Hydrogen supply system and method for determining operating indicator of hydrogen supply system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining an operating indicator of a hydrogen supply system, comprising receiving at least one first sensor signal and at least one second sensor signal from the hydrogen supply system, the hydrogen supply system having at least two tank modules connected to each other, the first sensor signal is captured on the input side of the first tank module and wherein the second sensor signal is captured on the output side of the first tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is captured on the first tank module and the second sensor signal is captured on the second tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is captured on the first tank module and the second sensor signal is captured on the second tank module. The first sensor signal is acquired on the input side of the first tank module, and wherein the second sensor signal is acquired on the output side of the second tank module; and determining an operating indicator of the hydrogen supply system based on at least the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining an operating indicator of a hydrogen supply system based on a plurality of sensor signals, a cloud computing device for performing such a method, a corresponding hydrogen supply system and a multi-element gas container (MEGC). BACKGROUND

[0002] Gaseous hydrogen can be used, for example, in fuel cells, as a replacement for fossil fuels, for generating electrical power. For using, storing, transporting and providing gaseous hydrogen, for example, at hydrogen filling stations, hydrogen supply systems are used, which typically comprise a plurality of pressure vessels, valves required for filling and withdrawal, and different safety systems. Such hydrogen supply systems can be integrated, for example, in hydrogen-powered vehicles or, for example, as MEGCs for transporting and providing larger amounts of gaseous hydrogen.

[0003] Transporting, storing and generally decentralized provision of gaseous hydrogen poses numerous challenges to the safety, availability, performance and thus the economy of such hydrogen supply systems.

[0004] Against this technical background, the document DE 10 2016 223 693 A1 describes a method for monitoring a pressure tank system of a stationary vehicle. The method comprises detecting a wake-up situation by means of sensor data of a basic sensor of the vehicle and, in response to detecting the wake-up situation, activating further resources for acquiring and / or analyzing sensor data about the pressure tank system. Furthermore, the method comprises determining, by means of the further resources, whether to perform one or more protective measures with respect to the pressure tank system and / or its environment.

[0005] Furthermore, the document DE 10 2020 115 313 A1 describes a device for monitoring the use of a pressure vessel system. The device is designed to determine usage data about the hitherto use of the pressure vessel system and to compare it with external usage data about the hitherto use of the pressure vessel system and, depending on the comparison, to initiate one or more measures with respect to the further use of the pressure vessel system.

[0006] The document WO 2006 / 060633 A2 relates to a computer device for remotely monitoring the status of a hydrogen vehicle, and the document EP 3 053 444 B1 describes a method for controlling the hydrogen supply of a vehicle based on its geographical positioning and its hydrogen requirements.

[0007] Furthermore, methods are known in which pressure sensors transmit sensor data to a cloud platform via a radio interface in order to be able to display the filling level of a gas tank via a browser interface.

[0008] However, the systems and methods known from the prior art have some disadvantages with respect to their safety, reliability, availability and performance. For example, the methods known from the prior art are not sufficiently suitable to react in a timely manner to changing operating conditions of a complex hydrogen supply system having a plurality of interconnected pressure vessels, valves, pressure regulators, etc. Furthermore, critical errors such as leaks, valve malfunctions, etc. can often only be identified with significant delay. Therefore, so far, it has often been necessary to perform frequent preventive maintenance of the hydrogen supply system, to design it with an uneconomical safety margin and / or to keep a plurality of backup systems available in order to be able to react in time when needed, thereby ensuring a high availability of the system. The resulting costs form a significant obstacle for a large-scale application of hydrogen technology. SUMMARY

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem addressed by the present application is to improve the safety, reliability, availability and performance of a hydrogen supply system, especially when a plurality of such systems are typically used in combination, for example in a hydrogen-powered truck or MEGC fleet.

[0010] The technical problem is at least partially solved by the technical solution of the independent claims of the present application. Exemplary embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Unless otherwise specified, material properties shall be determined in accordance with the associated standard. Furthermore, in the following, the term "substantially" is to be understood as "within typical construction, measurement and / or manufacturing tolerances".

