Device and method for measuring amount of hydrogen stored in storage container

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container. The apparatus includes: a storage container in which hydrogen is stored; a plurality of temperature sensors surrounding a surface of the storage container and measuring a surface temperature of each position of the storage container; and a processor that estimates a liquid level of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the surface temperature of each location.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0089307 filed on Jul. 10, 2023, the entire contents of which application is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container, and more particularly, to a technology for measuring the amount of hydrogen in a storage container by a non-penetrating scheme. Background Art

[0004] Fuel cell vehicles use a fuel cell stack that generates electricity to drive a motor for travel. The fuel cell stack generates electricity through hydrogen and oxygen (O 2 ) to generate electricity through oxidation / reduction reactions. Accordingly, fuel cell vehicles can use hydrogen tanks to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0005] In order to measure the fuel cost of a fuel cell vehicle or calculate the travelable distance, etc., it is necessary to measure the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank. Generally, the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank is measured using a liquid level sensor installed inside the storage tank. In order to measure the liquid level of hydrogen using a liquid level sensor, the liquid level sensor or a signal line must pass through the storage container. A vacuum insulation portion may be formed between an inner vessel corresponding to the storage container and an outer vessel surrounding the inner vessel, and when a component using a liquid level sensor passes through the storage container, there is a risk of hydrogen leakage.

[0006] Furthermore, since the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank may be in a supercritical state while the vehicle is running, it is impossible to accurately measure the amount of hydrogen in a supercritical state when using a liquid level sensor.

[0007] The information contained in this background technology of the present invention is only intended to deepen the understanding of the overall background technology of the present invention, and should not be regarded as acknowledging or suggesting in any form that this information constitutes the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing an apparatus and method configured to measure the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container, by which the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container can be measured without the apparatus passing through the storage container.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention also provides an apparatus and method configured to measure the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container, by which the amount of hydrogen in a supercritical state can be accurately measured.

[0010] The technical problems solved by the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned problems. According to the following description, those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus configured to measure the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container includes: a storage container in which hydrogen is stored; a plurality of temperature sensors surrounding a surface of the storage container and measuring a surface temperature at each location of the storage container; and a processor estimating a liquid level of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the surface temperature at each location.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of temperature sensors may be fastened to the storage container by a band having a predetermined tension or higher.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple temperature sensors may include: a first reference sensor located at the uppermost end of the storage container; a second reference sensor located at the lowermost end of the storage container; and a first sensor group including a plurality of first sensors located at different positions of the storage container between the first reference sensor and the second reference sensor.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include a pressure sensor configured to measure the internal pressure of the storage container, and the processor may be configured to determine the phase state of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the internal pressure and internal temperature of the storage container, wherein the internal temperature is estimated based on the surface temperature at each location.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to determine a total storage amount of hydrogen when it is determined that the hydrogen is in a multi-phase state, the total storage amount being proportional to the hydrogen liquid level, the average density of hydrogen and the volume of the storage container.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to: determine a temperature deviation obtained by a pair of sensors among a plurality of temperature sensors; and estimate a hydrogen liquid level based on a height of the sensor where the temperature deviation is a preset threshold or above the preset threshold.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include: a second sensor group including a plurality of second sensors formed at positions symmetrical to those of the plurality of first sensors of the first sensor group relative to a reference line connecting the first reference sensor and the second reference sensor.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to: detect a first liquid point location based on a height of a pair of sensors among a plurality of first sensors belonging to a first sensor group, wherein a temperature deviation obtained by the pair of sensors is a preset threshold value or higher than a preset threshold value; detect a second liquid point location based on a height of a pair of sensors among a plurality of first sensors belonging to a second sensor group, wherein a temperature deviation obtained by the pair of sensors is a preset threshold value or higher than a preset threshold value; and estimate the liquid level by correcting the height deviation of the first liquid point location and the second liquid point location when the heights of the first liquid point location and the second liquid point location are different from each other.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured such that, among sensors belonging to the first sensor group and the second sensor group, inner angles defined by a center point of any pair of sensors and the reference line are the same.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to: estimate the internal temperature based on the surface temperature at each location; and determine an average density of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on an average value of the internal temperature and the internal pressure.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to determine the average value of the internal temperature based on an average value of temperatures obtained by sensors located at or below the liquid level among the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to: determine the average density of hydrogen based on the average value of the internal temperature of the storage container when it is determined that the hydrogen is in a single-phase state; and determine the total storage capacity of hydrogen based on the average density of hydrogen and the volume of the storage container.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be configured to determine the average value of the internal temperature by averaging temperatures obtained by the first reference sensor, the second reference sensor, and a plurality of first sensors belonging to the first sensor group.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container includes: determining the phase of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the pressure and temperature of the storage container; determining the temperature deviation of each position of the storage container based on the hydrogen being in a multi-phase state; determining the liquid level of hydrogen based on the temperature deviation of each position of the storage container; and determining the total storage capacity of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the liquid level, the average density inside the storage container, and the volume of the storage container.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, determining the temperature deviation of each position of the storage container may include determining a difference between temperatures obtained by a pair of adjacent temperature sensors among a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the surface temperature of each position of the storage container.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, determining the liquid level of hydrogen may include estimating the height of a temperature sensor located at a lowest position as the liquid level of hydrogen based on a temperature deviation obtained by a pair of adjacent sensors among a plurality of temperature sensors being a threshold or above.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple temperature sensors may include: a first reference sensor located at the uppermost end of the storage container; a second reference sensor located at the lowermost end of the storage container; a plurality of first sensors located at different heights relative to one side of a reference line connecting the first reference sensor and the second reference sensor; and a plurality of second sensors formed at positions symmetrical to the plurality of first sensors relative to the reference line, and determining the liquid level of hydrogen may include: estimating a first liquid point position using a plurality of first sensors; estimating a second liquid point position using a plurality of second sensors; and estimating the liquid level by correcting the height deviation of the first liquid point position and the second liquid point position when the heights of the first liquid point position and the second liquid point position are different from each other.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, determining the total storage amount of hydrogen stored in the storage container may include: estimating the internal temperature based on the surface temperature of each location; determining the average value of the internal temperature; and determining the average density of the hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the average value of the internal temperature and the internal pressure.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, estimating the internal temperature may include converting a surface temperature of each position obtained by a sensor located below the estimated liquid level among the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: determining an average value of the internal temperature of the storage container when it is determined that the hydrogen is in a single-phase state; determining an average density of hydrogen based on the average value of the internal temperature; and determining a total storage capacity, the total storage capacity being proportional to the average density of hydrogen and the volume of the storage container.

