A solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized high integration system
By introducing components such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and controllers into a small fuel cell system, thermal management is optimized, solving the problems of difficult start-up of solid hydrogen storage devices in low-temperature environments and low waste heat utilization efficiency. This achieves efficient thermal management and stable hydrogen release, improving the system's integration and range.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI HYTEKOCEAN CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN224537073U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell combined heat and power, and in particular to a solid hydrogen fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems. Background Technology
[0002] In existing small fuel cell systems (such as those used in two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles), range, cost control, and lifespan constitute the three core technological requirements. To meet the demand for long range, a closed-cathode air-cooled fuel cell system is adopted. By isolating the cathode reaction area from the external environment, the poisoning effect of particulate matter, water vapor, and sulfides in the air on the catalyst can be effectively avoided, extending the lifespan by more than 50% compared to traditional open-cathode systems. At the same time, the closed cathode design can precisely control the partial pressure of the reactant gas, allowing the stack to maintain a power generation efficiency of more than 50% under low-load conditions, indirectly improving the driving range.
[0003] Solid-state hydrogen storage offers advantages over high-pressure gaseous hydrogen cylinders, including convenient refilling, high safety (pressure typically between 3-5 MPa), and easy replacement, making it increasingly popular for small-scale hydrogen fuel cell systems. The endothermic reaction of solid-state hydrogen storage materials during hydrogen release exhibits a significant synergistic effect with the fuel cell. Thermal drive can be achieved using the waste heat from the fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell coupling can cover the heat absorbed by the hydrogen storage material during hydrogen release, eliminating the need for additional electrical energy for heating and improving the overall system energy efficiency by 10%–15%.
[0004] In the prior art, patent 117613297B utilizes the residual heat of battery exhaust gas to ensure the hydrogen release rate and hydrogen release percentage of the hydrogen storage alloy, but it still requires two additional auxiliary heaters to provide heat compensation during low-temperature start-up, which reduces the system integration and has a significant impact on the spatial layout of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0005] Existing solid-state hydrogen storage devices generally require heating elements to maintain the temperature around the device. This design makes it difficult for the system to dissipate heat when the ambient temperature is high, increases system maintenance costs, and reduces the efficiency of waste heat utilization of the fuel cell stack. Utility Model Content
[0006] To improve the waste heat utilization efficiency of fuel cell stacks, this application provides a solid-state hydrogen fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems.
[0007] This application provides a solid-state hydrogen fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems, employing the following technical solution: A solid hydrogen fuel cell device for miniaturized and highly integrated systems includes a fuel cell stack, a solid hydrogen storage tank, an air compressor, a heat dissipation system, and a condition monitoring unit. The fuel cell stack includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a hydrogen inlet, and a hydrogen outlet. A hydrogen supply pipeline is provided between the hydrogen inlet and the solid hydrogen storage tank, and a pressure reducing valve is installed on the hydrogen supply pipeline. The outlet end of the air compressor is connected to an air pipe and a metal heating pipe via a tee. The outlet end of the air pipe is connected to the air inlet. The metal heating pipe is spirally coiled around the outside of the upper half of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder. A first solenoid valve is installed on the air pipe, a second solenoid valve is installed on the metal heating pipe, a third solenoid valve is installed on the hydrogen outlet, and a fourth solenoid valve is installed on the air outlet. The heat dissipation system includes a first cooling fan of the air compressor and a second cooling fan integrated and installed on the outer shell of the fuel cell stack. The outlet ends of the first cooling fan and the second cooling fan are both facing the lower half of the solid hydrogen storage tank. The status monitoring unit is used to monitor the status of the fuel cell stack and the solid hydrogen storage tank. The signal output terminal of the status monitoring unit is connected to a controller, which is connected to the air compressor, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve and the fourth solenoid valve.