[0011] The present application relates in particular to a method for determining an operating indicator of a hydrogen supply system, the method comprising the steps of receiving at least one first sensor signal and at least one second sensor signal from the hydrogen supply system, the hydrogen supply system having at least two interconnected tank modules, wherein the first sensor signal is captured at an input side of a first tank module of the hydrogen supply system and wherein the second sensor signal is captured at an output side of the first tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is captured at the first tank module and the second sensor signal is captured at a second tank module of the hydrogen supply system; and determining an operating indicator of the hydrogen supply system based on at least the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor signal can be captured at an input side of the first tank module and the second sensor signal can be captured at an output side of the second tank module. In particular, determining the operating indicator can comprise correlating the sensor signals with each other and / or with a reference data set for the hydrogen supply system.

[0012] For example, in some implementations, N ≥ 2 tank modules can be connected to form K ≥ 2 tank groups or so-called manifolds. The N tank modules of each K manifold can be connected via a distributor assembly, and the K manifolds are connected to each other via piping between the distributor assemblies or to a central connection unit. Such a distributor assembly is also called a parallel charging unit (PCU).

[0013] In such a system, a first sensor signal can be acquired at a first distributor assembly, and a second sensor signal can be acquired at a second distributor assembly. This, for example, allows the tank module of the manifold assembly to be constructed without sensor technology, thereby reducing cost and complexity. For example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and / or flow sensors can be integrated in or on each distributor assembly to acquire the corresponding sensor signals of the respective manifold assembly. For example, the first and second sensor signals can each comprise time series of measured values. Alternatively or additionally, the determination of operating parameters can include identifying operational anomalies in the hydrogen supply system. Typically, at least the first and second sensor signals can be provided by one of the following sensor types: pressure sensor, temperature sensor, or flow sensor, or a functionally integrated combination thereof.

[0014] For example, by correlating these sensor data collected at different locations in the system, even minor leaks or malfunctions in critical system components can be identified early, and appropriate countermeasures can be initiated before one of the modules or the entire system fails.

[0015] By distributing and correlating these and similar sensor data at different points in a complex hydrogen supply system with multiple connected tank modules, it is possible to identify various operational indicators that significantly depend on the interactions between the tank modules. For example, identifying operational anomalies in the hydrogen supply system includes identifying potential leaks in one of the tank modules, and / or identifying low fill levels in one of the tank modules, and / or identifying valve malfunctions in one of the tank modules, often well before a failure occurs that significantly impairs the operation of the hydrogen supply system.

[0016] As detailed below, it is particularly advantageous to acquire such sensor data at most or all relevant system components, such as pressure vessels, valves, safety systems, pressure regulators, pipelines, PCUs, etc., thereby enabling the most accurate monitoring of the current operating status of the entire system (i.e., comprehensive condition monitoring of the hydrogen supply system), and based on this, to perform actions that significantly improve the safety, availability, and performance of the hydrogen supply system (e.g., remote maintenance). Other implementation methods and technical advantages are described below. Figure 4 An exemplary method description.

[0017] This application also relates to a cloud computing device, which includes a device for performing the above-described method.

[0018] Such cloud computing devices may include, in particular, devices for enabling multiple hydrogen supply systems to perform the aforementioned methods separately, and devices for determining global operating parameters of multiple hydrogen supply systems based on independent operating parameters of at least two hydrogen supply systems.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, such independent operating parameters can also be provided to the cloud computing device by at least one component of an independent hydrogen supply system.

[0020] The cloud computing device according to this application may also include means for displaying operational alerts to operators of one of the hydrogen supply systems based on independent operational metrics of one of the hydrogen distribution systems and / or based on global operational metrics.

[0021] In particular, this cloud computing device enables, for example, the optimization of material usage and maintenance workload for hydrogen supply system fleets such as MEGC, without affecting their availability and reliability. Other implementation methods and technical advantages are described below. Figure 3 An exemplary cloud computing device description.

[0022] This application also relates to a hydrogen supply system comprising: N ≥ 2 tank modules, wherein each of the N tank modules has a pressure vessel, a filling and emptying valve (OTV), and optionally at least one thermostatic relief valve (TPRD). The hydrogen supply system further includes a distributor assembly and an optional pressure regulator, wherein the distributor assembly connects a filling line to one of the tank modules and an emptying line to the pressure regulator. The hydrogen supply system also includes M ≥ N sensors arranged at the OTV, TPRD, distributor assembly, and / or pressure regulator to acquire a first sensor signal at the input side of a first tank module and a second sensor signal at the output side of a first tank module, or to acquire a first sensor signal at a first tank module and a second sensor signal at a second tank module.

