Hydrogen Refueling IR Interference Shield

Abstract

Described herein is an apparatus, an infrared (IR) interference shield, that may be utilized with a vehicle that utilizes hydrogen fuel, such as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). For example, the infrared interference shield is attached to a hydrogen fueling receptacle on the vehicle. The infrared interference shield is specifically structured to reduce or prevent interference in infrared wireless communications between a vehicle-side infrared transmitter on the receptacle and an infrared receiver at the hydrogen fueling station. The infrared interference shield may block interference to infrared signals that may adversely affect infrared wireless communications between the hydrogen fueling station and the vehicle. Thus, the infrared interference shield improves the reliability of communications between the vehicle and the hydrogen fueling station, thereby improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the hydrogen refueling process.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to fuel cell electric technology, such as hydrogen fuel cell systems. In particular, an infrared (IR) interference shield can be used to reduce IR signal interference during hydrogen refueling of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Reducing emissions associated with industry, transportation, motor vehicles, etc. to limit adverse impacts on the climate could involve the expansion of a variety of new clean energy technologies. One such emerging technology is hydrogen fuelling. Hydrogen is a versatile fuel that can be used for a variety of applications, including industrial processes, transportation fuel and energy storage for the power grid.

[0003] In particular, hydrogen is one of the cleanest fuels for powering vehicles. This is made possible by advanced fuel cell technology that can be applied to electric vehicles using compressed hydrogen gas. In fuel cells, hydrogen reacts electrochemically to produce electricity to power the vehicle, where the only emission is water vapor. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one embodiment of the disclosed technology, an infrared (IR) interference shield is implemented that reduces the effects of IR signal interference during hydrogen refueling of a vehicle, such as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) or hydrogen ground vehicle (HGV).

[0005] Other features and aspects of the disclosed technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, features in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The Summary of the Invention is defined solely by the claims appended hereto, and is not intended to limit the scope of any inventions described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, will now be described in detail with reference to the following figures, in which: The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or exemplary embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an example of a vehicle environment utilizing an infrared (IR) interference shield during hydrogen refueling, for example, in accordance with an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0008] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary configuration of an IR interference shield in accordance with an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary installed configuration of an IR interference shield according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of interaction between a hydrogen refueling station and a vehicle utilizing the IR interference shield shown in FIG. 2, for example during hydrogen refueling, according to one embodiment of the systems and methods described herein.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle in which embodiments of the hydrogen refueling and IR interference shielding disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates example computing components that can be used to implement various features of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0013] The drawings are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] There are electric vehicles that utilize hydrogen fuel cell systems that generate electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen. For example, an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system can be refueled with hydrogen fuel at a hydrogen fueling station in a manner similar to how a conventional gas tank is filled with gasoline or diesel at a filling station. The hydrogen fuel is contained in a high-pressure tank and fed to a hydrogen fuel cell stack, where the hydrogen reacts with oxygen that is naturally present in the air to generate electricity.

[0015] Additionally, these electric vehicles with fuel cell systems may include a specially designed hydrogen fueling receptacle ("receptacle") for hydrogen refueling. Typically, such a receptacle includes an infrared (IR) transmitter that is coupled to the light vehicle receptacle. Additionally, in some vehicles, such as heavy trucks, the shape and size of the components around the receptacle may result in various types of IR interference that affect the signal from the IR transmitter of the receptacle. Aspects of IR interference that may occur near the receptacle may include, but are not limited to, interference from one or more additional IR transmitters, interference from natural light, and interference caused by hydrogen fueling station design and / or performance. Due to IR interference that may occur near the receptacle, IR communication between the on-board H2 storage system and the hydrogen fueling station may be intermittent. As a result, this intermittent IR communication may ultimately have a negative impact on the performance of the electric vehicle, such as delayed refueling and reduced state of charge (SOC).

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 in which a vehicle 120 implements an IR interference shield 150 to reduce wireless communication interference, such as IR interference that may be experienced during hydrogen refueling. According to an embodiment, the vehicle 120 may be an electric vehicle that is primarily powered by hydrogen and thus has hydrogen refueling capabilities. For example, the vehicle 120 may be a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle, such as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) or a hydrogen ground vehicle (HGV). Although the embodiments are described with reference to personal electric vehicles (e.g., light vehicles), it should be understood that the disclosed features may also be used, where appropriate, in other forms of hydrogen-powered transportation vehicles, such as heavy vehicles (e.g., buses), industrial trucks with compressed hydrogen storage (e.g., forklifts), and the like.

