Hydrogen Tank Layout in Work Machines for Cooling and Leak Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work machines like hydraulic excavators, the limited space in the machine chamber poses challenges for safely disposing a hydrogen tank, heat exchanger, and electronic devices, leading to potential hydrogen leakage risks and temperature rises around the hydrogen tank.
Innovation Solution
The hydrogen tank is positioned above the electronic device and upstream of the heat exchanger in the cooling air flow, with the cooling air being supplied to the hydrogen tank before it reaches the heat exchanger, effectively suppressing temperature rises and hydrogen diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the hydrogen tank and heat exchanger are disposed in the limited machine chamber space, then the work machine can operate with fuel cell power, but the temperature around the hydrogen tank is likely to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the hydrogen tank above the electronic device in the vertical dimension, and places the heat exchanger downstream in the cooling air flow path. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the cooling air to flow from the hydrogen tank area through the heat exchanger, effectively cooling the hydrogen tank while maintaining compact machine chamber layout.
2Quantity of substance
If the hydrogen tank is disposed in the machine chamber, then the work machine can use hydrogen storage, but safety at the time of hydrogen leakage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooling air as an intermediary substance that flows through the machine chamber. This cooling air serves dual purposes: it cools the hydrogen tank and electronic devices, and it acts as a flushing medium that prevents hydrogen leakage from accumulating around the hydrogen tank, thereby improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen tank is positioned above the electronic device in the vertical arrangement, and the cooling air flow path is designed to pass through the hydrogen tank area before reaching the heat exchanger. This spatial configuration ensures that leaked hydrogen is carried away by the cooling air flow, preventing accumulation and improving safety.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the hydrogen tank in the cooling air flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the machine chamber space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling functions for the hydrogen tank and the heat exchanger into a single integrated cooling air flow path. The cooling air that would naturally flow through the machine chamber is utilized to cool both the hydrogen tank area and the heat exchanger sequentially, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall space requirements.
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 safety by minimizing hydrogen leakage risks and temperature increases around the hydrogen tank, improving cooling efficiency and reducing the risk of equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with cooling air
Data Source
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AI summary
A work machine (100) comprises: a hydrogen tank (31) that stores hydrogen; a heat exchanger (33) that exchanges heat with cooling air (CA); an electronic device (34) for operating the work machine (100); and a machine chamber (14). The hydrogen tank (31) is disposed above the electronic device (34) in the machine chamber (14), and is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger (33) in the flow direction of the cooling air (CA).