Method of determining the size of a tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the size of a tank to be filled with a medium, such as hydrogen, comprising: causing a test filling process (200) in which the medium is filled into the tank from a supply device via a dispenser; obtaining (211) one or more first values (W1) of one or more first variables (G1.1, G1.2) characterizing the medium in the supply device before and / or during and / or after the test filling process; obtaining (212) one or more second values (W2) of one or more second variables (G2.1, G2.2) characterizing a mass flow rate of the medium between the supply device and the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process; determining a plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3), comprising: determining (221) a first mass difference (m1) between the start and end of the test filling process based on the one or more first values (W1); determining (222) a second mass difference (m2) between the start and end of the test fill process based on the one or more second values (W2); comparing the plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) with a minimum mass difference (m4) and a maximum mass difference (m5) in a comparison process (230); and determining (240) the size of the tank.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the dimensions of a tank to be filled with a medium, in particular hydrogen, for example within the framework of a fuel filling process. The invention also relates to a computer system for executing the method and a corresponding facility, in particular a hydrogen filling station.

[0002] Hydrogen can be used as a fuel for various vehicles. To enable vehicles to operate on hydrogen, the hydrogen can be stored in tanks, for example, at a pressure between 300 and 1000 bar. Tanks are usually filled according to protocols, known as filling or refueling protocols, to ensure safety, for example, by not exceeding the maximum permissible temperature and / or pressure in the tanks.

[0003] In order to comply with such agreements, and also, for example, to keep refueling times as short as possible, it is often necessary to have at least a rough idea of ​​the tank dimensions. In particular, when filling tanks with gas, the parameters involved in the filling process also depend on the tank dimensions. Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a method for determining the dimensions of tanks to be filled with a medium such as hydrogen. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This object is achieved by a method for determining the dimensions of a storage tank, a computer system and an arrangement having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0005] Advantages of the present invention

[0006] The present invention generally relates to a method for filling a tank with a medium, particularly hydrogen. However, the present invention particularly relates to determining the dimensions of such a tank, for example, a tank of a vehicle, in connection with filling. The filling (or refueling) itself can, for example, be performed according to a refueling protocol (or refueling protocol), as described above, wherein the refueling protocol, for example, includes a plurality of predetermined values ​​for one or more parameters that characterize the medium and / or the transport of the medium during filling. Although the present invention is primarily described with respect to hydrogen as the medium and the refueling process at a hydrogen refueling station, the present invention is equally applicable to the filling of a tank or a tank with another medium, particularly a gas or liquefied gas.

[0007] In order to refuel hydrogen vehicles according to a refueling protocol tailored to the respective tank or tank system, it is generally necessary to ensure that the tank system to be refueled is detected and identified as automatically as possible at the dispenser of the hydrogen filling station within the framework of the refueling process (or filling process). This should be done in particular for safety reasons according to SIL-2 (SIL stands for "Safety Integrity Level"), because if the tank system is incorrectly detected and the filling protocol is therefore incorrectly selected, situations such as tank overheating or overfilling can occur, which could endanger personal safety.

[0008] Although typical vehicles may have a data interface, such as an infrared interface, these interfaces are usually not SIL-2-capable and cannot output SIL-2 signals that allow the tank or tank system to be dimensioned with sufficient safety at the dispenser, which is crucial for selecting a refueling protocol. One possible solution to this problem is to use the so-called "most conservative Ansatz" (most conservative method) from SAE J2601 to refuel the relevant vehicle only disproportionately slowly, depending on the specific situation. This means that even if the tank system itself may allow for faster refueling, the vehicle is always refueled using only the slowest of all possible pressure ramps from SAE J2601.

[0009] Against this background, a method for determining the size of a tank to be filled with a medium such as hydrogen (tank dimensioning) is proposed. The tank dimensioning is understood here to mean, in particular, the volume of the tank and, more precisely, also any supply lines, such as those from the tank connection on the vehicle to the actual tank. It should also be noted that the dimensions of a tank can also be defined in different ways, for example, via mass values, in which case specific values ​​for specific parameters apply to a specific medium. Thus, a tank with a volume of 50 liters can hold 2 kg of hydrogen under certain pressure and temperature conditions. Furthermore, it should be noted that determining the size of a tank does not necessarily involve determining a specific value, for example, for the volume of the tank; rather, it can also be understood as distinguishing between multiple tank size categories or assigning tanks to a certain category.

