Fuel Cell Transport Vehicle Tank Unit Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport vehicles powered by fuel cells face a challenge in maximizing fuel gas capacity without reducing the floor area for freight, as stacking fuel gas tanks behind the cab compromises the space for loading and unloading large or long freight efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The fuel gas tanks are positioned between the cargo space and the chassis frame, allowing for increased fuel gas capacity without reducing the floor area, with tanks arranged in a configuration that includes a tank unit between the body and chassis frame, or inside the body, and featuring cylindrical tanks with the same outer diameter for cost efficiency and dense packing, along with a cooling device to manage temperature and reduce heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fuel gas tanks are stacked on top of each other behind the cab, then fuel gas capacity is increased, but the floor area of the cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of tanks (one dimension) to horizontal arrangement of tanks in the longitudinal direction (another dimension). This dimensional change allows the tanks to be arranged without occupying vertical space that would reduce cargo floor area, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing fuel gas capacity and maintaining cargo space floor area.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large number of fuel gas tanks are mounted to ensure sufficient driving range, then driving range is increased, but the floor area for freight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges tanks horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle rather than stacking them vertically. This dimensional reconfiguration allows multiple tanks to be accommodated without reducing the vertical clearance and floor area of the cargo space, thereby enabling extended driving range while preserving freight loading capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cylindrical portions of tanks have different outer diameters, then adaptability to different space requirements is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tanks with uniform cylindrical portions having the same outer diameter. This homogenization simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces costs while the adaptability to different space requirements is achieved through varying the length of cylindrical portions and adjusting the arrangement configuration, rather than varying diameters.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tanks are arranged with random orientations, then adaptability to space constraints is improved, but fuel gas capacity efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement strategies where tanks are positioned at different longitudinal positions and orientations tailored to the specific vehicle space constraints. This asymmetric configuration optimizes space utilization while maintaining efficient fuel gas capacity by carefully selecting which tanks are activated based on their positions and the required cargo space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the driving range of transport vehicles by increasing fuel gas capacity without reducing the cargo space floor area, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes changes in the vehicle's center of gravity, while also reducing power consumption of the cooling device through efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell that generates electricity by using fuel gas and oxidizing gas
Implementation Method 2
as hydrogen gas stored in the tanks is consumed, the internal pressure of each tank decreases and the temperature of each tank decreases, drawing heat away from the surrounding environment. This configuration thus reduces heat transfer from the floor of the cargo space to the inside of the cargo space
Data Source
AI summary
A transport vehicle configured to run on electricity generated by a fuel cell includes: a body having a cargo space for freight; a chassis frame located below the body and supporting the body; and a tank unit including a plurality of tanks that stores fuel gas to be used for power generation by the fuel cell and a connecting portion connecting the tanks, the tank unit being located between the cargo space and the chassis frame.