A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of liquid hydrogen fuel cell systems for unmanned aerial vehicle, including liquid hydrogen storage tank, fuel cell, heat exchanger, first pipeline, second pipeline and thermal management system, heat exchanger is located between liquid hydrogen storage tank and fuel cell, and heat exchanger can receive waste heat of fuel cell as heat source, first pipeline is connected with heat exchanger to liquid hydrogen storage tank, first pipeline outer wall is equipped with first heater, second pipeline is connected with fuel cell to heat exchanger, and heat exchanger is also equipped with second heater that can actively heat, thermal management system includes controller and multiple first temperature sensor, and the temperature that controller can detect controls first heater.Liquid hydrogen storage tank is not set heating device, can reduce system overall weight, by setting first heater on the first pipeline of liquid hydrogen storage tank output, and cooperate with thermal management system, both can heat liquid hydrogen, and can make pipeline temperature keep in safe range, avoid appearing security problem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for unmanned aerial vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the use of hydrogen fuel cells in drones provides longer flight time than conventional battery power. Storing hydrogen in liquid form is advantageous for increasing energy density. Existing technologies typically incorporate heating and evaporation devices on liquid hydrogen storage tanks; however, systems that evaporate fuel inside the tank lead to complex tank designs, increased weight, and low heating efficiency. Furthermore, the outer surface of the tank's supply pipes may reach extremely low temperatures. This can cause moisture in the air to freeze, and can also lead to the liquefaction of ambient oxygen (below 90.19 K) or the solidification of nitrogen (below 63 K). Liquid oxygen, as a strong oxidizer, can accumulate around drones, posing a serious fire and explosion hazard. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for unmanned aerial vehicles, which can solve the safety problem of the delivery pipeline.

[0004] A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a liquid hydrogen storage tank, a fuel cell, a heat exchanger, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a thermal management system. The heat exchanger is disposed between the liquid hydrogen storage tank and the fuel cell, and the heat exchanger is capable of receiving waste heat from the fuel cell as a heat source. The first pipeline connects the liquid hydrogen storage tank and the heat exchanger to deliver liquid hydrogen to the heat exchanger for heating. A first heater is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipeline. The second pipeline connects the heat exchanger to the fuel cell, and the heat exchanger is also provided with a second heater capable of active heating. The second pipeline can supply heated gaseous hydrogen to the fuel cell for power generation. The thermal management system includes a controller and a plurality of first temperature sensors. Each of the first temperature sensors is spaced apart along the extension direction of the first pipeline. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensors and the first heaters. The controller can control the heating power of the first heaters according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensors to maintain the liquid hydrogen delivered by the first pipeline in a single-phase liquid state.