[0008] By employing the above technical solution, and through the coordinated use of the heat dissipation system, status monitoring unit, controller, air compressor, first solenoid valve, and fourth solenoid valve, the status of the solid hydrogen storage tank and fuel cell stack can be monitored. The controller determines whether there is sufficient hydrogen inside the solid hydrogen storage tank (based on the controller's preset judgment of whether the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank gradually decreases abnormally to determine the hydrogen reserve) and whether the ambient temperature is too low. If the ambient temperature is too low, the controller starts the air compressor, simultaneously keeping the first solenoid valve closed and opening the fourth solenoid valve. The air compressor delivers high-temperature air into the metal heating pipe, exchanging heat with the hydrogen tank to raise the temperature of the upper part of the tank. Simultaneously, because the first cooling fan of the air compressor is opposite the lower part of the hydrogen tank, the first cooling fan... The high-temperature air blown out by the hot air fan heats the lower half of the hydrogen tank, raising its temperature to the hydrogen release temperature of the solid hydrogen storage material. If the hydrogen tank pressure is sufficient or the tank is heated to the release temperature by the air compressor, the temperature of the fuel cell stack is monitored by the status monitoring unit. Based on different temperature levels and the cold start procedure set by the controller, it is determined whether a cold start is needed using the air compressor. If the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack is below 0°C, the first solenoid valve is opened and the second solenoid valve is closed, allowing hot air to be introduced into the fuel cell stack through the air pipe via the air compressor to heat it. When the temperature of the fuel cell stack rises to the set temperature, the second cooling fan starts, transferring the residual heat generated by the fuel cell stack reaction to the hydrogen tank, providing the heat required for stable hydrogen release and maintaining stable hydrogen release. The controller controls the opening time of the second solenoid valve, adjusting the gas pressure inside the stack in real time according to preset operating conditions. The controller controls the opening and closing interval of the third solenoid valve, ensuring that hydrogen reacts fully inside the fuel cell stack under different operating conditions.
[0009] Preferably, the status monitoring unit includes: A pressure sensor, built into the valve of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder, is used to monitor the pressure of the hydrogen cylinder. A temperature sensor, integrated inside the fuel cell stack, is used to monitor the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack.
[0010] By adopting the above technical solutions, the controller can easily obtain the internal pressure information of the solid hydrogen storage tank through the pressure sensor; and the controller can easily obtain the internal temperature information of the fuel cell stack through the temperature sensor.
[0011] Preferably, the air compressor's air inlet is connected to an air filter via a pipe.
[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the air entering the air compressor can be filtered through the air filter, reducing dust and moisture in the air.
[0013] Preferably, the fuel cell stack is a cathode-enclosed fuel cell stack.
[0014] Preferably, the solid hydrogen storage cylinder uses AB hydrogen storage material, AB2 hydrogen storage material, or AB5 hydrogen storage material.
[0015] In summary, the solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems proposed in this application has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By using temperature sensors, pressure sensors, controllers, first solenoid valves, fourth solenoid valves, first cooling fans, and second cooling fans in combination, the hydrogen tank can be heated by the hot air output from the air compressor, the hot air delivered by the first cooling fan of the air compressor, and the hot air delivered by the second cooling fan of the fuel cell stack. This satisfies the heat required for stable hydrogen release from the solid hydrogen storage tank, maintains stable hydrogen release from the hydrogen tank, and improves the waste heat utilization efficiency of the fuel cell stack. 2. An air filter can filter the air entering the air compressor, reducing dust and moisture in the air. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structural connections of a solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device, as described in this application embodiment.
[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Fuel cell stack; 11. Air filter; 12. Air compressor; 13. First solenoid valve; 14. Second solenoid valve; 15. Cooling system; 16. Third solenoid valve; 17. Temperature sensor; 2. Solid hydrogen storage tank; 21. Pressure reducing valve; 22. Pressure sensor; 23. Air duct; 3. Metal heat exchange duct; 31. Fourth solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The following combination Figure 1 This application will be described in further detail.
[0019] Example 1 This application discloses a solid-state hydrogen fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems. It mainly includes a fuel cell stack 1 (in this embodiment, a cathode-enclosed air-cooled stack), a solid-state hydrogen storage tank 2, an air compressor 12, a heat dissipation system 15, and a condition monitoring unit. A hydrogen supply pipeline is provided connecting the hydrogen inlet and the solid-state hydrogen storage tank 2, and a pressure reducing valve 21 is installed on the hydrogen supply pipeline.
[0020] The outlet end of the air compressor 12 is connected to an air pipe 23 and a metal heating pipe via a tee. The outlet end of the air pipe 23 is connected to the air inlet. The metal heating pipe is spirally coiled around the outside of the upper half of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder 2. A first solenoid valve 13 is installed on the air pipe 23, a second solenoid valve 14 is installed on the metal heating pipe, a third solenoid valve 16 is installed on the hydrogen outlet, and a fourth solenoid valve 31 is installed on the air outlet.
[0021] By controlling the opening time of the second solenoid valve 14, the gas pressure inside the fuel cell stack can be adjusted in real time according to preset operating conditions. By controlling the opening and closing interval of the third solenoid valve 16, hydrogen can be fully reacted inside the fuel cell stack 1 under different operating conditions.
[0022] The heat dissipation system 15 includes a first cooling fan of the air compressor 12 and a second cooling fan integrated on the fuel cell stack shell. The outlet ends of the first cooling fan and the second cooling fan are both facing the lower half of the solid hydrogen storage tank 2.
