Hybrid Hydrogen Tank Layout for Long-Range Transport Vehicle Refills
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the number of hydrogen tanks in transport vehicles leads to longer refill times, reducing the operating efficiency as the vehicles cannot be used during refilling.
Innovation Solution
Employing a combination of fixed-type and cartridge-type hydrogen tanks, where the cartridge-type tanks are detachable and can be replaced with already-refilled ones, allowing for reduced refill time and simultaneous cargo exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the number of hydrogen tanks is increased for long-distance transport, then the transport range is extended, but the refill time increases and operating rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen tank system is segmented into two distinct types: fixed-type tanks integrated into the tractor and cartridge-type tanks mounted on the trailer. This segmentation allows independent management and replacement of different tank types, enabling the cartridge-type tanks to be quickly swapped without affecting the fixed-type tanks, thus reducing overall refill time while maintaining extended transport range
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge-type hydrogen tanks are pre-refilled and prepared in advance at designated stations. When the transport vehicle arrives at a refilling station, the pre-prepared tanks can be immediately installed by simply detaching the empty cartridge-type tanks and attaching the refilled ones, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site refilling operations
2Duration of action of moving object
If the number of hydrogen tanks is increased for long-distance transport, then the transport range is extended, but the operating rate decreases due to vehicle unavailability during refilling
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hydrogen storage system into fixed-type tanks (permanent installation) and cartridge-type tanks (removable modules), the system enables rapid replacement of only the cartridge-type tanks at refilling stations. This segmentation allows the tractor to remain operational or be quickly reconfigured, minimizing vehicle downtime and maintaining high operating rates even with multiple tanks for extended range
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge-type hydrogen tanks are designed as self-contained, detachable units that can be quickly swapped at refilling stations without requiring complex connection/disconnection procedures. This self-service design enables rapid tank replacement, reducing the time the vehicle is out of service and maintaining high productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-type hydrogen tanks are used in the tractor, then the tractor can operate independently, but the hydrogen refill capability is limited to the tractor's fixed tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is designed with universal, detachable cartridge-type hydrogen tanks that can be quickly swapped at refilling stations. This multi-functional design allows the trailer to serve both as a cargo carrier and as a mobile hydrogen storage unit, providing refill flexibility without compromising the tractor's independent operation capability with its fixed-type tanks
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A transport vehicle (10, 110, 210) may include a tractor (12); a trailer (14) towed by the tractor (12); a hydrogen power device (34) configured to output power by consuming hydrogen; and a plurality of hydrogen tanks (40, 42) for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen power device (34). The plurality of hydrogen tanks (40, 42) may include at least one first hydrogen tank (40) of fixed type that is fixable to the tractor (12) and at least one second hydrogen tank (42) of cartridge type that is detachably attachable to the trailer (14).