Swappable Modular Hydrogen Tanks for Hybrid Vehicle Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current hydrogen storage, transportation, and distribution system relies on centralized high-pressure tanks, making the process intricate and risky, with high costs associated with fuel cell vehicles, and limitations in power supply for hydrogen fuel engine vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of swappable modular hydrogen tanks with integrated solar power generation, water electrolysis, and a plug-in chargeable battery system enables direct hydrogen generation and utilization, simplifying the process by eliminating charging steps and leveraging existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If centralized large scale high pressure tanks are used for hydrogen storage and distribution, then hydrogen can be stored and transported, but the process becomes intricate and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized large scale hydrogen storage system into multiple modular swappable hydrogen tanks. Each tank is a独立的 storage unit that can be individually managed, transported, and replaced. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the overall system and improves safety by isolating potential failure points, so that if one tank has an issue, it does not affect the entire hydrogen storage system.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple charging processes are involved in hydrogen storage, transportation and distribution, then hydrogen can be transferred between storage points, but the process becomes intricate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-charging of modular hydrogen tanks at centralized storage facilities before they are deployed to distribution points or vehicles. This preliminary action allows the tanks to be ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for multiple charging processes during transportation and distribution. The tanks are fully charged in advance, so they can be directly swapped into vehicles without requiring on-site charging infrastructure or complex charging sequences.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fuel cell systems are used in hydrogen vehicles, then high energy conversion efficiency is achieved, but the cost becomes 100 times that of gasoline engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hybrid system that combines a small auxiliary fuel cell with a modular hydrogen tank system. The modular tanks can be replaced when depleted, and the system is designed to minimize the size and cost of the fuel cell component. By using swappable tanks rather than requiring large onboard storage, the fuel cell can be smaller and less expensive while still achieving high energy conversion efficiency during operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If hydrogen fuel engine vehicles are used, then cost is reduced to gasoline vehicle levels, but the vehicle cannot directly generate electric power for power intensive systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a hybrid vehicle system that merges a hydrogen fuel engine with a photovoltaic power generation system and a plug-in chargeable battery system. The photovoltaic panels on the vehicle body generate electric power that is stored in the battery system, which then powers the water electrolysis system to produce hydrogen. This combined system allows the vehicle to have both the cost advantages of a hydrogen fuel engine and the electric power generation capability needed for power-intensive terminal users.
5Adaptability or versatility
If water electrolysis system is integrated into the vehicle, then onboard hydrogen generation is enabled, but the vehicle requires additional components and systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the water electrolysis system to serve multiple functions: it can generate hydrogen from the plug-in chargeable battery system when solar power is insufficient, and it can also utilize external power sources when available. The system is integrated with the existing battery and photovoltaic systems, allowing it to operate in multiple modes (solar-powered, grid-powered, or hybrid) without requiring completely separate infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
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 solution reduces costs, enhances safety, and allows for efficient hydrogen storage, transportation, and distribution, supporting both electric vehicle and hydrogen charging infrastructures while providing power for vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a solar photovoltaic system is integrated on the roof or body of the hydrogen fuel vehicle to supply power
Implementation Method 2
a water electrolysis system is integrated into the hydrogen fuel engine vehicles to generate hydrogen by using the stored electric power
Implementation Method 3
hydrogen based internal combustion engine vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid plug-in battery and hydrogen fuel internal combustion engine vehicle with swappable modular hydrogen tanks and integrated with solar power generation system comprises: a plug-in chargeable battery bank; a hydrogen fuel internal combustion engine; a water electrolysis system; a solar electric power generation system; and multiple modular swappable hydrogen tanks. The hybrid electric vehicle can be electrically charged by using electric charging infrastructure and mechanically charged by swapping hydrogen tanks. The introduction of the water electrolysis system into the new structure of the hybrid vehicle enables onboard hydrogen generation. The swappable hydrogen tanks comprise sensors and wireless communication electronic terminals to be shared by all vehicles.