[0023] The status monitoring unit is used to monitor the status of the fuel cell stack 1 and the solid hydrogen storage tank 2. The signal output terminal of the status monitoring unit is connected to a controller, which is connected to the air compressor 12, the first solenoid valve 13, the second solenoid valve 14, the third solenoid valve 16 and the fourth solenoid valve 31.
[0024] The solid hydrogen storage cylinder 2 is equipped with a cylinder valve at its opening to maintain a constant hydrogen outlet pressure. The status monitoring unit includes: a pressure sensor 22, which is built into the cylinder valve of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder 2 to monitor the hydrogen cylinder pressure; and a temperature sensor 17, which is integrated into the fuel cell stack 1 to monitor the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack 1.
[0025] The pressure sensor 22 allows the controller to easily obtain the internal pressure information of the solid hydrogen storage tank 2; the temperature sensor 17 allows the controller to easily obtain the internal temperature information of the fuel cell stack 1.
[0026] In this embodiment, in order to filter the air input into the air compressor 12 and reduce dust and moisture in the air, an air filter 11 is connected to the air intake end of the air compressor 12 through a pipe.
[0027] In addition, the solid hydrogen storage cylinder 2 uses AB hydrogen storage material, AB2 hydrogen storage material or AB5 hydrogen storage material.
[0028] AB2 has a wide hydrogen release temperature range (>0℃), but it contains precious metals and is therefore expensive. AB5 type hydrogen storage material also has the problem of high cost, and it is prone to pulverization during hydrogen absorption and desorption, which will affect the lifespan of solid hydrogen storage cylinder 2. AB type material has high abundance and low price, giving it a significant advantage in cost reduction, potentially reducing costs by more than 40%. AB type material also has a higher hydrogen release temperature (>20℃), allowing for rapid achievement of the start-up temperature and significantly reducing hydrogen cylinder costs. The hydrogen storage material in solid hydrogen storage cylinder 2 can be replaced according to actual usage needs.
[0029] During the startup phase, if the pressure sensor 22 of the solid hydrogen cylinder is below the threshold (0.5 MPa in this embodiment) and there was no situation where the hydrogen in the cylinder was about to run out during the last shutdown, it indicates that the temperature of the hydrogen cylinder is too low and the internal hydrogen atoms are in a hydride state. The overall system cold start strategy is required to heat the hydrogen cylinder, and the cold start mode is triggered at this time.
[0030] The waste heat recovery and cold start steps are as follows: The first step is to determine whether a cold start is needed for the hydrogen cylinder and system. The controller compares the pressure data output by pressure sensor 22. If the hydrogen cylinder pressure is lower than the release pressure of the hydrogen storage material inside the cylinder, the controller, considering the pressure changes during the last shutdown, determines whether the remaining hydrogen in the cylinder is sufficient (based on the controller's preset judgment of whether the internal pressure of the hydrogen cylinder is abnormally and gradually decreasing). If the remaining hydrogen in the cylinder is sufficient but the cylinder pressure is insufficient, it is determined that the ambient temperature is low, affecting the hydrogen release efficiency, and the process proceeds to the second step. If the cylinder pressure is sufficient, the process directly proceeds to the third step.
[0031] In the second step, the controller keeps the first solenoid valve 13 closed and opens the fourth solenoid valve 31, while simultaneously starting the air compressor 12. The speed of the air compressor 12 is adjusted according to the set cold start program. The air compressor 12 operates and outputs high-temperature compressed air. The compressed, high-temperature, high-pressure air exchanges heat with the hydrogen cylinder through the metal heat exchange pipe 3. Simultaneously, the first cooling fan of the air compressor 12 transfers the heat generated during operation to the hydrogen cylinder, raising the temperature of some of the hydrogen storage material inside the cylinder, causing some alloy temperatures to reach the hydrogen release temperature. When the hydrogen storage material reaches a suitable temperature, hydrogen begins to be released, gradually increasing the hydrogen cylinder pressure. Once the hydrogen cylinder pressure reaches the set value, the third step begins.
[0032] The third step involves the controller determining the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack 1 using temperature data output from temperature sensor 17. If the temperature is below 0°C, a cold start procedure is required. Based on the different internal temperature levels of the fuel cell stack (Level A: between -40°C and -20°C, Level B: between -20°C and -10°C, Level C: between -10°C and 0°C), and the cold start procedure set within the controller, the speed of the air compressor 12 is adjusted. Simultaneously, the first solenoid valve 13 is opened, and the fourth solenoid valve 31 is closed, initiating the fuel cell cold start procedure. During the cold start, the second cooling fan is not activated. The controller adjusts the stack current density, employing a stepped current density increase strategy to heat the stack reaction. Once the predetermined temperature (20°C in this embodiment) is reached, the start-up is successful, and the process proceeds to the fourth step.
