How to determine the volume of a tank

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for determining the volume of a tank to be filled with a medium, for example with hydrogen, comprising: indicating a test filling process (200) in which a 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 quantities (G1.1, G1.2) characterizing the medium in the supply device before, during and / or after the test filling process; obtaining one or more second values ​​(W2) of one or more second quantities (G2.1, G2.2) characterizing the mass flow rate of the medium between the supply device and the tank before, during and / or after the test filling process. a plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) are determined, including: determining (221) a first mass difference (m1) between the start and end of the test filling process based on one or more first values ​​(W1); determining (222) a second mass difference (m2) between the start and end of the test filling process based on 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) to obtain a comparison result (231); and determining (240) the volume of the tank.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the volume of a tank to be filled with a medium, in particular with hydrogen, for example within the context of a tank refueling process. The present invention also relates to a calculation system for carrying out the method and to a corresponding installation, in particular a hydrogen tank station.

[0002] Hydrogen can be used as a fuel for a variety of vehicles. To be able to run a vehicle on hydrogen, the hydrogen can be stored in a tank in the vehicle, for example under pressure between 300 and 1000 bar. The tank is usually filled according to a protocol, such as a so-called filling protocol or tank refueling protocol, in order to ensure safety, i.e., on the one hand, the maximum permissible temperature and / or the maximum permissible pressure is not exceeded in the tank.

[0003] In order to be able to comply with such protocols, or even to keep tank refill times as short as possible, it is usually necessary to know at least roughly the volume of the tank, i.e., especially if the tank is to be filled with a gas, the volume at the time of filling also depends on the volume of the tank. In this context, the problem is to provide a means for determining the volume of the tank that should be filled with a medium such as hydrogen.

[0004] Disclosure of the Invention This problem is solved by a method, a calculation system and an installation for determining the volume of a tank with the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description, respectively.

[0005] Advantages of the invention The present invention generally addresses the filling of tanks with a medium, in particular with hydrogen. However, the invention particularly relates to determining the volume of the tank of such a vehicle in the context of filling. The filling (or tank refueling) itself can, for example, be carried out according to a filling protocol (or tank refueling protocol) as already mentioned, which contains, for example, a number of settings for the medium and / or one or more quantities characterizing the delivery of the medium during filling. Although the present invention will be described primarily in the context of hydrogen as a medium and the tank refueling process at a hydrogen tank station, the invention can equally be applied to the filling of tanks or tanks with other media, in particular with gases or liquefied gases.

[0006] To fill hydrogen-powered vehicles according to a tank refueling protocol that is adapted to the respective tank or tank system, it must be ensured that the tank system to be filled is recognized and identified as automatically as possible by the dispenser at the hydrogen tank station during the tank refueling (or filling) process. This should be done safety-oriented, in particular according to SIL-2 (SIL stands for "Safety Integrity Level" and specifies the safety level), since incorrect recognition of the tank system and the resulting incorrect selection of the filling protocol could result in, for example, tank overheating or overfilling with resulting personal injury.

[0007] A typical vehicle may be equipped with a data interface, such as an infrared interface; however, such a data interface typically does not have the SIL-2 capability to output a SIL-2 signal that allows the dispenser to determine with sufficient certainty the volume of the tank or tank system that will guide the tank refilling protocol to be selected. One way around this is to refill the vehicle in question at a possibly disproportionately slow speed, the so-called "most conservative approach" according to SAE J2601. This means that only the slowest of all possible pressure ramps according to SAE J2601 can always be applied to fill the vehicle, even if the tank system itself could be refilled more quickly.

[0008] Against this background, a method for determining the volume of a tank (tank volume) to be filled with a medium such as hydrogen is proposed. Tank volume is intended to mean, in particular, the volume of the tank, including any inlet lines, such as those from the vehicle's tank connection coupling to the actual tank. It should be noted that the tank volume can also be defined differently, for example, through a mass specification, in which case specific values ​​of specific parameters apply for a specific medium. For example, a tank with a volume of 50 liters can contain 2 kg of hydrogen under specific conditions of pressure and temperature. It should also be noted that determining the tank volume does not necessarily involve determining a specific value for the tank volume; rather, it is understood to be a distinction between or assignment to multiple tank volume categories.

