Hydrogen fuel filling system and method

Abstract

Systems and methods for receiving, storing, using, and tracking hydrogen fuel from renewable and non-renewable resources to fuel a prime mover are disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority and filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 377,753, filed on September 30, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to fuel systems for prime movers and, more particularly, to systems and methods for hydrogen fuel prime movers. Background Art

[0004] Hydrogen fuel can be produced from renewable or non-renewable resources. Renewable hydrogen can be made from renewable resources without emitting any greenhouse gases and can be called "green" hydrogen. Green hydrogen is typically produced by electrolyzing water using clean electricity generated from energy sources such as wind or solar power. An electrolyzer uses an electrochemical reaction to split water into its hydrogen and oxygen components, emitting no carbon dioxide in the process.

[0005] Other hydrogen production processes produce non-renewable hydrogen, i.e., hydrogen produced using non-renewable energy sources and / or processes that result in greenhouse gas emissions. Non-renewable resources that can be used to produce hydrogen include, for example, natural gas, methane, black coal, lignite, and nuclear energy. These non-renewable resources can be used in a variety of production processes, such as steam reforming, gasification, electrolysis, methane pyrolysis, and hydraulic fracturing of natural deposits.

[0006] These non-renewable resources and the associated production processes can have varying degrees of impact on the environment, depending on the amount of greenhouse gases produced during the production process and whether those greenhouse gases are captured. For example, hydrogen produced from natural gas through steam reforming with carbon capture and storage and captured is considered low-emission hydrogen, while hydrogen produced through coal gasification is high-emission hydrogen.

[0007] Environmental standards and goals for operating vehicles and equipment with prime movers (such as engines and / or motors) may vary significantly between different owners, operators, regulators, jurisdictions, and other entities. These standards may also vary over time and location. Operators may be penalized or rewarded for using renewable energy fuels compared to using non-renewable energy fuels. Systems and methods are needed to allow owners and operators to efficiently store, track, and use hydrogen fuel produced from renewable and non-renewable resources. Therefore, further contributions are needed in the field of hydrogen fuel prime movers. Summary of the invention

[0008] Disclosed are systems and methods for managing hydrogen fuels produced from various production processes, which are subsequently used to refuel prime movers associated with vehicles or equipment. In one embodiment, renewable hydrogen fuel (i.e., hydrogen fuel produced from renewable energy) is stored in a first fuel tank, while non-renewable hydrogen fuel (i.e., hydrogen fuel produced using non-renewable resources) is stored in one or more other fuel tanks. In one embodiment, renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel are stored in separate fuel tanks and dispensed from separate fuel tanks. In one embodiment, renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel are mixed in one or more fuel tanks. Hydrogen fuel provided to one or more hydrogen fuel tanks and / or hydrogen fuel sources and hydrogen fuel provided from one or more hydrogen fuel tanks and / or hydrogen fuel sources can be recorded, tracked, controlled and / or measured to achieve desired fuel usage and operational goals.

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts, which are described below in illustrative embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system including a prime mover and a hydrogen fuel system.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen fuel system according to another embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen fuel system according to another embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen fuel system according to another embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a procedure for operating a hydrogen fuel system.

[0015] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another embodiment of a procedure for operating a hydrogen fuel system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. It will be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereby, and any changes and further modifications of the illustrated embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the present invention illustrated herein that would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates are contemplated herein.

[0017] refer to Figure 1 , a system 20 is shown that includes a prime mover 22 and a hydrogen fuel system 24. The hydrogen fuel system 24 includes a first fuel tank 30 for a first type of hydrogen fuel 32, and a second fuel tank 40 for storing a second type of hydrogen fuel 42. The system 20 is shown in schematic form, and can be a road vehicle, off-road vehicle, equipment, watercraft, generator, or other device powered by the prime mover 22. The prime mover 22 can be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a fuel cell, or a combination thereof, which can be operated with hydrogen fuel to provide output power for use in operating the system 20.