[0005] A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following advantages: The absence of a heating device on the liquid hydrogen storage tank reduces the overall weight of the system. A first heater is installed on the first pipeline output from the liquid hydrogen storage tank, and the temperature is read and controlled via a thermal management system. This heats the liquid hydrogen while maintaining the pipeline temperature within a safe range, preventing safety issues such as pipeline freezing and liquefaction of ambient oxygen. Furthermore, the waste heat from the fuel cell can be further utilized through a heat exchanger, improving overall operating efficiency. The second heater can also actively generate heat when the heat exchanger is insufficient, ensuring the system's normal operation.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a buffer tank is also included, and the second pipeline sequentially connects the heat exchanger, the buffer tank, and the fuel cell.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid hydrogen storage tank extends in a vertical direction.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a third pipeline is provided at the top of the liquid hydrogen storage tank, and the third pipeline connects the heat exchanger and the buffer tank in sequence.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel cell is connected to the buffer tank via a fourth pipeline, and the fourth pipeline is equipped with a moisture separator.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel cell is provided with a cooling fan that blows air toward the heat exchanger.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first housing is also included, the first housing being configured to house the heat exchanger, the first housing having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, and the cooling fan blowing air toward the air inlet.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second housing is also included, the second housing being configured to accommodate the first pipe, the second housing having a second air inlet and a second air outlet for communicating with the first air outlet, and the second housing being able to guide airflow through the first pipe.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this utility model, at least one hydrogen leak detector capable of detecting hydrogen gas is also provided.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, four hydrogen leak detectors are provided, and the four hydrogen leak detectors are respectively located in the area near the liquid hydrogen storage tank, the area near the heat exchanger, the area near the fuel cell, and the area near the buffer tank.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a system schematic diagram of some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a system schematic diagram of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label: Liquid hydrogen storage tank 100, third pipeline 110; Fuel cell 200, cooling fan 210; Heat exchanger 300, second heater 310; First pipeline 400, first heater 410; Second pipeline 500; First temperature sensor 610, hydrogen leak detector 620; Buffer tank 700; Fourth pipeline 800, water separator 810; First shell 910, second shell 920. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 2According to a first aspect of the present invention, a liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank 100, a fuel cell 200, a heat exchanger 300, a first pipeline 400, a second pipeline 500, and a thermal management system. The heat exchanger 300 is disposed between the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 and the fuel cell 200, and the heat exchanger 300 is capable of receiving waste heat from the fuel cell 200 as a heat source. The first pipeline 400 connects the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 and the heat exchanger 300 to deliver liquid hydrogen to the heat exchanger 300 for heating. A first heater 410 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipeline 400. The second pipeline 500 connects the heat exchanger... The heat exchanger 300 is connected to the fuel cell 200, and the heat exchanger 300 is also equipped with a second heater 310 capable of active heating. The second pipeline 500 can supply heated gaseous hydrogen to the fuel cell 200 for power generation. The thermal management system includes a controller and multiple first temperature sensors 610. The first temperature sensors 610 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first pipeline 400. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensors 610 and the first heater 410. The controller can control the heating power of the first heater 410 according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensors 610, so as to maintain the liquid hydrogen transported by the first pipeline 400 in a single-phase liquid state. No heating device is installed on the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100, which can reduce the overall weight of the system. By installing the first heater 410 on the first pipeline 400 output from the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100, and reading the temperature through the thermal management system, feedback control can be provided. This can both heat the liquid hydrogen and keep the pipeline temperature within a safe range, avoiding safety problems such as pipeline freezing and liquefaction of ambient oxygen. Furthermore, the waste heat of the fuel cell 200 can be further utilized through the heat exchanger 300, which can improve the overall operating efficiency. The second heater 310 can also actively generate heat when the heat exchanger 300 is insufficient, so as to ensure that the system can operate normally.

[0022] Specifically, the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 is a passive tank, requiring no heating device. The liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 outputs through a first pipeline 400. The liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 can be equipped with a switch valve to control the output, and a pump for delivery can be installed after the switch valve. The first heater 410 installed on the first pipeline 400 can be a heat-tracing heating element, tightly attached to the outer wall of the pipeline for indirect heating. Furthermore, the first pipeline 400 can be equipped with multiple first temperature sensors 610, pressure sensors, and pressure regulators. All of these sensors can be connected to the thermal management system. The first temperature sensors 610 are used to provide feedback to regulate the first heater 410, and the pressure sensors are used to provide feedback to regulate the pressure regulator, thereby stabilizing the pressure delivered through the pipeline and ensuring that the pipe wall temperature of the first pipeline 400 is maintained above a critical safety threshold: above 90.19K to prevent liquefaction of ambient oxygen and above 63K to prevent nitrogen condensation. This directly mitigates a major safety risk inherent in existing systems. The first pipeline 400 introduces single-phase liquid hydrogen into the heat exchanger 300. The heat exchanger 300 uses the waste heat from the fuel cell 200 to heat the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen. The specific structure of the heat exchanger 300 is based on conventional technology and is not limited here. When the waste heat from the heat exchanger 300 is insufficient, the second active heater 310 can be activated for auxiliary heating to ensure the system can operate normally. By utilizing the waste heat from the fuel cell 200, system energy consumption can be reduced, further increasing the drone's range.

[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, a buffer tank 700 is also included, and a second pipeline 500 sequentially connects the heat exchanger 300, the buffer tank 700, and the fuel cell 200. Specifically, the buffer tank 700 can collect the gaseous hydrogen produced by heating. It is understood that a pressure sensor can also be installed inside the buffer tank 700, and an adjustable output valve can be installed at the output end. By adjusting the buffer tank 700, the gaseous hydrogen can be stably output to the fuel cell 200, which facilitates the power generation of the fuel cell 200.

