Method and apparatus for assisting in hydrogen refueling

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with the present invention, relates to an apparatus for assisting in refueling a pressure vessel (111) of a vehicle (110) with fuel. The apparatus is configured to determine whether a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel (111) at a refueling station (120) was performed using or without a communication connection (103) between the vehicle (110) and the refueling station (120). The apparatus is further configured to take action for future refueling processes depending on the determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a method and a corresponding device for assisting a vehicle user when refueling with hydrogen.

[0002] An electrically driven vehicle can include a fuel cell configured to generate electrical energy for the vehicle's electric drive motor based on hydrogen. The vehicle includes a hydrogen pressure vessel configured to be filled with hydrogen up to a specific filling pressure (e.g., up to 700 bar). In this case, the vehicle's cruising range depends on the amount of hydrogen filled into the hydrogen pressure vessel during the refueling process, while the amount of hydrogen depends on the filling pressure for filling the hydrogen pressure vessel during the refueling process.

[0003] The filling pressure occurring during the refueling process generally depends on the vehicle's characteristics and / or the hydrogen refueling station. In this case, due to malfunctions of the vehicle and / or the hydrogen refueling station, the filling pressure may be reduced, and as a result, the vehicle's cruising range becomes shorter, and ultimately, the comfort for the vehicle user decreases.

[0004] One preferred problem of the technology disclosed in this specification is to reduce or eliminate at least one drawback of previously known solutions, or to propose an alternative solution. In particular, one preferred problem of the technology disclosed in this specification is to assist a vehicle user when refueling with hydrogen and / or to improve the quality of hydrogen refueling. Further preferred problems can be clarified from the advantageous effects of the technology disclosed in this specification. This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus for assisting in refueling a fuel into a pressure vessel of a vehicle (automobile) is described. This apparatus can be part of a vehicle, part of a refueling station for a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel, and / or part of a central unit (such as a back-end server) for a network of a plurality of refueling stations. This apparatus can be designed to assist in refueling so that, as much as possible at any time or as frequently as possible during the refueling process, the pressure vessel of the vehicle can be filled with the maximum possible amount of fuel (especially H2 or hydrogen).

[0006] This apparatus is configured to determine whether the refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel at the refueling station is performed with or without using a communication connection between the vehicle and the refueling station. Through the communication connection between the vehicle and the refueling station, communication compliant with standard SAE J2601 and / or standard SAE J2799 can be realized. Alternatively or additionally, the communication connection between the vehicle and the refueling station can include an infrared communication connection, and in particular, this communication connection can be an infrared communication connection. In particular, standard SAE J2601 can define the specifications of the infrared communication used between the vehicle and the refueling station. At that time, the communication connection can be limited to the communication direction from the vehicle to the refueling station in some cases.

[0007] In some cases, in addition to infrared communication, the communication connection can include one or more other data transmission forms (such as Bluetooth or WLAN) that are available for transmitting, for example, vehicle identifiers and / or position data.

[0008] Thus, it is possible to determine whether COM replenishment or non-COM replenishment of the vehicle's pressure vessel has been performed at the replenishment station. In this case, generally, when replenishment is performed using a communication connection (i.e., in the case of COM replenishment), the filling pressure of the pressure vessel that occurs during replenishment (and further, the fuel filling amount that occurs accordingly) is, for example, 5% or more or 10% or more higher than in the case of replenishment without using a communication connection (i.e., in the case of non-COM replenishment). Therefore, non-COM replenishment may reduce the filling level of the pressure vessel, and consequently, the vehicle's cruising range may be shortened.

[0009] This device is further configured to take measures for future replenishment processes depending on whether the replenishment is performed with or without using communication. In particular, this device can be configured to take measures for future replenishment processes when it is determined that the replenishment is performed without using a communication connection. Exemplary measures are to instruct an inspection of the communication module for establishing a communication connection between the vehicle and / or the replenishment station, and / or to update a database representing the state of the replenishment station.

