Self-sustaining Cold Storage transportation unit

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle with a novel solar powered cooling system. The truck is made of hydrogen fuel and offers a good solution for the environment and efficient transportation. Combined cold storage uses solar energy to maintain temperature and is suitable for transporting perishable goods. In addition, water produced from hydrogen fuel is used in the refrigerator, increasing the overall energy efficiency and sustainability of the vehicle. The combination of these technologies is designed to reduce the carbon footprint and operating costs associated with refrigerated transportation. It meets the need for an environmentally friendly and efficient logistics solution, especially in the transportation of products that require temperature control.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The invention belongs to the field of sustainable transportation and renewable energy, with particular emphasis on the use of hydrogen fuel in vehicles and the integration of solar energy and air conditioning.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] The transportation of perishable goods has always posed significant challenges, particularly in maintaining optimal storage conditions during transit. Traditional diesel-powered refrigeration trucks are widely used but contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. As the global community becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, there is a growing demand for alternative methods that reduce environmental impact while ensuring the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods.
[003] Hydrogen fuel cell technology has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional internal combustion engines, offering a cleaner and more efficient energy source. However, the integration of hydrogen fuel cells with cold storage systems in transportation has not been fully explored. This invention seeks to bridge this gap by introducing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck with a portable cold storage system that leverages renewable energy sources, specifically solar power, to maintain the required storage conditions for perishable goods.
PRIOR ART:
[004] Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Toyota Mirai: This hydrogen fuel cell vehicle generates electricity from hydrogen and emits only water and heat. It illustrates the potential for hydrogen fuel cells to decrease transportation emissions.
[005] Hyundai Nexo: Known for its long range and quick refueling, this hydrogen fuel cell vehicle further demonstrates the advantages of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
[006] Solar-Powered Refrigeration: Solar-Powered Vaccine Refrigerators: These refrigerators, used in remote areas, rely on photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, maintaining the required temperatures without the need for grid power.
[007] Solar-Powered Food Storage: Commonly used in agricultural settings, these refrigeration units help preserve perishable produce, reduce spoilage, and improve food security, especially in off-grid areas.
[008] Refrigerated Trucks: Diesel-Powered Refrigerated Trucks: Utilizing diesel engines for both driving and refrigeration, these trucks result in high greenhouse gas emissions and significant fuel costs.
[009] Hybrid Refrigerated Trucks: These trucks combine diesel and electric power to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, though they still partly rely on fossil fuels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[010] This invention introduces a conceptual model for a hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck that includes a portable cold storage system, which utilizes renewable energy. Designed as a standard 2x4 vehicle, this truck combines cutting-edge technology to provide an eco-friendly solution for transporting perishable goods.
[011] Electricity is generated by the hydrogen fuel cell to power the truck, and the resulting water vapor by-product is collected in a reservoir. This water is then used along with a coolant to maintain the cold temperatures necessary for the storage unit. Solar energy powers the storage unit, with photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on its top surface to capture sunlight during operation.
[012] The cold storage system can accommodate between 250 to 400 kg of produce, making it highly suitable for various transportation needs.
[013] This invention incorporates the following components: a hydrogen fuel cell-powered driving mechanism, fuel cell stack, electric traction motor, hydrogen fuel tank, battery pack, transmission system, cold storage system, photovoltaic (PV) cells, and solar panels. The technical requirements include a mechanism to reuse exhaust water, a compression tank, a DC converter, a power electronic control system, and systems to maintain the optimum temperature within the cold storage unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS:
[014] Figure 1: This side view depicts the hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck (111), along with lithium-ion batteries (101) as auxiliary power unit showcasing its standard 2x4 vehicle configuration, suitable for conventional road use.
[015] Figure 2: The top view illustrates the placement of photovoltaic panels (104) on the roof of the truck, which capture solar energy to power the cold storage system (103).
[016] Figure 3: The schematic diagram displays the integration of the hydrogen fuel cell system consists of hydrogen fuel tank (105), pipes for hydrogen supply (106)(107) with the cold storage unit (103) incorporated with condenser (108) and capillary tubes (109). The fuel cell stack (111) generates electricity to power the electric traction motor, propelling the truck. Hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen fuel tank (105), which supplies the fuel cell stack (111).
[017] Figure 4: The water vapor produced by the hydrogen fuel cell is captured in a reservoir (102), mixed with a coolant, and used to regulate the cold storage unit's temperature. Highlighting its capacity to hold 250 to 400 kg of produce. It includes a compression tank, DC converter (110), and a power electronic control system to ensure optimal temperature control (112).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] This invention pertains to a hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck equipped with a portable cold storage system that utilizes renewable energy sources. The truck, designed as a standard 2x4 vehicle, integrates various advanced technologies to create an environmentally friendly solution for transporting perishable goods.
[019] The hydrogen fuel cell system is the core component, consisting of a fuel cell stack(111) that converts hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. This system also includes a hydrogen fuel tank(105) that stores compressed hydrogen gas and supplies it to the fuel cell stack. The electricity generated powers an electric traction motor that drives the truck, with a battery pack(101) storing excess electricity for use during peak power demands.
[020] The cold storage system is another critical component, featuring an insulated storage compartment (103) designed to hold between 250 to 400 kg of produce. This system includes a compression tank that compresses the coolant and water mixture to maintain low temperatures, a DC converter(110) that converts electrical power from the PV panels and battery pack to the required voltage, and a power electronic control system that manages and regulates the temperature within the cold storage unit.
[021] The photovoltaic (PV) system consists of photovoltaic panels(104) installed on the roof of the truck. These panels capture solar energy and convert it into electrical power, which is used to supplement the power needs of the cold storage system. Additionally, the water vapor collection and reuse system includes a reservoir(102) that collects water vapor by-product from the fuel cell stack and a coolant mixing mechanism that combines the collected water with a coolant for use in the cold storage system.
[022] Other essential components include a transmission system that transfers power from the electric traction motor to the wheels of the truck, an insulation mechanism to ensure the cold storage compartment remains at optimal temperatures, and sensors and controllers that monitor and adjust the temperature within the cold storage unit. , C , Claims:Claim 1: A hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck comprising: a hydrogen fuel cell system for electricity generation, an electric traction motor powered by the hydrogen fuel cell system, a hydrogen fuel tank providing hydrogen to the fuel cell system, a battery pack for energy storage, a cold storage unit with a capacity of 250 to 400 kg, photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the truck's roof to capture solar energy, a system for collecting and reusing water vapor by-product from the hydrogen fuel cell system, and a power electronic control system for maintaining optimal temperature within the cold storage unit.
Claim 2: The truck of claim 1, wherein the cold storage system includes a compression tank, DC converter, and a power electronic control system to maintain the necessary cold temperatures for storing perishable goods.
Claim 3: The truck of claim 1, wherein the water vapor collection system comprises a reservoir for capturing water vapor and a mechanism for mixing the collected water with a coolant for use in the cold storage unit.
Claim 4: The truck of claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic panels are designed to provide supplemental power to the cold storage system, thereby reducing dependence on the hydrogen fuel cell system.
Claim 5: The truck of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, electric traction motor, hydrogen fuel tank, and battery pack, optimized to power the truck for efficient and eco-friendly transportation of perishable goods.
Claim 6: The truck of claim 1, wherein the power electronic control system includes sensors and controllers to monitor and adjust the temperature within the cold storage unit.
Claim 7: The truck of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen fuel tank is designed to store enough hydrogen to enable long-distance transportation without frequent refueling.
Claim 8: The truck of claim 1, further comprising a transmission system that efficiently transfers power from the electric traction motor to the vehicle's wheels.

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