[0017] As a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle such as an FCEV, the vehicle 120 uses electricity to power the electric motor 123. However, unlike other electric vehicles, the vehicle 120 can generate electricity using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell (shown in FIG. 1 as a hydrogen fuel cell stack 122) rather than deriving electricity solely from a battery such as the battery 124. The power of the vehicle 120 may be determined by the size of the electric motor 123 receiving power from an appropriately sized combination of the hydrogen fuel cell stack 122 and the battery 124. The vehicle 120 may also have plug-in capability to charge the battery 124. In some embodiments, the use of the battery 124 is to recover braking energy, provide excess power during short acceleration events, and smooth the power provided by the hydrogen fuel cell stack 122 (with the option to idle or turn off the fuel cell during times of low power need). The amount of stored energy on board the vehicle 120 can be determined by the size of the hydrogen fuel tank 121. This is different from all electric vehicles, where the amount of available power and energy are both closely related to the size of the battery.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 120 has various internal components, including hydrogen (H 2 ) Tank 121, Hydrogen (H2 ) fuel cell stack 122, electric motor 123, and battery 124. If vehicle 120 is an electric vehicle, battery 124 can be a high-voltage battery that stores energy generated from regenerative braking and provides auxiliary power to electric motor 123. Electric motor 123 can use power from hydrogen fuel cell stack 122 (and battery 124) to operate and drive the wheels of vehicle 120. In some embodiments, electric motor 123 used can perform both driving and regenerative functions. Hydrogen fuel cell stack 122 of vehicle 120 can be implemented as an assembly of individual membrane electrodes that use hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. Hydrogen fuel tank 121 stores hydrogen gas on board the vehicle until it is consumed by fuel cell stack 122.

[0019] The IR interference shield 150 is a device that can be attached to the receptacle 125 of the vehicle 120 as disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the IR interference shield 150 is specifically configured to reduce or prevent interference of IR wireless communication between a vehicle-side IR transmitter on the receptacle 125 (shown in FIG. 4) and an IR receiver of the hydrogen fueling station 130 (shown in FIG. 4). For example, the IR receiver can be located on a fuel nozzle of the hydrogen fueling station 130 that is inserted into the receptacle 125 of the vehicle 120 for hydrogen refueling. Thus, there is a mechanical connection between the hydrogen fueling station 130 and the hydrogen tank 121 of the vehicle 120, which allows the hydrogen fueling station 130 to deliver its stored hydrogen fuel to fill the hydrogen tank 121 during hydrogen refueling. Additionally, an IR wireless communication connection is established between the vehicle (via the IR transmitter) and the hydrogen fueling station 130 (via the IR receiver) for transmitting data between the vehicle 120 and the hydrogen fueling station 130. Use of the IR interference shield 150 blocks interference that can adversely affect IR wireless communications, improving the reliability of communications between the vehicle 120 and the hydrogen fueling station 130 and increasing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the hydrogen refueling process.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 2, an IR interference shield 200 is depicted to clearly illustrate the structure of the device. Moreover, in the illustrated example, the IR interference shield 200 has a main member, referred to herein as a body 205. The body 205 is substantially circular in shape and can be considered to constitute the bottom (or base) of the device. It is understood that the geometry of the body 205 depicted in FIG. 2 is not limiting and the IR interference shield 200 can be configured to have other geometric formations (e.g., triangular, quadrilateral, etc.) as deemed necessary and / or appropriate.

[0021] In some embodiments, the IR interference shield 200 is constructed from a substantially rigid, non-reflective material that does not allow IR radiation to pass through, such as plastic (with an anti-reflective coating), rubber, etc. Thus, when placed near an IR communication interface between a vehicle and a hydrogen fueling station, the IR interference shield 200 can block various sources of interference, such as external IR signals, light, dust particles, etc.

[0022] As shown, the IR interference shield 200 includes an opening (also referred to herein as an aperture) that allows some components to be exposed while providing a protruding portion to protect other areas near a vehicle receptacle. A portion of the aperture is shown as fuel receptacle portion 204. This hole allows a receptacle to extend through the body 205 via the fuel receptacle portion 204. That is, the fuel receptacle portion 204 has dimensions that allow a vehicle receptacle to fit through the aperture and allow a majority of the IR interference shield 200 (e.g., the outer shield flange) to fit around the receptacle (which extends through the center of the shield). Also, one or more IR transmitters can fit within another portion of the shield 200 opening, i.e., the IR transmitter portion 202.