[0009] For this purpose, a test filling process (the term test shot may also be used here) is first indicated. This can take place, in particular automatically, for example, at the start of the tank filling process, after the dispenser has been connected to the tank and / or after the start of the tank filling process has been indicated, for example, by pressing a start button. In the test filling process, the medium is filled into the tank from a supply device via a dispenser. The supply device may include, for example, a storage tank or reservoir (for example, at a hydrogen tank station) and any piping required for the medium to the dispenser. The dispenser may be connected to the vehicle's tank or a tank connection pipe coupling. This test filling process may be particularly short compared to the normal filling process, for example, 60 seconds in length, or even shorter, for example, only 5, 10, or 20 seconds.

[0010] Furthermore, one or more first values, in particular measured values, of one or more first quantities characterizing the medium are obtained in the supply device before and / or during and / or after the test filling process or test shot. The one or more first quantities can include, for example, one or more of the following: pressure in the supply device, temperature in the supply device, volume of the supply device. Suitable sensors can be used at suitable locations, for example, to detect the first values.

[0011] Furthermore, one or more second values, particularly measured values, of one or more second quantities characterizing the mass flow rate of the medium between the supply device and the tank are obtained before, during, and / or after the test filling process. Preferably, multiple values ​​of multiple second quantities, which may themselves be mass flow rates, are obtained, i.e., from multiple different sensors, particularly mass flow rate measuring devices (in which case each of the multiple second quantities is a mass flow rate, but a separately detected mass flow rate). This is particularly preferred if such sensors or mass flow rate measuring devices do not have SIL-2 capability. If such sensors or mass flow rate measuring devices have SIL-2 capability, this may be sufficient.

[0012] In one embodiment, one or more third values ​​of one or more third quantities characterizing the medium in the tank before and / or during and / or after the test fill process are also obtained. The one or more third values ​​may preferably be obtained from the vehicle via a data interface, for example via the already mentioned infrared interface (which typically does not have SIL-2 capability). The one or more third quantities may include, for example, one or more of the following quantities: pressure at the tank, temperature at the tank, volume of the tank.

[0013] A plurality of mass differences are then further determined, including determining a first mass difference between the start and end of the test fill process based on one or more first values, determining a second mass difference between the start and end of the test fill process based on one or more second values, and, in cases where a third value is obtained, determining a third mass difference between the start and end of the test fill process based on one or more third values.

[0014] In this way, the mass difference is determined in two or possibly three different ways and based on two or three different underlying values ​​or measurements. Each of these mass differences represents—at least within the limits of any measurement error or measurement accuracy and safety level—the mass of the medium that flowed into the vehicle's tank during the test filling process. Using the above quantities, the mass difference can be calculated. For example, the mass before or after the test filling process can be determined via the density, for example, based on the corresponding temperature and pressure. The mass flow measuring device can provide a mass flow rate that can be integrated over the time of the test filling process, for example.

[0015] Then, in a further comparison process, the multiple mass differences are compared with the minimum mass difference and the maximum mass difference to obtain a comparison result, and based on the comparison result, the volume of the tank is determined.

[0016] In one embodiment, the minimum mass difference is determined based on the minimum preset tank volume and one or more values ​​of one or more fourth quantities, respectively, characterizing the medium before, during, and / or after the test filling process. The maximum mass difference can be determined, for example, based on the maximum preset tank volume and one or more values ​​of one or more fourth quantities, respectively. The one or more fourth quantities can include, for example, one or more of the following quantities: pressure at the dispenser, temperature at the dispenser. The minimum and maximum tank volumes can be selected, in particular, based on typical tank volume categories. For example, for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, tank volumes between 50 liters and 200 liters are common. Accordingly, one tank volume category can include tank volumes between 50 liters and 200 liters. In other words, both quantities represent the minimum or maximum mass difference expected in a particular tank volume category. Two or even three mass differences, each determined in a different manner, are then compared with this, so that an even higher level of safety or safety can be achieved in determining the tank volume.

[0017] For example, it can be determined that if the mass differences are between the minimum and maximum mass differences, the tank volume is assigned to the smaller of the two preset tank volume categories. Conversely, if at least one of the mass differences exceeds the maximum mass difference, the tank volume is assigned to the larger of the two preset tank volume categories. Accordingly, the smaller of the two tank volume categories is specifically defined by the minimum and maximum tank volume, i.e., between 50 liters and 200 liters, for example. The larger of the two tank volume categories is anything above this, i.e., for example, exactly 200 liters or more. In this case, this can be, in particular, a truck. Alternatively, the minimum and maximum volumes can generally be selected or set differently.