[0010] Therefore, by this device, it is possible to identify malfunctions of the vehicle (e.g., (any) first vehicle among a plurality of different vehicles) and / or the replenishment station (e.g., (any) first charging station among a plurality of different charging stations) that reduce the filling level of the pressure vessel during the replenishment process, and consequently, the vehicle's cruising range. Further, by this device, malfunctions can be corrected in a timely manner for the purpose of achieving the maximum possible filling level in future replenishment processes. In this way, the quality of the replenishment of the pressure vessel can be improved with high reliability.

[0011] This device is for vehicles at a plurality of corresponding different replenishment stations (in particular, the first vehicle among a plurality of different vehicles)The vehicle pressure vessel may be configured to determine that a number of successive refueling processes of the pressure vessel were performed without a communication connection, which may be regarded as an indication that the communication module of the vehicle is damaged. In response to this, an instruction may be given to check, in particular to repair or replace, the communication module of the vehicle for establishing a communication connection. In this way, the quality of the refueling process of the vehicle may be increased in a timely manner.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the device can be used as a filling station for pressure vessels of a corresponding number of different vehicles. (in particular, the first charging station among a plurality of different charging stations) The refueling station may be configured to determine that a number of successive refueling processes at the refueling station have been carried out without a communication connection, which may be regarded as an indication that the communication module of the refueling station is damaged. In response to this, an instruction may be given to check, in particular to repair or replace, the communication module of the refueling station for establishing a communication connection. In this way, the quality of the refueling process at the refueling station may be increased in a timely manner.

[0013] The apparatus may be configured to determine pressure data relating to the fill pressure of the pressure vessel following a refueling process, and may be further configured to determine temperature data relating to the temperature of the fuel within the pressure vessel, particularly the temperature of the fuel following a refueling process.

[0014] In this way, based on the pressure data and / or based on the temperature data, it can be determined in a precise manner whether the refueling process was performed with or without a communication connection between the vehicle and the refueling station. In particular, if the filling pressure is lower (e.g., by more than 5%) than the maximum pressure permitted for the refueling process, it can be identified that the refueling process was performed without a communication connection.

[0015] Based on the pressure data and the temperature data, the density of the fuel in the pressure vessel can be determined. If this is done, the state of charge (SOC) of the pressure vessel can be determined with high precision from the density of the fuel in the pressure vessel achieved as part of the refueling process. Based on the SOC, it can be determined whether the refueling process was carried out using a communication connection (SOC > 95%) or without using a communication connection (SOC < 95%).

[0016] This device can be configured to determine whether the user and / or the refueling station prematurely interrupted the refueling process (and thus whether the SOC of the pressure vessel could not reach 95% of the maximum allowable pressure). For this purpose, for premature interruptions (before reaching the maximum allowable pressure), no indicator, one indicator or multiple indicators can be determined. Exemplary indicators are · operation of an interrupt button (on the vehicle side or the refueling station side), · an interrupt signal on the communication connection (on the vehicle side or the refueling station side), and / or · a situation where the filling pressure is significantly below the maximum allowable pressure, for example less than 80% of the maximum allowable pressure is the case.

[0017] Furthermore, this device can be configured to determine, based on no indicator, one detected indicator or multiple detected indicators, whether the refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel at the refueling station was carried out using the communication connection between the vehicle and the refueling station or without using it, with respect to premature interruption of the refueling process. By identifying and considering one or more indicators for premature interruption of the refueling process, it is possible to determine with increased accuracy whether the refueling process was carried out using a communication connection or without using a communication connection.

[0018] As described above, the device can be part of a vehicle. The device can be configured to receive, from a refueling station or from a central unit for a network consisting of a plurality of refueling stations, refueling process data regarding whether the refueling process was carried out using or without using a communication connection between the vehicle and the refueling station.

[0019] For this purpose, the device can be configured to determine a vehicle identifier, position data regarding the position of the refueling station, and / or a timestamp regarding the time point of the refueling process. In this way, the refueling process data can be queried from the refueling station or the central unit in a reliable manner based on the identifier, based on the position data, and / or based on the timestamp. By providing the refueling process data, the vehicle can be made to identify a malfunction of the vehicle's communication module in a reliable manner.

