Vending machine with water hydrogen generator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vending machine with water hydrogen generator, including installing in the vending machine body and water hydrogen generator body of ground, and water hydrogen generator body and vending machine body electric connection, including the constant temperature water tank of burying in the ground, including the external tube pass heat exchanger and the built -in tube pass heat exchanger, and the built -in tube pass heat exchanger installs in the equipment box of water hydrogen generator body and the external tube pass heat exchanger is buried in the ground, including the air -cooled heat exchanger of installing in the vending machine body inside, the shell pass of external tube pass heat exchanger is through the heat exchange circulation pipeline with air -cooled heat exchanger intercommunication, and the tube pass of external tube pass heat exchanger is through a group of heat dissipation circulation pipeline with constant temperature water tank intercommunication. The utility model combines and forms a complete, sustainable vending platform with vending machine body and water hydrogen generator body, can long -term stable operation in the area of no electricity or power shortage, is favorable to control operating cost and satisfies the demand of further popularization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of vending machine technology, specifically, it relates to an automatic vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator. Background Technology

[0002] A vending machine is a machine that automatically dispenses goods based on the inserted coins (or other payment methods). Its high degree of automation eliminates labor costs, rent, and other expenses, making it a common piece of equipment for commercial automation. While vending machines offer many advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar stores, their application in certain regions or countries presents the following challenges: 1. It cannot be used normally in areas without or with insufficient electricity, making its promotion difficult.

[0003] 2. Vending machines need to operate 24 hours a day, and their power consumption is one of the main operating costs. In areas without or with insufficient power, the cost of generating electricity is relatively high when using gasoline generators, diesel generators, etc.

[0004] 3. With increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements, although diesel generators have lower power generation costs than gasoline generators, they emit carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, failing to meet emission standards and facing elimination.

[0005] Considering multiple factors such as environmental protection and operating costs, the use of vending machines in areas with power shortages or no electricity faces numerous technical challenges, as mentioned above. To address these challenges, an existing water-hydrogen generator (a generator that produces hydrogen through methanol-water solution reforming) operates on the following principle: Step 1: Methanol reforming to produce hydrogen.

[0006] Methanol and water vapor (typically in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:1.5) react chemically at a certain temperature (200°C-300°C) and with a catalyst to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of carbon monoxide. CH3OH + H2O → CO2 + 3H2 - 49.5 kJ / mol.

[0007] Step 2: Hydrogen purification.

[0008] The gas exiting the reformer (called "reformed gas") contains approximately 15%-25% CO2 and 0.5%-2% CO in addition to hydrogen. A small amount of air is injected into the reformed gas, and a specific catalyst allows the oxygen in the air to preferentially react with CO to produce non-toxic CO2.

[0009] Step 3: Power generation from fuel cells.

[0010] The purified hydrogen is fed into the anode of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, where it undergoes an electrochemical reaction with oxygen from the air introduced into the cathode, producing direct current, water, and heat.

[0011] As mentioned above, the water-hydrogen generator uses a mixture of methanol and water as fuel. Methanol and water are widely available, eliminating the need for complex hydrogen storage equipment and resulting in low fuel costs. Furthermore, the main byproducts of the exhaust are water, heat, and a small amount of carbon dioxide, with no sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, or other pollutants, thus meeting environmental emission requirements. However, combining existing vending machines with water-hydrogen generators presents the following technical challenges: When a water-hydrogen generator operates, hydrogen and oxygen undergo an electrochemical reaction inside the fuel cell, directly generating electricity. This process, in addition to producing electricity and water, also generates a significant amount of heat. If this heat cannot be dissipated promptly and effectively, the internal temperature of the fuel cell will continuously rise, potentially triggering a series of problems. Furthermore, to meet the requirements for preservation and chilled beverage storage, most vending machines have refrigeration functions. Their internal compressor refrigeration systems maintain the product storage compartment at a set temperature, but these systems are energy-intensive. Therefore, effectively addressing the heat dissipation problem of the water-hydrogen generator and the energy consumption issue of the vending machine's refrigeration system is key to solving the aforementioned technical challenges. Utility Model Content

