Refrigerated semi-trailer or trailer for transporting goods provided with an electricity producing module with fuel cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailers and refrigerated trailers face challenges with pollution and noise emissions, particularly during nighttime deliveries in city centers, due to their reliance on frequent recharging of fuel cells and batteries, and complex energy storage and production systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered semi-trailer with an integrated electricity production module featuring a fuel cell, hydrogen storage tank, and batteries, where the hydrogen storage tank is mounted between the frame rails for protection and the module is pre-assembled for easy mounting, reducing noise and pollution by using an electrically powered refrigeration machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fuel cell and batteries are installed on the vehicle for electricity production, then electrical energy availability is improved, but the device complexity and number of operations increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack, hydrogen storage tanks, and electrical components are merged into a single integrated electricity production module that is pre-assembled as one unit. This module is then installed as a single assembly on the vehicle chassis, reducing the number of separate installation operations while maintaining all necessary functional components for electricity generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the refrigeration unit is powered by fuel cell and batteries, then noise and pollutant emissions are reduced, but the device complexity and recharging frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrogen is pre-stored in high-capacity storage tanks integrated into the electricity production module, providing sufficient energy reserves to operate the refrigeration unit for extended periods without recharging. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for frequent recharging operations during delivery routes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electricity production module is pre-assembled in a box, then ease of assembly is improved, but the volume and weight of the module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity production components are nested within a compact box structure that serves as both the housing and mounting platform. The fuel cell stack, storage tanks, and electrical components are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller components are positioned within or alongside larger ones, maximizing space utilization while maintaining ease of assembly as a single unit.
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 solution significantly reduces environmental impact by minimizing noise and pollutant emissions while enhancing autonomy and operational safety through efficient energy production and storage, allowing for easier assembly and operation of the semi-trailer.
Implementation Method 1
The electricity production module comprises a fuel cell, at least one hydrogen storage tank for supplying hydrogen to said fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
at least one battery for storing the electrical energy produced by said fuel cell and for supplying the refrigeration machine
Data Source
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AI summary
The refrigerated semi-trailer or trailer for the transport of goods comprises: - a refrigerated body 10 including an interior loading space and a refrigeration machine 24 for controlling the temperature inside said loading space, - a chassis 12 on which the refrigerated body is mounted, - an electricity production module 25 for supplying electrical energy to the electrically powered refrigeration machine including at least one fuel cell, at least one hydrogen storage tank for supplying hydrogen to said fuel cell, and at least one battery for storing the electrical energy produced by said fuel cell and for supplying the refrigeration machine 24, and - a box 26 on which the electricity production module 25 is fixed, the box being fixed to the chassis 12.