[0024] In some embodiments of this invention, the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 extends vertically. Specifically, a vertically positioned liquid hydrogen storage tank can reduce the area it occupies and reduce the generation of evaporated gas inside the tank.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 2In some embodiments of this utility model, a third pipeline 110 is provided at the top of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100, and the third pipeline 110 connects the heat exchanger 300 and the buffer tank 700 in sequence. Specifically, the third pipeline 110 is connected from the top of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100 and can receive the evaporated gas generated in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100. The evaporated gas can flow through the third pipeline 110 to the heat exchanger 300 to be heated to the target temperature, and then enter the buffer tank 700 for buffering, so as to provide power for the fuel cell 200 to generate electricity.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, the fuel cell 200 and the buffer tank 700 are connected via a fourth pipeline 800, which is equipped with a moisture separator 810. Specifically, unreacted gaseous hydrogen at the anode outlet of the fuel cell 200 can be filtered by the moisture separator 810 and then reintroduced into the buffer tank 700 for buffering, so as to power the fuel cell 200.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this invention, the fuel cell 200 is equipped with a cooling fan 210, which blows air towards the heat exchanger 300. Specifically, the cooling fan 210 can blow air towards the fuel cell 200 to remove waste heat from the fuel cell 200. This design is simple in structure and lightweight, making it suitable for use by drones. The airflow is directed towards the heat exchanger 300, which can exchange heat to the liquid hydrogen delivery pipeline for heating.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, a first housing 910 is further included. The first housing 910 is configured to house the heat exchanger 300. The first housing 910 has a first air inlet and a first air outlet, and the cooling fan 210 blows air towards the air inlet. Specifically, the heat exchanger 300 may be provided with a first housing 910. The first housing 910 can receive the airflow from the cooling fan 210 and guide the airflow through the heat exchanger 300 to achieve a sufficient heat exchange effect.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, a second housing 920 is further included. The second housing 920 is configured to accommodate the first pipe 400. The second housing 920 is provided with a second air inlet and a second air outlet for communicating with the first air outlet. The second housing 920 can guide airflow through the first pipe 400. Specifically, the second housing 920 can further receive airflow blown out by the heat exchanger 300 to further utilize waste heat to heat the first pipe 400. The second housing 920 serves to guide airflow.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 2In some embodiments of this invention, at least one hydrogen leak detector 620 is also provided. This detector detects whether the system is leaking hydrogen, and if a hydrogen leak is detected, the entire system is stopped to ensure safety.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this invention, four hydrogen leak detectors 620 are provided, located near the liquid hydrogen storage tank 100, the heat exchanger 300, the fuel cell 200, and the buffer tank 700, respectively. This multi-point detection further improves the detection response speed and accuracy, thereby ensuring safety.

[0032] It should be noted that, Figures 1 to 2 In this context, V stands for on / off valve, P for pressure sensor, T for temperature sensor, PU for pump, and PR for pressure regulator.

[0033] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for unmanned aerial vehicles, characterized in that, include: Liquid hydrogen storage tank; Fuel cells; A heat exchanger is disposed between the liquid hydrogen storage tank and the fuel cell, and the heat exchanger is capable of receiving the waste heat of the fuel cell as a heat source. A first pipeline connects the liquid hydrogen storage tank to the heat exchanger to deliver liquid hydrogen to the heat exchanger for heating. A first heater is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipeline. The second pipeline connects the heat exchanger to the fuel cell, and the heat exchanger is also equipped with a second heater that can actively heat the fuel cell. The second pipeline can supply heated gaseous hydrogen to the fuel cell to generate electricity. A thermal management system includes a controller and a plurality of first temperature sensors, each of which is spaced apart along the extension direction of the first pipeline. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensors and the first heater. The controller can control the heating power of the first heater according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensors, so as to maintain the liquid hydrogen transported by the first pipeline in a single-phase liquid state.

2. The liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a buffer tank, and the second pipeline connects the heat exchanger, the buffer tank and the fuel cell in sequence.

3. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid hydrogen storage tank extends vertically.

4. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a third pipeline at the top, which connects the heat exchanger and the buffer tank in sequence.

5. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fuel cell is connected to the buffer tank via a fourth pipeline, which is equipped with a moisture separator.

6. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell is equipped with a cooling fan that blows air onto the heat exchanger.

7. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a first housing configured to house the heat exchanger, the first housing having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the cooling fan blowing air toward the air inlet.

8. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second housing configured to house the first duct, the second housing having a second air inlet and a second air outlet for communicating with the first air outlet, the second housing being able to guide airflow through the first duct.

9. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, It is also equipped with at least one hydrogen leak detector capable of detecting hydrogen gas.

10. A liquid hydrogen fuel cell system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hydrogen leak detector is provided in four locations, which are respectively located in the vicinity of the liquid hydrogen storage tank, the heat exchanger, the fuel cell, and the buffer tank.

Images