Rotating Chassis Fuel Cell Layout for Safe Hydrogen Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling machines with fuel cells lack a buffer storage system for surplus energy, leading to potential damage from power demand fluctuations and safety concerns due to the slow responsiveness of fuel cells and inadequate hydrogen tank arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A handling machine design with a rotating chassis that separates and optimally distributes energy storage, fuel cell, and hydrogen tank components across upper and lower structures, using a pressure controller and rotating joint to manage hydrogen supply, ensuring safety and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the fuel cell system is arranged on the upper structure to form a counterweight, then the power distribution is optimized, but the high-pressure hydrogen supply line must pass through the rotating joint which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel cell system into separate assemblies distributed across different structures: the fuel cell assembly on one structure and the hydrogen tank assembly on the other structure. This segmentation allows the high-pressure supply line to remain on a single structure without passing through the rotating joint, eliminating the fire risk while maintaining power distribution optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fuel cell controls power production in real time to match electric motor demand, then power adaptation is achieved, but the fuel cell responds slowly and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage device as an intermediary between the fuel cell and the electric motor. The fuel cell produces power at a stable rate, and the energy storage device buffers the power fluctuations, absorbing surplus energy when production exceeds demand and releasing energy when demand exceeds production. This protects the fuel cell from damage while ensuring continuous power supply to the motor.
3Quantity of substance
If the three assemblies are distributed over two structures, then component capacity is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel cell system into three distinct assemblies (fuel cell assembly, hydrogen tank assembly, and energy storage assembly) distributed across the lower and upper structures. This segmentation optimizes component capacity and safety while the modular design actually simplifies the overall system architecture, making each assembly independently manageable and maintainable.
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 design enhances safety by isolating high-pressure hydrogen supply lines and energy storage from the rotating joint, preventing fire risks and optimizing component capacity, while improving machine autonomy and balance.
Implementation Method 1
a second assembly comprising a fuel cell which is configured to generate electrical energy designed to be stored in the device for storing electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
said supply line comprising a pressure controller, an upstream portion connecting the tank and the pressure controller and a downstream portion connecting the pressure controller and the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handling machine (1) comprising:a rotating chassis;a lifting arm (7);a first assembly comprising a device for storing electrical energy (9);a second assembly comprising a fuel cell (10) which is connected to the device for storing electrical energy (9) via a connecting circuit (35); anda third assembly comprising at least one tank (11);wherein one of the first, the second and the third assemblies is fixed to one of the lower and upper structures (2, 3) and the two others of the first, second and third assemblies are fixed to the other of the lower and upper structures (2, 3);