Wheel Loader Hydrogen Tank Layout for Safe High-Capacity Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel loaders primarily use diesel engines and have not effectively integrated alternative energy carriers like hydrogen, which poses challenges in space utilization, safety, and maintenance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The hydrogen tanks are positioned between the cab and the rear of the machine, allowing for efficient space use, low center of gravity, and safety by being away from hot components, with cameras and sensors addressing visibility issues and incorporating a robust tank system for protection and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen tanks are arranged between the cab and the rear engine compartment, then hydrogen storage capacity is increased and center of gravity is optimized, but the operator's rearward field of vision is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras and/or sensors to create visual copies of the area behind the machine, transmitting images to monitors in the cab. This allows the operator to see behind the machine without having direct visual access, resolving the contradiction between tank placement and rearward visibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydrogen tanks are positioned in the area between the cab and rear engine compartment, then center of gravity is concentrated in the center of the machine, but accessibility for maintenance and repair becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the machine into distinct functional zones: the cab area for operation, the central area for hydrogen tank storage to optimize center of gravity, and the rear engine compartment for maintenance access. This spatial segmentation allows each zone to serve its primary function while minimizing interference with other operations.
3Volume of moving object
If hydrogen tanks are placed close to the engine room, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of hydrogen ignition from hot components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydrogen storage function from the engine room environment by positioning tanks in the central area between the cab and engine compartment. This separation removes the hydrogen storage system from the high-temperature zone, eliminating the ignition risk while still utilizing available space efficiently.
4Reliability
If hydrogen fuel system components are permanently connected to the working machine, then system reliability is improved, but flexibility for maintenance and replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where hydrogen fuel system components can be selectively connected or disconnected from the working machine. This allows the system to transition between a permanently connected state for reliable operation and a disconnected state for maintenance or replacement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and maintenance flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a work machine, in particular a wheel loader, with a cab for the operator of the work machine and with an engine room arranged behind the cab, wherein the work machine has a drive that can be operated with hydrogen or with energy obtained from hydrogen and wherein one or more tanks for receiving hydrogen are provided, wherein the tank(s) are arranged between the cab and the rear of the work machine in a hydrogen fuel system.