Compressed Gas Storage Container Volume Calculation Method, Device, Computer, and Medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, device, computer, and medium for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container. The method successively establishes air pressure equilibrium between three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures and a compressed gas storage system, and respectively detects the air pressure values at three equilibrium states. Based on the three air pressure values, the known volumes, and the initial pressures, it is possible to quickly and accurately calculate the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas transmission pipe, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, without being affected by the accuracy of the flowmeter, the response speed of the control system, and the volume of the hose. By accurately obtaining the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas transmission pipe, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, the gas filling rate can be increased as much as possible while ensuring safe gas filling.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to a U.S. patent application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 21, 2020, with application number US17 / 027,697 and application title "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALCULATING VOLUME OF COMPRESSED GAS STORAGE VESSEL, COMPUTER, AND MEDIUM", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of gas - fueled vehicles, and particularly to a method, apparatus, computer, and medium for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container. Background art

[0004] When refueling in the absence of electronic communication means (commonly referred to as non - communication refueling), a method is needed to determine the volume and initial refueling state of the on - vehicle gas storage system of an unknown vehicle, also known as a compressed hydrogen storage system or CHSS (compressed hydrogen storage system), that is, the volume and initial pressure of the on - vehicle gas storage container. In particular, accurately estimating the volume of the CHSS can keep the pressure increase rate during refueling of the CHSS within a safe pressure climb rate and keep the temperature of the CHSS within an allowable range. In addition, when refueling in a communication state (also known as communication refueling), when processing complete data from the vehicle communication system, the content disclosed in U.S. Patent US20180356270A1 points out that in this case, the sensors of the vehicle may malfunction, and a certain valve in a multi - container compressed hydrogen storage system may be incorrectly closed due to a fault in a segment of a certain system. As a result, the data obtained from the communication link may be unreliable. Therefore, it is not advisable to measure the volume and initial pressure of the storage container of the on - vehicle gas storage system from the data obtained from the communication link.

[0005] According to the prior art, it is very important to conduct separate measurements from the side of the gas filling station. One of the measurement methods is to use a flow meter to estimate the volume of the CHSS and compare the calculated volume with the reported value. This requires selecting an evaluation period. The density of the gas in the CHSS is recorded at the beginning and end of the evaluation period respectively. The mass of the hydrogen added during this evaluation period is calculated by integrating the flow meter. Subsequently, the volume of the CHSS can be calculated by dividing the mass of the added hydrogen by the density difference between the end and the start of the evaluation period. It should be noted that the accuracy of the volume of the CHSS calculated by this method depends on the accuracy of the flow meter, the characteristics of the control valve, and the pipeline configuration. Therefore, custom adjustments need to be made for each system separately.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. US9982842 discloses the impact of high-pressure shocks on components within the system such as flow meters, valves, and gas pipelines. Among them, the high-pressure shock refers to an air pressure with a peak pressure up to 130% of the nominal working pressure of the CHSS, an air pressure ranging from 35 MPa to 70 MPa. The high-pressure pulse mentioned here is the initial connection shock described in the standard SAE J2601. To reduce the shock, a bypass is added to the system. The bypass has an automatic control valve and an orifice. The orifice can limit the maximum flow rate, and the automatic control valve can adjust the duration of the shock. Obviously, the duration of the shock adjusted by the automatic control valve and the size of the orifice need to be adjusted separately for each gas filling station to achieve an acceptable impact. Therefore, custom adjustments are made separately within each system. It should also be noted that this patent does not teach how to independently measure the volume of the CHSS or the gas filling status.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. US10082247B1 discloses a method for measuring the volume of the CHSS and the gas filling status using a control valve. This method utilizes the typical 1-second pulse recorded in the historical gas filling data. Subsequently, the volume and the gas filling status are determined by the pressure and temperature measured in the vehicle storage tank. Since the control valve characteristics, pulse duration, pipeline network, and flow meter accuracy of each system are different, separate adjustments need to be made for each system individually.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. US7059364 details an implementation method of a control method based on generating pulses using a control valve. Similarly, since the control valve characteristics, pulse duration, pipeline network, and flow meter accuracy of each system are different, separate adjustments need to be made for each system individually.