[0018] Then, based on a particular volume of the tank (i.e., for example, two tank volume categories), one of a plurality of filling protocols can be selected (i.e., for example, the smaller or larger tank volume category), and the tank can be filled or refilled with a medium according to the selected filling protocol.

[0019] That is, in the above-mentioned cases where the third value is not available, for example because the vehicle does not have a data interface, the determination of the tank volume is made solely on the basis of the two mass differences and therefore ultimately with a slightly lower safety margin. In this sense, if the larger of the two tank volume categories is determined, it may be intended that the tank is filled with medium (tank replenishment) only up to a pressure defined in the filling protocol. In that case, such a pressure is usually lower than when the third value is available, and the term non-com target pressure can be used (non-com stands for the absence of a data or communication interface).

[0020] In one embodiment, to obtain a test result, a test process checks whether a number of (i.e., two or possibly three) mass differences are each below a limit mass difference. The limit mass difference is determined based on the duration of the test filling process and an allowable mass flow rate. Such an allowable mass flow rate may be, for example, a system-specific limit value that must not be exceeded for safety reasons. If at least one of the mass differences is not below the limit mass difference, the regular filling process scheduled, for example, after the test filling process, can be stopped or even not started from the beginning. This is an additional safety mechanism.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computing system, for example a memory programmable controller (SPS), set up in particular for programmatically implementing the method as described above.

[0022] The present invention further relates to an installation for filling a tank with a medium, in particular a hydrogen tank station. The installation comprises a supply device for the medium and a dispenser for the medium; the installation is further set up to supply the medium from a storage tank to the dispenser and into the tank for filling; i.e., appropriate piping and, if necessary, components, such as are usual in hydrogen tank stations, may be present. The installation further comprises one or more sensors, by means of which measurements of one or more quantities characterizing the medium and / or the delivery of the medium during filling can be detected; these may be, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and mass flow meters as described above. The installation further comprises a calculation system according to the present invention.

[0023] The implementation of the method according to the invention in the form of a computer program or computer program product having program code for performing all the method steps is also preferred, since this results in particularly low costs, especially when the executing control device is also used for other functions and is therefore already present. Finally, machine-readable storage media are contemplated on which the above-described computer program is stored. Suitable storage media or data carriers for providing the computer program are, in particular, magnetic, optical, and electrical storage devices, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs, etc. Downloading the program via a computer network (Internet, intranet, etc.) is also possible. Such downloading can be via wired or cabled or wireless (e.g., WLAN network, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G connection, etc.).

[0024] In one embodiment, the invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the drawing and will be described below with reference to this drawing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 shows diagrammatically an installation according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of the procedure of the method according to the present invention in a preferred embodiment.

[0026] Detailed Description of the Drawings 1 shows a schematic representation of an installation 100 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, in which the method according to the invention can also be carried out. The installation 100 serves for filling tanks with a medium, for example with hydrogen. By way of example, the installation 100 is a hydrogen tank station.

[0027] The installation 100 comprises a supply 110 for the medium H2, i.e., hydrogen, and a dispenser 120 for the medium. The supply 110 includes, here by way of example, a storage tank 111 and piping or supply 112 to the dispenser 120. The installation 100 is set up to supply the medium H2 from the supply 110 to the dispenser 120, e.g., for filling a tank 162 of a vehicle 160. The dispenser 120 may comprise or be connected to a tank refilling device, not shown, to enable the transfer of the medium to the tank 162. Furthermore, the installation 100 and / or the dispenser 120 may comprise other components, such as pumps and other necessary piping, that are necessary for the operation of such an installation, i.e., for example, a hydrogen tank station.

