Liquid hydrogen system and vehicle
By liquefying gaseous hydrogen into liquid hydrogen through reliquefaction and power generation in the liquid hydrogen system, the problem of increased internal pressure in liquid hydrogen storage devices is solved, enabling long-term stable storage and safe transportation of liquid hydrogen and improving energy utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CRRC YANGTZE GRP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Liquid hydrogen is not suitable for providing energy support for vehicles that require long-term continuous operation, making it difficult to achieve stable storage and safe transportation over a long period of time.
A liquid hydrogen system was designed, including a liquid hydrogen storage device, a reliquefaction device, a power generation device, and a battery assembly. The reliquefaction device liquefies gaseous hydrogen into liquid hydrogen, reduces the internal pressure of the storage device, and converts the chemical energy of the hydrogen into electrical energy for storage. The power generation device and battery assembly enable the system to operate efficiently and stably.
This improves the storage time and safety of liquid hydrogen, reduces hydrogen loss, increases energy utilization, and ensures the stability and safety of the system.
Smart Images
Figure CN2025136347_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Liquid hydrogen systems and vehicles
[0001] Cross-reference to related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024118243389, filed on December 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of liquid hydrogen application technology, and more particularly to a liquid hydrogen system and vehicle. Background Technology
[0004] Hydrogen is a high-energy-density energy source. A unit mass of liquid hydrogen can release far more energy than traditional fossil fuels, and the main byproduct of hydrogen combustion is water, which greatly reduces pollutant emissions and effectively alleviates pressure on the atmosphere. Furthermore, hydrogen can be produced through renewable energy methods such as water electrolysis, making it renewable. It is currently widely used in launch vehicles for communication satellites, spacecraft, and space shuttles. However, liquid hydrogen requires low storage temperatures, typically controlled at around -253°C. Due to the significant temperature difference between the external environment and the internal temperature of the liquid hydrogen storage device, if external heat leaks into the liquid hydrogen cylinder, the liquid hydrogen will absorb heat and vaporize, causing the internal pressure of the storage device to rise. To ensure safety, it is often necessary to release hydrogen gas to relieve pressure, making it difficult to achieve stable storage of liquid hydrogen for extended periods. This characteristic also makes liquid hydrogen unsuitable for providing energy to vehicles requiring continuous long-term operation, limiting its widespread application prospects in specific transportation scenarios. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This disclosure provides a liquid hydrogen system and vehicle that at least addresses the technical problem in the related art that liquid hydrogen is unsuitable for providing energy support for vehicles that require long-term continuous operation.
[0006] A liquid hydrogen system is provided according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, comprising: a liquid hydrogen storage device for storing hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas including liquid-phase hydrogen gas and gaseous-phase hydrogen gas, the liquid hydrogen storage device having a gas phase port and a liquid phase port; a reliquefaction device for liquefying gaseous-phase hydrogen gas into liquid-phase hydrogen gas, the gas phase port being connected to the gas inlet of the reliquefaction device and the liquid outlet of the reliquefaction device being connected to the liquid phase port; a power generation device, the power generation device having an input port connected to the liquid hydrogen storage device, the power generation device being used to generate electricity using hydrogen gas; a battery assembly connected to the power generation device, the battery assembly being used to store electrical energy generated by the power generation device; and a control assembly, the reliquefaction device, the power generation device, and the battery assembly being communicatively connected to the control assembly, the control assembly being used to control the operation of the reliquefaction device, the power generation device, and the battery assembly.