[0009] There are many prior arts that use pulses to estimate the volume and gas filling state of a CHSS. However, due to the influence of variables such as the accuracy of the flow measurement device, the response time of the control valve, and the pipeline network, the volume and gas filling state of the CHSS cannot be measured and calculated independently of the gas filling station in the current prior arts. Therefore, each system needs to be adjusted separately. The three prior art patents cited here are only representative examples.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to design a method for calculating the volume and gas filling state of a compressed hydrogen storage system without being affected by variables such as the accuracy of the flowmeter, the response of the control system, the characteristics of the control valve, and the volume of the delivery pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a method, device, computer, and medium for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container in view of the above technical problems.

[0012] A method for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container includes:

[0013] Establish a connection between the compressed gas storage system and the gas dispenser. The gas dispenser includes a gas delivery pipe and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are connected to the compressed gas storage system through the gas delivery pipe. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is connected to the gas delivery pipe through a first valve, the second container is connected to the gas delivery pipe through a second valve, and the third container is connected to the gas delivery pipe through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state;

[0014] Open the first valve to connect the first container to the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the first container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a first air pressure value of the first container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the first valve;

[0015] Open the second valve to connect the second container to the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the second container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a second air pressure value of the second container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the second valve;

[0016] Open the third valve to connect the third container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is achieved among the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain the third air pressure value of the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system.

[0017] Based on the relationship equation between the air pressure and volume of the gas and the principle of mass conservation, and according to the volumes and initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container, as well as the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value, and the third air pressure value, calculate and obtain the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state.

[0018] In one embodiment, the compressed gas includes one of gaseous hydrogen, vaporized liquid hydrogen, natural gas, vaporized liquefied natural gas, and gaseous propane.

[0019] In one embodiment, the gas dispenser further includes a nozzle and a control valve. The gas pipeline is connected to the compressed gas storage system through the nozzle, and the control valve is arranged on the gas pipeline.

[0020] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are configured as follows:

[0021] The initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are equal;

[0022] Or

[0023] The initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are not equal;

[0024] The volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are configured as follows:

[0025] The volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are equal;

[0026] Or

[0027] The volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are not equal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the total mass of the fuel that the three test containers can hold is less than or equal to the fuel mass specified by the industry standard.

[0029] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 30% to 130% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 80% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system.

[0031] A device for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container, comprising:

[0032] A connection module, configured to establish a connection between a compressed gas storage system and a gas dispenser. The gas dispenser includes a gas delivery pipe and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. The three test containers are all in communication with the compressed gas storage system through the gas delivery pipe. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is in communication with the gas delivery pipe through a first valve, the second container is in communication with the gas delivery pipe through a second valve, and the third container is in communication with the gas delivery pipe through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in a closed state;

[0033] A first air pressure value acquisition module, configured to open the first valve to enable the first container to communicate with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the first container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and acquire the first air pressure value of the first container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the first valve;

[0034] A second air pressure value acquisition module, configured to open the second valve to enable the second container to communicate with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the second container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and acquire the second air pressure value of the second container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the second valve;

[0035] A third air pressure value acquisition module, configured to open the third valve to enable the third container to communicate with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the third container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and acquire the third air pressure value of the third container, the gas delivery pipe, and the compressed gas storage system;

[0036] A volume and pressure calculation module, which is used to calculate the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the gas pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state based on the relationship equation between the gas pressure volume and the compression factor and the principle of mass conservation, according to the volumes and initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container, the first gas pressure value, the second gas pressure value, and the third gas pressure value.

[0037] A computer device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method in any of the above embodiments are implemented.

[0038] A computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method in any of the above embodiments are implemented.