[0020] The refueling station can include one or more refueling station sensors configured to detect sensor data regarding the fuel supplied during the refueling process, in particular sensor data regarding pressure and / or fuel quantity. In this case, the one or more refueling station sensors can have a relatively high accuracy. In particular, the one or more refueling station sensors can be calibrated.

[0021] The vehicle can include one or more vehicle sensors configured to detect sensor data regarding the filling level and / or filling pressure of the pressure vessel. The device can be configured to inspect and / or calibrate the one or more vehicle sensors based on the sensor data of the one or more refueling station sensors. In this way, the quality of the refueling process can be further improved.

[0022] According to a further aspect, a (road-going) motor vehicle (in particular a passenger car or a truck or a bus) comprising the device described herein is described.

[0023] According to a further aspect, a refueling station comprising the device described herein is described.

[0024] According to a further aspect, a method for assisting in refueling a pressure vessel of a vehicle with (gaseous or fluid) fuel is described. This method (first) comprises a step of determining whether a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel at a refueling station is performed with or without using a communication connection between the vehicle (first) and the refueling station. Further, this method comprises steps of taking measures for a future refueling process of (the vehicle and / or (first) the refueling station) depending on this determination step. (first) (first) the refueling station) depending on this determination step. (first) the refueling station) depending on this determination step.

[0025] According to a further aspect, a software (SW) program is described. This software program can be configured to be executed on a processor so as to implement the method described herein.

[0026] According to a further aspect, a storage medium is described. This storage medium can contain a software program which is configured to be executed on a processor so as to implement the method described herein.

[0027] It should be noted here that the methods, devices and systems described herein can be used alone or in combination with other methods, devices and systems described herein. Further, any aspects of the methods, devices and systems described herein can be combined with each other in a wide variety of ways. In particular, the features of each claim can be combined with each other in a wide variety of ways.​

[0028] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an exemplary system for performing pressure replenishment, particularly hydrogen replenishment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for assisting a user when performing pressure replenishment (e.g., with hydrogen).

[0030] As described at the beginning, this specification addresses the improvement of the comfort and / or reliability and / or quality of pressure replenishment of a pressure vessel with fuel, particularly hydrogen. In this regard, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system 100, which includes a vehicle 110 equipped with a pressure vessel 111 and a replenishment unit or station 120 for replenishing the pressure vessel 111 with fuel (particularly hydrogen, H2). The replenishment station 120 includes a replenishment hose 121, and for the purpose of forming a fluid-tight connection, particularly a gas-tight connection, between this replenishment hose 121 and the fuel conduit 114 of the vehicle 110 up to the pressure vessel 111, the replenishment hose 121 can be connected to the complementary coupling member 112 of the vehicle 110 via a coupling member 122. For fuel replenishment, fuel from the replenishment station 120 can be pumped into the pressure vessel 111 via the replenishment hose 121 and the fuel conduit 114.

[0031] The vehicle 110 can include a communication module 113, which is formed to exchange data regarding the replenishment process with the corresponding communication module 123 of the replenishment station 120. Therefore, a communication connection 103 can be established between the vehicle 110 and the replenishment station 120 for the purpose of monitoring the replenishment process. At that time, this communication can be performed via an infrared (IR) interface.

[0032] To transmit pressure data regarding the pressure within pressure vessel 111 to the refueling station 120, communication connection 103 can be utilized. If this is done, then especially for the purpose of filling the pressure vessel 111 to a specific maximum pressure, the refueling station 120 can drive a pump to fill the pressure vessel 111 depending on the pressure data.

[0033] If a communication connection 103 cannot be established between the vehicle 110 and the refueling station 120, generally, the filling pressure achieved as part of the refueling process is lower than the maximum possible pressure for safety reasons. In particular, in such a case (also referred to as non-COM refueling), a lower filling pressure of the pressure vessel 111 is achieved compared to refueling using data communication (also referred to as COM refueling). This is because the refueling station 120 can only estimate the actual filling pressure within the pressure vessel 111 (without being notified from the vehicle 110 via the communication connection 103). The filling pressure achieved during non-COM refueling may be, for example, about 5% or more or 10% or more (for example, about 8%) below the maximum possible pressure. The reduction in the filling pressure results in a shorter driving range of the vehicle 110.