[0031] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from, or will be described in detail in, the accompanying drawings and subsequent detailed descriptions incorporated herein, which together serve to explain the specific principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing an electric vehicle including a hydrogen amount measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing a front surface of a hydrogen tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a hydrogen storage amount measuring method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating the arrangement of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating a method of estimating a surface temperature and a liquid level at each location using a plurality of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating the arrangement of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating a method of estimating a surface temperature and a liquid level at each location using a plurality of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments;

[0039] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring a hydrogen storage amount according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating a computing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present various features that are somewhat simplified to illustrate the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, directions, locations, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0042] In the figures, like reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments of the present invention. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternative embodiments, modified embodiments, equivalent embodiments and other embodiments that may be included in the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when adding reference numerals to components of the accompanying drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals even if they are drawn on different figures. In addition, when describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of related known configurations and functions may hinder the understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] In addition, when describing the components of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a) and (b) may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish components, and the properties, order and sequence of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by technicians in the field to which the present invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms (such as terms defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the specification and the relevant technical field, and should not be understood as having idealized or overly formal meanings, unless such definitions are made herein).

[0046] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 10 Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail.

[0047] Figure 1 : is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing an electric vehicle including the hydrogen amount measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing a front surface of a hydrogen tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the hydrogen amount measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a hydrogen tank 100 for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell 10 and a processor 200 for estimating a storage amount of hydrogen based on a temperature and a pressure of the hydrogen tank 100 .

[0049] The fuel cell 10 can convert chemical energy generated by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel gas and oxygen into electrical energy. The fuel cell 10 may include one or more fuel cells, and each fuel cell may receive hydrogen and air contained in the fuel gas to generate electrical energy while inducing a redox reaction. The fuel cell may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and one or more separators, the membrane electrode assembly oxidizing and reducing hydrogen and air while being protected by an end plate from external influences, and one or more separators for supplying the fuel gas and air to the membrane electrode assembly. The fuel cell 10 may include a stacked structure in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked.

[0050] The drive device 15 may include one or more electric motors for rotating the vehicle wheels.

[0051] The hydrogen tank 100 is provided in the vehicle VEH, and high-pressure hydrogen is contained therein. The hydrogen tank 100 can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell 10 through a supply pipe. Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen tank 100 may include a storage container 110 in which hydrogen is stored and an external vessel 120 , which surrounds the storage container 110 and protects the storage container 110 .

[0052] The hydrogen tank 100 may include a pressure sensor PS that can measure the internal pressure of the storage container 110. The pressure sensor PS may pass through the storage container 110 and the external vessel 120, and one end of the pressure sensor PS may be exposed to the storage container 110, while the opposite end thereof may be connected to the gas discharge line 9 exposed to the outside of the external vessel 120.