[0010] To this end, a test filling process (in this case also referred to as a test shock) is first initiated. This can be carried out, in particular automatically, for example, at the beginning of the tank process, after the dispenser is connected to the tank and / or after the fuel filling process is started, for example by pressing a start button. During the test filling process, the medium is filled into the tank from the supply device via the dispenser. The supply device can, for example, include a storage tank or a storage container (for example in the case of a hydrogen filling station) and any necessary pipelines for delivering the medium to the dispenser. The dispenser can be connected to the vehicle's tank or tank connection. Compared to a normal filling process, this test filling process can be particularly short, for example 60 seconds long, but can also be shorter, for example only 5 seconds, 10 seconds or 20 seconds.

[0011] Furthermore, one or more first values, in particular measured values, of one or more first parameters are obtained, which characterize the medium in the supply device before and / or during and / or after the test filling process or the test shock. These one or more first parameters may, for example, include one or more of the following: pressure in the supply device, temperature in the supply device, and volume of the supply device. For example, these first values ​​may be recorded using suitable sensors at appropriate locations.

[0012] Furthermore, one or more second values, in particular measured values, of one or more second variables are obtained, which characterize the mass flow of the medium between the supply device and the storage tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process. The second variable itself can be a mass flow rate. Preferably, multiple values ​​of multiple second variables are obtained, specifically from multiple different sensors, in particular mass flow meters (in this case, the multiple second variables are all mass flow rates, but are individually recorded mass flow rates). This is particularly advantageous if such sensors or mass flow meters do not support SIL-2. If such sensors or mass flow meters support SIL-2, then a single one may be sufficient.

[0013] In one embodiment, one or more third values ​​of one or more third parameters may also be obtained, characterizing the medium in the tank before, during, and / or after the test filling process. These one or more third values ​​may preferably be obtained from the vehicle via a data interface, such as the aforementioned (and typically non-SIL-2-capable) infrared interface. These one or more third parameters may, for example, include one or more of the following: tank pressure, tank temperature, and tank volume.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of mass differences are then determined. This includes determining a first mass difference between the start and end of the test filling process based on the one or more first values. This further includes determining a second mass difference between the start and end of the test filling process based on the one or more second values. In the event that a third value is obtained, this further includes determining a third mass difference between the start and end of the test filling process based on the one or more third values.

[0015] In this way, a mass difference is determined in each case using two or, if appropriate, three different methods and based on two or three different base values ​​or measured values. Each of these mass differences indicates the mass of the medium flowing into the vehicle's tank during the test filling process—at least within the framework of possible measurement errors or measurement accuracy and safety levels. Based on the aforementioned variables, the mass difference can be calculated in each case. This allows the mass to be determined before or after the test filling process, for example, via density based on the corresponding temperature and pressure. A mass flow meter can, for example, provide a mass flow rate that can be integrated over the duration of the test filling process.

[0016] Furthermore, the plurality of mass differences are then compared with the minimum mass difference and the maximum mass difference in a comparison process to obtain a comparison result, and the size of the storage tank is then determined based on the comparison result.

[0017] In one embodiment, a minimum mass difference is determined based on a minimum predetermined tank size and one or more values ​​of one or more fourth parameters that characterize the medium before, during, and / or after the test filling process. The maximum mass difference can, for example, be determined based on a maximum predetermined tank size and one or more values ​​of one or more fourth parameters. These one or more fourth parameters can include, for example, one or more of the following: pressure in the dispenser, temperature in the dispenser. The minimum and maximum tank sizes can be selected based on typical tank size categories. For example, tank sizes with volumes between 50 liters and 200 liters may be common for passenger cars or light commercial vehicles. Therefore, a tank size category might include tank sizes between 50 liters and 200 liters. These two parameters indicate which mass differences are expected to be the largest or smallest within a particular tank size category. However, by comparing mass differences determined in two or even three different ways, a higher level of safety or security can be achieved when determining tank sizes.

[0018] Thus, in particular, if a plurality of mass differences each lies between a minimum mass difference and a maximum mass difference, it can be determined that the tank size should be assigned to the smaller of two predetermined tank size categories. Conversely, if at least one of the plurality of mass differences exceeds the maximum mass difference, it can be determined that the tank size should be assigned to the larger of two predetermined tank size categories. In this case, the smaller of the two tank size categories is, in particular, the category defined by the minimum and maximum predetermined tank sizes, i.e., for example, between 50 liters and 200 liters. Conversely, the larger of the two tank size categories can be higher, i.e., for example, exactly or exceeding 200 liters. This can particularly be the case for trucks. However, these minimum and maximum sizes can generally be selected or predetermined in a different manner.