[0034] Due to a failure and / or dirt of the communication module 113 of the vehicle 110 and / or the communication module 123 of the refueling station 120, a situation may occur where only non-COM refueling with a reduced filling pressure is carried out and COM refueling with the maximum pressure is not carried out.

[0035] Regarding hydrogen or H2 refueling, the modes of COM refueling and non-COM refueling are defined in the standard document SAE J2601. This standard document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to SAE J2601, COM refueling at the maximum pressure is carried out only when an effective data connection 103 exists between the vehicle 110 and the refueling station 120. The aspects regarding the data connection 103 are described in the standard document SAE J2799, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] Non-COM (i.e., non-communication) replenishment is performed when a data connection 103 between the vehicle 110 and the replenishment station 120 cannot be established, or when data obtained from the replenishment station 120 is not identified as valid by the replenishment station 120. The replenishment process may, in some cases, start as COM replenishment initially, but if there is a signal transmission with an error, it may switch to non-COM replenishment during replenishment. In this case, the replenishment station 120 determines a new (reduced) target pressure for this replenishment process.

[0037] The system 100 can include a central unit 130, which is configured to communicate with the replenishment unit or replenishment station 120 and / or the vehicle 110 via a communication connection 131. In particular, the central unit 130 can be configured to determine whether COM replenishment or non-COM replenishment has been performed at the replenishment station 120. Furthermore, the central unit 130 can determine for each of a plurality of different replenishment processes (by different vehicles 110 respectively) whether COM replenishment or non-COM replenishment has been performed. Based on these data, it is possible to inspect whether the replenishment station 120 is (persistently) malfunctioning regarding the establishment of the communication connection 103. This information can be communicated for the purpose of notifying the user of the vehicle 110 whether only reduced replenishment is possible at the replenishment station 120 or whether full replenishment is possible.

[0038] Thus, in particular at the end of the replenishment of the pressure vessel 111 (through the vehicle 110), it is possible to identify whether non-COM replenishment or COM replenishment has been performed (e.g., based on the filling pressure in the pressure vessel 111). This information can be stored in a database and, in some cases, can be considered during route planning (for future replenishment and also for future replenishment of other vehicles).

[0039] Information regarding the performed refueling type (COM refueling or non - COM refueling) can be transmitted to the refueling station 120 via vehicle - to - infrastructure communication for the purpose of instructing the operator of the refueling station 120, especially (as long as it is an error on the refueling station side), to remove the error. If the cause is on the vehicle 110 side, a corresponding error entry can be stored in the error memory of the vehicle 110 for the purpose of instructing to remove this error as part of the vehicle 110 maintenance.

[0040] For example, by means of a database regarding the refueling type (COM refueling or non - COM refueling) requested and updated by the central unit 130, for example, the vehicle 110 can determine whether an RDI (Refueling Data Interface) signal transmitted from the communication module 113 of the vehicle 110 regarding the refueling process has been successfully received by the refueling station 120 (for example, via an infrared - based communication connection 113). This RDI signal can be defined in the standard SAE J2601. If this signal is not received and furthermore this is identified as being the case at multiple refueling stations 120, it can be estimated with a high degree of reliability that the communication module 113 of the vehicle 110 is malfunctioning.

[0041] The matching between a specific vehicle 110 and a refueling process can be achieved, for example, as part of data communication 103, by transmitting the identifier (ID) of the vehicle 110 to the refueling station 120 (e.g., Vehicle Identification Number, VIN). Alternatively or additionally, a first database regarding the refueling station 120 and a second database regarding the vehicle 110 can be utilized, and in these databases, individual refueling processes are listed together with time stamps and / or position data (e.g., GPS coordinates). In this way, the matching between the vehicle 110 and a specific refueling process at a specific refueling station 120 can be formed with a high degree of reliability.

[0042] With a database regarding individual refueling processes at at least one refueling station 120, the vehicle 110 can obtain information about how much fuel was refueled in one refueling process. Alternatively or additionally, this can be obtained from an electronic calculation regarding the refueling process (e.g., this calculation can be associated with one specific refueling process via position data and / or time stamp).