[0028] The installation 100 further includes a computing system 130 in the dispenser 120. The computing system 130 may be, in particular, a programmable controller, or so-called SPS. Two sensors are provided by way of example, for example, a pressure sensor 141 and a temperature sensor 142. Two mass flow meters 151, 152 are also provided by way of example, through which the medium H2 flows when the tank 162 is filled. The two mass flow meters 151, 152 may be arranged so that they are passed through directly one after the other by the medium and thus detect, or at least should detect, the same mass flow. Further sensors, for example, for pressure and temperature, may also be provided, although not shown here, in particular external to the dispenser 120, for example on or in the supply device 110, and on or in the vehicle 160, in particular in its tank 162.

[0029] Furthermore, the installation 100 has a data interface 132, e.g., an infrared interface, here at the dispenser 120, via which values ​​of various quantities can be obtained, e.g., from the vehicle 160. It should be noted that the data interface 132 is arranged so as to be able to establish a communication connection with a corresponding data interface in the vehicle. For example, the data interface 132 can be arranged in a tank refill connection of the dispenser 120.

[0030] The calculation unit 130 is connected, in particular in a data-transmitting manner, to sensors, for example sensors 141, 142, mass flow measuring devices 151, 152, as well as to a data interface 132, so as to be able to obtain respective values ​​or measured values ​​therefrom.

[0031] The operation of the facility 100 or the calculation unit 130, particularly for determining the volume of the tank 162, is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the procedure of the method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, i.e., as already described with reference to FIG. 1, for determining the amount of a tank to be filled with a medium, in particular with hydrogen.

[0033] To this end, a test filling process 200 is first commanded. For this purpose, the computing system can, for example, output appropriate commands, which open the appropriate valves in the piping. This can, for example, occur automatically, for example, at the start of the tank filling process, after the dispenser is connected to the tank and / or after the start of the tank filling process is commanded, for example, by pressing a start button. In this test filling process 200, medium H2 is filled from the supply device via the dispenser into the tank. This test filling process 200 can be particularly short compared to a normal filling process, for example, 60 seconds in length, or even shorter, for example, only 5, 10, or 20 seconds.

[0034] Furthermore, multiple values ​​of one or more first quantities characterizing the medium in the supply device are acquired, for example, before, during, and / or after the test filling process, particularly measured values, e.g., in the form of measured value progression over time. By way of example, the first value is designated by the symbol W1. By way of example, two first quantities G1.1 and G1.2 are shown, which may be, in particular, the pressure and temperature in the supply device. For example, suitable sensors can be used, as described above, to detect the first values. Furthermore, the volume of the supply device can be taken into account; this is typically known, so its value simply needs to be stored.

[0035] Further, in step 211, a first mass difference m1 between the start and end of the test filling process is determined based on the first value W1.

[0036] This first mass difference m1 is in particular the calculated mass of the medium withdrawn from the supply device (i.e., for example, from a storage tank or from a volume conducting pressure inside the tank station). It can be determined, for example, with the aid of a density calculation, for example, by means of an approximate polynomial (see, for example, formula J98 of SAE J2601-2020), using, for example, TT and PT as sensors for pressure and temperature in the storage or pressure source. This calculation can be performed within the calculation system (SPS), for example, in the so-called F section or fail-safe section (simplified formula) on the one hand, and in the standard program of the SPS on the other. These two results can then be compared again, and if the deviation is less than a threshold value, for example, 1.5 g / l, the mass is determined by the density calculation from the standard program in the F section of the SPS.

[0037] Density is generally calculated using the formula V = Δm / (ρ intial -ρ final ), where ρ intial ,ρ finalrepresents the density before and after the test filling process, V represents the volume of the feeding device, and Δm generally represents the mass difference between before and after the test filling process.

[0038] Furthermore, a plurality of second values, e.g., of one or more second quantities, characterizing the mass flow (or mass flow) of medium H2 between the supply device and the tank before, during, and / or after the test filling process, in particular measured values, e.g., in the form of measured value profiles over time, are obtained. By way of example, the second values ​​are designated by the symbol W2. By way of example, two second quantities G2.1, G2.2 are shown, which may in particular be the mass flow measured by the first mass flow measuring instrument and the mass flow measured by the second mass flow measuring instrument (see symbols 151, 152 in FIG. 1 ).

[0039] 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. For example, the mass flow rates of the two mass flow measuring devices can be integrated over the time of the test filling process. The two results can then be compared with each other, and if the deviation is less than a threshold, the average value of the two results can be used as the second mass difference. If SIL-2 capable mass flow measuring devices are used, only one of them, and in that case only the second amount, can be sufficient.