[0019] Based on the determined size of the tank (i.e., for example, one of two tank size categories), one of a plurality of filling protocols can then be selected (i.e., for example, a filling protocol for a smaller tank size category or a filling protocol for a larger tank size category). The tank can then be filled with medium or fuel according to the selected filling protocol.

[0020] In the aforementioned case where the third value is not available, for example because the vehicle lacks a data interface, the tank size is determined solely based on the two mass differences, resulting in a slightly lower level of safety. In this regard, provision can be made for the tank to be filled with medium (fuel) only at the maximum pressure specified in the filling protocol when the larger of the two tank size categories is determined. These pressures are typically lower than the pressures at which the third value would be available and can be referred to as so-called NON-COM target pressures (where NON-COM stands for the absence of a data or communication interface).

[0021] In one embodiment, a check is further performed during the test process to determine whether multiple quality differences (i.e., two or, if appropriate, three) are all below a limit quality difference in order to obtain a check result. The limit quality difference is determined based on the duration of the test filling process and the permissible mass flow rate. Such a permissible mass flow rate can, for example, be a facility-specific limit value that must not be exceeded for safety reasons. If at least one of the multiple quality differences is not below the limit quality difference, a proper filling process, for example, planned after the test filling process, can be stopped or not initiated at all. This represents an additional safety mechanism.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer system, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is adapted to perform the above method, in particular in a programmable manner.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a facility for filling tanks with a medium, in particular a hydrogen filling station. The facility comprises a supply device for the medium and a dispenser for the medium. Furthermore, the facility is adapted to convey the medium from a storage container to the dispenser for filling the tank; i.e., suitable pipelines and, if appropriate, other components, such as are customary for hydrogen filling stations, can be provided. Furthermore, the facility comprises one or more sensors, with which measured values ​​of one or more variables characterizing the medium and / or the delivery of the medium during filling can be recorded; these can be, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and mass flow meters as described above. Furthermore, the facility comprises a computer system according to the present invention.

[0024] It is also advantageous that the method according to the present invention is implemented in the form of a computer program or computer program product (with a program code for performing all method steps), because this significantly reduces costs, particularly when the execution controller is also used for other tasks and thus exists. Finally, a machine-readable storage medium is provided, with a computer program as described above stored therein. Suitable storage media or data carriers for providing the computer program are particularly magnetic memories, optical memories and electronic memories, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs, etc. It is also feasible to download the program through a computer network (the Internet, intranet, etc.). This type of download can be carried out here in a wired, cabled or wireless manner (e.g., via a WLAN network, 3G, 4G, 5G or 6G connection, etc.).

[0025] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawings based on exemplary embodiments and is described below with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 The installation according to the invention is shown schematically in a preferred embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 The sequence of the method according to the invention is schematically shown in a preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] exist Figure 1 FIG2 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a facility 100 according to the present invention, in which the method according to the present invention can also be performed. The facility 100 is used to fill a storage tank with a medium, such as hydrogen. For example, the facility 100 is a hydrogen filling station.

[0029] The facility 100 has a supply device 110 for a medium H2 (i.e., for example, hydrogen) and a dispenser 120 for the medium. The supply device 110 here exemplarily includes a storage tank 111 and a pipeline or conveying device 112 leading to the dispenser 120. The facility 100 is adapted to convey the medium H2 from the supply device 110 to the dispenser 120 for filling, for example, a storage tank 162 of a vehicle 160. The dispenser 120 may have or be connected to a fuel filling device (not shown here) to enable the transfer of the medium to the storage tank 162. In addition, the facility 100 and / or the dispenser 120 may have other components, such as those necessary for the operation of such a facility, i.e., a hydrogen filling station, such as pumps and other necessary pipelines.

[0030] Furthermore, the installation 100, here in the dispenser 120, has a computer system 130. The computer system 130 can be, in particular, a programmable logic controller, or PLC. Furthermore, two sensors are provided, for example, a pressure sensor 141 and a temperature sensor 142. Furthermore, two mass flow meters 151 and 152 are provided, for example, through which the medium H2 flows when the tank 162 is filled. The two mass flow meters 151 and 152 can be arranged so that the medium flows through them one after the other, thereby registering, or at least intended to register, the same mass flow rate. Furthermore, other sensors, for example for pressure and temperature, can be provided (not shown here), specifically also outside the dispenser 120, for example, at or within the supply device 110 and at or within the vehicle 160, in particular within the vehicle's tank 162.