[0007] A vehicle is provided according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, comprising: a liquid hydrogen system as described in any of the first aspects above. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:
[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] The correspondence between the reference numerals and the component names is as follows:
[0011] 110. Liquid hydrogen storage device; 120. Reliquefaction device; 130. Power generation device; 140. Battery assembly; 150. Control assembly;
[0012] 2001, First liquid phase pipeline; 2002, Second liquid phase pipeline; 210, First control valve; 220, Second control valve; 230, First shut-off valve; 240, Filter element;
[0013] 3001, Booster Pipeline; 310, Third Control Valve; 320, Converter; 330, First Check Valve;
[0014] 4001, First gas phase pipeline; 4002, Second gas phase pipeline; 410, Fourth control valve; 420, Fifth control valve; 430, Second shut-off valve;
[0015] 5001. Venting pipeline; 510. Drain valve; 520. Explosion-proof fan;
[0016] 6001. Application piping; 610. Vaporizer; 620. Buffer tank; 630. Sixth control valve; 640. Pressure regulator; 650. Third shut-off valve; 660. Third check valve;
[0017] 7001, Bypass line; 710, Seventh control valve; 720, Third check valve;
[0018] 131. Hydrogen fuel cell; 132. Liquid cooling section; 133. Air-cooled heat dissipation section; 134. Power generation control section;
[0019] 1301, Inlet pipe; 1301, Return pipe;
[0020] 111. Liquid hydrogen storage tank; 112. Inspection department;
[0021] 1201 Cooling piping; 1202 Refrigerant passage; 121 Compression pump; 122 Refrigeration pump; 123 Reliquefaction control unit. Embodiments of the present invention
[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, a liquid hydrogen system is provided according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, including: a liquid hydrogen storage device 110, a reliquefaction device 120, a power generation device 130, a battery assembly 140, and a control assembly 150. Liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is used to store hydrogen, which includes liquid-phase hydrogen and gaseous hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen storage device 110 has a gas phase port and a liquid phase port. Reliquefaction device 120 is used to liquefy gaseous hydrogen into liquid-phase hydrogen. The gas phase port is connected to the gas inlet of reliquefaction device 120, and the liquid outlet of reliquefaction device 120 is connected to the liquid phase port. Power generation device 130 has its input port connected to liquid hydrogen storage device 110 and is used to generate electricity using hydrogen. Battery assembly 140 is connected to power generation device 130 and is used to store electrical energy generated by power generation device 130. Control assembly 150 is communicatively connected to reliquefaction device 120, power generation device 130, and battery assembly 140. Control assembly 150 is used to control the operation of reliquefaction device 120, power generation device 130, and battery assembly 140.
[0024] As described above, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of this disclosure includes a liquid hydrogen storage device 110, a reliquefaction device 120, a power generation device 130, a battery assembly 140, and a control assembly 150. The liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is used to store hydrogen. Hydrogen is primarily stored in the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 in the form of liquid-phase hydrogen. As hydrogen is used and the liquid-phase hydrogen vaporizes, gaseous hydrogen will also be present in the liquid hydrogen storage device 110. The gas phase port of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is connected to the inlet of the reliquefaction device 120, and the liquid phase port of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is connected to the outlet of the reliquefaction device 120, thereby allowing the gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 to enter the reliquefaction device 120 through the gas phase port. The reliquefaction unit 120 liquefies gaseous hydrogen to obtain liquid hydrogen, which flows back to the liquid hydrogen storage unit 110 from the liquid phase port. This reduces both the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage unit 110 and hydrogen loss, thus extending the storage time of the hydrogen. The liquid hydrogen storage unit 110 is connected to the input port of the power generation unit 130, allowing the power generation unit 130 to use the hydrogen provided by the liquid hydrogen storage unit 110 as a power source for power generation. The power generation unit 130 converts the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated by the power generation device 130 can be stored in the battery assembly 140 for easy extraction and use at any time. In practical applications, the reliquefaction device 120, the power generation device 130, and the battery assembly 140 can be controlled by the control assembly 150 according to actual working needs, thereby achieving mutual coordination between the liquid hydrogen storage device 110, the reliquefaction device 120, the power generation device 130, and the battery assembly 140. This enables the hydrogen system to be suitable for various working conditions, ensuring the efficient, stable, and safe operation of the hydrogen system.
[0025] It should be noted that the electrical energy generated by the power generation device 130 can be output externally, that is, the power generation device 130 can provide power support for other connected devices; and when the electrical energy generated by the power generation device 130 cannot be fully used, the battery module 140 can properly store the remaining electrical energy. Subsequently, the battery module 140 can be used as a power source to output electrical energy independently, or it can be used as a supplement to the power generation device 130 to supply power to the devices connected to the power generation device 130. This helps to ensure that the power supply of the entire system remains stable and reliable, thus reducing the occurrence of power interruptions or insufficient supply caused by the intermittent operation of the power generation device 130 or fluctuations in external power demand.
[0026] It should be noted that the reliquefaction device 120 allows the vaporized gaseous hydrogen to be liquefied into liquid hydrogen for circulation, reducing hydrogen loss caused by vaporization; it also reduces the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110, thereby improving system safety. The power generation device 130 and battery assembly 140 allow the hydrogen inside the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 to be used to convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy; and excess electrical energy is stored, further reducing energy loss and increasing energy supply time.