[0018] In one embodiment of the hydrogen fuel system 24, the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 is a renewable hydrogen fuel, and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 is a non-renewable hydrogen fuel. As used herein, the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 is a hydrogen fuel produced from renewable resources, and may be referred to as "green hydrogen" (produced by wind or solar energy) or "yellow hydrogen" (produced by solar energy through electrolysis). For example, the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 may be produced using clean electricity from renewable energy sources, so that no greenhouse gases are emitted during the production process. On the other hand, the non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42 is produced by a non-renewable resource process and / or a process that results in at least some greenhouse gas emissions. The non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42 may be referred to as "blue hydrogen", "grey hydrogen", "pink hydrogen", "brown hydrogen", "black hydrogen" and / or "blue-green hydrogen".

[0019] exist Figure 1 In the arrangement of FIG. 1 , the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 is stored in the first fuel tank 30 separately from the non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42 stored in the second fuel tank 40. This enables the type of hydrogen fuel used to power the prime mover 22 to be recorded, controlled, and tracked, as discussed further below. Figure 2Other embodiments of the hydrogen fuel system 24 shown include additional fuel tanks 50, 60, etc. Fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. may be provided for separate storage and distribution of different types of hydrogen fuels. For example, one fuel tank 30 may be used for green hydrogen, one fuel tank 40 may be used for blue hydrogen, one fuel tank 50 may be used for gray hydrogen, and one fuel tank 60 may be used for black hydrogen or brown hydrogen. In this configuration, the use, refilling, and / or replacement of various hydrogen fuel types may be selectively used and tracked. Additional fuel tanks 50, 60 may also or alternatively be used to store additional renewable hydrogen fuel 32, or to store the same type of non-renewable hydrogen fuel with multiple tanks.

[0020] exist Figure 1 , the first fuel tank 30 includes a first inlet 34 for receiving a renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and a first outlet 36 connected to the prime mover 22 to provide the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 thereto. The second fuel tank 40 includes a second inlet 44 for receiving a non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42 and a second outlet 46 connected to the prime mover 22 to provide the non-renewable hydrogen 42 thereto. In one embodiment, the first inlet 34 is configured to prohibit the non-renewable hydrogen fuel from being placed in the first fuel tank 30. For example, the first inlet 34 can be smaller than the second inlet 44, or otherwise configured so that only a renewable hydrogen fuel dispenser can be placed in the first inlet 34, but not a non-renewable hydrogen fuel dispenser.

[0021] In one embodiment, the outlets 36, 46 are connected to the prime mover 22, respectively, so that hydrogen fuel can be provided only from the fuel tank 30, only from the fuel tank 40, or from both to provide a hydrogen fuel mixture. In one embodiment, the inlet 34 and / or the inlet 44 can be omitted, and the corresponding fuel tank 30, 40 is removed and replaced with a newly filled fuel tank 30, 40 to resupply the relevant hydrogen fuel type. The newly placed fuel tank 30, 40 can then be connected to the appropriate outlets 36, 46. In one embodiment, the outlets 36, 46 are uniquely configured so that they can only be engaged with the appropriate type of renewable or non-renewable hydrogen fuel tank 30, 40.

[0022] In such Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outlets 36, 46, 56, 66 is connected to a common supply manifold 86, and the integrated outlet 88 is connected to the prime mover 22. The fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60 and / or the outlets 36, 46, 56, 66 may include valves or other flow control devices so that a selected hydrogen fuel type may be provided from one of the tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, or a mixture of two or more hydrogen fuel types may be provided from two or more of the tanks 30, 40, 50, 60. Each of the fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60 includes an inlet 34, 44, 54, 64 so that the fuel tanks can be refilled with the correct hydrogen fuel type. Alternatively, the tanks 30, 40, 50, 60 may not include an inlet, but rather the entire tank may be removed and replaced to resupply the hydrogen fuel type associated therewith.

