utilizes the coolant in the cold water tank 20 to absorb the heat emitted by the hydrogen storage tank 30, thus maintaining the temperature of the hydrogen storage tank 30 within a safe and stable range. This effectively reduces the risk of hydrogen expansion and pressure increase caused by temperature rise, greatly improving the safety of hydrogen storage. The cold water assembly 50 provides coolant to the cold water tank 20, and the return pump 60 circulates the coolant between the cold water tank 20 and the cold water assembly 50, forming a stable coolant circulation system. During the hydrogen filling process, this system continuously absorbs and removes the generated heat, ensuring the filling process is safe and stable. The internal temperature of the hydrogen generator remains within a suitable range, ensuring both efficiency and safety during hydrogen filling, while also contributing to improved hydrogen quality. The intake valve 42, installed on the intake pipe 41, precisely controls the flow rate of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage tank 30. By adjusting the opening of the intake valve 42, the hydrogen intake volume can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, such as the capacity of the hydrogen storage tank 30 and the required filling speed, making the filling process more precise. The intake detection valve 43 monitors the hydrogen intake in real time; it detects parameters such as hydrogen flow rate and pressure, and when used in conjunction with the intake valve 42, it enables more precise control of the hydrogen intake process.

[0027] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inflation assembly 40 also includes an air outlet pipe 44 installed inside the housing 10 and connected to the air inlet pipe 41, an air outlet valve 45 installed on the air outlet pipe 44, and an air outlet detection valve 46 installed on the air outlet pipe 44. The vent valve 45 is installed on the vent pipe 44 and is mainly used to control the discharge of hydrogen. During some operations of the hydrogen filling machine, such as equipment maintenance, repair, or when it is necessary to discharge residual hydrogen in the system, the vent valve 45 can accurately control the discharge flow rate of hydrogen. By adjusting the opening of the vent valve 45, hydrogen can be discharged slowly or quickly according to safety and operational requirements, avoiding safety hazards caused by excessively rapid hydrogen discharge, such as the generation of static sparks. The vent detection valve 46 can monitor the status of the discharged hydrogen in real time. It can detect various parameters such as hydrogen flow rate, pressure, and purity. In conjunction with the vent valve 45, it can more accurately control the hydrogen discharge process. For example, when it is necessary to completely empty the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank 30 for maintenance, the vent detection valve 46 can provide real-time feedback on the remaining amount of hydrogen. By adjusting the vent valve 45, it can ensure that the hydrogen is completely emptied.

[0028] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 5The cold water tank 20 also includes an inlet 21 disposed on the cold water tank 20, and the cold water assembly 50 is connected to the cold water tank 20 through the inlet 21. During the hydrogen charging process, the coolant in the cold water assembly 50 absorbs heat generated by the hydrogen storage tank 30 and the charging assembly 40 and heats up. The heated coolant then flows back to the cold water tank 20 through the inlet 21 for cooling. The cold water tank 20 can dissipate heat and cool the coolant, restoring it to a suitable temperature range. Then, the cold water assembly 50 transports the cooled coolant to the parts that need cooling, thus forming a stable coolant circulation system that continuously and effectively cools the key components of the hydrogen charging machine, ensuring the normal operation of the hydrogen charging machine. Through the design and arrangement of the inlet 21, the flow path and distribution of the coolant in the cold water tank 20 can be optimized, allowing the coolant to dissipate heat fully within the cold water tank 20. For example, a special inlet 21 structure or a flow guide device can be installed at the inlet 21 to allow the coolant to cool down more effectively. A more uniform flow is formed within the water tank 20, increasing the contact area between the coolant and the wall of the water tank 20, improving heat exchange efficiency, and thus enhancing the efficiency of the entire cooling system. The presence of the inlet 21 creates a connected loop between the water tank 20 and the cooling water assembly 50, which helps to balance the pressure within the system. When the coolant in the cooling water assembly 50 expands or contracts due to temperature changes or other factors, the water tank 20 can act as a buffer space, absorbing or replenishing the coolant through the inlet 21, thereby stabilizing the system pressure and preventing damage to the components of the hydrogen charging machine due to excessively high or low pressure.