[0027] It should be noted that in some transportation applications, certain vehicles require long-distance transport, making it inconvenient to maintain or replace liquid hydrogen energy en route. This is especially true for railway locomotives, which frequently need to stop and wait on railway lines during operation. Related technologies employ methods that increase the amount of liquid hydrogen carried, such as carrying multiple liquid hydrogen cylinders connected in series. However, this method results in an excessive number of liquid hydrogen cylinders, which are large and heavy. This makes installation and replacement difficult; furthermore, the internal pressure rise of the cylinders due to liquid hydrogen vaporization can easily lead to hydrogen leakage, posing a significant safety hazard; and thirdly, this method also results in relatively high hydrogen energy loss and low energy utilization. The liquid hydrogen system proposed in this disclosure, based on the aforementioned configuration, can achieve the reliquefaction of gaseous hydrogen, alleviating the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110, reducing hydrogen leakage, and improving system safety. Furthermore, it can convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy for storage, further reducing hydrogen loss and improving the energy utilization rate of hydrogen.
[0028] For example, the battery assembly 150 may include a lithium battery section and a battery control section. The lithium battery section is used to store electrical energy. The battery control section is used to control the charging or discharging of the lithium battery section. The battery control section is communicatively connected to a control assembly.
[0029] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: a first liquid phase pipeline 2001, one end of which is connected to a liquid phase port, and the other end of which is connected to the outlet of the reliquefaction device 120; a second liquid phase pipeline 2002, which is connected to the first liquid phase pipeline 2001 and is used to fill the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 with hydrogen; a first control valve 210, which is disposed in the first liquid phase pipeline 2001 and is located between the second liquid phase pipeline 2002 and the liquid phase port; and a second control valve 220, which is disposed in the first liquid phase pipeline 2001 and is located between the second liquid phase pipeline 2002 and the reliquefaction device 120. Both the first control valve 210 and the second control valve 220 are communicatively connected to the control component 150.
[0030] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen system further includes a first liquid phase pipeline 2001, a second liquid phase pipeline 2002, a first control valve 210, and a second control valve 220. Based on the aforementioned configuration, the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 has at least two methods for injecting liquid hydrogen: one is to input the liquid hydrogen converted by the reliquefaction device 120 into the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 through the first liquid phase pipeline 2001, thereby realizing hydrogen circulation inside the liquid hydrogen storage device 110; the other is to directly inject liquid hydrogen into the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 through the second liquid phase pipeline 2002 and the first liquid phase pipeline 2001, thereby realizing the filling of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 with liquid hydrogen. Both the first control valve 210 and the second control valve 220 are controlled by the control component 150. The control component 150 can control the application of the two injection methods by adjusting the opening degree of the first control valve 210 and the second control valve 220. In some embodiments, when liquid hydrogen needs to be injected into the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 through the reliquefaction device 120, the control component 150 controls the first control valve 210 and the second control valve 220 to open. When the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 needs to be filled through the second liquid phase pipeline 2002, the control component 150 controls the first control valve 210 to open and controls the second control valve 220 to close.
[0031] Understandably, the control component 150 controls the opening degree of the first control valve 210 and the second control valve 220, thereby enabling control of the flow rate of liquid hydrogen inside the pipeline.
[0032] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a first shut-off valve 230. The first shut-off valve 230 is disposed in the second liquid phase line 2002. The first shut-off valve 230 can control the opening or closing of the second liquid phase line 2002. The first shut-off valve 230 can be manually controlled to allow operators to manipulate it as needed when filling the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 with liquid hydrogen.
[0033] By way of example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a filter 240. The filter 240 is disposed in the second liquid phase line 2002 and is used to filter the liquid hydrogen gas injected from the second liquid phase line 2002 into the liquid hydrogen storage device 110.
[0034] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: a pressurization line 3001, one end of which is connected to a first liquid phase line 2001, and the other end of which is connected to a gas phase port; a third control valve 310, disposed in the pressurization line 3001, and the third control valve 310 is communicatively connected to the control component 150; and a converter 320, disposed in the pressurization line 3001, for converting liquid phase hydrogen into gas phase hydrogen. The connection between the pressurization line 3001 and the first liquid phase line 2001 is located between the first control valve 210 and the second control valve 220.
[0035] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a pressurization pipeline 3001, a third control valve 310, and a converter 320. When the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is too low, the control component 150 controls the first control valve 210 and the third control valve 310 to open, allowing liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 to enter the pressurization pipeline 3001; and under the action of the converter 320, it is converted into gaseous hydrogen; the gaseous hydrogen is then injected back into the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 from the gas phase port, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110.
[0036] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a first check valve 330. The first check valve 330 is disposed in the pressurization line 3001. The conduction direction of the first check valve 330 is from the first liquid phase line 2001 to the gas phase port, which can prevent backflow of gaseous hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage device 110.