[0023] In such Figure 3 In another embodiment of the hydrogen fuel system 24' shown, a plurality of fuel tanks 30', 40', 50', 60' are provided, which are connected to a common inlet 34' and a common outlet 36'. The fuel tanks 30', 40', 50', 60' can store different types of hydrogen fuels and are fluidly connected to each other and / or to the common outlet 36' to provide a desired type of hydrogen fuel or a desired mixture of hydrogen fuel types. Figure 4 In another embodiment of the hydrogen fuel system 24″ shown, a single fuel tank 70 is provided, which includes a single inlet 74 and a single outlet 76. A mixture 72 of multiple hydrogen fuel types is stored in the fuel tank 70. The mixture 72 of multiple hydrogen fuel types can include renewable hydrogen 32 and one or more non-renewable hydrogen fuels 42, 52, 62, etc. in known proportions.

[0024] exist Figures 1 to 4 In any embodiment of the present invention, the following can be set in the hydrogen fuel system 24: Figure 1 The controller 80 shown is used to track various parameters related to the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and one or more non-renewable hydrogen fuels 42, 52, 62, etc. or mixed hydrogen fuel 72. These parameters may include, for example, the type of hydrogen fuel and the identification of the fuel tank in which the hydrogen fuel type is located. Another parameter may be the source of the hydrogen fuel, such as when and where the replacement tank was purchased and / or refilled. Another parameter may be the amount of hydrogen fuel contained in the tank, the amount of hydrogen fuel used over time, and / or the amount of hydrogen fuel associated with the refilling or replacement of the tank.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the hydrogen fuel system 24 disclosed herein, the controller 80 is configured to perform certain operations to control the refueling of the prime mover 22 from the hydrogen fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, etc. to provide the desired operating results. In certain embodiments, the controller 80 forms part of a processing subsystem, which includes one or more computing devices having memory, processing and communication hardware. The controller 80 can be a single device or a distributed device, and the functions of the controller 80 can be performed by hardware or by instructions set on a computer-readable storage medium. The controller 80 can be included in an engine controller (not shown), partially included in an engine controller, or completely separated from the engine controller. The controller 80 communicates with any sensor or actuator in the entire system disclosed herein, including through direct communication, communication through a data link, and / or through multiple parts of other controllers or processing subsystems that provide sensor and / or actuator information to the controller 80.

[0026] Exemplary and non-limiting elements in communication with the controller 80 include sensors that provide any value identified herein, sensors that provide any value that is a predecessor of a value identified herein, data link and / or network hardware including communication chips, oscillator crystals, communication links, cables, twisted pairs, coaxial cables, shielded wires, transmitters, receivers and / or transceivers, logic circuits, hardwired logic circuits, reconfigurable logic circuits in a specific non-transient state configured according to module specifications, any actuator including at least one electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, solenoids, operational amplifiers, analog control elements (springs, filters, integrators, adders, dividers, gain elements) and / or digital control elements.

[0027] A person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosure herein, will recognize that the controllers, control systems, and control methods disclosed herein are configured to perform improvements in various technologies and provide improved operation in various technical fields. Without limitation, exemplary non-limiting technical improvements include improvements in hydrogen fuel systems, improvements in the utilization of renewable and non-renewable hydrogen fuels to power the prime mover 22, improvements in the reduction of prime mover emissions, and / or improvements in the performance or operation of aftertreatment systems and / or prime mover components. Without limitation, exemplary non-limiting technical fields that are improved include the technical fields of hydrogen fuel systems and related equipment and systems and prime movers that power vehicles and / or equipment that includes the prime movers.

[0028] Certain operations described herein include operations for recording, receiving, documenting, interpreting, and / or determining one or more parameters. Recording, documenting, interpreting, or determining as utilized herein includes receiving a value by any method known in the art, including at least receiving a value from a data link or network communication, receiving an electronic signal (e.g., a voltage, frequency, current, or PWM signal) indicating the value, receiving a computer-generated parameter indicating the value, reading the value from a memory location on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, receiving the value as a runtime parameter by any means known in the art, and / or by receiving a value from which a parameter can be calculated and / or by reference to a default value interpreted as the parameter value.

