Mobile Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charging Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing infrastructure for charging electric-drive vehicles is limited by the need for fixed, grid-based charging stations, which are costly, require maintenance, and may not be accessible due to power outages or high costs, leading to range anxiety and inefficiencies in vehicle charging.
Innovation Solution
Deployable mobile charging stations powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which are compact, lightweight, and can be manually or autonomously propelled, eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure by using locally stored hydrogen to generate electrical current for wireless or plug-in charging, enabling fast and efficient recharging of electric vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed grid-based charging stations are deployed, then reliable charging infrastructure is established, but high installation cost and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed charging station into a dynamic mobile charging robot that can move autonomously to different vehicles. The robot includes movable wheels, autonomous navigation systems, and flexible positioning mechanisms that enable it to travel to parking spaces and align with vehicle charging ports, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable charging infrastructure and avoiding high installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, obstacle detection sensors, and self-positioning systems that allow it to independently locate vehicles, navigate to charging positions, and establish electrical connections without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex fixed infrastructure while maintaining reliable charging delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile charging stations are deployed, then charger distribution flexibility is improved, but power delivery capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging robot is pre-equipped with a high-capacity power storage device (battery pack) that stores sufficient electrical energy to charge multiple vehicles before requiring recharging. This preliminary energy accumulation enables the robot to deliver substantial power to vehicles during its operational cycles, resolving the contradiction between mobility flexibility and power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical grid connection system with an electrical energy storage system. Instead of drawing power continuously from fixed grid infrastructure, the robot uses a portable battery pack that can store and discharge electrical energy, enabling flexible deployment while maintaining adequate power delivery for vehicle charging needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional charging infrastructure is used, then power supply is available, but emissions and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging robot converts the previously harmful fossil-fuel-based grid power system into a beneficial clean energy system. By using a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged from renewable sources or during off-peak hours, the robot eliminates direct emissions at the charging point while maintaining energy supply availability, transforming the energy delivery system from polluting to environmentally friendly.
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 mobile charging stations provide increased driving range, reduced range anxiety, zero emissions, and cost-effective energy delivery, allowing for widespread charger distribution and flexible deployment without the need for permanent installations, thus addressing the limitations of traditional charging infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical fuel cell system mounted to the frame and fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage container and operable to oxidize hydrogen received from the hydrogen storage container and generate electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are mobile charging stations for recharging electrified vehicles, methods for making/using such mobile charging stations, and parking facilities equipped with such mobile charging stations. A mobile charging station includes a frame with drive wheels and a prime mover operable to drive the wheels to propel the charging station. A hydrogen storage container and fuel cell are mounted to the frame. The fuel cell oxidizes hydrogen received from the storage container to generate electrical current. An electrical coupling mechanism connects the fuel cell to a battery pack of an electric-drive vehicle. A resident or remote controller is programmed to receive charge requests to recharge vehicles, and responsively determines path plan data for the mobile charging station. The controller commands the prime mover to propel the mobile charging station from the charger's origin to a charger destination, and enables the fuel cell to transmit electrical current to the vehicle.