[0053] The hydrogen tank 100 may include a plurality of temperature sensors TS surrounding the outside of the storage container storing hydrogen. The plurality of temperature sensors TS may be configured to measure the surface temperature of each position of the storage container 110. To achieve this, the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be disposed at different positions in the gravity direction (y-axis direction). The intervals between the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be changed according to the accuracy of the liquid level of hydrogen to be estimated, and the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be arranged so that the intervals thereof are small to accurately estimate the liquid level.

[0054] A plurality of temperature sensors TS may be arranged at a central portion of the storage container 110 in a lateral direction (x-axis direction) to prevent inaccurate estimation of the liquid level of hydrogen due to shaking. The shaking phenomenon may refer to a phenomenon in which hydrogen in the storage container 110 shakes due to the vibration of the vehicle VEH, and the change in the liquid level of hydrogen due to the shaking may increase as it moves toward the outside of the storage container 110. Accordingly, a plurality of temperature sensors TS may be arranged at a central portion of the storage container 110 in a lateral direction.

[0055] The plurality of temperature sensors TS may be coupled to the storage container 110 using the fastening band 130. The plurality of temperature sensors TS may be fixed to the fastening band 130 and may contact the outside of the storage container 110 when the fastening band 130 is fastened to the storage container. The fastening band 130 has a certain level of tension or more and may use a plastic-based material.

[0056] The data obtained by the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be provided to the processor 200 through the data transmission line 131. The data transmission line 131 may be vacuum fastened to the outside of the outer vessel 120 using the feed-through port 121.

[0057] The processor 200 may estimate the liquid level of hydrogen based on the surface temperature of each position of the storage container obtained by the plurality of temperature sensors of the hydrogen tank 100 .

[0058] The processor 200 may be configured to determine the total storage amount of hydrogen based on determining that the hydrogen in the storage container 110 is in a multiphase state, and the total storage amount is proportional to the liquid level of hydrogen, the average density of hydrogen, and the volume of the storage container 110. The liquid level of hydrogen may be estimated based on the temperature deviation obtained by the adjacent temperature sensor TS. The average density of hydrogen may be determined based on the average value of the internal temperature of the stored hydrogen and the pressure. The average value of the internal temperature of hydrogen may refer to the average temperature of hydrogen in a liquid state, and may be determined based on the average of the temperatures obtained by the sensors located below the liquid level. To achieve this, the processor 200 may be configured to determine the internal temperature based on the surface temperature obtained by the sensors located below the liquid level.

[0059] Hereinafter, a method configured to measure a storage amount of hydrogen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be discussed below.

[0060] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a hydrogen storage amount measuring method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 May correspond to a process controlled by a processor.

[0061] At S310 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a phase state of hydrogen based on the pressure and temperature of the storage container 110 .

[0062] The processor 200 may be configured to determine whether hydrogen stored in the storage container 110 is in a single-phase state based on the internal pressure of the storage container 110 obtained by the pressure sensor PS and the internal temperature of the storage container 110 obtained by the plurality of temperature sensors TS.

[0063] The processor 200 may be configured to determine that the hydrogen in the storage container 110 is in a single-phase state based on the internal pressure being a preset threshold pressure or higher and the internal temperature or surface temperature of the storage container 110 being a preset threshold temperature or higher. The internal temperature may be determined based on the surface temperature obtained by the plurality of temperature sensors TS.

[0064] The processor 200 may store a temperature sensor TS (eg, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The processor 200 may compare the surface temperature obtained by the second reference sensor TS_R2 shown in FIG. 1 with the threshold temperature. Alternatively, the processor 200 may compare the internal temperature determined based on the surface temperature obtained by the second reference sensor TS_R2 with the threshold temperature. Alternatively, the processor 200 may compare the average value of the surface temperatures obtained by two or more sensors or the average value of the internal temperature determined based on the average value of the surface temperatures with the threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be set differently depending on the internal temperature or the surface temperature as the comparison target.

[0065] At S320 , the processor 200 may identify temperature deviations at various locations of the storage container 110 based on the fact that hydrogen is in a multi-phase state.

[0066] The processor 200 may be configured to determine that the hydrogen in the storage container 110 is in a multi-phase state when the internal pressure is lower than a threshold pressure or the internal temperature is lower than a threshold temperature.

[0067] The processor 200 may obtain the temperature deviation of each location by determining the deviation of the temperatures obtained by adjacent temperature sensors TS among the plurality of temperature sensors TS.

[0068] At S330 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a liquid level based on temperature deviations at various locations of the storage container 110 .