[0029] The following schematic flow chart description provides an illustrative embodiment of a method for managing and controlling a hydrogen fuel system 24, 24', 24" associated with a prime mover 22. According to the embodiment, the fuel system 24, 24', 24" can be controlled to provide a single hydrogen fuel type at a time from a single tank 30, 40, 50, 60; to provide a mixed hydrogen fuel from two or more tanks 30, 40, 50, 60; or to provide a mixed hydrogen fuel from a single fuel tank 70. Unless otherwise stated or if the embodiment being discussed involves separate storage and distribution of hydrogen fuel, references to fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60 should be understood to also refer to fuel tanks 30', 40', 50', 60'. It should be understood that the operations described are merely exemplary and that the operations may be combined or divided and added or removed and re-ordered in whole or in part unless expressly stated to the contrary herein. Certain operations shown may be implemented by a computer or controller device embodiment of controller 80 executing a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, where the computer program product includes instructions for causing a computer to perform one or more of the operations or issuing commands to other devices to perform one or more of the operations.

[0030] The controller 80 may be connected to actuators, switches, valves, meters, sensors, readers, cameras, transmitters, receivers, or other devices associated with the fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. The controller 80 is configured to provide control commands thereto to adjust the amount, timing, and duration of the hydrogen fuel flow from the fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. The controller 80 is also configured to receive information about the hydrogen fuel stored in and provided by each of the fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 from one or more data sources. Example data sources include, for example, a fuel refilling station computer, another computer or controller associated with the prime mover 22 (such as an engine control unit), a tag (such as an RFID tag) or code (such as a bar code or a quick response code) provided on the fuel tank, a hydrogen fuel dispenser for refilling the fuel tank, a computer or network associated with a car row or fleet manager, a computer server or network associated with a vehicle owner, and / or an intelligent transportation system computer network.

[0031] refer to Figure 5 , one embodiment of a method 500 for refueling a hydrogen-powered prime mover 22 is shown. The method 500 includes an operation 502 for recording, in a controller 80 associated with the prime mover 22, one or more parameters associated with a first type of hydrogen fuel 32 stored in a fuel tank for use with the prime mover 22. The method 500 includes an operation 504 for recording, in the controller 80, one or more parameters associated with a second type of hydrogen fuel 42 stored in a fuel tank for use with the prime mover 22. The method 500 includes an operation 506 for tracking, using the controller 80, the amount of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 consumed by the prime mover 22 from the fuel tank or the plurality of fuel tanks.

[0032] In one embodiment of the method disclosed herein, controller 80 is mounted locally on a vehicle or equipment powered by prime mover 22. In an embodiment of the disclosed method, controller 80 is a computer server remote from prime mover 22. In an embodiment of the method disclosed herein, a combination of local controller 80 and remote computer servers is contemplated.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 is stored in the first fuel tank 30 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 is stored in the second fuel tank 40. In one embodiment, the first fuel tank 30 and the second fuel tank 40 are installed on a vehicle associated with the prime mover 22. In one embodiment, the first fuel tank 30 and the second fuel tank 40 are installed separately when the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 is stored in the first fuel tank 30 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 is stored in the second fuel tank 40. In one embodiment, after the first fuel tank 30 and the second fuel tank 40 are installed on the vehicle, the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 is filled in the first fuel tank 30 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 is filled in the second fuel tank 40. In any of the above embodiments, the method 500 may include a plurality of non-renewable hydrogen fuel types 42, 52, 62 and associated fuel tanks 40, 50, 60, which are filled on the vehicle or equipment, or installed on the vehicle or equipment in a filled state. In one embodiment, the method 500 includes a hybrid fuel tank 70.

[0034] In one embodiment of the method 500, recording one or more parameters includes inputting one or more parameters of each of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 into the controller 80. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters of each of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 are read from a label or code associated with a corresponding fuel tank in the first fuel tank 30 and the second fuel tank 40; read from a plurality of fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60; or read from a mixed fuel tank 70. In one embodiment, the method 500 includes receiving one or more parameters of each of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the other type of hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 from one or more dispensers used to fill a corresponding fuel tank in the fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60 or the mixed fuel tank 70.