[0033] Fourth, when the temperature inside the fuel cell stack rises to the predetermined temperature, the controller drives the second cooling fan according to the actual heat dissipation needs inside the fuel cell stack. While dissipating heat, the second cooling fan transfers the excess heat generated by the fuel cell stack to the hydrogen tank, satisfying the heat required for hydrogen release from the hydrogen tank and maintaining a stable hydrogen release rate.
[0034] The implementation principle of a solid hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: by using temperature sensor 17, pressure sensor 22, controller, first solenoid valve 13, fourth solenoid valve 31, first cooling fan and second cooling fan in combination, the hydrogen tank can be heated by the hot air output from air compressor 12, the hot air delivered by the first cooling fan of air compressor 12 and the hot air delivered by the second cooling fan of fuel cell stack 1, so as to meet the heat required for stable hydrogen release from solid hydrogen storage tank 2, maintain stable hydrogen release from hydrogen tank, and improve the waste heat utilization efficiency of fuel cell stack 1.
[0035] Example 2 In this embodiment, the fuel cell stack is a water-cooled fuel cell stack, the cooling medium is antifreeze, and the air compressor is a water-cooled air compressor. A first three-way valve is provided at the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack. Outlet one of the first three-way valve is connected to a fourth solenoid valve, and outlet two of the first three-way valve is connected to a circulation pump. The circulation pump is used to improve hydrogen utilization, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell stack.
[0036] A second three-way valve is provided between the air compressor and the first solenoid valve. Outlet one of the second three-way valve connects to the first solenoid valve, and outlet two connects to a metal heat exchange pipe. The hydrogen cylinder integrates a first heat exchange pipe and a second heat exchange pipe. The first heat exchange pipe connects to the air compressor outlet, and the second heat exchange pipe connects to the system's cooling pipe. The outlet of the second pipe connects to a radiator. The radiator adjusts its speed via an internal temperature sensor to dissipate heat from the coolant. A third three-way valve is provided at the radiator outlet, connecting to a water pump. The radiator is connected to the first inlet of the third three-way valve, and the water tank is connected to the second inlet of the third three-way valve. The outlet of the third three-way valve connects to the water pump via the fuel cell stack coolant inlet. When the air compressor or fuel cell stack is operating, the heat generated raises the coolant temperature, thus warming the hydrogen cylinder.
[0037] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack (1), solid hydrogen storage cylinder (2), air compressor (12), heat dissipation system (15) and status monitoring unit are included. The fuel cell stack (1) includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. A hydrogen supply pipeline is provided between the hydrogen inlet and the solid hydrogen storage cylinder (2). A pressure reducing valve (21) is installed on the hydrogen supply pipeline. The outlet end of the air compressor (12) is connected to an air pipe (23) and a metal heating pipe via a tee. The outlet end of the air pipe (23) is connected to the air inlet. The metal heating pipe is spirally coiled around the outside of the upper half of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder (2). A first solenoid valve (13) is installed on the air pipe (23), a second solenoid valve (14) is installed on the metal heating pipe, a third solenoid valve (16) is installed on the hydrogen outlet, and a fourth solenoid valve (31) is installed on the air outlet. The heat dissipation system (15) includes a first cooling fan of the air compressor (12) and a second cooling fan integrated on the fuel cell stack shell. The outlet ends of the first cooling fan and the second cooling fan are both facing the lower half of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder (2). The status monitoring unit is used to monitor the status of the fuel cell stack (1) and the solid hydrogen storage cylinder (2). The signal output terminal of the status monitoring unit is connected to a controller. The controller is connected to the air compressor (12), the first solenoid valve (13), the second solenoid valve (14), the third solenoid valve (16), and the fourth solenoid valve (31).
2. The solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The status monitoring unit includes: A pressure sensor (22) is built into the valve of the solid hydrogen storage cylinder (2) to monitor the pressure of the hydrogen cylinder; A temperature sensor (17) is integrated inside the fuel cell stack (1) to monitor the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack (1).
3. A solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air compressor (12) has an air filter (11) connected to its air intake end via a pipe.
4. A solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack (1) is a cathode-enclosed fuel cell stack (1).
5. A solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell device for miniaturized, highly integrated systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid hydrogen storage bottle (2) is made of AB hydrogen storage material, AB2 hydrogen storage material or AB5 hydrogen storage material.