[0037] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: a first gas phase pipeline 4001, one end of which is connected to a gas phase port, and the other end of which is connected to the gas inlet of the reliquefaction unit 120; a second gas phase pipeline 4002, which is connected to the first gas phase pipeline 4001 and is used to discharge hydrogen; a fourth control valve 410, which is disposed in the first gas phase pipeline 4001 and is located between the second gas phase pipeline 4002 and the gas phase port; and a fifth control valve 420, which is disposed in the first gas phase pipeline 4001 and is located between the second gas phase pipeline 4002 and the reliquefaction unit 120. Both the fourth control valve 410 and the fifth control valve 420 are communicatively connected to the control component 150.
[0038] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a first gas phase pipeline 4001, a second gas phase pipeline 4002, a fourth control valve 410, and a fifth control valve 420. Based on the aforementioned configuration, the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 has at least two methods for discharging gaseous hydrogen. One method is that gaseous hydrogen enters the first gas phase pipeline 4001 from the gas phase port and then flows into the reliquefaction device 120 for reliquefaction, thereby realizing hydrogen circulation within the liquid hydrogen storage device 110. The other method is that gaseous hydrogen enters the first gas phase pipeline 4001 from the gas phase port and then flows into the second gas phase pipeline 4002, and is discharged from the second gas phase pipeline 4002. The discharged gaseous hydrogen can be used for applications in other equipment or directly discharged. The fourth control valve 410 and the fifth control valve 420 are both controlled by the control component 150, and the control component 150 can control the application of the two discharge methods by adjusting the opening degree of the fourth control valve 410 and the fifth control valve 420.
[0039] It should be noted that both discharge methods can be used for depressurization of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110. The appropriate discharge method can be selected according to the actual situation, which will not be elaborated here.
[0040] It should be noted that the control component 150 controls the opening of the fourth control valve 410 and the fifth control valve 420, thereby enabling control of the gaseous hydrogen flow rate inside the pipeline.
[0041] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a second shut-off valve 430. The second shut-off valve 430 is disposed in the second gas phase line 4002. The second shut-off valve 430 can control the opening or closing of the second gas phase line 4002. The second shut-off valve 430 can be manually controlled to allow operators to manipulate it as needed when discharging gaseous hydrogen.
[0042] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: a venting pipeline 5001, the inlet end of which is connected to a gas phase port, and the outlet end of which is connected to the external environment; a discharge valve 510 disposed in the venting pipeline 5001, which is used to control the opening or closing of the venting pipeline 5001; and an explosion-proof fan 520 disposed in the outlet end of the venting pipeline 5001 for blowing away the gaseous hydrogen discharged from the venting pipeline 5001. The discharge valve 510 has a preset pressure threshold. When the gas pressure in the venting pipeline 5001 is greater than the pressure threshold, the discharge valve 510 is opened; when the gas pressure in the venting pipeline 5001 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, the discharge valve 510 is closed.
[0043] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a venting pipeline 5001, a discharge valve 510, and an explosion-proof fan 520. The installation of the venting pipeline 5001, the discharge valve 510, and the explosion-proof fan 520 improves the safety of the liquid hydrogen system. The venting pipeline 5001 is connected to the interior of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 via a gas phase port, so that the pressure inside the venting pipeline 5001 and the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is the same. When the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is too high, the gas pressure in the venting pipeline 5001 increases. When the gas pressure exceeds the pressure threshold, the discharge valve 510 will be opened, and the gaseous hydrogen inside the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 can be discharged through the venting pipeline 5001 to reduce the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device 110, which helps to prevent the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 from exploding due to excessive pressure. In addition, an explosion-proof fan 520 is installed at the outlet of the venting pipeline 5001 to quickly disperse the gaseous hydrogen discharged into the external environment, preventing a large amount of gaseous hydrogen from accumulating and reducing safety hazards.
[0044] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: an application line 6001, one end of which is connected to a liquid phase port; a vaporizer 610, the other end of which is connected to the liquid inlet of the vaporizer 610, the vaporizer 610 being used to vaporize liquid phase hydrogen into gaseous phase hydrogen; a buffer tank 620, the outlet of the vaporizer 610 being connected to the inlet of the buffer tank 620, and the outlet of the buffer tank 620 being connected to the power generation device 130; and a sixth control valve 630, disposed in the application line 6001, located between the vaporizer 610 and the liquid phase port. The sixth control valve 630 is communicatively connected to the control component 150.