[0035] In one embodiment of the method 500, one or more parameters of each of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 (and / or additional types of hydrogen fuel 52, 62) are received from a controller or remote computer server / network associated with the prime mover 22. In one embodiment, one or more parameters of each of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the second type of hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 are received from a refueling station from which at least one of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 and the other type of hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 is obtained to refill the first fuel tank 30 and a corresponding one of the other fuel tank(s) 40, 50, 60 or the hybrid fuel tank 70.

[0036] In one embodiment of the method 500, the one or more parameters of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32 include the amount and source of the first type of hydrogen fuel 32. The one or more parameters of the second type of hydrogen fuel 42 include the amount and source of the second type of hydrogen fuel 42. These and other parameters of the hydrogen fuels 32, 42, 52, 62, 72 are also contemplated, such as purchase price, purchase or refueling location, ratios of multiple hydrogen fuel types in a fuel tank, usage of various hydrogen fuel types over time, and / or onboard levels of each type of hydrogen fuel.

[0037] In one embodiment of method 500, the operator inputs or records hydrogen fuel parameters, such as fuel tank information and / or type, source, quantity, price, etc. of each hydrogen fuel type. The input can be manual, such as through a smart phone, tablet computer, application, software program, barcode reader, scanner, etc. In one embodiment, the vehicle or device is equipped with a barcode or QR code reader, which can detect such hydrogen fuel parameter data from the code on the fuel tank or dispenser. In one embodiment, the fuel tank includes an RFID device or other tags that convey parameter data. In one embodiment, a remote computer server (such as a fleet management service) receives hydrogen fuel parameter data and transmits it to the controller 80. We also expect a combination of the above-mentioned parameter recording technologies. The recorded information can be recorded in the controller 80 or a remote computer server, such as a fleet management computer or a car row computer. The parameter data can be transmitted using any suitable communication network or protocol, including WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband network, Internet, cloud, local area network, wide area network, Zigbee, EMV chip, etc.

[0038] In one embodiment of method 500, the type of hydrogen fuel dispensed into one or more tanks is tracked by a sensor that detects the quality of the dispensed hydrogen fuel. For example, different types of hydrogen fuel may include chemical tags or identifiers that can be sensed to identify the associated hydrogen fuel type. Controller 80 and / or a remote computer server may sense, record, track, and document the type of hydrogen fuel dispensed and / or consumed by the operation of prime mover 22.

[0039] refer to Figure 6, a method 600 of another embodiment for operating a hydrogen-powered prime mover 22 is shown. The method 600 includes an operation 602 for receiving one or more parameters related to a renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and one or more non-renewable hydrogen fuels 42, 52, 62 used to operate the prime mover 22. The method 600 includes an operation 604 for tracking the usage of the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and one or more non-renewable hydrogen fuels 42, 52, 62 during operation of the prime mover 22. The method 600 also includes an operation 606 for determining the amount of the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and one or more non-renewable hydrogen fuels 42, 52, 62 used by the prime mover 22.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method 600 includes determining the amount of renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 supplied in the fuel refill event. The method 600 may also include determining the ratio of renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 mixed in the fuel tank 70 after the fuel refill event. The method 600 may also include determining the cumulative ratio of renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 mixed in the fuel tank 70 after the fuel refill event.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method 600 includes determining a location, route, infrastructure, refueling, and / or geo-fencing requirements associated with the operation of the prime mover 22. Based on the location, route, infrastructure, refueling, and / or geo-fencing requirements, the method 600 includes selecting or prioritizing the use of one of the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 for consumption by the prime mover 22. In one embodiment, a plurality of fuel tanks 30, 40, 50, 60 are provided connected to the prime mover 22. At least one of the plurality of fuel tanks 30 stores the renewable hydrogen fuel 32, and each of the other fuel tanks of the plurality of fuel tanks 40, 50, 60 stores a different type of non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method 600 includes determining the amount of renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and the amount of non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 in the tank 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 for powering the prime mover 22. The availability of various fuel supplies that can be refueled using the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and / or the non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 can also be determined. The method 600 can also include determining a priority order of use of the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 or the non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 in response to the supply availability and type of hydrogen fuel available for refueling.