[0043] For example, for the purpose of identifying errors in the refueling process, quantity information regarding the amount of fuel supplied from the refueling station 120 can be compared with the vehicle-specific fuel level measurement (taking into account the accuracy of the fuel level measurement). In a similar manner, the quantity information determined by the vehicle 110 can also be transmitted to the refueling station 120 or the central unit 130. In this way, mutual comparison can be made between the quantity sensor of the vehicle 110 and the quantity sensor of the refueling station 120. This is particularly advantageous for the calibration of the sensor 115 of the vehicle 110, because the sensor mechanism 125 of the refueling station 120 is generally calibrated and can thus be used as a reference for calibrating the sensor 115 of the vehicle 110. In particular in this case, inaccuracies of the vehicle sensor 115 due to drift or aging can be identified and, in some cases, compensated for.

[0044] Thus, based on the currently occurring (measured) fuel level of the pressure vessel 111 and based on the currently supplied fuel quantity from the refueling station 120, the vehicle 110 can be configured to estimate, and in some cases display, the updated fuel level of the pressure vessel 111 online during refueling and / or use it for the calculation of the vehicle's driving range. Further, based on the fuel quantity supplied from the refueling station 120, the pressure or temperature of the pressure vessel 111 can be estimated via the density of the (gaseous) fuel.

[0045] Thus, vehicle 110 can include one or more sensors 115 configured to obtain sensor data regarding the filling level and / or filling pressure of pressure vessel 111. Further, refueling station 120 can include one or more sensors 125 configured to detect sensor data regarding the pressure of the fuel supplied and / or the amount of fuel supplied. One or more sensors 125 of refueling station 120 are generally calibrated. Thus, the sensor data supplied from one or more sensors 125 of refueling station 120 can be used to inspect and / or calibrate one or more sensors 115 of vehicle 110.

[0046] A database regarding refueling station 120 can represent the following. That is, · Whether refueling station 120 is being maintained and thus unavailable for the refueling process, and in some cases for what period of time, and / or · Whether refueling station 120 is malfunctioning, and / or · Whether non-COM refueling or COM refueling is possible by refueling station 120, and / or · Position data regarding the position at which vehicle 110 should stop to enable connection of coupling members 122, 112 (for example, for fully automatic robotic refueling), and / or · Statistical data regarding the operating rate of refueling station 120 and / or price trends for fuel at refueling station 120.

[0047] Thus, the state of refueling station 120 can be determined (for example, from central unit 130) and updated. If this is done, a database regarding the state of refueling station 120 can be provided for the refueling process of vehicle 110.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary (and in some cases computer-implemented) method 200 for assisting in refueling the pressure vessel 111 of the vehicle 110. In this case, the pressure vessel 111 can be refueled with, in particular, H2 or hydrogen. The method 200 can be implemented by the vehicle 110 and / or by a refueling station 120 at which a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel 111 is performed.

[0049] The method 200 includes a step 201 of determining whether the refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel 111 at the refueling station 120 is performed with or without using the communication connection 103 between the vehicle 110 and the refueling station 120. (The vehicle 110 can be set as any first vehicle 110 among a plurality of different vehicles 110. The charging station 120 can be set as any first charging station 120 among a plurality of different charging stations 120.) In particular (In this case) it is possible to determine whether COM refueling or non-COM refueling has been performed.

[0050] Furthermore, the method 200 includes a step 202 of taking measures for a future refueling process depending on whether the refueling process is performed with or without using the communication connection 103. In particular, in this case, if it is identified that the refueling process is performed without using the communication connection 103, measures can be taken. In this case, in particular, as a measure, it is possible to instruct to inspect and possibly repair the communication modules 113, 123 of the vehicle 110 and / or the refueling station 120. Therefore, measures can be taken for future refueling processes of the vehicle 110 (and / or at another refueling station) and / or the refueling station 120 (and / or for refueling another vehicle).

