An energy management system based on fuel cell habitat
By integrating a gas-liquid separator and a heat utilization system into the fuel cell living compartment, the problems of water waste and low thermal energy utilization rate are solved, achieving efficient and comprehensive utilization of resources and meeting living needs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI HYTEKOCEAN CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing conventional fuel cell combined heat and power systems suffer from water waste and low thermal energy utilization in areas where they cannot be covered by the power grid and water supply network, and lack overall material and energy planning.
An energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin was designed. It collects fresh water resources through a gas-liquid separator, transfers heat to the underfloor heating coils using radiators and heat exchangers, and integrates hydrogen supply unit, water supply unit, refrigeration and air conditioning unit and power supply unit to achieve comprehensive utilization of resources.
This comprehensive plan achieves green and energy-saving goals by meeting living needs while regularly replenishing methanol and water, reducing the amount of fresh water needed, and making full use of thermal and electrical energy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224384271U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin. Background Technology
[0002] In areas not covered by power grids and water supply networks, such as temporary construction sites, deserts, Gobi, and mountainous regions, containerized mobile living quarters can be chosen as temporary accommodations. However, these areas face severe shortages of electricity and water resources. Existing conventional fuel cell combined heat and power systems generally suffer from the following problems: water waste, as freshwater generated during fuel cell system operation is directly discharged without effective utilization; low thermal energy utilization efficiency, as heat generated in some intermediate stages is not effectively utilized and is also directly discharged, causing unnecessary waste. Furthermore, they fail to systematically examine the overall efficient utilization of materials and energy from the source, often focusing on a single local module and lacking comprehensive planning. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the above problems, the specific technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0004] An energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin is characterized by comprising: a fuel cell power generation unit (1), a hydrogen supply unit (2), a water supply unit (3), a refrigeration and air conditioning unit (4), and a power supply unit (5).
[0005] The fuel cell power generation unit includes a stack (10), a radiator (16), and a gas-liquid separator A (11). Driven by a cooling water pump (15), heat enters the heat exchanger A (17) through the radiator (16) and is transferred to the underfloor heating coil (73).
[0006] The gas-liquid separator A (11) separates gas and liquid water, and the separated liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank (31); the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen supply unit (2) enters the fuel cell stack (10); the tail discharge and hydrogen enter the gas-liquid separator B (14).
[0007] Furthermore, the fuel cell power generation unit (1) also includes: an air inlet (7), a blower A (8), a humidifier (9), an exhaust outlet A (12), a hydrogen pump (13), a gas-liquid separator B (14), a floor heating water pump (18), and a cooling fan (19); under the drive of the blower A (8), the air enters the fuel cell stack (10) after the humidity is increased by the humidifier (9).
[0008] Furthermore, the water supply unit includes: a domestic water tank (31), a domestic water pump (32), a heat exchanger B (33), and an exhaust gas outlet B (34).
[0009] Furthermore, the refrigeration and air conditioning unit (4) includes: an air conditioning compressor (41), an air conditioning condenser (42), an expansion valve (43), and an air conditioning evaporator (44).
[0010] Furthermore, the power supply unit includes: a distribution box (51), a photovoltaic panel (52), and a lithium battery (53).
[0011] Furthermore, the hydrogen supply unit includes: a methanol tank (21), a methanol pump (22), a methanol reformer (23), a hydrogen storage tank (24), and a blower B (25).
[0012] Beneficial effects
[0013] This invention can solve the problem. It only requires periodic replenishment of methanol and water, which are easy to transport and store, to meet the basic electricity and water needs for a period of time, and realize the living functions of bedroom living, kitchen cooking and dining, and bathroom washing.
[0014] 1. Gas-liquid separator A (11) separates gas and liquid water. The separated liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank (31). The fresh water resources generated during the operation of the fuel cell system are collected and used for domestic needs, which can effectively reduce the amount of fresh water to be replenished.
[0015] 2. The heat generated by the fuel cell stack (10) is driven by the cooling water pump 15 and enters the heat exchanger A (17) through the radiator (16), and is transferred to the floor heating coil (73) to fully collect and effectively utilize the waste heat generated by the tail exhaust of the methanol reforming unit, the waste heat generated by the air conditioning system condenser and the residual heat generated by the fuel cell system.