[0043] In one embodiment, under certain operating conditions of the prime mover 22, fueling from the first fuel tank 30 is controlled to provide a single fueling with the renewable hydrogen fuel 32, and under other operating conditions of the prime mover 22, fueling from another of the fuel tanks 42, 52, 62 is controlled to provide a single fueling with the non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62. In other embodiments, a mixture of the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 and one or more non-renewable hydrogen fuels 42, 52, 62 is provided to the prime mover 22.

[0044] One embodiment of the system 20 includes a hydrogen fuel system 24, 24', 24", having at least one renewable hydrogen fuel tank 30 to provide a first fuel, renewable hydrogen fuel, to the prime mover 22, and at least one non-renewable hydrogen fuel tank 40, 50, 60 to provide non-renewable hydrogen fuel 42, 52, 62 to the prime mover 22 as a supplement or alternative to the renewable hydrogen fuel 32 under certain operating conditions. The controller 80 can provide refueling commands to provide fuel from one or more of the tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 based on prime mover operating conditions, quantity and / or availability of hydrogen fuel types, local restrictions on fuel types used, cost considerations, past history of prime mover 22 using renewable and non-renewable hydrogen fuels, fleet considerations, and / or vehicle row considerations.

[0045] In one embodiment, the controller 80 receives initial fuel information about the tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, and / or 70. The initial fuel information may include one or more fuel parameters, such as the type of hydrogen fuel, the source of the hydrogen fuel, the amount of hydrogen fuel, tank pressure, etc. The controller 80 monitors and tracks the accumulated amount of the type of hydrogen fuel consumed by the prime mover 22.

[0046] In one embodiment, the controller 80 identifies a refueling event and receives information (type, source, quantity, etc.) about the incremental fuel supplied to one or more tanks 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. The controller 80 then recalculates the fuel mix characteristics of the fuel tank 70 (multiple) or whether the fuel tank 30', 40', 50', 60' is used. The fuel mix characteristics or accumulated usage may include, for example, the proportion of renewable hydrogen fuel 32 stored in the fuel system, the distribution of fuel by source, etc. The controller 80 then recalculates, stores, and communicates the percentage or proportion of each fuel type consumed by the prime mover 22.

[0047] In one embodiment, the controller 80 prioritizes the use of hydrogen fuel 32 from the fuel tank 30 until the renewable hydrogen fuel is no longer available. In one embodiment, the controller 80 selects a fueling strategy for the prime mover 22 that optimizes the cost of consuming the hydrogen fuel 32, 42, 52, 62 to the operator of the system 20 versus the emissions / environmental cost of producing the hydrogen fuel type 32, 42, 52, 62. In one embodiment, the amount of renewable hydrogen fuel 32 consumed during operation of the prime mover 22 is tracked to provide credits, driver incentives, measure fleet statistics, fleet management, vehicle fleet management, etc.

[0048] It is apparent from the figures and text presented above that various aspects can be expected according to the present disclosure. One aspect is a fuel system for a prime mover. The fuel system includes a first fuel tank containing a renewable hydrogen fuel and a second fuel tank containing a non-renewable hydrogen fuel. The first fuel tank includes a first outlet for supplying renewable hydrogen fuel to the prime mover, and the second fuel tank includes a second outlet for supplying non-renewable hydrogen fuel to the prime mover.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first fuel tank includes a first inlet for receiving a renewable hydrogen fuel and the second fuel tank includes a second inlet for receiving a non-renewable hydrogen fuel, and the first inlet is configured differently than the second inlet to inhibit placement of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel into the first fuel tank.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first outlet and the second outlet are each connected to a prime mover.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first outlet and the second outlet are connected to a fuel manifold, and the fuel manifold is connected to a prime mover.

[0052] In one embodiment, the fuel system includes a third fuel tank including an additional type of hydrogen fuel, the third fuel tank including a third outlet for supplying the additional type of hydrogen fuel to the prime mover.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet are connected to a fuel manifold, and the fuel manifold is connected to a prime mover.