[0039] In the above method, device, computer, and medium for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container, by sequentially establishing gas pressure balance between three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures and the compressed gas storage system, and respectively detecting the gas pressure values at three equilibrium states, based on the three gas pressure values, known volumes, and initial pressures, it is possible to quickly and accurately calculate the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the gas pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, without being affected by the accuracy of the flowmeter, the response speed of the control system, and the volume of the hose. By accurately obtaining the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the gas pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, the gas filling rate can be increased as much as possible while ensuring safe gas filling. Description of the Drawings

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of the method for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container in an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 It is a structural block diagram of the device for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container in an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 3 It is an internal structure diagram of a computer device in an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 4 It is a schematic connection structure diagram of a gas filling station and a compressed gas storage system in an embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0044] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0045] It should be understood that in the following embodiments, hydrogenation is taken as an example for generation, but the methods and systems disclosed in this application are applicable to any gas fuel vehicle and are not limited to hydrogen fuel vehicles.

[0046] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, a method for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container is provided, which includes:

[0047] Step 110: Establish a connection between the compressed gas storage system and the gas dispenser. The gas dispenser includes a gas pipeline and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the gas pipeline. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a first valve, the second container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a second valve, and the third container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state.

[0048] Specifically, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are respectively used to control the on-off between the first container, the second container, and the third container and the compressed gas storage system. The gas pipeline is a flexible pipe or a rigid pipe. The first container, the second container, and the third container are communicated with the storage container of the compressed gas storage system through the gas pipeline. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state, so that the first container, the second container, and the third container are isolated from the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system respectively. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the compressed gas storage system is a compressed hydrogen storage system (CHSS, compressed hydrogen storage system). In the initial state, the volumes of the three test containers and the air pressures in the three test containers are known. The air pressure in the initial state of the test container is the initial pressure. In this embodiment, the volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively denoted as Va, Vb, and Vc, and the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively denoted as Pa, Pb, and Pc.

[0049] Step 120: Open the first valve to communicate the first container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain the first air pressure value of the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the first valve.

[0050] In this step, open the first valve to connect the first container with the storage container of the compressed gas storage system, so that the first container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system are connected. In this way, the air pressure among the first container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system can reach equilibrium, making the air pressures in the first container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system equal. At this time, detect the air pressures of the first container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system to obtain the first air pressure value, which is P1. Subsequently, close the first valve to isolate the first container from the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system.

[0051] Step 130: Open the second valve to connect the second container with the compressed gas storage system. When pressure equilibrium is reached among the second container, the gas pipeline and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain the second air pressure value of the second container, the gas pipeline and the compressed gas storage system. Subsequently, close the second valve.

[0052] In this step, open the second valve to connect the second container with the storage container of the compressed gas storage system, so that the second container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system are connected. In this way, the air pressure among the second container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system can reach equilibrium again, making the air pressures in the second container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system equal. At this time, detect the air pressures of the second container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system to obtain the second air pressure value, which is P2. Subsequently, close the second valve to isolate the second container from the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system.

[0053] Step 140: Open the third valve to connect the third container with the compressed gas storage system. When pressure equilibrium is reached among the third container, the gas pipeline and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain the third air pressure value of the third container, the gas pipeline and the compressed gas storage system.

[0054] In this step, open the third valve to connect the third container with the storage container of the compressed gas storage system, so that the third container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system are connected. In this way, the air pressure among the third container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system can reach equilibrium again, making the air pressures in the third container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system equal. At this time, detect the air pressures of the third container, the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system to obtain the third air pressure value, which is P3. Subsequently, close the third valve to isolate the third container from the gas pipeline and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system.

[0055] Step 150: Based on the relationship equation between the air pressure, volume and compressibility factor of the gas and the principle of mass conservation, calculate the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state according to the volumes and initial pressures of the first container, the second container and the third container, the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value and the third air pressure value.

[0056] Specifically, the relationship equation between the air pressure, volume and compressibility factor of the gas is used to reflect the relationship among the air pressure, volume and compressibility factor of the gas. The compressibility factor can be calculated through a characteristic database or a curve fitting equation. For example, it can be calculated through the equation disclosed in US Patent No. 7059364.