[0012] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an automatic vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator, comprising a vending machine body and a water-hydrogen generator body installed on the ground, electrically connected; a constant-temperature water tank buried underground; an external tube-side heat exchanger and an internal tube-side heat exchanger, the internal tube-side heat exchanger being installed inside the equipment box of the water-hydrogen generator body and the external tube-side heat exchanger being buried underground; an air-cooled heat exchanger installed inside the vending machine body, the shell side of the external tube-side heat exchanger being connected to the air-cooled heat exchanger via a heat exchange circulation pipeline, and the tube side of the external tube-side heat exchanger being connected to the constant-temperature water tank via a set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines; the tube side of the internal tube-side heat exchanger being connected to the cooling circulation pipelines of the water-hydrogen generator body, and the shell side of the internal tube-side heat exchanger being connected to the constant-temperature water tank via another set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines.

[0013] The preferred embodiment of this utility model is as follows: the shell side of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger has at least two sets of shell-side interfaces, each set of shell-side interfaces being connected to a constant temperature water tank by a corresponding set of heat dissipation circulation pipes; the heat exchange circulation pipes and all heat dissipation circulation pipes are buried underground. To meet the heat dissipation requirements of the water-hydrogen generator body in different seasons, the heat exchange efficiency is changed by altering the shell-side flow rate of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger, thus changing the heat dissipation power of the water-hydrogen generator body. For example, in high-temperature seasons, multiple sets of heat dissipation circulation pipes are simultaneously connected to the shell side, the shell-side flow rate reaches its maximum value, the heat exchange efficiency of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is highest, and the heat of the water-hydrogen generator body is promptly removed.

[0014] The preferred embodiment of this utility model is as follows: the heat exchange circulation pipeline is equipped with a circulating water pump, and the constant temperature water tank is equipped with a submersible pump and a diversion pipe. The inlet of all heat dissipation circulation pipelines is connected to the diversion pipe through a diversion solenoid valve, and the outlet of the submersible pump is connected to the diversion pipe. By opening and closing the diversion solenoid valve, one or more heat dissipation circulation pipelines are connected to the diversion pipe. The submersible pump adopts variable frequency technology, which can change the real-time power of the submersible pump according to the flow rate of the diversion pipe. For example, when two diversion solenoid valves are open, two heat exchange circulation pipelines are connected to the diversion pipe. The power of the submersible pump is based on meeting the flow requirements of the two heat exchange circulation pipelines, thereby achieving on-demand adjustment of the submersible pump power and reducing heat dissipation energy consumption.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the automatic vending machine with water-hydrogen generator in this invention are as follows: 1. The vending machine and the water-hydrogen generator are combined to form a complete and sustainable vending platform, which can operate stably for a long time in areas without or with insufficient electricity, which helps to control operating costs and meet the needs of further promotion.

[0016] 2. By utilizing the advantages of easy fuel acquisition and clean energy of the water-hydrogen generator itself, the problem of fuel supply difficulties caused by long-term power generation is solved, while also meeting emission and environmental protection requirements.

[0017] 3. The constant-temperature water tank is made of stainless steel, which has good rust resistance and strong thermal conductivity, allowing for heat exchange with the ground. It is filled with water for heat exchange. The vending machine's air-cooled heat exchanger exchanges heat with the water in the constant-temperature water tank through an external tube-side heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the vending machine's product storage compartment and reducing the cooling load on the vending machine's refrigeration system, thus reducing cooling energy consumption. Additionally, the cooling circulation pipes of the water-hydrogen generator exchange heat with the water in the constant-temperature water tank through an internal tube-side heat exchanger. The heat generated during the water-hydrogen generator's power generation process is promptly dissipated, meeting the generator's heat dissipation requirements and contributing to its long-term stable operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator in this utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator in this utility model. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the constant temperature water tank in this utility model; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional image.