[0054] In further embodiments, the first fuel tank includes a first inlet for receiving a renewable hydrogen fuel, the second tank includes a second inlet for receiving a non-renewable hydrogen fuel, and the third tank includes a third inlet for receiving an additional type of hydrogen fuel.

[0055] According to another aspect, a method for refueling a hydrogen-powered prime mover is provided. The method includes recording in a controller associated with the prime mover one or more parameters related to a first type of hydrogen fuel stored with the prime mover for use by the prime mover; recording in the controller one or more parameters related to a second type of hydrogen fuel stored with the prime mover for use by the prime mover; and tracking, using the controller, the amount of the first type of hydrogen fuel and the second type of hydrogen fuel consumed by operation of the prime mover.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first type of hydrogen fuel is a renewable hydrogen fuel stored in a first fuel tank and the second type of hydrogen fuel is a non-renewable hydrogen fuel stored in a second fuel tank.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank are located on a vehicle operatively propelled by a prime mover.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the first fuel tank is installed on the vehicle with the first type of hydrogen fuel stored in the first fuel tank, and the second fuel tank is installed on the vehicle with the second type of hydrogen fuel stored in the second fuel tank. Additionally or alternatively, when the first fuel tank is installed on the vehicle, the first type of hydrogen fuel is filled in the first fuel tank, and when the second fuel tank is installed on the vehicle, the second type of hydrogen fuel is filled in the second fuel tank.

[0059] In one embodiment, recording one or more parameters includes one or more of the following: inputting one or more parameters of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel in a controller from an input device; reading one or more parameters of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel from a code associated with a corresponding fuel tank in the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank; receiving one or more parameters of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel from a tag associated with a corresponding fuel tank in the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank; receiving one or more parameters of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel from an engine controller associated with internal combustion; and receiving one or more parameters of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel from a fuel refilling station, at least one of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel being obtained from the fuel refilling station to refill a corresponding one of the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank.

[0060] In one embodiment, the one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel include the amount and source of the renewable hydrogen fuel, and the one or more parameters of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel include the amount and source of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel.

[0061] According to another aspect, a method of operating a hydrogen powered prime mover is provided. The method includes receiving parameters related to renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel used to operate the prime mover; tracking the use of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel during operation of the prime mover; and determining the amount of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel used by the prime mover.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method includes determining amounts of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel supplied in a refueling event.

[0063] In a further embodiment, the method includes determining a ratio of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel mixed in the fuel tank after a refueling event.

[0064] In further embodiments, the method includes determining a cumulative amount of mixed renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel in a fuel tank used by the prime mover after a refueling event.

[0065] In one embodiment, the method includes determining a location of a prime mover; selecting one of a renewable hydrogen fuel and a non-renewable hydrogen fuel in response to the location; and fueling the prime mover with the selected one of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel.

[0066] In one embodiment, the method includes determining an onboard amount of renewable hydrogen fuel and an onboard amount of non-renewable hydrogen fuel that can be used to power a prime mover; determining the availability of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel for refueling; and determining a priority order of use of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel in response to the onboard amount and availability of renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel for refueling.

[0067] In one embodiment, the method includes a plurality of fuel tanks connected to a prime mover, and one of the plurality of fuel tanks stores a renewable hydrogen fuel and each of the other of the plurality of fuel tanks stores a different type of non-renewable hydrogen fuel.

[0068] Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, the drawings and the foregoing description are considered to be illustrative and non-restrictive in nature, and it should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the present invention. Therefore, all of the modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims.

[0069] When reading the claims, when the language such as "a / an", "at least one", or "at least a portion" is used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one item unless the claim expressly states otherwise. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion of the item and / or the entire item unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A fuel system for a prime mover, the fuel system comprising: a first fuel tank including a renewable hydrogen fuel, the first fuel tank including a first outlet for supplying the renewable hydrogen fuel to the prime mover; as well as A second fuel tank includes a non-renewable hydrogen fuel, the second fuel tank including a second outlet for supplying the non-renewable hydrogen fuel to the prime mover.