[0057] It should be understood that before and after each test container is connected to the compressed gas storage system, the law of mass conservation is satisfied, that is, the sum of the masses of the gases in each test container before connection and the gas mass of the compressed gas storage system is equal to the sum of the gas masses of the test container and the compressed gas storage system after connection. In this embodiment, based on the relationship equation between the air pressure, volume and compressibility factor of the gas, calculate the volume of the storage container of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state according to the volumes and initial pressures of the first container, the second container and the third container, the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value and the third air pressure value.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the air pressure balance is established between three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures and the compressed gas storage system in sequence, and the air pressure values in three equilibrium states are respectively detected. Based on the three air pressure values, the known volumes and initial pressures of the three test containers, it is possible to quickly and accurately calculate the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas transmission pipe, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, without being affected by the accuracy of the flowmeter, the response speed of the control system, and the volume of the gas transmission pipe. With the accurately obtained volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas transmission pipe, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, the gas filling rate is increased as much as possible while ensuring safe gas filling.

[0059] It should be understood that in the above embodiments, after each test container reaches the pressure balance each time, it remains in communication with the compressed hydrogen storage system to maintain the pressure balance state, so as to improve the measurement accuracy of the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value, and the third air pressure value.

[0060] In one embodiment, the compressed gas includes one of gaseous hydrogen, vaporized liquid hydrogen, natural gas, vaporized liquefied natural gas, and gaseous propane. In this embodiment, the compressed gas is a gaseous fuel, and the gaseous fuel includes one of gaseous hydrogen, vaporized liquid hydrogen, natural gas, vaporized liquefied natural gas, and gaseous propane. It should be understood that the method described in this application is applicable to the pressure detection and gas filling state detection of various gaseous fuels, and these other fuels include but are not limited to gaseous hydrogen, vaporized liquid hydrogen, natural gas, vaporized liquefied natural gas, and gaseous propane.

[0061] In one embodiment, the gas dispenser further includes a nozzle and a control valve. The gas transmission pipe is connected to the compressed gas storage system through the nozzle, and the control valve is arranged on the gas transmission pipe. Specifically, the control valve includes a check valve and a stop valve. Both the check valve and the stop valve are arranged on the gas transmission pipe and are used to control the on-off of the gas transmission pipe. In this way, in the initial state, by controlling the check valve and the stop valve to shut off the gas transmission pipe, the three test containers can be isolated from the compressed gas storage system. In this way, in the initial state, when one of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve is opened, the gas transmission pipe can be connected to one of the test containers, so that the pressure of the gas transmission pipe is equal to the pressure of one of the test containers.

[0062] In one embodiment, the volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are equal.

[0063] In one embodiment, the volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are not equal.

[0064] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are equal.

[0065] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are not equal.

[0066] In one embodiment, the total mass of fuel that the three test containers can hold is less than or equal to the fuel mass specified by the industry standard. This industry standard is SAE J2601, and the total mass of fuel that the three test containers can hold is less than or equal to the total fuel mass specified by the industry standard SAE J2601. In this way, the measurement accuracy and safety can be effectively improved.

[0067] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 30% to 130% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system. By configuring the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container to be respectively 30% to 130% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system, the accuracy of measurement and calculation can be effectively improved.

[0068] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 80% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system. By configuring the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container to be respectively 80% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system, the accuracy of measurement and calculation can be effectively improved.

[0069] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 90% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system. By configuring the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container to be respectively 90% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system, the accuracy of measurement and calculation can be further effectively improved.

[0070] The following is a specific embodiment:

[0071] In the present invention, at least three test containers with known volume, pressure, and temperature are used to determine the volume and air pressure of the storage container of the on-vehicle compressed gas storage system. According to the provisions of the industry standard SAE J2601, the volume of these test containers must be limited. For example, the total amount of hydrogen stored in each test container is less than 200 grams. For example, at an air pressure of 45 Mpa and a temperature of 300 K, the volume of 200 grams of hydrogen is 7.1 liters. Therefore, the total volume of the required test containers is 7.1 liters, where the compression factor is 1.28. The method disclosed in this article releases the gas in a known volume of the test container each time and measures the pressure of the resulting equilibrium state between the test container and the storage container of the compressed gas storage system. The relationship between the known volume, air pressure, and the volume and air pressure values of the unknown compressed gas storage system is obtained through an appropriate equation of state and the mass conservation equation. With three test containers, three equilibrium equations can be used to calculate the pressure, volume of the vehicle's compressed gas storage system, and the volume of the gas pipeline. The advantage of this is that variables related to the filling station are removed, avoiding the influence of these variables on the calculated pressure, volume of the vehicle's compressed gas storage system, and the volume of the gas pipeline. These variables include: the volume of the gas pipeline, the valve response speed, and the flowmeter accuracy, and this method can be used without custom tuning.

