Refuse collection vehicle with integrated hydrogen-based power generation
AssigneeThe Heil Co.
InventorsMark Fraas, Bryan Kelly Stewart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for integrating hydrogen fueled power generation systems with a refuse collection vehicle include a refuse collection vehicle including a chassis; a refuse collecting body supported by the chassis; and a power generating assembly supported by the chassis. The power generating assembly includes at least one hydrogen tank; a fuel cell fluidly coupled to the at least one hydrogen tank; and at least one battery electrically connected to the fuel cell. Alternatively, the power generating assembly includes a hydrogen engine coupled to the at least one hydrogen tank; and a generator coupled to the hydrogen engine and the at least one battery.
Claims23
A refuse collection vehicle, comprising:
- a chassis;
- a refuse collecting body supported by the chassis;
- a power generating assembly supported by the chassis, comprising:
- at least one hydrogen tank;
- a fuel cell fluidly coupled to the at least one hydrogen tank;
- and
- at least one battery electrically connected to the fuel cell.
A method of operating a refuse collecting body of a refuse collection vehicle, the method comprising:
- receiving a command to operate a component of the refuse collecting body;
- in response to receiving the command, generating one or more control signals to operate the component of the refuse collecting body;
- monitoring energy usage of the refuse collecting body;
- determining that at least one battery needs to be recharged based on the energy usage of the refuse collecting body;
- and
- selectively operating one or more valves of one or more hydrogen tanks to control a flow of hydrogen from the one or more hydrogen tanks to a fuel cell to generate electricity to recharge the at least one battery.
A refuse collection vehicle, comprising:
- a chassis;
- a refuse collecting body supported by the chassis;
- a power generating assembly supported by the chassis, comprising:
- at least one hydrogen tank;
- a hydrogen engine fluidly coupled to the at least one hydrogen tank;
- a generator mechanically coupled to the hydrogen engine;
- and
- at least one battery electrically connected to the generator.
A method of operating a refuse collecting body of a refuse collection vehicle, the method comprising:
- receiving a command to operate a component of the refuse collecting body;
- in response to receiving the command, generating one or more control signals to operate the component of the refuse collecting body;
- monitoring energy usage of the refuse collecting body;
- determining that at least one battery needs to be recharged based on the energy usage of the refuse collecting body;
- and
- selectively operating one or more valves of one or more hydrogen tanks to control a flow of hydrogen from the one or more hydrogen tanks to a hydrogen engine to generate electricity to recharge the at least one battery.
A refuse collection vehicle, comprising:
- a chassis;
- a refuse collecting body supported by the chassis;
- a power generating assembly supported by the chassis, comprising:
- at least one hydrogen tank;
- a hydrogen engine fluidly coupled to the at least one hydrogen tank;
- a power takeoff coupled to the hydrogen engine;
- and
- a hydraulic pump configured to receive mechanical energy from the hydrogen engine through the power takeoff.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.