2. The fuel system of claim 1, wherein: The first fuel tank includes a first inlet for receiving the renewable hydrogen fuel, and the second fuel tank includes a second inlet for receiving the non-renewable hydrogen fuel, and the first inlet is configured differently than the second inlet to inhibit placement of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel into the first fuel tank.

3. The fuel system of claim 1, wherein: The first outlet and the second outlet are connected to the prime mover, respectively.

4. The fuel system of claim 1, wherein: The first outlet and the second outlet are connected to a fuel manifold, and the fuel manifold is connected to the prime mover.

5. The fuel system of claim 1 further comprising: A third fuel tank includes an additional type of hydrogen fuel, the third fuel tank including a third outlet for supplying the additional type of hydrogen fuel to the prime mover.

6. The fuel system of claim 5, wherein: The first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet are connected to a fuel manifold, and the fuel manifold is connected to the prime mover.

7. The fuel system of claim 5, wherein: The first fuel tank includes a first inlet for receiving the renewable hydrogen fuel, the second tank includes a second inlet for receiving the non-renewable hydrogen fuel, and the third tank includes a third inlet for receiving the additional type of hydrogen fuel.

8. A method for refueling a hydrogen powered prime mover, the method comprising: recording in a controller associated with the prime mover one or more parameters associated with a first type of hydrogen fuel stored with the prime mover for use by the prime mover; recording in the controller one or more parameters associated with a second type of hydrogen fuel stored with the prime mover for use by the prime mover; as well as An amount of the first type of hydrogen fuel and the second type of hydrogen fuel consumed by operation of the prime mover is tracked with the controller.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: The first type of hydrogen fuel is a renewable hydrogen fuel stored in a first fuel tank, and the second type of hydrogen fuel is a non-renewable hydrogen fuel stored in a second fuel tank.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: The first fuel tank and the second fuel tank are located on a vehicle propelled by operation of the prime mover.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: installing the first fuel tank on the vehicle with the first type of hydrogen fuel stored in the first fuel tank, and installing the second fuel tank on the vehicle with the second type of hydrogen fuel stored in the second fuel tank; and / or When the first fuel tank is mounted on the vehicle, the first type of hydrogen fuel is filled in the first fuel tank, and when the second fuel tank is mounted on the vehicle, the second type of hydrogen fuel is filled in the second fuel tank.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein: Recording the one or more parameters includes one or more of the following: inputting the one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel into the controller from an input device; reading the one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel from a code associated with a corresponding one of the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank; receiving the one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel from a tag associated with a respective one of the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank; receiving the one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel from an engine controller associated with an internal combustion; as well as The one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel are received from a refueling station, at least one of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel being obtained from the refueling station to refill a corresponding one of the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein: The one or more parameters of the renewable hydrogen fuel include an amount and a source of the renewable hydrogen fuel; and The one or more parameters of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel include an amount and a source of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel.

14. A method of operating a hydrogen powered prime mover, the method comprising: receiving parameters associated with a renewable hydrogen fuel and a non-renewable hydrogen fuel for operating the prime mover; tracking usage of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel during operation of the prime mover; as well as An amount of the renewable hydrogen fuel and non-renewable hydrogen fuel used by the prime mover is determined.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining an amount of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel supplied in a refueling event.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining a ratio of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel mixed in a fuel tank after the refueling event.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a cumulative amount of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel mixed in a fuel tank used by the prime mover after the refueling event.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: determining a position of the prime mover; selecting one of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel in response to the location; as well as The prime mover is fueled with the selected one of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: determining an onboard amount of the renewable hydrogen fuel and an onboard amount of the non-renewable hydrogen fuel that can be used to power the prime mover; determining availability of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel for refueling; as well as Responsive to the onboard quantities and availabilities of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel for refueling, a priority order of use of the renewable hydrogen fuel and the non-renewable hydrogen fuel is determined.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of fuel tanks connected to the prime mover, and one of the plurality of fuel tanks stores the renewable hydrogen fuel and each of the other of the plurality of fuel tanks stores a different type of non-renewable hydrogen fuel.

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