[0029] The cold water tank 20 also includes an outlet 22 located at the bottom of the cold water tank 20, through which the return pump 60 is connected to the cold water tank 20. During the coolant circulation process, the coolant with higher temperature will naturally accumulate at the bottom of the cold water tank 20. Through the outlet 22 at the bottom, the return pump 60 can more effectively extract this heated coolant; it prioritizes sending the coolant with higher temperature that needs cooling back to the cooling water assembly 50 for cooling, thereby ensuring the high efficiency of the coolant circulation. The return pump 60, connected to the cold water tank 20 through the outlet 22, can establish a stable coolant return path. When the return pump 60 is working, it can precisely control the return speed and flow rate of the coolant, matching it with the coolant output of the cooling water assembly 50, so that the entire coolant circulation system can operate in an orderly manner. For example, the return pump 60 can adjust the return speed of the coolant according to the cooling capacity of the cooling water assembly 50 and the heat exchange efficiency of the cold water tank 20, ensuring that the coolant is circulated and used at a suitable temperature.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 4The hydrogen filling machine also includes a control component 70 installed inside the housing 10, with a control operation window 11 provided on the housing 10 opposite to the control component 70. By providing the control operation window 11, operators can conveniently perform various operations on the hydrogen filling machine without opening the housing 10; for example, starting or stopping the hydrogen filling process, adjusting the filling speed, and controlling the coolant circulation can all be done through the control operation window 11. This allows operators to easily monitor the operating status of the hydrogen filling machine, improving operational convenience. The interior of the hydrogen filling machine involves hydrogen storage and filling, which is a hazardous environment. The control operation window 11 isolates operators from potential hazards such as hydrogen and electrical equipment, reducing the opportunity for operators to directly contact hazardous components, thus ensuring operator safety. With the help of the control operation window 11, operators can observe the working status of the hydrogen filling machine in real time. The control component 70 can display various parameters of the equipment, such as the pressure of the hydrogen storage tank 30, hydrogen flow rate, and coolant temperature, on a display screen near the operation window. This allows operators to promptly detect any abnormalities in the equipment, such as excessive pressure or abnormal temperature, and take appropriate measures.

[0031] The control assembly 70 includes a control element 71 installed inside the housing 10 and an alarm element 72 installed on the housing 10; the control element 71 includes a control unit 710 installed inside the housing, a display unit 711 installed on the control unit 710, an inflation control valve 712 installed on the control unit 710, and a cooling control valve 713 installed on the control unit 710. The hydrogen filling process can be precisely controlled via the filling control valve 712 on the control unit 710. Based on the capacity of the hydrogen storage tank 30 and the required filling pressure, operators can adjust the filling control valve 712 to achieve accurate hydrogen filling, avoiding damage to the equipment due to overfilling or underfilling, while also ensuring the safety of hydrogen filling. The cooling control valve 713 controls the coolant supply from the cooling water assembly 50 to the cooling water tank 20. The flow rate and temperature of the coolant can be flexibly adjusted according to the temperature requirements of the hydrogen storage tank 30 and the filling assembly 40. For example, if a rapid temperature rise is detected during hydrogen filling, the control unit 710 can increase the coolant flow rate through the cooling control valve 713 to enhance the cooling effect, ensuring the equipment remains within a suitable operating temperature range and extending its service life. The display unit 711 installed on the control unit 710 can display various key parameters of the hydrogen filler in real time. Operators can easily understand the operating status of the equipment through the display unit 711. This facilitates timely detection of abnormalities, such as excessive pressure or abnormal temperature, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken. The alarm element 72 is mounted on the housing 10 and connected to the control unit 710. When the control unit 710 detects abnormalities in the equipment, such as hydrogen leakage, excessive temperature, or excessive pressure, the alarm element 72 will issue an alarm signal. The alarm signal can be sound, light, or a combination of both, promptly reminding operators to take emergency measures, such as stopping hydrogen charging or shutting down the equipment, effectively preventing accidents. Functional components such as the charging control valve 712, cooling control valve 713, and display unit 711 are integrated into the control unit 710, forming a unified control element 71. Operation is performed through the control window 11 on the housing 10, greatly improving operational convenience. Operators no longer need to search for and operate multiple independent control elements 710 in different locations on the equipment; all operations can be completed in a centralized location, reducing the possibility of operational errors and improving work efficiency.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4The hydrogen filling machine also includes a cooling fan 80 installed inside the casing. The cooling fan 80 includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is positioned towards the cold water tank 20, and the air inlet has an air inlet channel 12 opposite to the casing. The air outlet of the cooling fan 80 faces the cold water tank 20, allowing it to directly blow cold air towards the cold water tank 20. During coolant circulation, the coolant in the cold water tank 20 absorbs heat, which is then dissipated more quickly through the cooling effect of the cooling fan 80. This combination of air cooling and coolant circulation effectively enhances the cooling effect and more effectively controls the temperature of key components inside the hydrogen filling machine, especially the hydrogen storage tank 30 and the filling assembly 40, ensuring they operate within a safe and suitable temperature range. The direct blowing of cold air onto the surface of the cold water tank 20 increases the airflow speed on the surface of the cold water tank 20, resulting in more thorough heat exchange between the walls of the cold water tank 20 and the surrounding air, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the cold water tank 20, helping to maintain the low temperature of the coolant, and ensuring the stable operation of the cooling system.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 5 The cold water tank 20 also includes an observation port 23 opposite to the hydrogen storage tank and an observation window installed on the observation port 23. Through the observation window, operators can directly observe the appearance of the hydrogen storage tank 30. During hydrogen filling and storage, these abnormalities may indicate potential safety hazards, such as hydrogen leakage that may cause an explosion, or tank deformation that may cause rupture. Timely detection allows for appropriate measures to prevent accidents. In some highly automated scenarios or scenarios requiring remote monitoring, the observation window, in conjunction with appropriate monitoring equipment (such as cameras), allows operators to visually monitor the hydrogen storage tank 30 from the control room or remote location. This reduces the frequency of personnel entering the hazardous area where the hydrogen filling machine is located, while also ensuring continuous observation of the status of the hydrogen storage tank 30. The observation window facilitates checking whether the connection between the hydrogen storage tank 30 and other components (such as the inlet pipe 41, outlet pipe 44, etc.) is secure, and whether there are any looseness or leaks. During equipment maintenance, maintenance personnel can use the observation window to make a preliminary judgment on whether the connection parts need further inspection or repair without having to disassemble other components first, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.