[0023] The term TPRD hereafter should be understood to also include components that may include mechanical TPRDs as well as other components such as temperature sensors and / or pressure sensors. For example, a mechanical end plug TPRD mounted at the bottom of a pressure vessel may be equipped with temperature sensors and / or pressure sensors to form such a component.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor signal may be acquired at the input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal may be acquired at the output side of the second tank module. In particular, the determination of operating parameters may include correlating the sensor signals with each other and / or with a reference dataset of the hydrogen supply system.

[0025] For example, in some implementations, N ≥ 2 tank modules can be connected to form K ≥ 2 tank groups or so-called manifolds. The N tank modules of each K manifold can be interconnected by a distributor assembly, and the K manifolds are interconnected by piping between the distributor assemblies.

[0026] Finally, the hydrogen supply system includes means for transmitting sensor signals to a cloud computing device, or a control device configured to perform one of the methods and, if necessary, transmit determined operating parameters to the cloud computing device.

[0027] Other sensors can be placed in the pipelines of the hydrogen supply system and used to determine operating parameters.

[0028] In particular, the control device can also be configured to control the tank module based on instructions received from the cloud computing device and / or instructions generated according to determined operating indicators, wherein the instructions include one or more of the following: instructions for activating / deactivating components of the hydrogen supply system, instructions for changing the operating status of components of the hydrogen supply system, and instructions for reading operating parameters of components of the hydrogen supply system. In this way, for example, remote maintenance of the hydrogen supply system can be performed based on operating indicators.

[0029] In some implementations, each OTV, each TPRD, distributor assembly, and pressure regulator may each have a pressure sensor; and optionally, each OTV, each TPRD, distributor assembly, and pressure regulator may each include a temperature sensor and / or a flow sensor, wherein the sensors transmit sensor signals to a cloud computing device or control device.

[0030] Other sensors can be installed directly on the pressure vessel (e.g., in the fiber) or on the pipeline of the hydrogen supply system.

[0031] The method described herein, or any part thereof, may alternatively or additionally be performed by the control equipment of the hydrogen supply system, the vehicle's onboard computer, or a computer device specifically configured for this purpose.

[0032] This application also relates to a multi-element gas container (MEGC) comprising the aforementioned hydrogen supply system located within a suitable housing. The MEGC may further include electronic control equipment that controls and monitors the operation of the hydrogen supply system and exchanges data with a cloud computing device.

[0033] The methods, systems, and apparatus described herein can also be applied to hydrogen supply systems with only one tank module. Multiple sensor signals can also be acquired at different locations within the hydrogen supply system, such as the input and output sides of the tank module, and correlated, for example, with each other and / or with reference data, to determine operating parameters. Therefore, this method, system, and apparatus are also part of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an MEGC according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a cloud computing device according to a possible embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 The flowchart schematically illustrates a method for determining the operating parameters of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following describes some possible implementations of this disclosure by way of example. Different combinations of features are described herein with reference to the corresponding illustrated embodiments. It is not necessary for all features of the described embodiments to be present in order to implement the invention.

[0039] Furthermore, if technically compatible and reasonable, an implementation can be modified by combining certain features of one implementation with one or more features of another implementation without departing from the scope of this disclosure and the invention as defined by the claims.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply system 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The hydrogen supply system 100 includes N ≥ 2 tank modules 110, wherein, in the illustrated embodiment, each tank module 110a, 110b includes a pressure vessel 120, an OTV 130, and two TPRDs 140. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a distributor assembly 150 and a pressure regulator 160. The OTV 130 of the tank module 110 is connected to a filling line 170 via the distributor assembly 150, through which gaseous hydrogen can be added to the pressure vessel 120. In other configurations, fewer TPRDs can be used. For example, TPRDs can be installed only at the distributor assembly, or TPRDs can be installed separately at the OTVs 130.