[0040] Further optionally, multiple values ​​of one or more third quantities characterizing the medium H2 in the tank are obtained, for example before and / or during and / or after the test filling process. By way of example, the third value is designated W3. By way of example, two third quantities G3.1, G3.2 are shown, which may in particular be the pressure in the tank, the temperature in the tank, the volume of the tank, and are obtained via the data interface shown in Figure 1. As mentioned above, the data interface used for this purpose typically does not have SIL-2 capabilities (e.g., in the case of an infrared interface).

[0041] Furthermore, in step 223, a third mass difference m3 between the start and end of the test filling process is determined based on the third value W3, as already described above with respect to pressure, temperature, and volume, for example.

[0042] In this way, two or possibly three different mass differences are determined in each case on the basis of two or three different underlying values ​​or measurements, each of which represents—at least within the limits of any possible measurement error or measurement accuracy and safety level—the mass of the medium that flowed into the tank of the vehicle during the test filling process.

[0043] It should be noted that the order of the above steps to obtain each value and calculate each mass is not important, as long as two or all three mass differences are present after the test filling process is complete so that subsequent comparisons can be made.

[0044] After a set time, for example 60 seconds, in particular shortly after the main tank fill valve has been opened, a tank fill stop is carried out, during which the system can on the one hand be checked for tightness (pressure deviations in the vehicle tank both upward and downward are checked) and furthermore a comparison process is carried out as described below.

[0045] Then, in a comparison process 230, the mass differences m1, m2, m3 are compared with the minimum mass difference m4 and the maximum mass difference m5 to obtain a comparison result 231. Then, based on the comparison result 231, in step 240, the volume of the tank is determined.

[0046] The minimum mass difference m4 is determined, for example, based on a set minimum tank volume and, for example, based on multiple values ​​of multiple fourth quantities that characterize the medium before, during, and / or after the test filling process. For example, for a vehicle with a tank, the minimum mass difference m4 of the expected mass transferred during the test filling process, calculated together, for example, in real time, corresponds to a volume of 2 kg to 50 liters and is determined from the temperature of the medium at the last measuring point in the dispenser, with reference to the dispenser pressure. The aforementioned fixed tank volume of 50 liters is assumed here. This 50 liters corresponds to the minimum tank volume expected according to SAE J2601-2020. In principle, other tank volumes may also be taken into account for this purpose.

[0047] The maximum mass difference m5 is determined, for example, based on a set maximum volume of the tank and on multiple values ​​of, for example, multiple fourth quantities that characterize the medium before, during, and / or after the test filling process. For example, for a vehicle with a tank, the maximum mass difference m5 of the expected mass transferred during the test filling process, calculated together in real time, corresponds to 10 kg to 250 liters and is determined from the temperature of the medium at the last measuring point in the dispenser, with reference to the pressure at the dispenser. The aforementioned fixed tank volume of 250 liters is then assumed. This 250 liters corresponds to the maximum tank volume expected for a passenger car according to SAE J2601. In principle, other tank volumes may also be taken into account for this purpose.

[0048] Determining the tank quantity in step 240 includes, in particular, determining that the tank quantity is assigned to the smaller tank quantity category K1 of the two set tank quantity categories when the plurality of mass differences are between the minimum mass difference and the maximum mass difference, respectively, whereas determining that the tank quantity is assigned to the larger tank quantity category K2 of the two set tank quantity categories when at least one of the plurality of mass differences is greater than the maximum mass difference.

[0049] Based on the determined tank volume, i.e., for example, its assignment to one of the tank volume categories, one of several filling protocols can then be selected; in FIG. 2, filling protocol 250 is selected as an example. The tank is then filled with medium according to the selected filling protocol. A limit mass difference m6 is then determined based on the duration of the test filling process and the permissible mass flow rate. Such a permissible mass flow rate can be, for example, a system-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 according to the selected filling protocol can continue, as described above.

[0050] If at least one of the mass differences m1, m2, m3 is not below the limit mass difference m6, then the scheduled filling process, for example after the test filling process, can be stopped or even not started from the beginning. This is an additional safety mechanism. This is especially true if the third mass difference m3 is not available, for example because the third value cannot be obtained from the vehicle.