[0023] Additionally, the IR interference shield 200 includes an outer shield flange 203. The outer shield flange 203 may be configured as a protruding ridge, lip, or rim extending from the body 205 along its periphery. The outer shield flange 203 serves to increase the strength of the attachment and the attachment / transmission of contact forces with another object. The IR interference shield 200 may also provide stabilization and guidance of component movement, such as guiding a nozzle into a receptacle. An important aspect of the outer shield flange 203 is that it is specifically constructed to block interference from elements that may affect the IR signal as it is transmitted from one or more IR transmitters (located in the IR transmitter portion 202) to an IR receiver on a fuel nozzle (shown in FIG. 4) used to refuel the vehicle. The outer shield flange 201 extends to cover an area surrounding the receptacle, shown as the fuel delivery IR interface 140, thereby blocking interference to the IR signal in the area of ​​the interface 140 (e.g., within the IR wireless communication range between the hydrogen fueling station 130 and the vehicle 120). In other words, the IR interference shield 200 acts as a shield for the IR transmitter, with the outer shield flange 203 covering the exposed area near the vehicle receptacle to block interference. The IR interference shield 200 also includes mounting bolt openings 201, which allow the IR interference shield 200 to be attached (and possibly retrofitted) to an existing receptacle in a vehicle using a fastening mechanism such as a bolt or screw.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the IR interference shield 300 in an installed configuration. The perspective view of FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the structure and dimensions of the IR interference shield 300 as it mechanically interacts with the hydrogen fueling elements of the vehicle, i.e., the IR transmitter and the hydrogen fueling receptacle. In other words, FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of the IR interference shield 300 in operation. The IR interference shield 300 is configured to be mounted or held by a vehicle receptacle (as described in detail above with reference to FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, in this mounted configuration, the vehicle receptacle extends through the IR interference shield 300, and a majority of the IR interference shield 300 (e.g., the outer shield flange) fits around the receptacle (which penetrates the center of the shield). For example, FIG. 3 illustrates that the IR interference shield 300 can have a width N (e.g., about 18 mm) that surrounds the periphery of a portion of the receptacle. The length of the receptacle is typically greater than the width N of the IR interference shield 300 so that the remainder of the receptacle is not covered.

[0025] 3 also illustrates that in an installed configuration, the IR interference shield 300 surrounds the receptacle such that a portion of the body of the shield 300 extends to the vertical height of the receptacle. In particular, the portion of the IR interference shield 300 that extends over the receptacle is configured to cover the IR transmitter. By way of example, the IR interference shield 300 may be configured to extend at a height M (e.g., about 34 mm) or distance from the IR transmitter. The height M of the IR interference shield 300 may be dimensioned to ensure that the IR signal (e.g., the signal intended to be communicated) emanating from the IR transmitter at an effective angle is not blocked, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the shield 300 in blocking interference without interrupting the IR communications necessary for hydrogen refueling. Essentially, the IR transmitter can be inserted into the IR interference shield 300 (via the IR transmitter portion 202 shown in FIG. 2 ) such that the body of the shield 300 covers a portion of the IR transmitter, allowing it to block interference that may affect the IR signal as it is transmitted from the IR transmitter to an IR receiver in a fuel nozzle (shown in FIG. 4 ) used to refuel the vehicle.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an interaction that may occur between the hydrogen fueling station 130 and the FCEV 120 utilizing the IR interference shield 200, for example, during hydrogen refueling. Hydrogen refueling is critical to the success of an electric vehicle such as the FCEV 120. There are many factors that contribute to the success of hydrogen refueling. For example, refueling should occur within the limitations of the hydrogen storage system, and the refueling rate and driving range must be acceptable to the customer. In addition, effective wireless communication between the FCEV 120 and the hydrogen refueling station 130, for example, is also a contributing factor to the success of hydrogen refueling. In operation, there is both a mechanical connection and a wireless communication connection, shown as the hydrogen refueling coupling 405, that is established between the hydrogen refueling station 130 and the FCEV 120 during hydrogen refueling. With regard to the mechanical connection, the nozzle 415 (which is a component of the hydrogen refueling station 130 used to dispense hydrogen fuel from the hydrogen refueling station 130 to the FCEV 120) can be stably received by the receptacle 125 of the FCEV 120. Thus, by physically inserting nozzle 415 into receptacle 125 , a mechanical coupling is formed between hydrogen fuel supply station 130 and FCEV 120 , which can be used to supply hydrogen fuel to the hydrogen tank of FCEV 120 .

