Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trailer Charging for Remote Work Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric vehicle charging systems for agricultural and construction vehicles are impractical at remote sites due to reliance on grid electricity, which is often unavailable and expensive when generated by diesel generators.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen-based charging system that includes a fuel cell-powered trailer for charging electric work vehicles, utilizing electrolyzers to generate hydrogen from grid electricity and a transport system to deliver it to remote sites, enabling efficient and cost-effective charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If grid electricity is used for charging, then charging cost is reduced and environmental impact is minimized, but charging availability at remote sites deteriorates due to lack of grid connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging costVSAvoidcharging availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Hydrogen is generated from grid electricity in advance at locations where grid power is available, then stored and transported to remote charging sites. This preliminary action decouples the charging process from immediate grid connection, enabling off-grid charging while utilizing clean energy when available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Hydrogen serves as an intermediary energy carrier between grid electricity and the electric work vehicle's battery. Instead of directly connecting to grid or using diesel generators, the system uses hydrogen fuel cells to convert stored hydrogen into electricity for charging, mediating between different energy sources and usage contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If diesel generators are used for charging at remote sites, then charging availability is improved, but charging cost increases and environmental harm worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidcharging cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Hydrogen fuel cells act as an intermediary that replaces diesel generators at remote sites. The fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity through electrochemical reactions, providing clean power without combustion, thereby eliminating diesel-related costs and environmental harm while maintaining charging availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical combustion system of diesel generators is replaced with an electrochemical system using hydrogen fuel cells. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical combustion, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact while maintaining the ability to provide power at remote locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If diesel generators are used for charging at remote sites, then charging availability is improved, but environmental harm increases due to emissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the previously harmful reliance on diesel combustion into a beneficial clean energy solution. By using hydrogen fuel cells, the system transforms energy conversion from a polluting mechanical process to a clean electrochemical process, eliminating emissions while maintaining charging capability at remote sites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful mechanical combustion process of diesel generators is replaced with a clean electrochemical process using hydrogen fuel cells. This substitution eliminates exhaust emissions and other harmful byproducts while maintaining the ability to provide power where grid electricity is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 allows for efficient and cost-effective charging of electric work vehicles at remote sites by using hydrogen generated from renewable grid electricity, reducing reliance on diesel generators and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

a fuel cell configured to generate electricity from received hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical conversion: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

utilizing electrolyzers to generate hydrogen from grid electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20240424935A1Charging system for electric work vehicles and associated methods

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC

AI summary

A charging system for electric work vehicles, such as electric agricultural vehicles or electric construction vehicles, allows for more efficient and cost-effective charging of electric work vehicles at a work site. For example, the charging system may use electricity available at staging site to generate hydrogen for subsequent use in generating electricity at the work site. Additionally, the charging system may facilitate communication between the various components of the charging system to ensure efficient and cost-effective charging of the electric work vehicles.