[0069] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Step S320 and step S330 are described in more detail.

[0070] An exemplary embodiment of determining a liquid level according to an exemplary embodiment of a temperature sensor is as follows.

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating the arrangement of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 2 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating a method of estimating a surface temperature and a liquid level at each location by using a plurality of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the plurality of temperature sensors TS according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a first reference sensor TS_R1, a second reference sensor TS_R2, and a first sensor group TS1. The first sensor group TS1 may include "k" first sensors TS1_1, TS1_2, and TS1_3 (k is a natural number), and Figure 4 A first sensor group comprising three sensors is shown.

[0073] The processor 200 may receive the surface temperature of each position from a plurality of temperature sensors TS. For example, the processor 200 may receive the first reference temperature T_R1 from the first reference sensor TS_R1 and the second reference temperature T_R2 from the second reference sensor TS_R2. In addition, the processor 200 may receive the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1 from the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1, may receive the (1-2)th surface temperature T1_2 from the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2, and may receive the (1-3)th surface temperature T1_3 from the (1-3)th sensor TS1_3.

[0074] The processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the temperatures obtained by a pair of adjacent temperature sensors TS. For example, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the first reference temperature T_R1 and the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1, and may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1 and the (1-2)th surface temperature T1_2. Similarly, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the (1-3)th surface temperature T1_3 and the second reference temperature T_R2.

[0075] The processor 200 may be configured to determine whether the temperature deviation between a pair of adjacent temperature sensors TS is a preset threshold or greater. The threshold may be set to a value near zero.

[0076] like Figure 5As shown, when the actual liquid level of hydrogen corresponds to "LH_t", the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1 and the (1-2)th surface temperature T1_2 may be different from each other. In the current manner, when a pair of adjacent temperature sensors TS has a temperature deviation, the processor 200 can estimate the position of the temperature sensor set at a lower position as the liquid level. To achieve this, the heights of the positions of the plurality of temperature sensors can be preset as shown in Table 1.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] sensor high No. (1-1) Sensor LH1 No. (1-2) Sensor LH2 Sensor (1-3) LH3

[0079] The height values ​​of the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be measured assuming that the storage container 110 is in a horizontal state.

[0080] For example, the height LH2 of the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2 may be estimated as the liquid level of hydrogen.

[0081] A deviation may occur between the actual liquid level LH_t of hydrogen and the estimated liquid level LH2 of hydrogen, and the sensors may be densely arranged to improve the accuracy of the estimated liquid level LH2 of hydrogen.

[0082] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating the arrangement of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 and Figure 8 2 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating a method of estimating a surface temperature and a liquid level at each location by using a plurality of temperature sensors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] refer to Figure 6 , a plurality of temperature sensors TS according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a first reference sensor TS_R1, a second reference sensor TS_R2, a first sensor group TS1, and a second sensor group TS2. The first sensor group TS1 may include a plurality of first sensors TS1_1, TS1_2, and TS1_3 located in the first area. The second sensor group TS2 may include a plurality of second sensors TS2_1, TS2_2, and TS2_3 located in the second area. The sensors of the first sensor group TS1 and the sensors of the second sensor group TS2 may be arranged at positions symmetrical to each other relative to the reference line RL. For example, the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1 and the (2-1)th sensor TS2_1 may be arranged at positions symmetrical to each other relative to the reference line RL. When the lateral direction of the storage container 110 is parallel to the road surface, the reference line RL may face the direction of gravity.

[0084] The processor 200 may receive the surface temperature of each position from a plurality of temperature sensors TS. For example, the processor 200 may receive the first reference temperature T_R1 from the first reference sensor TS_R1 and the second reference temperature T_R2 from the second reference sensor TS_R2. In addition, the processor 200 may receive the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1 from the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1, may receive the (1-2)th surface temperature T1_2 from the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2, and may receive the (1-3)th surface temperature T1_3 from the (1-3)th sensor TS1_3.

[0085] In addition, the processor 200 may receive a (2-1)th surface temperature T2_1 from a (2-1)th sensor TS2_1, may receive a (2-2)th surface temperature T2_2 from a (2-2)th sensor TS2_2, and may receive a (2-3)th surface temperature T2_3 from a (2-3)th sensor TS2_3.

[0086] The processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between temperatures obtained by a pair of adjacent temperature sensors TS.

[0087] The processor 200 may detect a first liquid point corresponding to the estimated liquid level based on a temperature deviation between the plurality of temperature sensors in the first region.