[0027] With regard to the wireless communication connection, the IR transmitter 425 of the FCEV 120 is communicatively connected to the IR receiver 420 of the hydrogen fueling station 130 during refueling. In some embodiments, the IR transmitter 425 is attached to the receptacle 125. The IR transmitter 425 and the IR receiver are coupled and wirelessly communicate data 410 according to a wireless IR technique, such as the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard protocol. The IR wireless capability allows the IR transmitter 425 and the IR receiver 420 to establish a short-range, low-to-medium data throughput wireless communication channel between each other, ultimately supporting communication between the FCEV 120 and the hydrogen fueling station 130. For example, while the FCEV 120 is refueling at the hydrogen fueling station 120, the IR transmitter 425 can transmit an IR signal carrying the data 410, which is received by the IR receiver 420. The data 410 may be information specifically related to hydrogen refueling, such as vehicle and / or fuel tank specifications and operating details, refueling rate, current refueling level of the hydrogen tank, and state of charge. Thus, having a stable and unobstructed hydrogen refueling coupling 405, including IR wireless communication, is an important aspect of hydrogen refueling. That is, once a stable wireless communication between the IR transmitter 425 and the IR receiver 420 is established and interference to the IR signal is significantly reduced (or absent), it can be ensured that the data 410 is successfully communicated in a manner that provides the hydrogen fueling station 130 with the appropriate vehicle and / or tank information that can be used to improve refueling. Thus, by using the IR interference shield 200, the data 410 can be processed by the hydrogen fueling station 130 to quickly and efficiently refuel the hydrogen fuel system of the FCEV 120 to a high state of charge (SOC) without violating the storage system operating limits of temperature or pressure of the internal hydrogen tank of the FCEV 120.

[0028] 4 also shows that the IR interference shield 200 is specifically disposed on the hydrogen refueling coupling 405. For example, the IR interference shield 200 can be attached to the receptacle 125 of the FCEV 120. By placing the IR interference shield 200 at the coupling point, the unique structure of the IR interference shield 200 can effectively block light, extraneous signals, dust particles, and other contaminants that may interfere with the wireless communication connection. To prevent IR interference, the IR interference shield 200 is designed with a protruding surface, or flange, that covers a substantial portion of the fuel supply interface while having openings that allow free space and components that require accessibility, i.e., the receptacle 125 and the IR transmitter 425, to remain uncovered.

[0029] An exemplary vehicle in which embodiments of the disclosed technology may be implemented is shown in Figure 5. Although the example described with reference to Figure 1 is described as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the IR interference shield may be implemented in other types of vehicles, including fuel cell electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or other vehicles.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a drive system for the fuel cell electric vehicle 120, also shown in Figure 1, which may include as a power source a hydrogen fuel cell stack 521 powered by hydrogen and one or more electric motors 522 that receive power from the hydrogen fuel cell stack 521. Drive power generated by the electric motor 522 may be transmitted to one or more wheels 534 via a transmission 518, a differential gear set 528, and a pair of axles 530.

[0031] Vehicle 120 may be driven / powered by electric motor 522 for propulsion. For example, the propulsion mode may be an EV propulsion mode that uses electric motor 522 as a motive power source. Thus, in EV propulsion mode, vehicle 120 is driven by power generated by electric motor 522. In some embodiments, another propulsion mode may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) propulsion mode that uses electric motor 522 and an engine (not shown) as a power source.

[0032] As mentioned above, electric motor 522 may be used to provide motive power to vehicle 120 and is powered via battery 544 (in addition to fuel cell stack 421). Battery 544 may be implemented as one or more batteries or other power storage devices, including, for example, lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries, capacitive storage devices, etc. Battery 544 may be charged by battery charger 545. Battery 544 may also be charged by electric motor 522, for example, by regenerative braking or by coasting while motor 522 operates as a generator.

