Design concept of a hydrogen filling system
Abstract
The rising costs of fossil fuels, particularly oil and declining reserves point to a growing need to find alternative possibilities for public and private transport. Currently, hydrogen appears to be a promising fuel. Production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water guarantees ecological purity and a positive impact on the environment. The mass application of hydrogen as a transport fuel is prevented by the lack of infrastructure, the construction of which requires a large initial investment. Despite this, there is growing pressure on car manufacturers that must respond to market demand if they want to be able to compete. The present article discusses the design of a hydrogen pump system based on the production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water, using photovoltaic panels as a primary source of electrical energy.
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Introduction
The dependence of mankind on fossil fuels today is enormous and has the effect of drastically reducing the reserves of them. In the next few decades, society may reach the point where the volume of these sources reaches a critical point and demand greatly exceeds production. It is therefore necessary to seek possible alternatives that would be able to fully replace fuel which we cannot rely upon in the future will not be counted. Another reason to consider new sources is the significant negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment.
One possibility, which might possibly act as a substitute for oil and natural gas is the use of hydrogen. Hydrogen as a fuel has enormous potential. As regards relative calorific value per unit of mass, hydrogen exceeds oil in the ratio of 3:1, which gives it very good properties for application in a wide range of economic sectors such as energy or transport.
The use of hydrogen to power cars is not new. A large number of car manufacturers have experimented with such types of power for many years. During that time, the technology has crystallized at such a level that they can, in terms of range, fully compete with the internal combustion engine but despite this, the technology is used only very rarely. What prevents it becoming widespread is very poor infrastructure. If there was at least partial replacement of conventional fuels with hydrogen, there would be a need to perfect existing technology to a level able to meet the overall demand that could theoretically arise from a reduction in the production of fuels from conventional sources. It will also be necessary to build an extensive network of filling stations, which are capable of continuously supplying hydrogen to vehicles along their entire route, as is the case today at filling stations for petrol or diesel.
Conclusion
The design concept consists of three main parts. The first part includes facilities for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels. The concept was included on the grounds that it means the hydrogen can be fully classified as a clean energy source. Given the dimensions of the panel the ideal solution was to mount them on the roof of the container.
The uniqueness of the station lies in the fact that it is able to produce the required amount of hydrogen. This happens in the second part. The low-pressure section contains, in addition to the electrolytic cell and other components, for example the analyser, the H2 detector, and the deioniser etc., necessary for effective and especially safe operation. The produced hydrogen is gradually stored in MH vessels and after the required amount is ready it is sent to a section in which it is the compressed to the desired pressure. This happens in the third, high-pressure zone. The central components are the two hydrogen boosters connected in series and high-pressure vessels, which allow storage of hydrogen under extreme pressure.
The base for the technology has been chosen as a 20ft cargo container that due to its compactness and high levels of mobility is ideal for housing the entire system. The container, unlike a standard version, has several modifications, such as openings for ventilation, cable trays, a bulkhead dividing the electrical part from the other technology as well as a lightning rod and a safety design protecting the fuel dispenser from the weather and mechanical damage.
Part of the concept is setting out suitable routes for hydrogen and air ducts, electrical wiring and water supply, the design of the general arrangement of key components within the container design, as well as a basic wiring diagram of the operation of the station, starting with the production of electricity up to the filling of the automobile.