[0045] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen system also includes an application pipeline 6001, a vaporizer 610, a buffer tank 620, and a sixth control valve 630. The liquid hydrogen storage device 110 can supply hydrogen to the power generation device 130 via the application pipeline 6001, the vaporizer 610, and the buffer tank 620. When power generation is required, the control component 150 controls the sixth control valve 630 to open; liquid hydrogen enters the vaporizer 610 through the application pipeline 6001, and the vaporizer 610 can convert the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen for use by the power generation device 130. A buffer tank 620 is also provided between the power generation unit 130 and the vaporizer 610. On the one hand, the buffer tank 620 can buffer the gaseous hydrogen output from the vaporizer 610 and output stable gaseous hydrogen to the power generation unit 130, reducing the impact of fluctuations in the gaseous hydrogen output from the vaporizer 610 on the power generation unit 130. On the other hand, the buffer tank 620 can also precipitate the gaseous hydrogen, reducing the probability of small amounts of impurities or incompletely vaporized liquid hydrogen entering the power generation unit 130.
[0046] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a pressure regulator 640. The pressure regulator 640 is disposed between the buffer tank 620 and the power generation unit 130, and is communicatively connected to the control component 150. The pressure regulator 640 is used to control the pressure of the gaseous hydrogen output from the buffer tank 620 to the power generation unit 130; thereby, the control component 150 can adjust the efficiency of the gaseous hydrogen delivery from the buffer tank 620 to the power generation unit 130 by controlling the pressure regulator 640.
[0047] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a third shut-off valve 650. The third shut-off valve 650 is disposed in the application line 6001 and is located between the vaporizer 610 and the liquid phase port; the third shut-off valve 650 can be manually controlled so as to control the opening or closing of the application line 6001 in special circumstances such as system failure.
[0048] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a fourth check valve. The fourth check valve is disposed between the vaporizer 610 and the buffer tank 620. The direction of conduction of the fourth check valve is from the vaporizer 610 to the buffer tank 620.
[0049] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the liquid hydrogen system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: a bypass line 7001, one end of which is connected to a gas phase port and the other end of which is connected to the liquid inlet of the vaporizer 610; and a seventh control valve 710 disposed in the bypass line 7001, which is communicatively connected to the control component 150.
[0050] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a bypass pipeline 7001 and a seventh control valve 710. With this configuration, when the pressure inside the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 is high, the first control valve 210 can be opened by the control component 150, so that the gaseous hydrogen inside the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 can enter the vaporizer 610 through the bypass pipeline 7001, and then enter the power generation device 130 to generate electricity.
[0051] It is understandable that some hydrogen will inevitably be lost during the process of converting gaseous hydrogen provided by the reliquefaction unit 120 into liquid hydrogen; while directly generating electricity from gaseous hydrogen can reduce the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage unit 110 and reduce hydrogen loss.
[0052] It is worth noting that the temperature of gaseous hydrogen is higher than that of liquid hydrogen. Injecting gaseous hydrogen into vaporizer 610 can assist vaporizer 610 in heating liquid hydrogen, thereby improving the efficiency of liquid hydrogen vaporization.
[0053] For example, the liquid hydrogen system also includes a third check valve 720. The third check valve 720 is disposed in the bypass line 7001. The direction of conduction of the third check valve 720 is from the gas phase port to the liquid inlet of the vaporizer 610. The third check valve 720 prevents hydrogen backflow.
[0054] In some examples, as shown in Figure 1, the power generation device 130 includes: a hydrogen fuel cell 131 for generating electricity using hydrogen, a buffer tank 620 connected to the hydrogen fuel cell 131; a liquid cooling section 132 disposed on the hydrogen fuel cell 131 for cooling the hydrogen fuel cell 131; an air-cooled heat dissipation section 133 for cooling the liquid cooling section 132 and the hydrogen fuel cell 131; a power generation control section 134 communicatively connected to the control component 150 for controlling the hydrogen fuel cell 131, the liquid cooling section 132, and the air-cooled heat dissipation section 133; a liquid inlet pipe 1301 through which the liquid cooling section 132 inputs coolant for cooling into the vaporizer 610, so that the coolant for cooling heats the vaporizer 610; and a liquid return pipe 1301 through which the vaporizer 610 discharges the coolant for cooling back to the liquid cooling section 132.