[0031] Furthermore, the installation 100, in this case in the dispenser 120, has a data interface 132, for example an infrared interface, via which the values ​​of the various dimensions can be obtained, for example, from the vehicle 160. It should be noted that the data interface 132 is arranged such that a communication connection can be established with a corresponding data interface on the vehicle. Thus, the data interface 132 can be arranged, for example, in the fuel filling nozzle of the dispenser 120.

[0032] The computer system 130 is connected in particular in a data transmission manner to sensors, such as the sensors 141 , 142 , the mass flow meters 151 , 152 and the data interface 132 , in order to be able to obtain values ​​or measured values ​​therefrom.

[0033] The following will refer to Figure 2 The operation of the facility 100 or computer system 130 , and more particularly the sizing of the storage tank 162 , is explained in more detail.

[0034] exist Figure 2The sequence of the method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 1 , specifically a method for determining the size of a tank to be filled with a medium, in particular hydrogen, such as Figure 1 Already mentioned.

[0035] To this end, a test filling process 200 is first initiated. For this purpose, the computer system can, for example, issue a corresponding command that opens the corresponding valve in the pipeline. This can occur, for example, automatically, at the start of the tank process, after the dispenser is connected to the tank, and / or after the fuel filling process is initiated, for example, by pressing a start button. In the test filling process 200, medium H2 is filled from the supply device into the tank via the dispenser. Compared to a normal filling process, this test filling process 200 can be particularly short, for example, 60 seconds, but can also be even shorter, for example only 5, 10, or 20 seconds.

[0036] Furthermore, multiple values, in particular measured values, of one or more first variables are then obtained, for example, in the form of a time-varying measured value curve. These first variables characterize the medium in the supply system before, during, and / or after the test filling process. By way of example, the first value is labeled W1. By way of example, two first variables G1.1 and G1.2 are displayed, which may in particular be the pressure and temperature in the supply system. For example, suitable sensors, as described above, may be used to record the first values. Furthermore, the volume of the supply system may be considered; since this is generally known, its value can also be easily stored.

[0037] Furthermore, in step 211 , a first mass difference m1 between the start and the end of the test filling process is determined based on the first value W1 .

[0038] The first mass difference m1 is in particular the calculated mass of the medium taken from the supply device, i.e. the pressurized volume in a storage tank or a fuel filling station, for example. This can be determined, for example, with the aid of TT and PT as sensors for pressure and temperature (e.g. at the reservoir or pressure source) and with the aid of a density calculation, for example with the aid of an approximate polynomial method (see formula J98 in SAE J2601-2020). The calculation can be performed within a computer system (PLC), for example once in a so-called F-part or fail-safe part (simplified formula) and once in a standard program of the PLC. The two results can then be compared with each other again and, if the deviation is less than a threshold value, e.g. 1.5 g / l, etc., the mass is determined in the F-part of the PLC using the density calculation in the standard program. The density can usually be determined via the formula V=Δm / (ρ final -ρ final ) calculation, where ρ final ,ρ finalindicates the density before and after the test filling process, V indicates the volume of the supply equipment, and Δm generally indicates the mass difference between the masses before and after the test filling process.

[0039] Furthermore, one or more second variables, for example a plurality of second values, in particular measured values, are then obtained, for example in the form of a time-varying measured value curve, which characterizes the mass flow of the medium H2 between the supply device and the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process. By way of example, the second value is labeled W2. By way of example, two second variables G2.1, G2.2 are shown, which can in particular be the mass flow measured by the first mass flow meter and the mass flow measured by the second mass flow meter (see Figure 1 151, 152 in the figure).

[0040] Furthermore, in step 222, a second mass difference m2 between the start and end of the test filling process is determined based on the second value W2. To this end, the mass flow of each of the two mass flow meters can be integrated over the duration of the test filling process, for example. The two results can then be compared, and if the deviation is less than a threshold, the average of the two results can be used as the second mass difference, for example. If a SIL-2-compliant mass flow meter is used, a single sensor, and in this case, only one second variable, is sufficient.