[0034] There are multiple hydrogen storage tanks, which are arranged side by side in the cold water tank 20. Each hydrogen storage tank includes a tank body 31 and an inflation port 32. A fixing port 25 is provided on the cold water tank 20 opposite to the inflation port 32. The inflation port 32 extends from one side of the fixing port 25. The hydrogen filling machine also includes a fixing plate 90 installed on one side of the fixing port 25 for connecting and fixing the multiple fixing ports 25. Arranging multiple hydrogen storage tanks 30 side-by-side within the cold water tank 20 fully utilizes the space within the tank, allowing for the storage of more hydrogen within a limited space. This increases the hydrogen storage capacity of the hydrogen filling machine, making it more suitable for applications with limited space but high hydrogen demand. The neat arrangement of the multiple hydrogen storage tanks 30 facilitates management and maintenance. For example, during routine inspections, maintenance, or troubleshooting, staff can operate on the tanks 30 in a fixed order and position, making it easier to locate and address issues with each tank, thus improving work efficiency. The filling port 32 extends from one side of the fixed port 25 and is connected and secured by the fixing plate 90, ensuring a more stable position of the hydrogen storage tanks 30 within the cold water tank 20. During operation, the hydrogen filling machine may be affected by external forces such as vibration and impact; the stable connection prevents the hydrogen storage tanks 30 from shifting, thus avoiding safety issues such as loose pipe connections and hydrogen leakage caused by tank movement.

[0035] The above description merely illustrates the preferred technical solution of this utility model, and while the description is relatively specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A hydrogen charging machine, characterized in that, The device includes an outer casing, a cold water tank installed inside the outer casing, a hydrogen storage tank installed inside the cold water tank for storing hydrogen, an aeration assembly installed inside the outer casing for filling the hydrogen storage tank with hydrogen, a cold water assembly installed inside the outer casing for providing coolant to the cold water tank, and a return pump installed inside the outer casing for returning the coolant from the cold water tank to the cold water assembly. The aeration assembly includes an inlet pipe installed inside the outer casing and communicating with the hydrogen storage tank, an inlet valve installed on the inlet pipe, and an inlet detection valve installed on the inlet pipe.

2. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation assembly further includes an air outlet pipe installed inside the housing and connected to the air inlet pipe, an air outlet valve installed on the air outlet pipe, and an air outlet detection valve installed on the air outlet pipe.

3. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold water tank also includes a water inlet disposed on the cold water tank, and the cold water assembly is connected to the cold water tank through the water inlet.

4. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold water tank also includes a water outlet located at the bottom of the cold water tank, and the reflux pump is connected to the cold water tank through the water outlet.

5. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen filling machine also includes a control component installed inside the housing, and the control component has a control operation window on the housing opposite to it.

6. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control assembly includes a control element installed inside the housing and an alarm element installed on the housing; the control element includes a control unit installed inside the housing, a display unit installed on the control unit, an inflation control valve installed on the control unit, and a cooling control valve installed on the control unit.

7. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen filling machine also includes a cooling fan installed inside the housing. The cooling fan also includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is located on the side facing the cold water tank, and the air inlet is provided with an air inlet channel opposite to the housing.

8. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold water tank also includes an observation port located opposite the hydrogen storage tank and an observation window installed on the observation port.

9. The hydrogen charging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage tanks are multiple, and the multiple hydrogen storage tanks are arranged side by side in the cold water tank. Each hydrogen storage tank includes a tank body and an air filling port. A fixing port is provided on the cold water tank opposite to the air filling port. The air filling port extends from one side of the fixing port. The hydrogen filling machine also includes a fixing plate installed on one side of the fixing port for connecting and fixing the multiple fixing ports.

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