[0088] For example, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the first reference temperature T_R1 and the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1, and may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the (1-1)th surface temperature T1_1 and the (1-2)th surface temperature T1_2. In addition, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the (1-3)th surface temperature T1_3 and the second reference temperature T_R2.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the processor 200 can detect the position where the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2 is arranged as the first liquid point.

[0090] Furthermore, the processor 200 may detect a second liquid point corresponding to the estimated liquid level based on a temperature deviation between the plurality of temperature sensors in the second region.

[0091] For example, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the first reference temperature T_R1 and the (2-1)th surface temperature T2_1, and may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the (2-1)th surface temperature T2_1 and the (2-2)th surface temperature T2_2. Similarly, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the (2-3)th surface temperature T2_3 and the second reference temperature T_R2.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the height LH2 of the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2 can be detected as the second liquid point.

[0093] In order to estimate the liquid level based on the first liquid point location and the second liquid point location, a height value according to the position where the plurality of temperature sensors TS are arranged may be pre-set. The sensors of the second sensor group TS2 symmetrical to the sensors of the first sensor group TS1 may be set to have the same height value as the height value of the sensors of the first sensor group TS1. For example, the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1 and the (2-1)th sensor TS2_1 may be set to have the same height value, and the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2 and the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2 may be set to have the same height value. The height values ​​of the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be measured assuming that the storage container 110 is in a horizontal state.

[0094] The (1-2)th sensor TS1_2 and the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2 may be located at the same height. In the present manner, when the height of the first liquid point and the height of the second liquid point are the same, the processor 200 may estimate the height of the first liquid point as the liquid level of hydrogen.

[0095] In contrast, Figure 8 As shown, the first liquid point and the second liquid point can be determined at different heights. An exemplary embodiment of determining the first liquid point and the second liquid point at different heights will be discussed below.

[0096] refer to Figure 8 , when the lateral direction of the storage container 110 is parallel to the road surface, the first reference sensor TS_R1 and the second reference sensor TS_R2 may be located on a vertical line passing through the center portion CP of the storage container 110. The vertical line may be a straight line in the direction of gravity. When the vehicle VEH is tilted relative to the road surface, the plurality of temperature sensors TS may be located at positions deviated from the initial positions by a rotation angle DD. For example, the first reference sensor TS_R1 may be located at a position deviated from the initial position O_R1 by a rotation angle DD.

[0097] O_R1, O1_1, O1_2, O2_1, and O2_2 are initial positions of the first reference sensor TS_R1, the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1, the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2, the (2-1)th sensor TS2_1, and the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2, respectively.

[0098] When the plurality of temperature sensors TS deviate from the initial position, the heights of the first liquid point and the second liquid point may be different from each other. Figure 8As shown, the first liquid point position of the first area where the temperature deviation occurs may be the height of the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1. In addition, the second liquid point position of the second area where the temperature deviation occurs may be the height of the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2. Since the heights of the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1 and the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2 are set to be different, the processor 200 may be configured to determine that the heights of the first liquid point position and the second liquid point position are different from each other.

[0099] The reason why the heights of the first liquid point and the second liquid point are different is that the storage container 110 is inclined.

[0100] When the heights of the first and second liquid point locations are different from each other, the processor 200 may estimate the liquid level by correcting a deviation of the heights of the first and second liquid point locations.

[0101] For example, when it is assumed that the difference between the first reference sensor TS_R1 and each position of the plurality of temperature sensors TS is 1, Figure 8 The difference of the first liquid point position in may be 1, and the difference of the second liquid point position may be 3. The processor 200 may be configured to determine an average value of the difference of the position of the first liquid point position and the difference of the position of the second liquid point position, and may be configured to determine the height of the temperature sensor TS corresponding to the average position difference as the liquid level. For example, when the average position difference is 2, the processor 200 may estimate the height of the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2 as the liquid level.

[0102] At S340 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a total storage amount of hydrogen based on the liquid level, an average density of hydrogen, and a volume of the storage container.

[0103] The processor 200 may be configured to determine an average density of liquid hydrogen stored in the storage container 110 based on an average value of the internal temperature and the internal pressure.

[0104] The average value of the internal temperature may be obtained by converting the average value of the surface temperature of each position of the storage container 110 using an internal temperature conversion equation.

[0105] The average value of the surface temperature at each position of the storage container 110 may be the average value of the surface temperature obtained by a plurality of temperature sensors TS arranged below the liquid level. Figure 7As shown, when the multiple temperature sensors TS arranged below the liquid level are the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2, the (1-3)th sensor TS1_3, the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2, the (2-3)th sensor TS_2_3 and the second reference sensor TS_R2, the processor 200 can be configured to determine the average value of the surface temperature at each position by averaging the surface temperatures obtained by the (1-2)th sensor TS1_2, the (1-3)th sensor TS1_3, the (2-2)th sensor TS2_2, the (2-3)th sensor TS2_3 and the second reference sensor TS_R2.