[0041] Optionally, one or more third variables, for example multiple values, are further determined, which characterize the medium H2 in the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process. By way of example, the third value is labeled W3. By way of example, two third variables G3.1, G3.2 are displayed, which can be, in particular, the pressure in the tank, the temperature in the tank, and the volume of the tank, specifically via Figure 1 As already mentioned, the data interfaces used for this purpose usually do not support SIL-2 (for example in the case of infrared interfaces).

[0042] Furthermore, in step 223 , a third mass difference m 3 between the start and the end of the test filling process is determined based on the third value W 3 . This can be done, for example, as described above based on pressure, temperature and volume.

[0043] In this way, a mass difference is determined in each case in two or, if appropriate, three different ways and also based on two or three different base values ​​or measured values. Each of these mass differences indicates the quality of the medium flowing into the vehicle's tank during the test filling process—at least within the framework of possible measurement errors or measurement accuracy and safety levels.

[0044] It should be mentioned that the order of the above steps of obtaining the corresponding values ​​and calculating the corresponding masses is not important; the key is that all two or three mass differences should be present after the test filling process in order to be able to perform a subsequent comparison.

[0045] After a predetermined duration (e.g. 60 seconds), in particular immediately after opening the main fuel filling valve, a fuel filling stop is performed. During this stop, the system can be checked for leaks (in this case, for downward and upward pressure deviations in the vehicle's tank) and a comparison process, described below, can be performed.

[0046] Furthermore, in a comparison process 230 , the mass differences m1 , m2 , and m3 are compared with the minimum mass difference m4 and the maximum mass difference m5 to obtain a comparison result 231 . In step 240 , the size of the storage tank is determined based on the comparison result 231 .

[0047] For example, a minimum mass difference m4 is determined based on a predetermined minimum tank size and, for example, multiple values ​​of a plurality of fourth variables that characterize the medium before, during, and / or after the test filling process. Thus, the minimum mass difference m4 corresponds to, for example, the mass of a vehicle with a tank size of 2 kg or 50 liters, calculated in real time and expected to be transferred during the test filling process. This mass is calculated based on the medium temperature at the last measuring point in the dispenser and the pressure in the dispenser. The fixed tank volume of 50 liters, as previously mentioned, is assumed. This 50 liters corresponds to the minimum tank volume expected in SAE J2601-2020. However, other tank sizes are generally conceivable.

[0048] For example, the maximum mass difference m5 is determined based on a predetermined maximum tank size and, for example, a plurality of values ​​of a plurality of fourth variables that characterize the medium before, during, and / or after the test filling process. Thus, the maximum mass difference m5 corresponds to the mass, calculated in real time, expected and transferred during the test filling process for a vehicle with a tank size of 10 kg or 250 liters, which is calculated based on the medium temperature at the last measuring point in the dispenser and the pressure in the dispenser. The fixed tank volume of 250 liters, as previously mentioned, is assumed. This 250 liters corresponds to the maximum expected tank volume for passenger cars according to SAE J2601. However, other tank sizes are generally conceivable.

[0049] Determining the size of the tank in step 240 specifically includes: if each of the plurality of mass differences is between a minimum mass difference and a maximum mass difference, determining that the tank should be sized into the smaller of the two predetermined tank size categories, tank size category K1. Conversely, it includes: if at least one of the plurality of mass differences is greater than the maximum mass difference, determining that the tank should be sized into the larger of the two predetermined tank size categories, tank size category K2.

[0050] Based on the determined size of the tank, ie, for example, its classification into one of the tank size categories, one of a plurality of filling protocols can then be selected; Figure 2 In the example, a filling protocol 250 is selected. The tank is then filled with medium according to the selected filling protocol. A limit mass difference m6 is determined based on the duration of the test filling process and the permissible mass flow rate. This permissible mass flow rate can, for example, be a facility-specific limit value that must not be exceeded for safety reasons. If all mass differences m1, m2, and m3 are below the limit mass difference m6, filling can continue according to the selected filling protocol as described above.

[0051] If at least one of the multiple quality differences m1, m2, and m3 does not fall below a limit quality difference m6, a planned, correct filling process, for example, after a test filling process, can be stopped or not initiated at all. This is an additional safety mechanism. However, this also applies in particular if the third quality difference m3 is unavailable, for example because the third value cannot be obtained from the vehicle.