[0041] Hydrogen can be stored in pressure vessel 120, for example, at a rated pressure of 700 bar. In the illustrated configuration, pressure regulator 160 is also connected to OTV 130 of tank module 310 via distributor assembly 150. Hydrogen stored in pressure vessel can be supplied to a consumer, such as fuel cell 180, which operates, for example, at a rated pressure of 15 bar, via pressure regulator 160. In other configurations, such as those used in MEGC, hydrogen stored in pressure vessel 120 can be supplied via pressure regulator 160 or directly to an outlet line (not shown). Flow limiters (again not shown) can also be installed in the filling and / or outlet paths. As described above, according to this application, hydrogen supply system 100 includes M ≥ N sensors that generate M sensor signals, as referred to below. Figure 4 These signals, as discussed, can be used to determine the operating parameters of the hydrogen supply system 100.

[0042] M sensors may be arranged at OTV130, pressure vessel 120, TPRD140, distributor assembly 150, flow limiter, piping, and / or pressure regulator 160, such that at least one first sensor signal is acquired at the input side of the first tank module 110a, and a second sensor signal is acquired at the output side of the first tank module 110a. The term TPRD should be understood herein as a TPRD assembly (e.g., an end plug TPRD assembly), which may include one or more of the aforementioned sensors and other components in addition to the mechanical valve.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, M ≥ N sensors may also be arranged such that a first sensor signal is acquired at the first tank module 110a and a second sensor signal is acquired at the second tank module 110b.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, M ≥ N sensors may also be arranged such that a first sensor signal is acquired at the input side of the first tank module 110a and a second sensor signal is acquired at the output side of the second tank module 110b.

[0045] The hydrogen supply system 100 may also include a device 190 for transmitting M sensor signals to a cloud computing device (see below). Figure 3 ) and / or control device 195, the control device being configured to perform one of the methods. The resulting operating parameters for the hydrogen supply system can then be sent to a cloud computing device (see...). Figure 3 Sensor signals can be transmitted, for example, via radio connection 197 or via signal cable to device 190 and / or control device 195.

[0046] In some implementations, the control device 195 may also be configured to control the tank module 110 based on instructions received from a cloud computing device and / or instructions based on operating indicators determined by the control device 195.

[0047] The instructions may include one or more of the following: instructions for activating / deactivating components of the hydrogen supply system 100 (e.g., one of the tank modules 110 or one of the OTV 130), instructions for changing the operating status of components of the hydrogen supply system, and instructions for reading operating parameters of components of the hydrogen supply system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the hydrogen supply system 100 may be designed such that each OTV 130, distributor assembly 150, flow sensor, and pressure regulator 160 includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a flow sensor, wherein the sensors transmit sensor signals to a cloud computing device or control device 195, respectively.

[0049] In other embodiments, N ≥ 2 tank modules can be connected to form K ≥ 2 tank groups, or so-called K manifolds. The N tank modules of each of the K manifolds are connected via a distributor assembly similar to distributor assembly 150. In such a system, sensor signals can also be acquired at distributor assembly 150. This allows the tank modules to be constructed without sensor technology, thereby reducing cost and complexity. For example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and / or flow sensors can be integrated into each of the K distributor assemblies 150, acquiring the corresponding sensor signals from the respective manifold.

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an MEGC 200 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The MEGC 200 includes the aforementioned hydrogen supply system 220, a control device 240, and a filling line 230 and a dispensing line 235. The filling and dispensing lines can be connected, for example, to K distributor assemblies of a hydrogen supply system that combine N tank modules into K manifold assemblies via other lines.

[0051] See below for reference Figure 3 In more detail, the MEGC 200 can exchange data with cloud computing devices via control device 240 or a separate communication module (e.g., a mobile communication module).

[0052] In embodiments of this application, the MEGC 200 and / or hydrogen supply system 220 include an electronic control unit 240 to control and monitor the operation of the MEGC's tank modules, and, when necessary, execute the methods described or some of their steps. The electronic control unit may exchange data with a cloud computing device, for example, via an integrated radio interface (LTE, 5G, NFC, etc.) or a separate communication module.