[0106] The processor 200 may convert the average value of the surface temperature of each position into the average value of the internal temperature using Equation 1 below.

[0107] [Equation 1]

[0108]

[0109] In Equation 1, T in，x Can refer to the internal temperature, T s，x It can refer to the surface temperature at each location. tank can refer to the incoming heat of the storage container, and t tank It may refer to the thickness of the storage container 110. tank，in may refer to the thermal conductivity of the storage container 110, and λ tank，in It may refer to the surface area of ​​the storage container 110 .

[0110] The total storage amount of hydrogen may be determined as being proportional to the liquid level, the average density of hydrogen, and the volume of the storage container. For example, the processor 200 may be configured to determine the total storage amount of hydrogen in a multi-phase state using Equation 2 below.

[0111] [Equation 2]

[0112]

[0113] can refer to the average density of liquid hydrogen, and V tank Can refer to the volume of a storage container.

[0114] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring a hydrogen storage amount according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 May correspond to a process controlled by a processor. Figure 6 and Fig. 9 , a method for measuring a hydrogen storage amount according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be discussed as follows.

[0115] At S901 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a phase state of hydrogen.

[0116] Processor 200 may be configured to determine that hydrogen in storage container 110 is in a single-phase state based on the internal pressure of storage container 110 being a preset threshold pressure or higher and the internal temperature of storage container 110 being a preset threshold temperature or higher.

[0117] In addition, the processor 200 may be configured to determine that the hydrogen in the storage container 110 is in a multi-phase state based on the internal pressure of the storage container 110 being lower than a preset threshold pressure or the internal temperature of the storage container 110 being lower than a preset threshold temperature.

[0118] At S902 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a first liquid point using a first sensor group.

[0119] The first sensor group TS1 may include temperature sensors arranged in one direction of a reference line RL connecting the first reference sensor TS_R1 and the second reference sensor TS_R2 .

[0120] The processor 200 may detect the height of the temperature sensor located at a smaller height from a point where a temperature deviation occurs between adjacent temperature sensors in the first sensor group TS1 as the first liquid point.

[0121] In addition, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the first reference sensor TS_R1 and the (1-1)th sensor TS1_1 at the maximum height to detect the first liquid point. In addition, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation between the second reference sensor TS_R2 and the (1-3)th sensor TS1_3 at the minimum height to detect the first liquid point.

[0122] At S903 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a second liquid point using a second sensor group.

[0123] The second sensor group TS2 may include temperature sensors arranged at positions symmetrical to the first sensor group TS1 with respect to the reference line RL.

[0124] The processor 200 may detect the height of the temperature sensor located at a smaller height from the point where the temperature deviation occurs between the adjacent temperature sensors in the second sensor group TS2 as the second liquid point.

[0125] Furthermore, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation of the first reference sensor TS_R1 and the (2-1)th sensor TS2_1 at the maximum height to detect the second liquid point.

[0126] Furthermore, the processor 200 may be configured to determine a temperature deviation of the second reference sensor TS_R2 and the (2-3)th sensor TS2_3 at the minimum height to detect a second liquid point.

[0127] At S904 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a liquid level based on the first liquid point location and the second liquid point location.

[0128] When the first liquid point and the second liquid point have the same height, the processor 200 may estimate the first liquid point or the second liquid point as the liquid level.

[0129] When the first liquid point and the second liquid point are different, the processor 200 can estimate the liquid level by correcting the deviation between the first liquid point and the second liquid point. For example, the processor 200 can estimate the average value of the first liquid point and the second liquid point as the liquid level.

[0130] At S905 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine an average density of the liquid hydrogen based on an average value of the internal temperature of the liquid region.

[0131] The processor 200 may be configured to determine the average value of the internal temperature by converting the average value of the surface temperature at each position of the storage container 110 using the internal temperature conversion equation. The average value of the surface temperature at each position of the storage container 110 may be the average value of the surface temperatures obtained by a plurality of temperature sensors TS arranged below the liquid level.

[0132] Alternatively, the processor 200 may convert the surface temperature of each position of the storage container 110 into the internal temperature, and may be configured to determine the average internal temperature of the liquid region by averaging the internal temperatures obtained by the conversion.

[0133] To determine the internal temperature or the internal temperature average, processor 200 may utilize Equation 1 above.

[0134] At S906 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a total storage amount of hydrogen, the total storage amount being proportional to the liquid level, the average density of liquid hydrogen, and the volume of the storage container.