[0072] In this embodiment, the compressed gas storage system of the vehicle is a compressed hydrogen storage system, hereinafter referred to as CHSS.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 4 , in this embodiment, the first container A, the second container B, and the third container C are all connected to the storage container Vehicle Tank of the CHSS through the gas pipeline Hose. The initial pressure of the storage container Vehicle Tank is P V and the volume of the storage container Vehicle Tank is V v , and the volume of the gas pipeline Hose is V hose .

[0074] First, the volume and initial pressure of the three test containers are detected. The volumes of the first container, the second container, and the third container are V a , V b and V c respectively. In the initial state, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are P a , P b and P c respectively. In the initial state, the first valve V1, the second valve V2, and the third valve V3 are in the off state, and the first container, the second container, and the third container are isolated from the CHSS respectively.

[0075] First, open the first valve to establish fluid communication between the first container A and the CHSS. In this way, the volume Va of the first container is a known quantity, while the initial pressure and volume of the CHSS are unknown. After the first container is in fluid communication with the CHSS, the volume Va of the first container and the initial pressure P V and volume V v of the CHSS establish a relationship. The volume of the gas pipeline is V hose . Under the initial condition, the air pressure in the gas pipeline is equal to the air pressure inside the test container. Assume that the ambient temperature of the CHSS, the test container, and the gas pipeline is T amb . After the first container is in communication with the CHSS, detect and record the first pressure value P1 when the first container and the CHSS reach the pressure equilibrium state. Assume that the increased mass of the CHSS can be ignored. Then this initial pulse is similar to the "connection pulse" described in the standard SAE J2601. This assumption is only used to approximate the initial pressure of the CHSS to determine whether the vehicle should continue to be refueled. Specifically, if the measured first pressure value P1 is within the range of ±0.5 MPa of the nominal working pressure (35 MPa or 70 MPa) of the vehicle, then this first pressure value P1 can be used for the leak check of the CHSS and confirm that refueling can be carried out.

[0076] According to the principle of conservation of mass, before and after the first container is in fluid communication with the CHSS, the total mass of the gas in the first container and the CHSS is equal. Since after the first container is in fluid communication with the CHSS, the first container will release gas into the storage container of the CHSS. Therefore, the states before and after the first container is in fluid communication with the CHSS can be described by the principle of conservation of mass, that is, the states before and after the first container releases gas. Before the first container releases gas, assuming the gas is an ideal gas, the relationship between the gas pressure, volume, and compressibility factor is:

[0077]

[0078] The relationship between the gas pressure, volume, and compressibility factor after the first container releases gas is:

[0079]

[0080] Among them, in formula (1) and formula (2), M is the molecular weight of hydrogen, R u is the universal gas constant, Z a is the compressibility factor calculated at P a , Z v is the compressibility factor calculated at P v , Z1 is the compressibility factor calculated at P1, and T ambTamb is the ambient temperature, and all the above parameters are measured or calculated at the ambient temperature Tamb. The compression factor can be obtained by calculating through a characteristic database or a curve fitting equation, such as the characteristic database or the curve fitting equation disclosed in US Patent No. US7059364. According to the law of conservation of mass, Equation (1) and Equation (2) are equal. Therefore, by correlating and simplifying Equation (1) and Equation (2), we get:

[0081]

[0082] Next, close the first valve to isolate the first container A, and open the second valve to establish fluid communication between the second container B, the gas pipeline, and the CHSS. After the second container is in communication with the CHSS and the pressure is balanced, detect and record the second pressure value P2 when the second container and the CHSS reach the pressure balance state. Since the total mass of the gas increased in the CHSS is limited at this time, it can be assumed that the temperatures of the CHSS, the test container, and the gas pipeline remain unchanged at the current ambient temperature. The conservation of mass before and after the second container B releases gas can be expressed by the following equation:

[0083]

[0084] Subsequently, close the second valve to isolate the second container B, and open the third valve to establish fluid communication between the third container C, the gas pipeline, and the CHSS. After the third container is in communication with the CHSS and the pressure is balanced, detect and record the third pressure value P3 when the third container and the CHSS reach the pressure balance state. Since the total mass of the gas increased in the CHSS is limited at this time, it can also be assumed that the temperatures of the CHSS, the test container, and the gas pipeline remain unchanged at the current ambient temperature. The conservation of mass before and after the third container C releases gas can be expressed by the following equation:

[0085]

[0086] Based on the above Equations (3), (4), and (5), according to the known V a , V b , V c , P a , P b and P c as well as the measured P1, P2, and P3, the initial pressure P V and volume V v of the CHSS and the volume V hose of the gas pipeline can be accurately calculated.To improve data quality and redundancy, further measurements can be provided by additional test vessels, and a solution can be obtained in the least squares sense. The additional test vessels can also be used to determine other variables and relax some of the assumed conditions, such as the initial temperature of the CHSS.

[0087] To better improve the accuracy of the measurement, the mass of gas released from each test vessel should be different to improve the impact caused by non-linearity. This impact is caused by the size of the volume of different test vessels and / or their initial states (such as initial pressure and initial temperature).

[0088] Example 1:

[0089] Assume that the volumes of three test vessels are 1L, 2L, and 3L, and the initial pressure of the three test vessels is 450 bar. The ambient temperature is 300K. The volume of the CHSS is 1200 liters, and the initial pressure is 50 barg. The volume of the gas transmission pipe is 0.5L. For the sake of mathematical simplicity, assume that the compression factor is 1.0 under all conditions. According to Equation 3-5, the calculated equilibrium pressures corresponding to the released test volumes in the above order are 50.50 barg, 51.16 barg, and 52.16 barg respectively.

[0090] Example 2:

[0091] Assume that the volumes of three test vessels are 2L, 2L, and 3L respectively, and the initial pressure of the three test vessels is 450 bar. The ambient temperature is 300K. The measured equilibrium pressures corresponding to the released test volumes in the above order are 63.0 barg, 63.7 barg, and 64.5 barg respectively. Similarly, for the sake of simplifying the mathematical calculation process, assume that the compression factor is 1.0 under all conditions. The calculated volume of the CHSS is 1296.8L, the calculated volume of the transmission pipe is 0.51L, and the initial pressure of the CHSS is 62.25 bar.

[0092] The present application has the following main advantages:

[0093] 1. It can repeatedly and accurately calculate the volume of the storage container of the compressed gas storage system of the vehicle.

[0094] 2. Regarding the problem of the response speed of the control valve that may exist in each system, the present application avoids the influence of the control valve response speed on the calculation results.

[0095] 3. Regarding the problem of the accuracy of the flowmeter that may exist in each system, the present application avoids the influence of the flowmeter accuracy on the calculation results.

[0096] 4. For each system, with respect to the unknown variables that may affect the calculation accuracy of the total volume of the pipelines connecting the gas filling station and the CHSS and the gas pipelines, this application avoids the influence of the calculation results by such unknown variables.

[0097] 5. By accurately calculating the volume of the storage container of the CHSS, the credibility level and reliability of the gas pressure boosting rate during the gas filling process are improved.

[0098] 6. In the case of safe gas filling, the gas filling rate can be maximized.

[0099] 7. Reduce the frequency of regular recalibration due to equipment aging.

[0100] 8. Compressed gas storage containers with different volumes connected to the compressed gas storage system of the vehicle can be flexibly set.

[0101] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, a compressed gas storage container volume calculation device is provided, including:

[0102] A connection module 210, configured to establish a connection between the compressed gas storage system and the gas dispenser. The gas dispenser includes a gas pipeline and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the gas pipeline. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a first valve, the second container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a second valve, and the third container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state.

