Hydrogen temperature controlling system, refrigerated containing device, and divisional temperature controlling method for the refrigerated containing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration systems in refrigerated trucks face challenges with inconsistent temperature control and limited efficiency due to engine-driven compressors, and the high cost-effectiveness of fuel cell systems for hydrogen-powered refrigeration.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen temperature controlling system that uses an expansion valve, multiple temperature controlling modules with control valves and heat exchangers, and a control unit to manage hydrogen gas flow for precise temperature control in multiple containing spaces, utilizing the fuel cell system for electricity generation to power the refrigeration system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor is driven by the engine, then the refrigeration system can operate during truck movement, but the refrigeration system stops working when the truck stops and temperature control becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system serves dual purposes: it provides hydrogen fuel for the fuel cell to generate electricity during truck operation, and simultaneously serves as a refrigeration source through the expansion valve and heat exchanger system. This multi-functionality ensures continuous refrigeration whether the truck is moving or stationary, resolving the contradiction between operation continuity and temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary refrigeration system that includes an expansion valve, heat exchanger, and control unit. This intermediary system mediates between the hydrogen storage system and the cargo compartment, converting hydrogen gas expansion into cooling effect. The control unit acts as another intermediary that regulates the refrigeration process based on temperature sensor feedback, ensuring stable temperature control independent of engine operation.
2Productivity
If the compressor is driven by an external electricity module, then the refrigeration system can operate continuously, but the capacity and weight of the external electricity module are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system is designed to perform multiple functions: storing hydrogen fuel for the fuel cell, providing refrigeration through the expansion valve system, and serving as the energy source for the entire refrigeration process. This eliminates the need for a separate external electricity module, significantly reducing weight while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by using the hydrogen storage system to generate its own refrigeration and power needs through the fuel cell. The expansion of hydrogen gas directly provides the cooling effect, and the fuel cell generates electricity for the control unit and other electrical components, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for heavy external power modules.
3Productivity
If the fuel cell system is used to supply electricity for the refrigeration system, then continuous operation is achieved, but the cost-effectiveness is low
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system serves dual purposes as both fuel source and refrigeration source. The same hydrogen gas that would otherwise only provide propulsion also provides cooling through the expansion valve system. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the hydrogen fuel cell system, improving cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for separate refrigeration and propulsion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the refrigeration system with the hydrogen fuel cell system by using the hydrogen gas expansion directly for cooling purposes. The expansion valve, heat exchanger, and fuel cell are integrated into a unified system where hydrogen serves both as energy source and refrigerant, reducing overall system cost and improving cost-effectiveness compared to separate systems.
4Measurement precision
If multiple temperature controlling modules are used for multiple containing spaces, then precise divisional temperature control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into multiple independent temperature controlling modules, each equipped with its own control valve, heat exchanger, and thermal sensor. Each module can independently control the temperature of a specific containing space, enabling precise divisional temperature control. The control unit coordinates these segmented modules to achieve overall system optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature controlling module is designed with local quality characteristics, having its own control valve and heat exchanger specifically tailored for its designated containing space. This allows each module to optimize its temperature control independently based on the specific requirements of its local space, achieving precise temperature control without requiring complex centralized control for the entire system.
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 system provides stable and efficient temperature control in refrigerated containers, enhancing the application and cost-effectiveness of fuel cell systems by allowing continuous operation and precise temperature management in multiple compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion valve is configured to allow the hydrogen gas to flow through to lower pressure and temperature of the hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger is connected to the control valve and is configured to be disposed to a respective one of the multiple containing spaces... so the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the corresponding containing space
Implementation Method 3
The fuel cell is configured to receive the hydrogen gas from the outlet pipeline of the hydrogen temperature controlling system and generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated containing device has a hydrogen temperature controlling system having an expansion valve, multiple temperature controlling modules, and a control unit. Each temperature controlling module has a control valve, a heat exchanger, and a thermal sensor; the control unit is electrically connected to the control valve and the thermal sensor. A divisional temperature controlling method is applied for the refrigerated containing device; first, measure a temperature of a containing space in a container of the refrigerated containing device, and determine whether a difference between temperature of the containing space and a target temperature is within a range so as to decide whether the hydrogen gas with capabilities of heat absorption after flowing through the expansion valve flows through the control valve to the heat exchanger. Thereby, temperature of the containing space can be controlled accurately, and the cost-effectiveness of fuel cell system applied to refrigerated container is improved.