[0055] In the above technical solution, the power generation device 130 includes a hydrogen fuel cell 131, a liquid cooling section 132, an air-cooled heat dissipation section 133, and a power generation control section 134. A buffer tank 620 is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell 131. The buffer tank 620 is used to pass gaseous hydrogen into the hydrogen fuel cell 131. The hydrogen fuel cell 131 can convert gaseous hydrogen into electrical energy and output the electrical energy for application or input it to the battery assembly 140 for storage. During the energy conversion process, the hydrogen fuel cell 131 generates a large amount of heat. If the temperature is too high, it will affect the performance of the hydrogen fuel cell 131 and may also pose an explosion hazard. Therefore, the liquid cooling section 132 and the air-cooled heat dissipation section 133 are provided to dissipate heat from the hydrogen fuel cell 131, ensuring stable operation of the hydrogen fuel cell 131 and improving the safety of the power generation device 130. In addition, the power generation device 130 also includes a liquid inlet pipe 1301 and a liquid return pipe 1301. The liquid cooling section 132 cools the hydrogen fuel cell 131 with coolant, and the coolant, after being used for cooling, will heat up under the action of the hydrogen fuel cell 131. The cooled coolant is injected into the vaporizer 610 through the inlet pipe 1301, and the temperature of the vaporizer 610 can be increased by utilizing the temperature of the cooled coolant, thereby improving the vaporization efficiency of the vaporizer 610. After passing through the vaporizer 610, the cooled coolant returns to the liquid cooling section 132 through the return pipe 1301 to realize the circulation of coolant.
[0056] For example, the liquid cooling unit 132 includes a liquid cooling tank. The liquid cooling tank is used to store coolant. Both the inlet pipe 1301 and the return pipe 1301 are connected to the liquid cooling tank. The air-cooled heat dissipation unit 133 can cool the liquid cooling tank to reduce the temperature of the coolant.
[0057] In some examples, as shown in Figure 1, the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 includes: a liquid hydrogen storage tank 111 for storing hydrogen, with both a gas phase port and a liquid phase port formed in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111; and a detection unit 112 disposed in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111 for detecting parameters inside the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111. The detection unit 112 is communicatively connected to a control component 150 and is used to transmit parameters to the control component 150.
[0058] In the above technical solution, the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank 111 and a detection unit 112. The detection unit 112 can detect parameters inside the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111, specifically including parameters such as pressure, temperature, and liquid hydrogen level inside the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111. The detection unit 112 can transmit the detected parameters to the control component 150, so that the control component 150 can monitor the status of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111, and also facilitate the control component 150 to control the reliquefaction device 120, the power generation device 130, and the battery assembly 140 according to the status of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111.
[0059] Exemplarily, the liquid hydrogen storage device 110 also includes a vacuum gauge tube and a vacuum shut-off valve. A vacuum jacket exists on the outer wall of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 111. The vacuum gauge tube communicates with the vacuum jacket. The vacuum shut-off valve is disposed on the vacuum shut-off valve. The vacuum shut-off valve is used to control the opening or closing of the vacuum gauge tube. The vacuum gauge tube is used for external connection to vacuum detection equipment.
[0060] In some examples, as shown in Figure 1, the reliquefaction device 120 includes: a cooling pipe 1201, one end of which forms an inlet for the reliquefaction device 120, and the other end of which forms an outlet for the reliquefaction device 120; a compression pump 121, disposed in the cooling pipe 1201, for compressing gaseous hydrogen into liquid hydrogen; a refrigerant channel 1202, inside which the cooling pipe 1201 is located, and which contains a cooling medium; a refrigeration pump 122, for cooling the cooling medium, having an inlet end and a pumping end, both connected to the refrigerant channel 1202, with the cooling pipe 1201 located between the inlet end and the pumping end; and a reliquefaction control unit 123, communicatively connected to the control assembly 150, for controlling the compression pump 121 and the refrigeration pump 122. The power generation device 130 and / or battery assembly 140 are electrically connected to the compressor pump 121, and the power generation device 130 and / or battery assembly 140 are electrically connected to the refrigeration pump 122.
[0061] In the above technical solution, the reliquefaction device 120 includes a cooling pipe 1201, a compression pump 121, a refrigerant channel 1202, a refrigeration pump 122, and a reliquefaction control unit 123. Gaseous hydrogen enters from one end of the cooling pipe 1201, forming an inlet, and is cooled within the cooling pipe 1201. It is then compressed by the compression pump 121 to obtain liquid hydrogen, which flows out from the other end of the cooling pipe 1201, forming a liquid outlet. The cooling pipe 1201 is located inside the refrigerant channel 1202, which uses an internal cooling medium to cool the cooling pipe 1201, assisting the compression pump 121 in converting gaseous hydrogen into liquid hydrogen. The refrigeration pump 122 cools the cooling medium and circulates the cooling medium within the refrigerant channel 1202, which helps maintain a low-temperature environment inside the refrigerant channel 1202. The reliquefaction control unit 123 can control the compression pump 121 and the refrigeration pump 122, so the control assembly 150 can control the compression pump 121 and the refrigeration pump 122 through the reliquefaction control unit 123.