[0033] The electric motor 522 can be powered and driven by the battery 544 and / or the fuel cell stack 521 to generate motive force for moving the vehicle 120 and adjusting the vehicle speed. The electric motor 522 can also function as a generator, generating power when braking, for example, when coasting. The battery 544 can also be used to power other electrical or electronic systems in the vehicle. The electric motor 522 can be connected to the battery 544 via an inverter 542. The battery 544 can include, for example, one or more batteries, capacitive storage units, or other storage reservoirs suitable for storing electrical energy that can be used to power the electric motor 522. When the battery 544 is implemented using one or more batteries, the batteries can include, for example, nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, lead acid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, lithium ion polymer batteries, and other types of batteries.

[0034] An electronic control unit 550 (described below) may be included and may control the electric drive components of the vehicle and other vehicle components. For example, electronic control unit 550 may control inverter 542 to regulate the drive current provided to electric motor 522 and to regulate the current received from electric motor 522 during regenerative coasting and braking. As a more specific example, the output torque of electric motor 522 may be increased or decreased by electronic control unit 550 via inverter 542.

[0035] As mentioned above, the vehicle 120 may include an electronic control unit 550. The electronic control unit 550 may include circuitry for controlling various aspects of the vehicle's operation. The electronic control unit 550 may include, for example, a microcomputer including one or more processing units (e.g., microprocessors), memory storage (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.), and I / O devices. The processing unit of the electronic control unit 550 executes instructions stored in the memory to control one or more electrical systems or subsystems within the vehicle. The electronic control unit 550 may include multiple electronic control units, such as, for example, an electronic engine control module, a powertrain control module, a transmission control module, a suspension control module, a body control module, etc. As a further example, the electronic control unit may control systems and functions such as doors, door locks, lighting, human-machine interfaces, cruise control, telematics, braking systems (e.g., ABS, ESC, or regenerative braking systems), battery management systems, etc. These various control units may be implemented using two or more separate electronic control units or a single electronic control unit.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the electronic control unit 550 receives information from a number of sensors included in the vehicle 120. For example, the electronic control unit 550 can receive signals indicative of or usable to derive vehicle operating conditions or characteristics. These may include, but are not limited to, accelerator operation amount, ACC, revolution speed, NE, rotational speed, NMG (motor rotation speed) of the motor 522, and vehicle speed, NV. These may also include NT (e.g., output amperes indicative of motor output), brake operation amount / pressure, B, battery SOC (i.e., charge amount of the battery 544 detected by an SOC sensor). Thus, the vehicle 120 can include a number of sensors 552 that can be used to detect various conditions inside or outside the vehicle and provide the detected conditions to the engine control unit 450 (which may also be implemented as one or more individual control circuits). In one embodiment, sensors 552 may be included to directly or indirectly detect one or more conditions, such as, for example, fuel economy, EF, motor efficiency, EMG, hybrid (internal combustion engine 14 + MG 12) efficiency, acceleration, ACC, etc.

[0037] Further, the one or more sensors 552 may be configured to detect and / or sense changes in position and orientation of the vehicle 120, for example, based on inertial acceleration. In one or more configurations, the electronic control unit 550 may obtain signals from vehicle sensors including an accelerometer, one or more gyroscopes, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a dead reckoning system, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a global positioning system (GPS), a navigation system, and / or other suitable sensors. In one or more configurations, the electronic control unit 50 receives a signal from a speedometer to determine the current speed of the vehicle 120.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors 552 may include their own processing capabilities to calculate results for additional information that can be provided to the electronic control unit 550. In other embodiments, one or more of the sensors may be dedicated data collection sensors that provide only raw data to the electronic control unit 550. In further embodiments, hybrid sensors that provide a combination of raw and processed data to the electronic control unit 550 may be included. The sensors 552 may provide analog or digital outputs. Additionally, as described above, one or more of the sensors 552 may be configured to detect and / or sense in real-time. As used herein, the term "real-time" refers to a level of processing responsiveness that allows a user or system to sense sufficiently immediately for a particular process or decision to be made or for the processor to keep up with any external processes.

[0039] The sensors 553 may be provided to detect not only vehicle conditions but also external conditions. Sensors that can be used to detect external conditions may include, for example, sona, radar, lidar or other vehicle proximity sensors, cameras, other image sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the cameras may be high dynamic range (HDR) cameras or infrared (IR) cameras. Image sensors may be used to detect traffic signs indicating, for example, current speed limits, road curvature, obstacles, etc. Still other sensors may include sensors capable of detecting road gradients. Some sensors may be used to actively detect passive environmental objects, while other sensors may be included to detect active objects, e.g., objects used to implement smart roads that may actively transmit and / or receive data or other information. Thus, one or more sensors 552 may be configured to obtain and / or sense driving environment data. For example, the environmental sensors may be configured to detect, quantify, and / or sense objects in at least a portion of the vehicle 120's external environment, and / or information / data about such objects. Such objects may be stationary objects and / or dynamic objects. Additionally, the sensors may be configured to detect, measure, quantify, and / or sense other things within the external environment of vehicle 120, such as, for example, lane markers, signs, traffic signals, traffic signs, lane lines, crosswalks, curbs proximate to vehicle 120, off-road objects, etc.