[0016] This patented technical solution comprehensively plans the energy and water systems of the entire independent living cabin, starting from the source to make the best use of resources and embody the concept of green energy conservation. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system in this patent.
[0018] Figure 2 For fuel cell power generation units;
[0019] Figure 3 For hydrogen supply unit;
[0020] Figure 4 For water supply units;
[0021] Figure 5 Refrigeration and air conditioning unit;
[0022] Figure 6 For power supply unit; Detailed Implementation
[0023] 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.
[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the full-process energy management system based on fuel cell containerized living cabin includes: fuel cell power generation unit (1), hydrogen supply unit (2), water supply unit (3), refrigeration and air conditioning unit (4), power supply unit (5), and living facility unit (6).
[0025] like Figure 2 , fuel cell power generation unit (1);
[0026] Specifically, it includes: air inlet 7, blower A (8), humidifier (9), fuel cell stack (10), gas-liquid separator A (11), exhaust outlet A (12), hydrogen pump (13), gas-liquid separator B (14), cooling water pump (15), radiator (16), heat exchanger A (17), floor heating water pump (18), and cooling fan (19).
[0027] Air enters through air inlet 7, passes through blower A, humidifier 9, and enters fuel cell stack 10.
[0028] An electrochemical reaction occurs inside the fuel cell stack 10, consuming oxygen from the air and generating a large amount of tailwater. The tailwater and unreacted air pass through a humidifier 9. A small portion of the tailwater wets the air before entering the fuel cell stack through a permeation membrane inside the humidifier, while the majority of the tailwater and unreacted air enter a gas-liquid separator A11. The gas-liquid separator A11 separates the gas and liquid water. The unreacted air after separation is discharged through the tail gas outlet A12, and the separated liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank 31.
[0029] The radiator 16 is a standard BOP (Balance of Plant) component inside the fuel cell system, designed to remove heat generated during fuel cell power generation. The gas-liquid separator is a custom-designed non-standard device based on the amount of water produced by the fuel cell system. This solution utilizes the gas-liquid separator in the system. When the fuel cell is operating, the water generated must be fully drained; otherwise, the internal flow channels of the fuel cell will be at risk of flooding. However, the amount of water drained cannot be excessive, as the fuel gas required for the electrochemical reaction inside the fuel cell must have a certain level of humidity.
[0030] like Figure 3 Hydrogen supply unit;
[0031] Specifically, it includes: methanol tank 21, methanol pump 22, methanol reformer 23, hydrogen storage tank 24, and blower B25. Methanol solution is periodically replenished to methanol tank 21. The methanol solution in methanol tank 21 is transported to methanol reformer 23 by methanol pump 22. Air entering through air inlet 7 is transported into methanol reformer 23 under the drive of blower B25. Methanol reformer 23 consumes methanol and air through chemical reaction, producing hydrogen and high-temperature exhaust gas.
[0032] Hydrogen produced by the hydrogen supply unit enters the fuel cell stack 10 of the fuel cell power generation system for an electrochemical reaction. During the electrochemical reaction, most of the hydrogen is consumed, and wastewater is generated. The wastewater and a small amount of unreacted hydrogen enter the gas-liquid separator B14, where they are separated. The liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank 31, while the small amount of unreacted hydrogen is discharged through the exhaust port A12.
[0033] like Figure 4 The water supply unit includes: a domestic water tank 31, a domestic water pump 32, a heat exchanger B33, and an exhaust gas outlet B34;
[0034] like Figure 5 The refrigeration and air conditioning unit includes: an air conditioning compressor 41, an air conditioning condenser 42, an expansion valve 43, and an air conditioning evaporator 44;
[0035] like Figure 6 The power supply unit 5 includes: a distribution box 51, a photovoltaic panel 52, and a lithium battery 53;
[0036] In this patent, the living facilities unit may include: a small refrigerator, a light bulb, a microwave oven, an electric water heater, a wall heater, a laptop, an induction cooker, a shower head, a sink, a water dispenser, a filter, a toilet, underfloor heating coils, an air conditioner fan, and other electrical facilities.