[0103] A first air pressure value obtaining module 220, configured to open the first valve to communicate the first container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain the first air pressure value of the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the first valve.

[0104] A second air pressure value obtaining module 230, configured to open the second valve to communicate the second container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain the second air pressure value of the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the second valve.

[0105] The third air pressure value obtaining module 240 is configured to open the third valve to communicate the third container with the compressed gas storage system, and when a pressure balance state is achieved among the third container, the gas pipeline and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a third air pressure value of the third container, the gas pipeline and the compressed gas storage system.

[0106] The volume and pressure calculation module 250 is configured to calculate and obtain a volume of the compressed gas storage system, a volume of the gas pipeline, and an air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in an initial state based on a relational equation between the air pressure volume and the compression factor of the gas and the principle of mass conservation, according to volumes and initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container, a first air pressure value, a second air pressure value, and a third air pressure value.

[0107] In one embodiment, the compressed gas includes one of gaseous hydrogen, vaporized liquid hydrogen, natural gas, vaporized liquefied natural gas, and gaseous propane.

[0108] In one embodiment, the gas dispenser further includes a nozzle and a control valve. The gas pipeline is communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the nozzle, and the control valve is disposed on the gas pipeline.

[0109] In one embodiment, the initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are configured as follows:

[0110] The initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are equal;

[0111] Or

[0112] The initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are not equal;

[0113] The volume of the first container, the volume of the second container, and the volume of the third container are configured as follows:

[0114] The volume of the first container, the volume of the second container, and the volume of the third container are equal;

[0115] Or

[0116] The volume of the first container, the volume of the second container, and the volume of the third container are not equal.

[0117] In one embodiment, a total mass of fuel that can be accommodated by the three test containers is less than or equal to a fuel mass specified by an industry standard.

[0118] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 30% to 130% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system.

[0119] In one embodiment, the initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are respectively 80% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system.

[0120] For the specific limitations on the compressed gas storage container volume calculation device, reference can be made to the limitations on the compressed gas storage container volume calculation method described above, which will not be elaborated here. Each module in the above compressed gas storage container volume calculation device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, and their combination. The above modules can be embedded in the processor of the computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of the computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each of the above modules.

[0121] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, and this computer device is a device including an OMAP processor. Its internal structure diagram can be as Figure 3 shown. The computer device includes a processor, a memory, a network interface, a display screen, and an input device connected through a system bus. Among them, the processor of the computer device is used to provide computing and control capabilities. The memory of the computer device includes a non-volatile storage medium and an internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system and a computer program. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and the computer program in the non-volatile storage medium. The network interface of the computer device is used to communicate with the upper computer through a CAN connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a compressed gas storage container volume calculation method. The display screen of the computer device can be a liquid crystal display screen or an electronic ink display screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or a button, a trackball, or a touchpad provided on the shell of the computer device, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse, etc.

[0122] Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 3 the structure shown in

[0123] is only a block diagram of some structures related to the solution of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the solution of this application is applied. The specific computer device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0123] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are implemented:

[0124] A connection is established between a compressed gas storage system and a gas dispenser, the gas dispenser including a gas pipeline and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are in communication with the compressed gas storage system through the gas pipeline. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is in communication with the gas pipeline through a first valve, the second container is in communication with the gas pipeline through a second valve, and the third container is in communication with the gas pipeline through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state;

[0125] Open the first valve to communicate the first container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a first air pressure value of the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the first valve;

[0126] Open the second valve to communicate the second container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a second air pressure value of the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the second valve;

[0127] Open the third valve to communicate the third container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a third air pressure value of the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system;

[0128] Based on the relationship equation between the air pressure volume and the compression factor of the gas and the principle of mass conservation, calculate and obtain the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state according to the volumes and initial pressures, the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value, and the third air pressure value of the first container, the second container, and the third container.