[0051] In this way, within the scope of the present invention, it can be ensured that vehicles with different tank volumes, whose filling connections (tank connection couplings) are mechanically compatible with the corresponding dispensers or their delivery nozzles, are always refueled according to the correct tank refueling protocol, thereby increasing the availability of hydrogen dispensers while at the same time increasing the safety level of the tank refueling process.

Claims

1. 1. A method for determining the amount of a tank (162) to be filled with a medium (H2), in particular with hydrogen, comprising: a test filling process (200) is indicated, in which the medium (H2) is filled into the tank (162) from a supply device (110) via a dispenser (120); one or more first values ​​(W1), in particular measured values, of one or more first quantities (G1.1, G1.2) characterizing the medium of the supply device at the supply device before and / or during and / or after the test filling process are obtained (211); one or more second values ​​(W2), in particular measured values, of one or more second quantities (G2.1, G.2.2) characterizing the mass flow rate of the medium between the supply device and the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process are obtained (212); A plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) are determined, which includes: - determining (221) a first mass difference (m1) between the start and the end of the test filling process based on said one or more first values ​​(W1); and - determining (222) a second mass difference (m2) between the start and the end of the test filling process based on said one or more second values ​​(W2); A comparison process (230) compares the plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) with a minimum mass difference (m4) and a maximum mass difference (m5) to obtain a comparison result (231); and and determining (240) the volume of the tank based on the comparison (231).

2. the minimum mass difference (m4) is determined based on a set minimum volume of the tank and on one or more values ​​of one or more fourth quantities characterizing the medium before and / or during and / or after the test filling process; and / or 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the maximum mass difference (m5) is determined based on a set maximum volume of the tank and on one or more values ​​of one or more fourth quantities characterizing the medium before and / or during and / or after a test filling process.

3. Determining the volume of the tank (240) includes: If a plurality of mass differences are between the smallest mass difference (m4) and the largest mass difference (m5), the tank's volume is determined to be assigned to the smaller of the two tank volume categories (K1, K2) that have been set; and / or Determining the volume of the tank includes:

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: determining that the tank's quantity is assigned to the larger of two set tank quantity categories (K1, K2) when at least one of a plurality of mass differences exceeds the maximum mass difference (m5).

4. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more fourth quantities characterizing the medium before and / or during and / or after the test fill process include one or more of the following quantities: pressure at the dispenser, temperature at the dispenser.

5. Further including: one or more third values ​​(W13) of one or more third quantities (G3.1, G3.2) characterizing the medium in the tank before and / or during and / or after the test filling process are obtained (213); 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a plurality of mass differences, the method comprising: determining a third mass difference (m3) between the start and end of the test filling process based on one or more of the third values ​​(W3).

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

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

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first quantities (G1.1, G1.2) characterizing the medium in the supply device before and / or during and / or after a test filling process comprise one or more of the following quantities: pressure in the supply device, temperature in the supply device, volume of the supply device.

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of values ​​of one or more second quantities (G2.1, G.2.2) characterizing the mass flow rate of the medium between the supply device and the tank before and / or during and / or after a test filling process are obtained by a plurality of different sensors, in particular by mass flow measuring instruments.

10. Further including: In order to obtain a test result, a test process (260) is performed to check whether each of the plurality of mass differences (m1, m2, m3) is below a limit mass difference (m6) obtained based on the time and allowable mass flow rate of the test filling process; and 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the filling process is stopped or not started if at least one of the plurality of mass differences is not below the threshold mass difference.

11. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of a plurality of filling protocols (250) is selected based on the determined volume of the tank, and in particular the tank is filled with medium according to the selected filling protocol.

12. A computing system (130) set up to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An installation (100) for filling a tank (162) with a medium (H2), in particular a hydrogen tank station, said installation (100) having a supply device (110) for the medium and a dispenser (120) for the medium, said installation (100) being set up to supply the medium from said supply device (110) to said dispenser (120) for filling said tank, the installation (100) preferably comprises one or more sensors (141, 142, 151, 152) by means of which it is possible to detect measurements of one or more quantities characterizing the medium and / or the delivery of the medium during filling, The facility (100) comprises a computing system (130) according to claim 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system (1300), instruct it to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. 15. A computer readable data carrier having stored thereon a computer program according to claim 14.

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