[0053] Sensor signals can also be transmitted to the control unit via radio (e.g., LTE, WLAN, or Bluetooth) or via signal lines. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor or tank module or system components (e.g., OTV, TPRD assembly, pressure regulator, flow limiter, etc.) themselves can have radio interfaces, thereby exchanging data directly with cloud computing devices and with each other.

[0054] Sensor data can also be initially stored in local memory and read locally (e.g., via USB, NFC, WLAN) and / or sent to a cloud computing device at later times, such as every 12 or 24 hours.

[0055] In some implementations, such as for cybersecurity reasons, data exchange may be conducted only in the direction of MEGC to the cloud, for example to prevent the control device 240 from being controlled by a malicious entity.

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cloud computing device 310 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. As described above, the cloud computing device 310 includes means for performing one of the methods (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 For example, cloud computing device 310 may be implemented at least in part in cloud computing software, which, for example, is executed as microservices on one or more cloud computing nodes 112, which provide (possibly virtualized) processing resources 114, storage resources 116, and network resources 118 for distributed execution of cloud computing.

[0057] Such a computer program therefore includes instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, cause the processors to perform one of the methods (see...). Figure 4 The cloud computing node 112 can be configured to exchange data with one or more hydrogen supply systems 338 (e.g., on a fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks) via a network 120 (e.g., an IP-based network such as the Internet). For example, the hydrogen supply system 338 can exchange data with a radio access network controller 334 via a radio interface 336 (e.g., 3G, LTE, 5G, etc.), which is connected to the cloud computing device 310 via an IP-based network (e.g., the Internet) 320.

[0058] The cloud computing device 310 may also include means for performing one of the methods for each of the multiple hydrogen supply systems 338, and means for determining global operating parameters of the multiple hydrogen supply systems based on independent operating parameters of at least two hydrogen supply systems 338.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, such independent operating parameters can also be determined by the hydrogen supply system 338 (components) itself and sent to the cloud computing device 310.

[0060] In some implementations, the cloud computing device 310 may include a device 232 for generating operational alerts for operators of one of the hydrogen distribution systems 338 based on independent operational metrics of one of the hydrogen distribution systems and / or based on global operational metrics. For example, one of the hydrogen distribution systems 338 may be located in a vehicle, and the operational alert may indicate that the vehicle needs to be stopped for maintenance.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cloud computing device 310 further includes one or more of the following: a device for sending activation and / or deactivation instructions to components of the hydrogen supply system based on identified operating metrics and / or identified global operating metrics. Alternatively or additionally, the cloud computing device 310 may include a device for changing the operating state of components of the hydrogen supply system based on identified operating metrics and / or identified global operating metrics, and a device for reading the operating state of components of the hydrogen supply system, for example, via radio interface 320.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cloud computing device 310 may also include means for receiving 320 location signals from one or more hydrogen supply systems 338, wherein the means for determining global operating parameters of the multiple hydrogen supply systems is also based on the location signals of the hydrogen supply systems 338 to determine the global operating parameters.

[0063] Figure 4 The flowchart schematically illustrates a possible implementation of a method 400 according to this application. The method 400 can be executed, for example, by a control device or a cloud computing device, and includes step 410, namely, receiving at least one first sensor signal and at least one second sensor signal from a hydrogen supply system having at least two interconnected tank modules. For example, as described above, different pressure sensor signals, temperature sensor signals, and / or flow sensor signals can be received from different components of the hydrogen supply system (pressure storage, OTV, pressure regulator, piping, distributor assembly, etc.).

[0064] Here, the first sensor signal is acquired at the input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal is acquired at the output side of the first tank module. Alternatively, the first sensor signal can be acquired at the first tank module, and the second sensor signal can be acquired at the second tank module. If more than two sensor signals are acquired, both configurations may be applicable.

[0065] The method 400 further includes step 420, which involves determining the operating parameters of the hydrogen supply system based on the first and second sensor signals. The received sensor signals may each include a time series of measured values. Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor signal may be acquired at the input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal may be acquired at the output side of the second tank module.

[0066] Determining operational metrics can, for example, involve correlating sensor signals with each other and / or with a reference dataset of the hydrogen supply system. This reference data can be collected by the fleet operator from a database and tagged with metadata to generate reference data for, for example, certain operational anomalies. In this way, operational anomalies can be identified before a failure occurs in the hydrogen supply system.