[0020] Attached reference numerals: 1. Vending machine body; 2. Water-hydrogen generator body; 3. Cable; 4. Power input port; 5. Power output port; 6. Constant temperature water tank; 7. External tube heat exchanger; 8. Heat exchange circulation pipeline; 9. Circulating water pump; 10. Heat dissipation circulation pipeline; 11. Submersible pump; 12. Diverter pipe; 13. Diverter solenoid valve; 14. External drain pipeline; 15. Backflush solenoid valve; 16. Backflush pipeline; 17. Ground. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the inventor of this utility model has, through long-term research and extensive practice, proposed the technical solution of this utility model. The following will further explain and illustrate the technical solution, its implementation process, and its principles in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation examples.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator, including a vending machine body 1 and a water-hydrogen generator body 2 installed on the ground 17. The vending machine body 1 and the water-hydrogen generator body 2 are electrically connected by a cable 3. The vending machine body 1 is provided with a power input port 4, and the water-hydrogen generator body 2 is provided with a power output port 5. The cable 3 connecting the power input port 4 and the power output port 5 is buried underground.

[0023] This embodiment includes a constant-temperature water tank 6 buried underground. The constant-temperature water tank 6 is made of stainless steel, which has good rust resistance and strong thermal conductivity. It is filled with water for heat exchange. According to the laws of thermodynamics, the heat of the water is rapidly exchanged with the underground heat through the stainless steel constant-temperature water tank 6. That is, the heat of the water is absorbed by the constant underground temperature environment all year round, reducing the heat dissipation energy consumption of the equipment.

[0024] This embodiment includes an external tube-side heat exchanger 7 buried underground and an air-cooled heat exchanger installed inside the vending machine body 1. The specific piping connection structure of the external tube-side heat exchanger 7 is as follows: like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the shell side of the external tube-side heat exchanger 7 is connected to an air-cooled heat exchanger via a heat exchange circulation pipe 8. The air-cooled heat exchanger blows cold air into the product storage compartment of the vending machine body 1, reducing the temperature of the product storage compartment, shortening the actual working time of the compressor, and saving energy. The air-cooled heat exchanger is integrated inside the vending machine body 1 and becomes a component of the vending machine body 1; the air-cooled heat exchanger is not shown in the schematic diagram. The heat exchange circulation pipe 8 is equipped with a circulating water pump 9 for circulating the coolant within the heat exchange circulation pipe 8. The tube side of the external tube-side heat exchanger 7 is connected to the constant temperature water tank 6 via a set of heat dissipation circulation pipes 10.

[0025] This embodiment includes a built-in tube-side heat exchanger. Unlike the external tube-side heat exchanger 7, the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is installed inside the equipment box of the water-hydrogen generator body 2. The built-in tube-side heat exchanger is integrated inside the equipment box and is part of the water-hydrogen generator body 2. The built-in tube-side heat exchanger is not shown in the schematic diagram. The specific piping connection structure of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is as follows: The tube side of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is connected to the cooling circulation pipeline of the water-hydrogen generator body 2. The cooling circulation pipeline itself has a water pump for circulating the coolant within the pipeline. The shell side of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is connected to the constant temperature water tank 6 through another set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines 10. Furthermore, since the heat dissipation power of the water-hydrogen generator body 2 varies with different seasons and ambient temperatures, in order to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the water-hydrogen generator body 2 under different ambient temperatures, the shell side of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger in this embodiment is provided with four sets of shell-side interfaces. Each set of shell-side interfaces is connected to the constant temperature water tank 6 by a corresponding set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines 10. There are four sets of heat dissipation circulation pipelines 10 for cooling the water-hydrogen generator body 2 and one set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines 10 for cooling the vending machine body 1, for a total of five sets of heat dissipation circulation pipelines 10. The heat exchange circulation pipelines 8 and all the heat dissipation circulation pipelines 10 are buried underground. Cable 3 and most of the pipelines are buried underground, which not only protects cable 3 and pipelines, but also does not occupy the ground space 17 and does not affect the passage of ground 17.

