Hydrogen Tube Trailer Flow Switching for Onboard Fuel Cell Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen tube trailers face challenges in ensuring sufficient hydrogen supply for fuel cells without reducing the refueling capacity, leading to inefficiencies and the need for external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A tube trailer system with multiple hydrogen gas sources and a controller that manages hydrogen flow to ensure efficient refueling and power generation, utilizing a fuel cell to produce electricity while maintaining trailer capacity and flexibility in location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell from the hydrogen gas source, then electric power is generated to supply electric loads, but the refueling capacity of the tube trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen gas storage system is divided into multiple separate gas sources (first hydrogen gas source and second hydrogen gas source). This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of each source, enabling the system to selectively supply hydrogen to either the fuel cell or the outlet connection based on operational needs, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation and refueling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control through a controller that monitors pressure levels in each hydrogen gas source and automatically switches the supply path. When the first gas source pressure drops below the dispensing threshold, the controller redirects hydrogen flow from the second gas source to the fuel cell, and vice versa. This dynamic switching mechanism ensures continuous refueling capacity while enabling electric power generation when needed.
2Loss of energy
If hydrogen gas sources are used below dispensing threshold pressure, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires external power sources and reduces location flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The tube trailer is equipped with a fuel cell that generates electric power autonomously using hydrogen from its own onboard gas sources. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power sources, allowing the trailer to operate independently at temporary or remote locations. The system monitors its own hydrogen levels and automatically manages power generation versus refueling operations, enhancing both energy efficiency and location flexibility simultaneously.
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
The system enhances hydrogen efficiency by reducing the need for external energy to refill the trailer, allows self-supply of electric power, and provides flexible refueling without the need for onsite power plugs, making it suitable for temporary events or locations.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell, wherein said first hydrogen gas source and said second hydrogen gas source, are fluidly connectable to said outlet connection and to said fuel cell via a conduit system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tube trailer comprising: a first hydrogen gas source comprising gaseous hydrogen, a second hydrogen gas source comprising gaseous hydrogen, a controller, an outlet connection, and a fuel cell. Wherein said first and said second hydrogen gas sources, are fluidly connectable to said outlet connection and to said fuel cell via a conduit system, thereby facilitating refueling a receiving vessel, when connected to said outlet connection, and energy production by said fuel cell, and wherein said fuel cell is electrically connectable to an electric load thereby facilitating supply of electric power to said electric load, when electrically connected to said fuel cell. Wherein said controller is configured to establish a flow of said gaseous hydrogen in said conduit system from said first hydrogen gas sources to said fuel cell when the pressure in said first hydrogen gas source is below a dispensing threshold pressure.