[0037] Specific Implementation Example 1 is as follows:
[0038] This system is used in field operations where there is no power grid or water supply network. Supplies are replenished weekly, primarily including food, tap water, and methanol. During cold winter months, heating is required in the living quarters. Underfloor heating coils 73 and wall heaters 65 are operational; radiators 16 and cooling fans 19 are not.
[0039] The working process of the fuel cell power generation unit is described below:
[0040] The air required for the operation of the fuel cell power generation system enters through air inlet 7, and under the drive of blower A8, the humidity is increased by humidifier 9 before entering the fuel cell stack 10.
[0041] After the electrochemical reaction inside the fuel cell stack 10 consumes oxygen from the air, it produces a large amount of tailwater. The tailwater and unreacted air pass through the humidifier 9. A small portion of the tailwater wets the air before entering the fuel cell stack through the permeation membrane inside the humidifier. The remaining tailwater and unreacted air enter the gas-liquid separator A11. The gas-liquid separator A11 separates the gas and liquid water. The unreacted air after separation is discharged through the tail gas outlet A12. The separated liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank 31.
[0042] Hydrogen produced by the hydrogen supply unit enters the fuel cell stack 10 of the fuel cell power generation system for an electrochemical reaction. During the electrochemical reaction, most of the hydrogen is consumed, and wastewater is generated. The wastewater and a small amount of unreacted hydrogen enter the gas-liquid separator B14, where they are separated. The liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank 31, while the small amount of unreacted hydrogen is discharged through the exhaust port A12.
[0043] The cooling water medium of the fuel cell 1 power generation system is antifreeze. The heat generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack 10 is first transferred to the antifreeze. Driven by the cooling water pump 15, the antifreeze passes through the radiator 16 (the radiator 16 is not working in this case), and then enters the heat exchanger A17. In the heat exchanger A, the heat is transferred to the underfloor heating coil 73, and finally enters the fuel cell stack 10 to complete the cycle.
[0044] The medium in the underfloor heating coil is also antifreeze. After absorbing the heat from heat exchanger A, the antifreeze, driven by underfloor heating pump 18, enters the underfloor heating coil to heat the room. After heating, the antifreeze returns to heat exchanger A to complete the circulation.
[0045] The hydrogen supply unit operates as follows:
[0046] In this embodiment 2, the raw material for the hydrogen supply system is a mixed solution of methanol and deionized water.
[0047] Methanol solution is periodically replenished into methanol tank 21. The methanol solution in methanol tank 21 is transported to methanol reformer 23 by methanol pump 22. Air entering through air inlet 7 is transported into methanol reformer 23 under the drive of blower B25. Methanol reformer 23 consumes methanol and air through chemical reaction, producing hydrogen and high-temperature exhaust gas.
[0048] After purification, the hydrogen is supplied to the power generation system of fuel cell 1. The main components of the high-temperature exhaust gas are unreacted air and carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc. produced by the reaction. After heat exchange in heat exchanger B33, the high-temperature exhaust gas is discharged at exhaust outlet B34. The fifth water supply line of water supply system 3 passes through heat exchanger B33, removes heat, and is then injected into domestic water tank 31.
[0049] The operation process of the water supply unit is described below:
[0050] Water in the domestic water tank 31 is pumped by the domestic water pump 32 to the rest area and washroom for daily use. The domestic water pump 32 drives five water circuits. The first circuit supplies water to the electric water heater 64 for use by the shower head 68 and the sink 69; the second circuit supplies water to the water dispenser 70 after passing through the filter 71; the third circuit supplies water to the toilet 72; and the fourth circuit supplies water to the air conditioning system 4 (which is not operating in this case). The fifth circuit returns water to the domestic water tank 31 after absorbing heat through the heat exchanger B33.