[0067] Furthermore, determining operational indicators may include identifying operational anomalies in the hydrogen supply system based on received sensor signals. For example, identifying operational anomalies in the hydrogen supply system may include identifying potential leaks, low fill levels, and / or valve malfunctions in one of the tank modules. Such operational anomalies can be identified, for example, by comparing sensor signals with reference data.

[0068] The method 400 may further include receiving one or more environmental sensor signals, the signals indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space where the hydrogen supply system is located, and / or indicating the ambient temperature of the hydrogen supply system, and / or indicating the ambient air humidity of the hydrogen supply system.

[0069] The method 400 may further include receiving one or more diagnostic sensor signals, wherein the diagnostic sensor signals may include one or more of the following: a flutter sensor signal, a vibration sensor signal, a GPS sensor signal, and an overpressure alarm sensor signal.

[0070] In this implementation, method 400 also includes determining operating parameters based on environmental sensor signals and / or diagnostic sensor signals. In particular, environmental sensor signals and / or diagnostic sensor signals can be correlated with first and / or second sensor signals to determine operating parameters. For example, strong vibrations measured and associated with pressure drops and / or temperature changes may indicate partial damage to the hydrogen system. In some embodiments, method 400 according to the invention can be designed such that each tank module includes a filling and removing valve (OTV), and optionally, each tank module includes a thermostatic release valve (TPRD). Method 400 may include receiving first and second sensor signals and / or other sensor signals from different OTVs and / or different TPRDs, and determining operating parameters based on the received sensor signals.

[0071] In some embodiments, the hydrogen supply system may include a distributor assembly, a pressure regulator, and an optional flow limiter, wherein the distributor assembly connects a filling line to one of the tank modules, and one of the tank modules is connected to the pressure regulator. The method may include receiving first and / or second sensor signals and / or other sensor signals from the distributor assembly, the pressure regulator, and / or the flow limiter, and determining operating parameters based on the received sensor signals.

[0072] In some implementations, N ≥ 2 tank modules can be connected individually to form K ≥ 2 tank groups or so-called manifolds. The N tank modules of each K manifold can be connected via distributor components, and the K manifolds are interconnected via piping between distributor components.

[0073] In this system, a first sensor signal can be acquired at a first distributor assembly, and a second sensor signal can be acquired at a second distributor assembly. This allows the tank module of the manifold assembly to be constructed without sensor technology, thereby reducing cost and complexity. For example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and / or flow sensors can be integrated in or at each distributor assembly, acquiring the corresponding sensor signals from the respective manifold assembly.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 The described method can also be applied to hydrogen supply systems with only one tank module. Here, multiple sensor signals can also be acquired at different locations within the hydrogen supply system, such as the input and output sides of the tank module, and correlated, for example, with each other and / or with reference data, to determine the operating parameters of the hydrogen supply system.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The system receives at least one first sensor signal and at least one second sensor signal from a hydrogen supply system having at least two interconnected tank modules. The first sensor signal is acquired at the input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal is acquired at the output side of the first tank module; or the first sensor signal is acquired at the first tank module, and the second sensor signal is acquired at the second tank module; or the first sensor signal is acquired at the input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal is acquired at the output side of the second tank module. The operating parameters of the hydrogen supply system are determined based on at least the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second sensor signals respectively include time series of measured values; and / or wherein, Determining operational indicators includes identifying operational anomalies in the hydrogen supply system; And preferably, identifying operational anomalies in the hydrogen supply system includes identifying a possible leak in one of the tank modules, and / or includes identifying a low fill level in one of the tank modules, and / or includes identifying a valve malfunction in one of the tank modules.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The first and second sensor signals are provided by one of the following sensor types: pressure sensor, temperature sensor, flow sensor, or a functionally integrated combination thereof.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: Receive one or more environmental sensor signals, the environmental sensor signals indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space where the hydrogen supply system is located, and / or indicating the ambient temperature of the hydrogen supply system, and / or indicating the ambient air humidity of the hydrogen supply system; and / or Receive one or more diagnostic sensor signals, wherein the one or more diagnostic sensor signals include one or more of the following: a flutter sensor signal, a vibration sensor signal, a GPS sensor signal, and an overvoltage alarm sensor signal; and Similarly, operational indicators are determined based on the signals from one or more environmental sensors and / or the signals from one or more diagnostic sensors, preferably including... Associate the environmental sensor signals and / or diagnostic sensor signals with the first and / or second sensor signals.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each tank module includes an OTV for filling and removing gas and an optional thermal pressure relief valve TPRD; and wherein the method further includes: Receive first and second sensor signals and / or other sensor signals from different OTVs and / or different TPRDs; and Determine operating parameters based on received sensor signals; and / or The hydrogen supply system includes a distributor assembly, a pressure regulator, and optionally a flow limiter. The distributor assembly connects a filling line to one of the tank modules, and the tank module is connected to the pressure regulator. The method further includes: Receive first and / or second sensor signals and / or other sensor signals from the dispenser assembly and / or pressure regulator; and Operating parameters are determined based on the received sensor signals.