[0051] By the measures described in this specification, the comfort can be enhanced when refueling and using a vehicle 110 equipped with a fuel pressure vessel 111. In particular, by providing a database regarding the state of a refueling station 120, improvement of route planning and / or endurance planning of the vehicle 110 can be realized. Information required for non-COM refueling can be used to identify and remove malfunctions at an early stage, thereby enhancing the quality of the refueling process. In a similar manner, errors in the vehicle 110 can also be identified and removed. In particular, if a plurality of successive non-COM refuelings are performed at a plurality of different refueling stations 120, this type of error can be identified.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that the description and drawings merely exemplarily show the basic principles of the proposed methods, apparatuses, and systems.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assisting in refueling a fuel tank (111) of a vehicle (110), wherein a refueling process for refueling the fuel tank (111) of the first vehicle (110) at the first refueling station (120) can be performed with or without using a communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120), the apparatus being configured to - determine that a plurality of successive refueling processes of the fuel tank (111) of the first vehicle (110) at a plurality of different refueling stations (120) have been performed without using the communication connection (103), and in response to this determination, instruct to inspect a communication module (113) of the first vehicle (110) for establishing the communication connection (103), or - determine that a plurality of successive refueling processes at the first refueling station (120) for fuel tanks (111) of a plurality of different vehicles (110) have been performed without using the communication connection (103), and in response to this determination, instruct to inspect a communication module (123) of the first refueling station (120) for establishing the communication connection (103), and being configured as such, An apparatus for assisting in refueling a fuel tank (111) of a vehicle (110).

2. - the apparatus is part of the first vehicle (110), - the apparatus is configured to receive refueling process data from the first refueling station (120) or from a central unit (130) for a network consisting of a plurality of refueling stations (120) regarding whether the refueling process has been performed using the communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120) or without using it, The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The apparatus is configured to - obtain an identifier of the first vehicle (110), position data regarding the position of the first refueling station (120), and / or a timestamp regarding the time point of the refueling process, - transmit the identifier, the position data, and / or the timestamp to the first refueling station (120) or the central unit (130) in order to obtain the refueling process data configured as The device according to claim 2.

4. - The first refueling station (120) includes one or more refueling station sensors (125) configured to detect sensor data regarding the fuel supplied during the refueling process. - The first vehicle (110) includes one or more vehicle sensors (115) configured to detect sensor data regarding the filling level and / or filling pressure of the pressure vessel (111). The device is configured to inspect and / or calibrate the one or more vehicle sensors (115) based on the sensor data of the one or more refueling station sensors (125). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The device - After the refueling process, determine pressure data regarding the filling pressure of the pressure vessel (111). - Determine temperature data regarding the temperature of the fuel in the pressure vessel (111). - Based on the pressure data and based on the temperature data, determine whether the refueling process was performed using or without using the communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120). configured as The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. - The communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120) enables communication compliant with SAE J2601 and / or SAE J2799, and / or ・ The fuel contains H ２ and The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120) includes an infrared communication connection. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The device - For an early interruption of the refueling process, determine no indicator, one indicator, or multiple indicators. - Based on no indicator, the one indicator, or the multiple indicators, determine whether the refueling process was performed using or without using the communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120). configured as The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method (200) for assisting in refueling a pressure vessel (111) of a vehicle (110), wherein a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel (111) of the first vehicle (110) at the first refueling station (120) can be performed with or without using a communication connection (103) between the first vehicle (110) and the first refueling station (120), the method (200) comprising: - a step (201) of determining that a plurality of successive refueling processes of the pressure vessel (111) of the first vehicle (110) at a plurality of different refueling stations (120) have been performed without using the communication connection (103), and as a response to the determination, a step (202) of causing the communication module (113) of the first vehicle (110) for establishing the communication connection (103) to be inspected, or - a step (201) of determining that a plurality of successive refueling processes at the first refueling station (120) for the pressure vessels (111) of a plurality of different vehicles (110) have been performed without using the communication connection (103), and as a response to the determination, a step (202) of causing the communication module (123) of the first refueling station (120) for establishing the communication connection (103) to be inspected comprising a method (200) for assisting in refueling a pressure vessel (111) of a vehicle (110).

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