[0051] The working process of the power supply unit is described as follows:
[0052] The electrical energy generated by the fuel cell 1 power generation system and the photovoltaic panel 52 is supplied to all electrical facilities through the distribution box 51. When allocating electrical energy, the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel 52 is used first. When the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel is insufficient, the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell 1 power generation system is used. When the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell 1 power generation system and the photovoltaic panel 52 is still insufficient, the electrical energy stored inside the lithium battery 53 is used last. If the electrical energy generated by the three is still insufficient, the system will prompt that the power supply is insufficient and the electrical appliances are overloaded.
[0053] When the power supply exceeds the load demand, the excess power is first used to charge the lithium battery 53 until it is fully charged, and then the fuel cell 1 power generation system and the photovoltaic panel 52 are shut down in sequence.
[0054] Facilities requiring electricity include: hydrogen supply system 2, domestic water pump 32, and living facilities 6. Specific implementation method 2:
[0056] In field operations where there is no power grid or water supply, supplies are replenished weekly, mainly including food, tap water, and methanol. During hot summer months, the living quarters require cooling; the underfloor heating coils (73) and wall heaters (65) are turned off, while the air conditioning system (4) and air conditioning fans (74) operate.
[0057] The power generation process of fuel cell 1 is the same as that of specific implementation method 1.
[0058] The cooling water medium in the fuel cell power generation system is antifreeze. The heat generated by the electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell stack (10) is first transferred to the antifreeze. Driven by the cooling water pump (15), the antifreeze passes through the radiator (16) and is cooled by the cooling fan (19). It then enters heat exchanger A (17), which is not operational in this case, and finally returns to the fuel cell stack (10) to complete the cycle. In this case, the underfloor heating pump (18) and the underfloor heating coil (73) are not operating.
[0059] The hydrogen supply system operates in the same manner as in Specific Implementation Method 1; the water supply system operates in the same manner as in Specific Implementation Method 1.
[0060] Description of the working process of the refrigeration and air conditioning system:
[0061] The air conditioning system operates during hot summer months. The refrigerant cycles sequentially through the compressor (41), condenser (42), expansion valve (43), and evaporator (44). At the evaporator (44), heat exchange occurs between the low-temperature refrigerant and the high-temperature air, which is then used by the fan (74) to provide cool air to the rest area. At the condenser (42), the high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the fourth-stage water supply, transferring the heat to the water, which is then stored in the domestic water tank (31).
[0062] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present utility model 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 therein. Such 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 this utility model.
Claims
1. An energy management system based on a fuel cell habitat, characterized in that, include: Fuel cell power generation unit (1), hydrogen supply unit (2), water supply unit (3), refrigeration and air conditioning unit (4), power supply unit (5); The fuel cell power generation unit includes a stack (10), a radiator (16), and a gas-liquid separator A (11). Driven by a cooling water pump (15), heat enters the heat exchanger A (17) through the radiator (16) and is transferred to the underfloor heating coil (73). The gas-liquid separator A (11) separates gas and liquid water, and the separated liquid water is collected and injected into the domestic water tank (31); the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen supply unit (2) enters the fuel cell stack (10); the tail discharge and hydrogen enter the gas-liquid separator B (14).
2. The energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell power generation unit (1) further includes: an air inlet (7), a blower A (8), a humidifier (9), an exhaust outlet A (12), a hydrogen pump (13), a gas-liquid separator B (14), a floor heating water pump (18), and a cooling fan (19); under the drive of the blower A (8), the air enters the fuel cell stack (10) after the humidity is increased by the humidifier (9).
3. The energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply unit includes: a domestic water tank (31), a domestic water pump (32), a heat exchanger B (33), and an exhaust gas outlet B (34).
4. The energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration and air conditioning unit (4) includes: an air conditioning compressor (41), an air conditioning condenser (42), an expansion valve (43), and an air conditioning evaporator (44).
5. The energy management system based on a fuel cell living cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply unit includes: a distribution box (51), a photovoltaic panel (52), and a lithium battery (53).
6. The energy management system for a fuel cell living cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen supply unit includes: a methanol tank (21), a methanol pump (22), a methanol reformer (23), a hydrogen storage tank (24), and a blower B (25).