[0052] In other words, within the framework of the present invention, it is possible to ensure that the filling nozzle (tank connection) is mechanically compatible with the corresponding dispenser or its hydrogen refueling gun, and that vehicles with different tank sizes are always refueled using the correct refueling protocol. This improves the utilization rate of the hydrogen dispenser and the safety level of the refueling process.

Claims

1. A method for determining the size of a tank (162) to be filled with a medium (H2), in particular hydrogen, comprising: Initiating a test filling process (200), during which the medium (H2) is filled from the supply device (110) into the storage tank (162) via the distributor (120); Obtaining (211) one or more first values ​​(W1), in particular measured values, of one or more first variables (G1.1, G1.2), which characterize the medium in the supply device before and / or during and / or after the test filling process; Obtaining (212) one or more second values ​​(W2), in particular measured values, of one or more second variables (G2.1, G2.2), which characterize the mass flow of the medium between the supply device and the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process; Determine multiple mass differences (m1, m2, m3), including: - determining (221) a first mass difference (m1) between the start and the end of the test filling process based on the one or more first values ​​(W1); as well as - determining (222) a second mass difference (m2) between the start and the end of the test filling process based on the one or more second values ​​(W2); comparing the plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) with the minimum mass difference (m4) and the maximum mass difference (m5) in a comparison process (230) to obtain a comparison result (231); and The size of the storage tank is determined (240) based on the comparison result (231).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the minimum mass difference (m4) based on a minimum predetermined size of the tank and one or more values ​​of one or more fourth variables, the one or more fourth variables characterizing the medium before and / or during and / or after the test filling process, and / or Therein, the maximum mass difference (m5) is determined based on a maximum predetermined size of the tank and one or more values ​​of one or more fourth variables, which characterize the medium before and / or during and / or after the test filling process.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Determining (240) the size of the storage tank includes: determining that the size of the tank should be classified into the smaller of two predetermined tank size categories (K1, K2) if each of the plurality of mass differences is between the minimum mass difference (m4) and the maximum mass difference (m5), and / or Wherein, determining the size of the storage tank includes: If at least one mass difference of the plurality of mass differences is higher than the maximum mass difference (m5), it is determined that the size of the tank should be classified into the larger of the two predetermined tank size categories (K1, K2).

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The one or more fourth variables characterizing the medium before and / or during and / or after the test filling process include one or more of the following variables: pressure in the dispenser, temperature in the dispenser.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Obtaining (213) one or more third values ​​(W13) of one or more third variables (G3.1, G3.2), the one or more third variables characterizing the medium in the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process; Wherein, determining the plurality of mass differences further comprises: determining a third mass difference (m3) between the start and the end of the test filling process based on the one or more third values ​​(W3).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more third values ​​(W3) are obtained from the vehicle (160) via a data interface (132).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The one or more third variables (G3.1, G3.2) characterizing the medium in the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process include one or more of the following variables: pressure in the tank, temperature in the tank, volume of the tank.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The one or more first variables (G1.1, G1.2) characterizing the medium in the supply device before and / or during and / or after the test filling process include one or more of the following variables: pressure in the supply device, temperature in the supply device, volume of the supply device.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A plurality of values ​​of a plurality of second variables (G2.1, G.2.2) are obtained from a plurality of different sensors, in particular mass flow meters, which characterize the mass flow of the medium between the supply device and the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: In the checking process (260), it is checked whether the plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) are all lower than a limit mass difference (m6), the limit mass difference being derived based on the duration of the test filling process and the permissible mass flow rate, so as to obtain a checking result; and If at least one of the plurality of mass differences is not lower than the limit mass difference, the filling process is stopped or not started.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A filling protocol from a plurality of filling protocols (250) is selected based on the determined size of the tank, and the tank is filled with the medium in particular according to the selected filling protocol.

12. A computer system (130) adapted to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A facility (100) for filling a storage tank (162) with a medium (H2), in particular a hydrogen filling station, wherein: The installation (100) has a supply device (110) for the medium and a dispenser (120) for the medium, wherein the installation (100) is adapted to convey the medium from the supply device (110) to the dispenser (120) in order to fill the tank, The installation (100) preferably has one or more sensors (141, 142, 151, 152), by means of which measured values ​​of one or more variables can be recorded, which characterize the medium and / or the transport of the medium during filling, and wherein the installation (100) includes a computer system (130) according to claim 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a computer system (1300) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when the computer system (1300) executes the program.

15. A computer-readable data carrier on which a computer program according to claim 14 is stored.

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