Hydrogen Buffering in Smart Factory Power for Low-Carbon Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart factory energy management systems rely on fossil fuels, limiting their eco-friendliness and carbon reduction capabilities, and existing remote control technologies have not advanced beyond first-generation smart factory capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A green smart factory energy management system that utilizes eco-friendly power generators for wind and sunlight energy, water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, hydrogen storage alloys, and hydrogen fuel cells to power electrically driven machine tools, with a distributed power management system for efficient energy distribution and consumption control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fossil fuels are used to generate power for smart factory operations, then energy supply reliability is improved, but carbon emissions increase and eco-friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary energy carrier between renewable energy sources and industrial applications. Surplus renewable electricity is used to produce hydrogen via water electrolysis, which is then stored and converted back to electricity through fuel cells when needed, eliminating carbon emissions while ensuring reliable power supply for smart factory operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy storage parameter from direct electrical storage to chemical storage (hydrogen). By converting surplus electricity into hydrogen through electrolysis and storing it chemically, the system can provide reliable power through fuel cells during high-demand periods without using fossil fuels, thus maintaining reliability while reducing carbon emissions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are used to power the smart factory, then carbon emissions are reduced, but energy supply stability deteriorates due to intermittent generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by producing and storing hydrogen in advance when renewable energy is abundant. The hydrogen storage device accumulates energy during periods of high wind or sunlight generation, preparing stored hydrogen that can be converted to electricity through fuel cells when renewable generation is insufficient, thus stabilizing the energy supply while maintaining low carbon emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by creating a closed-loop energy system where renewable energy generates hydrogen, which is then converted back to electricity through fuel cells to power industrial equipment. This continuous cycle of energy conversion and storage maintains stable power supply while eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen storage devices are added to the energy management system, then energy storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage device serves multiple functions within the system: it stores surplus renewable energy in chemical form, provides a stable hydrogen source for fuel cells during low renewable generation periods, and acts as a buffer to balance supply and demand. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both energy storage capacity and system stability
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
Enables the operation of smart factories using carbon-neutral energy, reducing energy consumption, extending machine tool lifespan, and improving control accuracy and reliability while directly sensing clamping forces for precise workpiece processing.
Implementation Method 1
an eco-friendly power generator installed on one side of a building to generate first electrical energy through wind power or sunlight
Implementation Method 2
an eco-friendly power generator installed on one side of a building to generate first electrical energy through wind power or sunlight
Implementation Method 3
a water electrolysis device for receiving surplus power of the first electrical energy remaining after operating a building, and electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen
Implementation Method 4
a hydrogen fuel cell for generating second electrical energy by using some of the hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis device
Data Source
AI summary
A green smart factory energy management system for carbon reduction, includes: an eco-friendly power generator installed on one side of a building to generate first electrical energy through wind power or sunlight; a water electrolysis device for receiving surplus power of the first electrical energy remaining after operating a building, and electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen; a hydrogen storage device for storing some of the hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis device; a hydrogen fuel cell for generating second electrical energy by using some of the hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis device; a machine tool provided with an electrically driven spindle system to grip or rotate a workpiece when the second electrical energy is applied; and a distributed power management device for controlling an amount of power consumed.