[0040] The sensors 553 may be provided to detect not only vehicle conditions but also external conditions. Sensors that can be used to detect external conditions may include, for example, sona, radar, lidar or other vehicle proximity sensors, cameras, other image sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the cameras may be high dynamic range (HDR) cameras or infrared (IR) cameras. Image sensors may be used to detect traffic signs indicating, for example, current speed limits, road curvature, obstacles, etc. Still other sensors may include sensors capable of detecting road gradients. Some sensors may be used to actively detect passive environmental objects, while other sensors may be included to detect active objects, e.g., objects used to implement smart roads that may actively transmit and / or receive data or other information. Thus, one or more sensors 552 may be configured to obtain and / or sense driving environment data. For example, the environmental sensors may be configured to detect, quantify, and / or sense objects in at least a portion of the vehicle 120's external environment, and / or information / data about such objects. Such objects may be stationary objects and / or dynamic objects. Additionally, the sensors may be configured to detect, measure, quantify, and / or sense other things within the external environment of vehicle 120, such as, for example, lane markers, signs, traffic signals, traffic signs, lane lines, crosswalks, curbs proximate to vehicle 120, off-road objects, etc.

[0041] As used herein, the terms circuitry and components may refer to functional units that may perform according to one or more embodiments of the present application. As used herein, components may be implemented utilizing any form of hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logic components, software routines, or other mechanisms may be implemented to configure the components. Various components described herein may be implemented as separate components, or some or all of the described functions and features may be shared among one or more components. In other words, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this specification, various features and functions described herein may be implemented in any application. They may be embodied in one or more separate or shared components in various combinations and permutations. Although various functions or functional elements may be described or claimed individually as separate components, it should be understood that these features / functions may be shared among one or more common software and hardware elements. Such description does not require or imply that separate hardware or software components are used to implement such features or functionality.

[0042] When components are implemented in whole or in part using software, these software elements may be implemented to work in conjunction with computational or processing elements capable of performing the functions described with respect thereto. An example of such a computing component is shown in FIG. 6. Various embodiments are described with respect to this exemplary computing component 600. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how to implement the present application using other computing components or architectures.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, computing components 600 may represent, for example, the computation or processing capabilities found in self-adjusting displays, desktops, laptops, notebooks, and tablet computers. They may be found in handheld computing devices (tablets, PDAs, smart phones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.). They may be found in workstations or other devices having displays, servers, or any other type of special purpose or general purpose computing device that may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment. Computing components 600 may also represent computing capabilities that are embedded within or available on a particular device. For example, computing components may also be present in portable computing devices, other electronic devices with some processing capabilities, and the like.

[0044] Computing component 600 may include, for example, one or more processors, controllers, control components, or other processing devices. This includes processor 604. Processor 604 may be implemented using a general-purpose or special-purpose processing engine, such as, for example, a microprocessor, controller, or other control logic. Processor 604 may be coupled to bus 602. However, any communication medium may be used to facilitate interaction with other components of computing component 600 or to communicate externally.

[0045] Computing component 600 may also include one or more memory components, referred to herein simply as main memory 608. For example, a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory may be used to store information and instructions to be executed by processor 604. Main memory 608 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 604. Computing component 600 may also include a read only memory ("ROM") or other static storage device coupled to bus 602 for storing static information and instructions for processor 604.

[0046] The computing component 600 may also include one or more of various forms of information storage mechanisms 610, including, for example, a media drive 612 and a storage unit interface 520. The media drive 612 may include a drive or other mechanism for supporting a fixed or removable storage medium 614. For example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical drive, a compact disk (CD) or a digital video disk (DVD) drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive may be provided. The storage medium 614 may include, for example, a hard disk, an integrated circuit assembly, a magnetic tape, a cartridge, an optical disk, a CD or a DVD. The storage medium 614 may be any other fixed or removable medium that is read, written, or accessed by the media drive 612. As these examples show, the storage medium 614 may include a computer usable storage medium on which computer software or data is stored.