[0129] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are implemented:

[0130] Establish a connection between a compressed gas storage system and a gas dispenser, the gas dispenser including a gas pipeline and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the gas pipeline. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a first valve, the second container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a second valve, and the third container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state;

[0131] Open the first valve to communicate the first container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a first air pressure value of the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the first valve;

[0132] Open the second valve to communicate the second container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a second air pressure value of the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, and then close the second valve;

[0133] Open the third valve to communicate the third container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a third air pressure value of the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system;

[0134] Based on the relationship equation between the air pressure volume and the compression factor of the gas and the principle of mass conservation, calculate and obtain the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state according to the volumes and initial pressures, the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value, and the third air pressure value of the first container, the second container, and the third container.

[0135] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Among them, any reference to a memory, storage, database, or other medium used in the embodiments provided in the present application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memories. Non-volatile memories can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memories can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0136] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0137] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. The description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container, characterized in that, Comprising: Establish a connection between a compressed gas storage system and a gas dispenser, the gas dispenser including a gas pipeline and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the gas pipeline. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a first valve, the second container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a second valve, and the third container is communicated with the gas pipeline through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in the off state; Open the first valve to communicate the first container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the first container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a first air pressure value, and then close the first valve; Open the second valve to communicate the second container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the second container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a second air pressure value, and then close the second valve; Open the third valve to communicate the third container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure equilibrium state is reached among the third container, the gas pipeline, and the compressed gas storage system, detect and obtain a third air pressure value; Based on the volumes and initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container, the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value, and the third air pressure value, calculate and obtain the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas pipeline, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state; Wherein, the total mass of fuel that the three test containers can accommodate is less than or equal to the fuel mass specified by the industry standard.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The compressed gas includes one of gaseous hydrogen, vaporized liquid hydrogen, natural gas, vaporized liquefied natural gas, and gaseous propane.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas dispenser further includes a nozzle and a control valve. The gas pipeline is communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the nozzle, and the control valve is arranged on the gas pipeline.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are configured as: The initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are equal; Or The initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are not equal; The volume of the first container, the volume of the second container, and the volume of the third container are configured as: The volume of the first container, the volume of the second container, and the volume of the third container are equal; or The volume of the first container, the volume of the second container, and the volume of the third container are not equal.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The initial pressure of the first container, the initial pressure of the second container, and the initial pressure of the third container are respectively 30% to 130% of the normal working pressure of the compressed gas storage system.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The initial pressures of the first container, the second container, and the third container are 80% to 125% of the normal operating pressure of the compressed gas storage system, respectively.

7. A device for calculating the volume of a compressed gas storage container, characterized in that, Comprising: A connection module for establishing a connection between the compressed gas storage system and a refueling machine. The refueling machine includes a gas transmission pipe and at least three test containers with known volumes and initial pressures. All three test containers are communicated with the compressed gas storage system through the gas transmission pipe. Among them, the three test containers include a first container, a second container, and a third container. The first container is communicated with the gas transmission pipe through a first valve, the second container is communicated with the gas transmission pipe through a second valve, and the third container is communicated with the gas transmission pipe through a third valve. In the initial state, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are in a shut-off state; A first air pressure value acquisition module for opening the first valve to communicate the first container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the first container, the gas transmission pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, the first air pressure value of the first container, the gas transmission pipe, and the compressed gas storage system is detected and obtained, and then the first valve is closed; A second air pressure value acquisition module for opening the second valve to communicate the second container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the second container, the gas transmission pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, the second air pressure value of the second container, the gas transmission pipe, and the compressed gas storage system is detected and obtained, and then the second valve is closed; A third air pressure value acquisition module for opening the third valve to communicate the third container with the compressed gas storage system. When a pressure balance state is reached among the third container, the gas transmission pipe, and the compressed gas storage system, the third air pressure value of the third container, the gas transmission pipe, and the compressed gas storage system is detected and obtained; A volume and pressure calculation module for calculating and obtaining the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the gas transmission pipe, and the air pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state according to the volumes and initial pressures, the first air pressure value, the second air pressure value, and the third air pressure value of the first container, the second container, and the third container; Wherein, the total mass of the fuel that the three test containers can accommodate is less than or equal to the fuel mass specified by the industry standard.

8. A computer device, comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are implemented.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are implemented.

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