[0135] At S907 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine an average density inside the storage container based on an average value of the internal temperature of the storage container 110 when it is determined that the hydrogen stored in the storage container 110 is in a single-phase state.

[0136] When hydrogen is in a single-phase state, the average value of the internal temperature may be obtained by converting the average value of the surface temperatures obtained by all the plurality of temperature sensors TS using Equation 1. That is, the processor 200 may be configured to determine the average value of the surface temperatures obtained by the first reference sensor TS_R1, the first sensor group TS1, the second sensor group TS2, and the second reference sensor TS_R2, and may be configured to determine the average value of the internal temperature by converting the average value of the surface temperatures based on Equation 1.

[0137] At S908 , the processor 200 may be configured to determine a total storage amount of hydrogen, the total storage amount being proportional to an average density inside the storage container and a volume of the storage container.

[0138] That is, the processor 200 may be configured to determine the total storage amount in a single-phase state using Equation 3 below.

[0139] [Equation 3]

[0140] Total storage capacity = ρ(T in，tank , P)·V tank

[0141] In Equation 3, ρ(T in，tank , P) can refer to the average density inside the storage container.

[0142] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating a computing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] refer to Fig.10 , the computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100 , a memory 1300 , a user interface input device 1400 , a user interface output device 1500 , a storage device 1600 , and a network interface 1700 connected via a system bus 1200 .

[0144] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage device 1600 may include various volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0145] Accordingly, the steps of the method or algorithm described with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented directly by hardware executed by a processor, a software module, or a combination thereof. The software module may be present in a storage medium (i.e., memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600), such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, solid state drive (SSD), removable disk, and CD-ROM.

[0146] An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 can read information from the storage medium and can write information in the storage medium. In another method, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can be located in a user terminal. In another method, the processor and the storage medium can be located in a user terminal as a single component.

[0147] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the amount of hydrogen stored in the storage container may be measured using a plurality of temperature sensors coupled to the outside of the storage container, thereby measuring the amount of hydrogen when a device does not pass through the storage container.

[0148] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by differently setting the method for measuring the amount of hydrogen according to the phase state of hydrogen in the storage container, the amount of hydrogen can be accurately measured even when hydrogen is in a supercritical state as a single phase state.

[0149] Furthermore, various effects directly or indirectly recognized through the specification can be provided.

[0150] The above description is a simple example of the technical spirit of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs may make various corrections and modifications to the present invention without departing from the essential features of the present invention.

[0151] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the above-described operations may be performed by a control device, and the control device may be configured by a plurality of control devices or an integrated single control device.

[0152] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the memory and the processor may be provided as one chip, or provided as separate chips.

[0153] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention includes software or machine-executable commands (e.g., operating systems, applications, firmware, programs, etc.) for enabling the steps of methods according to the various embodiments to be executed on a device or computer, including non-transitory computer-readable media on which such software or commands are stored and can be executed on the device or computer.

[0154] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the control device may be implemented in the form of hardware or software, or may be implemented in a combination of hardware and software.

[0155] In addition, terms included in the present specification (eg, “unit,” “module,” etc.) refer to units for processing at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0156] For ease of interpretation and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "rear", "inner", "external", "inwardly", "outwardly", "inner", "outer", "inner", "external", "forward" and "rearward" are used with reference to the features of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures to describe the location of such features. It should be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0157] The term "and / or" may include a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any one of a plurality of related listed items. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three situations, for example, "A", "B" and "A and B".

[0158] In this specification, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of a combination of at least one of A and B”. Furthermore, “one or more of A and B” may refer to “one or more of A or B” or “one or more of a combination of one or more of A and B”.

[0160] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of features, values, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of adding or existing one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof.

[0161] For the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive, nor are they intended to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and it is apparent that many modifications and changes are possible in light of the above teachings. The purpose of selecting and describing the exemplary embodiments is to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technicians in the field can realize and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and various different options and changes. The scope of the present invention is intended to be limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container, the device comprising: a storage container in which hydrogen is stored; a plurality of temperature sensors surrounding the surface of the storage container and configured to measure the surface temperature of various locations of the storage container; as well as A processor is operably connected to the plurality of temperature sensors and configured to estimate a level of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the surface temperature at each location.

2. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of temperature sensors are fastened to the storage container by a band having a predetermined tension or higher.

3. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of temperature sensors include: a first reference sensor located at the uppermost end of the storage container; a second reference sensor located at the lowermost end of the storage container; and The first sensor group includes a plurality of first sensors located at different positions of the storage container between a first reference sensor and a second reference sensor.

4. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 3, further comprising: a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal pressure of the storage container, Wherein, the processor is further configured to determine the phase state of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on the internal pressure and internal temperature of the storage container, wherein the internal temperature is estimated based on the surface temperature at each location.

5. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The processor is further configured to: When it is determined that the hydrogen is in a multi-phase state, the total storage capacity of the hydrogen is determined, and the total storage capacity is proportional to the liquid level of the hydrogen, the average density of the hydrogen, and the volume of the storage container.

6. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 5, wherein: The processor is further configured to: determining a temperature deviation obtained by a pair of sensors among a plurality of temperature sensors; The hydrogen level is estimated based on the height of the sensor at which the temperature deviation is at or above a preset threshold.

7. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 5, further comprising: A second sensor group includes a plurality of second sensors formed at positions symmetrical to those of the plurality of first sensors of the first sensor group with respect to a reference line connecting the first reference sensor and the second reference sensor.

8. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is further configured to: detecting a first liquid level point based on the height of a pair of sensors among a plurality of first sensors belonging to the first sensor group, the temperature deviation obtained by the pair of sensors being a preset threshold value or higher; detecting a second liquid level point based on the height of a pair of sensors among the plurality of first sensors belonging to the second sensor group, the temperature deviation obtained by the pair of sensors being a preset threshold value or higher; In the case where the heights of the first liquid point and the second liquid point are different from each other, the liquid level is estimated by correcting the deviation in the heights of the first liquid point and the second liquid point.

9. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is further configured to: In sensors belonging to the first sensor group and the second sensor group, interior angles defined by a central point of an arbitrary pair of sensors adjacent to each other and the reference line are the same.

10. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 5, wherein: The processor is further configured to: Estimate the internal temperature based on the surface temperature at each location; The average density of hydrogen stored in the storage container is determined based on the average value of the internal temperature and the internal pressure.

11. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 10, wherein: The processor is further configured to: The average value of the internal temperature is determined based on an average value of temperatures obtained by sensors located at or below the liquid level among the plurality of temperature sensors.

12. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The processor is further configured to: When it is determined that the hydrogen is in a single-phase state, determining an average density of the hydrogen based on an average value of the internal temperature of the storage container; The total storage capacity of hydrogen is determined based on the average density of hydrogen and the volume of the storage container.

13. The device for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container according to claim 12, wherein: The processor is further configured to: An average value of the internal temperature is determined by averaging the temperatures obtained by the first reference sensor, the second reference sensor, and the plurality of first sensors belonging to the first sensor group.

14. A method for measuring the amount of hydrogen stored in a storage container, the method comprising: determining, by a processor, a phase of hydrogen stored in the storage container based on a pressure and a temperature of the storage container; determining, by the processor, temperature deviations at various locations of the storage container based on the hydrogen being in a multi-phase state; determining, by a processor, a liquid level of hydrogen based on temperature deviations at various locations of the storage container; A total storage amount of hydrogen stored in the storage container is determined by the processor based on the liquid level, the average density inside the storage container, and the volume of the storage container.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Determining the temperature deviation at each location of the storage container includes: A difference between temperatures obtained by a pair of adjacent temperature sensors among a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring surface temperatures at respective locations of the storage container is determined.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining the hydrogen level includes: Based on the temperature deviation obtained by a pair of adjacent sensors among the plurality of temperature sensors being a threshold value or higher, the height of the temperature sensor located at the lowest position is estimated as the liquid level of hydrogen.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of temperature sensors include: a first reference sensor located at the uppermost end of the storage container; a second reference sensor located at the lowermost end of the storage container; a plurality of first sensors located at different heights relative to one side of a reference line connecting the first reference sensor and the second reference sensor; and a plurality of second sensors formed at positions symmetrical to the plurality of first sensors with respect to the reference line, Determining the hydrogen level includes: estimating a first liquid level using a plurality of first sensors; estimating a second fluid level using a plurality of second sensors; In the case where the heights of the first liquid point and the second liquid point are different from each other, the liquid level is estimated by correcting the deviation in the heights of the first liquid point and the second liquid point.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Determining the total storage volume of hydrogen stored in the storage vessel includes: Estimate the internal temperature based on the surface temperature at each location; Determine the average value of the internal temperature; The average density of hydrogen stored in the storage container is determined based on an average value of the internal temperature and the internal pressure of the storage container.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Estimating the internal temperature includes: The surface temperature at each position obtained by a sensor located below the estimated liquid level among the plurality of temperature sensors is converted.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: When it is determined that the hydrogen is in a single-phase state, determining, by the processor, an average value of the internal temperature of the storage container; determining, by the processor, an average density of hydrogen based on an average value of the internal temperature; The total storage quantity is determined by the processor and is proportional to the average density of the hydrogen and the volume of the storage container.

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