[0047] In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism 610 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions and data to be loaded into computing component 600. Such means may include, for example, fixed or removable storage units 622 and interfaces 620. Examples of such storage units 622 and interfaces 620 may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces, removable memory (e.g., flash memory or other removable memory components) and memory slots. Other examples may include PCMCIA slots and cards, and other fixed or removable storage units 622 and interfaces 620 that allow software and data to be transferred from storage unit 622 to computing component 600.

[0048] The computing component 600 may also include a communication interface 624. The communication interface 624 may be used to allow software and data to be transferred between the computing component 600 and external devices. Examples of the communication interface 624 may include a modem or soft modem, a network interface (such as Ethernet, network interface card, IEEE802.XX or other interface, etc.). Other examples include a communication port (e.g., a USB port, an IR port, an RS232 port, a Bluetooth interface, or other port), or other communication interface. The software / data transferred through the communication interface 624 may be electronic, electromagnetic (including optical), or other signals capable of being exchanged by the particular communication interface 624. These signals may be provided to the communication interface 624 through a channel 628. The channel 628 carries signals and may be implemented using a wired or wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel may include a telephone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link, a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired or wireless communication channels.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are generally used to refer to a transitory or non-transitory medium. Such a medium may be, for example, memory 608, storage device 620, medium 614, and channel 628. These and various other forms of computer program medium or computer usable medium may be used to deliver one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution. Such instructions embodied in the medium are generally referred to as "computer program code" or a "computer program product" (which may be grouped in the form of a computer program or other groupings). When executed, such instructions may enable the computing component 600 to perform the features or functions of the present application as described herein.

[0050] It should be understood that various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more individual embodiments are not limited in their application to the particular embodiment for which they are described. Instead, they may be applied alone or in various combinations to one or more other embodiments, regardless of whether such an embodiment is described and whether such features are presented as part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0051] Terms and phrases used herein, and variations thereof, unless expressly stated otherwise, should be construed as open ended, not limiting. As an example of the above, the term "including" should be construed to mean "including, but not limited to," and the like. The term "example" is used to provide illustrative examples of items in the discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. The terms "a" or "an" should be construed to mean "at least one," "one or more," and the like, and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "usual," "standard," "known," and the like should be construed as having a similar meaning. Terms with similar meanings should not be construed as limiting the items being described to a particular period of time or to items available at a particular time. Instead, they should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, ordinary, or standard technology that may be available or known at any time now or in the future. When this specification refers to technology that is apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technology encompasses technology that is apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art at any time now or in the future.

[0052] The presence of broader terms such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to," or other similar terms, as the case may be, should not be construed to imply that a narrower case is intended or required in the absence of such broader terms. Use of the term "component" does not imply that aspects or functionality described or claimed as part of a component are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various aspects of a component, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or maintained separately, and may further be distributed into multiple groups or packages, or in multiple locations.

[0053] Moreover, the various embodiments described herein are described with reference to exemplary block diagrams, flow charts, and other diagrams. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this specification, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without being limited to the illustrated examples. For example, the block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

Claims

1. a receptacle for receiving hydrogen fuel during hydrogen refueling; an infrared (IR) transmitter coupled to the receptacle for transmitting an IR signal during hydrogen refueling; and an IR interference shield disposed in the receptacle; the IR interference shield blocks interference to the IR signal transmitted by the IR transmitter; vehicle.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the IR transmitter transmits the IR signal over the IR wireless communication channel to an IR receiver at a hydrogen fueling station.

3. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the IR signal represents data related to hydrogen fueling.

4. 4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the data is received by a hydrogen fueling station to control hydrogen refueling.

5. an electric motor; and a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen fuel, the electricity powering the electric motor; 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

6. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is at least one of an electric vehicle, a fuel cell electric vehicle, a hydrogen ground vehicle, or a heavy electric vehicle.

7. The main body, an opening including a first portion for receiving a hydrogen fuel receptacle through the body for a fuel cell electric vehicle and a second portion for receiving an infrared (IR) transmitter through the body; a flange extending over an area around the receptacle to block interference with the IR transmitter in that area. Device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the hydrogen fuel supply receptacle receives hydrogen fuel.

9. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the IR transmitter transmits an IR signal during hydrogen refueling of the fuel cell electric vehicle.

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