[0026] To further meet the heat dissipation requirements of the water-hydrogen generator body 2 in different seasons, the heat exchange efficiency is changed by altering the shell-side flow rate of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger, thus changing the heat dissipation power of the water-hydrogen generator body 2. A submersible pump 11 and a distribution pipe 12 are installed inside the constant-temperature water tank 6. The inlet of all the heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 is connected to the distribution pipe 12 via a distribution solenoid valve 13, and the outlet of the submersible pump 11 is connected to the distribution pipe 12. By opening and closing the distribution solenoid valve 13, one or more heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 are connected to the distribution pipe 12. In other words, all the distribution solenoid valves 13 are connected to the distribution pipe 12; only when the distribution solenoid valve 13 is open does water flow into the corresponding heat dissipation circulation pipe 10. The submersible pump 11 employs variable frequency technology, allowing its real-time power to adjust according to the flow rate of the distribution pipe 12. For example, during hot seasons, when all four sets of heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 are simultaneously connected to the shell side, the shell-side flow rate reaches its maximum, the heat exchange efficiency of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is highest, and the power of the submersible pump 11 reaches its maximum, meeting the flow requirements of the four heat exchange circulation pipes 8. Conversely, in winter, when only one set of heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 is simultaneously connected to the shell side, the shell-side flow rate is minimum, the heat exchange efficiency of the built-in tube-side heat exchanger is lowest, and the power of the submersible pump 11 is only one-fifth of its full power, sufficient to meet the flow requirements of one heat exchange circulation pipe 8. By adjusting the power of the submersible pump 11 as needed to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the water-hydrogen generator body 2, heat dissipation balance is achieved with minimal power consumption. Compared to existing fixed-frequency submersible pumps 11, this can save 15-30% annually.

[0027] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the volume of the constant temperature water tank 6 in this embodiment is designed according to the specific heat dissipation function. In areas with high temperatures throughout the year, the volume of the constant temperature water tank 6 should be large enough to meet the heat dissipation requirements 24 hours a day. However, increasing the volume of the constant temperature water tank 6 leads to an increase in the cost of the coolant. Therefore, in this embodiment, the constant temperature water tank 6 uses tap water as the cooling medium, and both the cooling circulation pipe and the heat exchange circulation pipe 8 adopt a sealed circulation design, with high thermal conductivity coolant used inside. The five sets of heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 use tap water as the coolant. Water is inexpensive, and the cost is less affected by the volume of the constant temperature water tank 6. However, after long-term circulation, impurities in the water will slowly contaminate the constant temperature water tank 6 and the pipes. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the bottom of the constant temperature water tank 6 is provided with an external drain pipe 14 to replace the water in the constant temperature water tank 6 periodically. In addition, the return water ends of all heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 are connected to the constant temperature water tank 6, and each return water end is provided with a backwash solenoid valve 15, which is connected to the external backwash pipe 16.

[0028] This embodiment also provides a backwashing method, the steps of which are as follows: S1. Open the external drain pipe 14 to drain all the water in the constant temperature water tank 6.

[0029] S2. All backwash solenoid valves 15 are closed, backwash pipes 16 are opened, and the high-pressure water in backwash pipes 16 flows back into the five sets of heat dissipation circulation pipes 10, the tube side of the external tube heat exchanger 7 and the shell side of the internal tube heat exchanger. Submersible pump 11 is not equipped with a filter valve core, and the backwash water flows from submersible pump 11 into constant temperature water tank 6.

[0030] S3. The external discharge pipe 14 remains open, and the wastewater generated by backwashing is discharged from the external discharge pipe 14.

[0031] S4. The tube side of the five sets of heat dissipation circulation pipes 10 and the shell side of the external tube heat exchanger 7 are flushed clean. All backflushing solenoid valves 15 are opened, and the backflushing pipes 16 and the external discharge pipes 14 are closed. Backflushing is complete.

[0032] Regularly backflushing the constant temperature water tank 6 and its corresponding pipelines ensures they are unobstructed and free of blockages, maintaining efficient heat exchange. After backflushing, the inlet pipe of the constant temperature water tank 6 is opened, and clean tap water fills the tank.