6. A cloud computing apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The cloud computing device according to claim 6, wherein, The cloud computing device also includes: Devices for causing multiple hydrogen supply systems to respectively perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and Device for determining the global operating parameters of multiple hydrogen supply systems based on the independent operating parameters of at least two hydrogen supply systems; and preferably Devices for generating operational alerts for operators of one of multiple hydrogen distribution systems based on independent operational metrics of one of multiple hydrogen distribution systems and / or based on global operational metrics, wherein preferably, one of the hydrogen distribution systems is located on a vehicle, and the operational alert indicates that the vehicle needs to be stopped for maintenance.

8. The cloud computing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein, The cloud computing device also includes: Devices for sending activation and / or deactivation commands to components of one of the hydrogen supply systems based on determined operating indicators and / or determined global operating indicators; and / or Devices for changing the operating status of components of the hydrogen supply system based on identified operating indicators and / or identified global operating indicators; and / or Devices for reading the operating status of components of the hydrogen supply system; and / or Devices for receiving position signals from one of the hydrogen supply systems; and wherein devices for determining global operating parameters of the plurality of hydrogen supply systems also determine global operating parameters based on position signals of the hydrogen supply systems.

9. A hydrogen supply system, comprising: N ≥ 2 interconnected tank modules, wherein each of the N tank modules has a pressure vessel, an OTV for filling and removing the tank, and an optional thermostatic relief valve TPRD; Distributor assembly, which is connected to one or more of N tank modules and filling lines; and An optional pressure regulator, which is connected to one or more of the N tank modules and to a consumer or outlet line; and M ≥ N sensors are arranged at the OTV, optional TPRD, distributor assembly, and / or optional pressure regulator to acquire at least one first sensor signal at the input side of the first tank module and at least one second sensor signal at the output side of the first tank module; or to acquire at least one first sensor signal at the first tank module and at least one second sensor signal at the second tank module; or to acquire at least one first sensor signal at the input side of the first tank module and at least one second sensor signal at the output side of the second tank module; and Devices used to send sensor signals to cloud computing devices; or A control device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and preferably to send the operational indicators determined therefrom to a cloud computing device.

10. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 9, wherein, The hydrogen supply system further includes a filling flow limiter connected to the filling line; and / or a drain flow limiter connected to the drain line; and wherein the filling flow limiter and / or drain flow limiter are equipped with one or more of M sensors.

11. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The M sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and / or flow sensors, or functionally integrated combinations thereof; and / or Specifically, N≥2 tank modules are combined into K≥2 busbar components and interconnected through one of K distributor components. Each of the K distributor components includes one of M≥K sensors.

12. The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The control device is also configured to control the tank module based on instructions received from the cloud computing device and / or based on instructions generated according to determined operating indicators; Preferably, the instructions include one or more of the following: instructions for activating / deactivating components of the hydrogen supply system, instructions for changing the operating status of components of the hydrogen supply system, and instructions for reading operating parameters of components of the hydrogen supply system.

13. The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, Each OTV, each existing flow limiter, each existing TPRD, distributor assembly, and pressure regulator has a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a flow sensor; and wherein these sensors transmit sensor signals to a cloud computing device or control device.

14. A multi-element gas container, comprising: The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 13; case; as well as Adding and removing pipelines.

15. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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