[0062] It should be noted that the electrical energy required by the compressor pump 121 can be supplied by the power generation device 130, the battery assembly 140, or both the power generation device 130 and the battery assembly 140.
[0063] It should be noted that the electrical energy required by the refrigeration pump 122 can be supplied by the power generation device 130, the battery assembly 140, or both the power generation device 130 and the battery assembly 140.
[0064] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a liquid hydrogen system as described in any of the first aspects above.
[0065] Since the vehicle provided in this disclosure includes a liquid hydrogen system as described in any of the first aspects above, it possesses all the beneficial effects of such a liquid hydrogen system, which will not be elaborated here.
[0066] It should be emphasized that both the generator 130 and the battery pack 140 can be used to output electrical energy, and the electrical energy output by the generator 130 and the battery pack 140 can be used to support the operation of other devices or systems inside the vehicle.
[0067] For example, a railway rolling stock includes a liquid hydrogen system as proposed in any of the first aspects above.
[0068] Compared to related technologies, the technical solutions according to some embodiments of this disclosure have at least the following beneficial effects. The liquid hydrogen system provided in the embodiments of this disclosure includes a liquid hydrogen storage device, a reliquefaction device, a power generation device, a battery assembly, and a control assembly. The liquid hydrogen storage device is used to store hydrogen, which is mostly stored in the form of liquid-phase hydrogen. With the use of hydrogen and the vaporization of the liquid-phase hydrogen, gaseous hydrogen will also exist in the liquid hydrogen storage device. The gas phase port of the liquid hydrogen storage device is connected to the gas inlet of the reliquefaction device; the liquid phase port of the liquid hydrogen storage device is connected to the liquid outlet of the reliquefaction device, so that the gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen storage device can enter the reliquefaction device through the gas phase port. The reliquefaction device can liquefy the gaseous hydrogen to obtain liquid-phase hydrogen. The liquid-phase hydrogen can flow back to the liquid hydrogen storage device from the liquid phase port, thereby reducing both the internal pressure of the liquid hydrogen storage device and the loss of hydrogen, which is beneficial for extending the storage time of hydrogen. The liquid hydrogen storage unit is connected to the input of the power generation unit, allowing the power generation unit to use the hydrogen supplied by the liquid hydrogen storage unit as a power source for electricity generation. The power generation unit converts the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy, which is then stored in a battery module for easy extraction and use. In practical applications, the reliquefaction unit, power generation unit, and battery module can be controlled by a control module according to actual working needs, achieving synergy between the liquid hydrogen storage unit, reliquefaction unit, power generation unit, and battery module. This makes the hydrogen system adaptable to various working conditions, ensuring the efficient, stable, and safe operation of the hydrogen system.
[0069] Other advantages, objectives and features of the liquid hydrogen system and vehicle described in this disclosure will partly become apparent from the following description, and in part will be understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this disclosure.
[0070] In this disclosure, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.
[0071] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.
[0072] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. 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.
[0073] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A liquid hydrogen system, comprising: A liquid hydrogen storage device for storing hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas including liquid-phase hydrogen gas and gas-phase hydrogen gas, the liquid hydrogen storage device having a gas phase port and a liquid phase port; A reliquefaction device is used to liquefy the gaseous hydrogen into the liquid hydrogen, wherein the gas phase port is connected to the gas inlet of the reliquefaction device and the liquid outlet of the reliquefaction device is connected to the liquid phase port. A power generation device, the input port of which is connected to the liquid hydrogen storage device, is used to generate electricity using the hydrogen gas; A battery assembly connected to the power generation device, the battery assembly being used to store the electrical energy generated by the power generation device; as well as The control component is communicatively connected to the reliquefaction device, the power generation device, and the battery assembly. The control component is used to control the operation of the reliquefaction device, the power generation device, and the battery assembly.
2. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 1, further comprising: A first liquid phase pipeline, one end of which is connected to the liquid phase port, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid outlet of the reliquefaction device. A second liquid phase pipeline is connected to the first liquid phase pipeline, and the second liquid phase pipeline is used to fill the liquid hydrogen storage device with hydrogen gas; A first control valve is disposed in the first liquid phase pipeline, and the first control valve is located between the second liquid phase pipeline and the liquid phase port; as well as A second control valve is provided in the first liquid phase pipeline, and the second control valve is located between the second liquid phase pipeline and the reliquefaction device; Both the first control valve and the second control valve are communicatively connected to the control component.
3. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 2, further comprising: A pressurization pipeline, one end of which is connected to the first liquid phase pipeline, and the other end of which is connected to the gas phase port; A third control valve is installed in the pressurization pipeline, and the third control valve signal is communicatively connected to the control component; and A converter is provided in the pressurization pipeline, and the converter is used to convert the liquid hydrogen into the gaseous hydrogen. The connection between the pressurization pipeline and the first liquid phase pipeline is located between the first control valve and the second control valve.
4. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 1, further comprising: A first gas phase pipeline, one end of which is connected to the gas phase port, and the other end of which is connected to the gas inlet of the reliquefaction device. A second gas phase pipeline is connected to the first gas phase pipeline, and the second gas phase pipeline is used to export the hydrogen gas. A fourth control valve is disposed in the first gas phase pipeline, and the fourth control valve is located between the second gas phase pipeline and the gas phase port; and The fifth control valve is installed in the first gas phase pipeline, and the fifth control valve is located between the second gas phase pipeline and the reliquefaction device; Both the fourth control valve and the fifth control valve are communicatively connected to the control component.
5. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 1, further comprising: A venting pipeline, wherein the inlet end of the venting pipeline is connected to the gas phase port, and the outlet end of the venting pipeline is used to connect to the external environment. A discharge valve, installed in the venting pipeline, is used to control the opening or closing of the venting pipeline; and An explosion-proof fan is installed at the outlet end of the venting pipe to blow away the gaseous hydrogen discharged from the venting pipe. The discharge valve has a preset pressure threshold. When the gas pressure in the venting pipeline is greater than the pressure threshold, the discharge valve is opened; when the gas pressure in the venting pipeline is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, the discharge valve is closed.
6. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 1, further comprising: An application pipeline, one end of which is connected to the liquid phase port; A vaporizer, the other end of the application pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet of the vaporizer, the vaporizer is used to vaporize the liquid hydrogen into the gaseous hydrogen; A buffer tank, wherein the outlet of the vaporizer is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank, and the outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the power generation device; as well as The sixth control valve is installed in the application pipeline, located between the vaporizer and the liquid phase port; The sixth control valve is communicatively connected to the control component.
7. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 6, further comprising: A bypass line, one end of which is connected to the gas phase port and the other end of which is connected to the liquid inlet of the vaporizer; as well as A seventh control valve is provided in the bypass pipeline, and the seventh control valve is communicatively connected to the control component.
8. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 6, wherein, The power generation device includes: A hydrogen fuel cell for generating electricity using said hydrogen, wherein the buffer tank is connected to said hydrogen fuel cell; A liquid cooling section is disposed in the hydrogen fuel cell, and the liquid cooling section is used to cool the hydrogen fuel cell; An air-cooled heat dissipation unit is used to cool the liquid cooling unit and the hydrogen fuel cell. A power generation control unit is communicatively connected to the control component, and the power generation control unit is used to control the hydrogen fuel cell, the liquid cooling unit, and the air-cooled heat dissipation unit; A liquid inlet pipe is provided through which the liquid cooling unit supplies coolant to the vaporizer after cooling, so that the coolant heats the vaporizer; and The vaporizer discharges the cooled liquid back to the liquid cooling section through the return pipe.
9. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid hydrogen storage device includes: A liquid hydrogen storage tank for storing the hydrogen gas, wherein both the gas phase inlet and the liquid phase inlet are formed in the liquid hydrogen storage tank; and A detection unit is installed in the liquid hydrogen storage tank to detect parameters inside the liquid hydrogen storage tank; The detection unit is communicatively connected to the control component, and the detection unit is used to transmit the parameters to the control component.
10. The liquid hydrogen system according to claim 9, wherein, The reliquefaction apparatus includes: A cooling pipe, one end of which is used to form the air inlet of the reliquefaction device, and the other end of which is used to form the liquid outlet of the reliquefaction device; A compression pump, installed in the cooling pipeline, is used to compress the gaseous hydrogen into the liquid hydrogen. A refrigerant passage, wherein the cooling pipes are located inside the refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant passage contains the cooling medium; A refrigeration pump, used to cool the cooling medium, has an inlet end and a pumping end, both connected to the refrigerant passage, and a cooling pipeline located between the inlet end and the pumping end; and A reliquefaction control unit, communicatively connected to the control assembly, is used to control the compression pump and the refrigeration pump; The power generation device and / or the battery assembly are electrically connected to the compression pump, and the power generation device and / or the battery assembly are electrically connected to the refrigeration pump.
11. A vehicle comprising: The liquid hydrogen system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.