[0033] In addition, the waste heat generated by the water-hydrogen generator body 2 during power generation is directly discharged into the surrounding environment through heat exchange in the cooling circulation pipeline. This waste heat is not recovered and utilized. This embodiment also provides three waste heat recovery methods for the water-hydrogen generator body 2, as follows: The first type is the integrated Steam Rankine Cycle (Integrated SRC), which is the most classic and widely used medium- and low-temperature thermal power generation technology. It utilizes the high-temperature heat discharged from the cooling circulation pipes to heat water and generate medium- and low-pressure steam. The steam drives a steam turbine, which in turn drives a generator to produce electricity, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy. The specific process is as follows: First, the cooling circulation pipe heats the water in the waste heat boiler and discharges steam. The steam expands in the steam turbine, driving the impeller to rotate (thermal energy → mechanical energy). Then, the steam turbine drives a generator to generate electricity (mechanical energy → electrical energy). Finally, the exhaust gas from the steam turbine is cooled, liquefied, and collected for use as makeup water in the constant temperature water tank 6.

[0034] The first method is technically mature and reliable, making full use of waste heat and clean liquefied water, thus reducing water consumption.

[0035] The second type is the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), an "upgraded version" of the Steam Rankine Cycle, particularly suitable for medium- and low-temperature heat source recovery. The principle is similar to the SRC, but it uses a low-boiling-point organic working fluid (such as pentane, silicone oil, or Freon substitutes) instead of water. The organic working fluid evaporates at a lower temperature to generate high-pressure steam, thus utilizing heat sources at 200-300°C more efficiently.

[0036] The third type is the Stirling engine, an external combustion piston engine. Its principle is that heat from the outside (hot end) of the engine, through a recovered cooling circulation pipe, continuously heats the working fluid (such as helium or hydrogen) inside the cylinder. The heated working fluid expands, pushing the piston to do work. At the cold end, the working fluid cools and contracts, causing the piston to return to its original position. This cycle converts thermal energy into the reciprocating mechanical motion of the piston, which is then converted into rotational motion via the crankshaft to drive a generator.

[0037] In practical applications, one of the three waste heat recovery methods mentioned above can be selected based on the actual situation to recover the high-temperature waste heat of the water-hydrogen generator and convert it into mechanical / electrical energy. That is, by recovering waste heat to generate electricity, the overall power generation efficiency of the water-hydrogen generator can be improved, the methanol consumption cost per kilowatt-hour can be reduced, and the operating costs of vending machines can be better controlled.

[0038] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. It should not be considered that the specific implementation of this utility model is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator, characterized in that: It includes a vending machine body and a water-hydrogen generator body installed on the ground, and the vending machine body and the water-hydrogen generator body are electrically connected; Including temperature-controlled water tanks buried underground; It includes an external tube-side heat exchanger and an internal tube-side heat exchanger. The internal tube-side heat exchanger is installed inside the equipment box of the water-hydrogen generator body, while the external tube-side heat exchanger is buried underground. The device includes an air-cooled heat exchanger installed inside the vending machine body. The shell side of the external tube-side heat exchanger is connected to the air-cooled heat exchanger through a heat exchange circulation pipeline, and the tube side of the external tube-side heat exchanger is connected to a constant temperature water tank through a set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines. The tube side of the internal tube-side heat exchanger is connected to the cooling circulation pipeline of the water-hydrogen generator body, and the shell side of the internal tube-side heat exchanger is connected to the constant temperature water tank through another set of heat dissipation circulation pipelines.

2. The vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cable connecting the power input port of the vending machine body and the power output port of the water-hydrogen generator body is buried underground.

3. The vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The built-in tube heat exchanger has at least two sets of shell-side interfaces, each set of shell-side interfaces being connected to a constant temperature water tank by a corresponding heat dissipation circulation pipeline; the heat exchange circulation pipeline and all heat dissipation circulation pipelines are buried underground.

4. The vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange circulation pipeline is equipped with a circulating water pump, and the constant temperature water tank is equipped with a submersible pump and a diversion pipe. The inlet of all heat dissipation circulation pipelines is connected to the diversion pipe through a diversion solenoid valve, and the outlet of the submersible pump is connected to the diversion pipe. The opening and closing of the diversion solenoid valve enables one or more heat dissipation circulation pipelines to be connected to the diversion pipe.

5. The vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: All the heat dissipation circulation pipes have their return ends connected to the constant temperature water tank, and each return end is equipped with a backwash solenoid valve. The return end is connected to the external backwash pipe.

6. The vending machine with a water-hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the constant temperature water tank is equipped with an external drainage pipe.

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