Hydrogen supply system and method for determining an operating metric of a hydrogen supply system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for determining an operating metric for a hydrogen supply system, comprising: receiving at least one first and at least one second sensor signal from the hydrogen supply system, which has at least two interconnected tank modules, wherein the first sensor signal is detected at an input side of a first tank module and wherein the second sensor signal is detected at an output side of the first tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is detected at the first tank module and the second sensor signal is detected at a second tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is detected at an input side of the first tank module and wherein the second sensor signal is detected at an output side of the second tank module; and determining an operating metric for the hydrogen supply system based on at least the first and the second sensor signal.

Description

[0001] Hydrogen supply system and method for determining an operating metric of a hydrogen supply system Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to methods for determining operational metrics for a hydrogen supply system based on multiple sensor signals, a cloud computing device for performing such methods, corresponding hydrogen supply systems, and multi-element gas containers (MEGCs). Background

[0003] Gaseous hydrogen can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels, for example, in a fuel cell to generate electricity. Hydrogen supply systems are used for the use, storage, transport, and supply of gaseous hydrogen, e.g., at hydrogen filling stations. These systems typically comprise several pressure vessels, the valves required for filling and dispensing, and various safety systems.

[0004] Hydrogen supply systems can, for example, be integrated into hydrogen vehicles or used - e.g. as MEGCs - to transport and supply larger quantities of gaseous hydrogen.

[0005] The transport, storage and often decentralized supply of gaseous hydrogen poses a multitude of challenges to the safety, availability, performance and thus the economic viability of such hydrogen supply systems.

[0006] In this technical context, DE io 2016 223693 Ai describes a method for monitoring a pressure tank system of a stationary vehicle. The method comprises detecting a wake-up situation using sensor data from a basic sensor of the vehicle and, in response to detecting a wake-up situation, activating a further resource for acquiring and / or evaluating sensor data relating to the pressure tank system. Furthermore, the method comprises determining, using the further resource, whether one or more protective measures are to be implemented with respect to the pressure tank system and / or its surroundings.

[0007] Furthermore, DE io 2020 115313 Ai describes a device for monitoring the use of a pressure vessel system. The device is configured to determine usage data relating to the previous use of the pressure vessel system and compare it with external usage data relating to the previous use of the pressure vessel system, and, depending on the comparison, to initiate one or more measures relating to the continued use of the pressure vessel system.

[0008] WO 2006 / 060633 Ä2 relates to a computer system for remotely monitoring the status of a hydrogen vehicle and EP 4053444 Bi describes a method for controlling the hydrogen supply of vehicles based on a geolocation of the vehicle and its hydrogen demand.

[0009] Furthermore, approaches are known in which pressure sensors transmit sensor data to a cloud platform via a radio interface in order to be able to display the fill level of gas tanks via a browser interface.

[0010] However, the systems and methods known from the state of the art have several disadvantages with regard to their safety, reliability, availability, and performance. For example, the methods known from the state of the art do not adequately allow for an appropriate and timely response to changing operating conditions in complex hydrogen supply systems with multiple interconnected pressure vessels, valves, pressure regulators, etc. Furthermore, critical errors such as leaks, valve failures, etc., can usually only be detected with considerable delay. To date, it has therefore typically been necessary to frequently perform preventive maintenance on hydrogen supply systems, to design them with uneconomical safety margins, and / or to maintain numerous backup systems in order to be able to respond in a timely manner when needed and thus ensure high system availability.The resulting costs represent a significant hurdle for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen technology. Summary.

[0011] The present application therefore aims to improve the safety, reliability, availability and performance of hydrogen supply systems, in particular when several such systems are used in conjunction, as is typically the case, for example, with fleets of hydrogen-powered trucks or MEGCs.

[0012] This problem is at least partially solved by the subject matter of the independent claims of the present application. Exemplary embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Unless otherwise stated, material properties are to be determined according to the relevant standards. Furthermore, the term "substantially" is to be understood below as "within typical design, measurement, and / or manufacturing tolerances."

[0013] In particular, the present application relates to a method for determining an operating metric for a hydrogen supply system, comprising the following steps: receiving at least a first and at least a second sensor signal from a hydrogen supply system having at least two interconnected tank modules, wherein the first sensor signal is detected on an input side of a first tank module of the hydrogen supply system and wherein the second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the first tank module; or wherein the first sensor signal is detected at the first tank module and wherein the second sensor signal is detected at a second tank module of the hydrogen supply system; and determining an operating metric for the hydrogen supply system based on at least the first and the second sensor signal.Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor signal can be detected on an input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal can be detected on an output side of the second tank module. In particular, determining the operating metric can involve correlating the sensor signals with each other and / or with a set of reference data for the hydrogen supply system.

[0014] For example, in some embodiments, N >= 2 tank modules can be connected to form K >= 2 tank groups or so-called registers. The N tank modules of each of the K registers can be connected via a distribution module, and the K registers can be connected to each other via lines between the distribution modules or to a central connection unit. Such distribution modules are also referred to as parallel charging units (PCUs).

[0015] In such a system, the first sensor signal can be recorded at a first distribution assembly and the second sensor signal at a second distribution assembly. This allows, for example, the tank modules of the registers to be constructed without sensor technology, thereby reducing costs and complexity. For example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a flow sensor can be integrated in or on each distribution assembly in order to record the corresponding sensor signals for the associated register. For example, the first and second sensor signals can each comprise a time series of measured values. Alternatively or additionally, determining the operating metric can comprise detecting an operating anomaly of the hydrogen supply system.Typically, the at least first and at least second sensor signals can each be provided by one of the following sensor types: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a flow sensor, or a functionally integrated combination of such sensor types.

[0016] For example, correlating such sensor data, which is recorded at different positions in the system, allows even small leaks or emerging errors in critical system components to be detected at an early stage and suitable countermeasures to be initiated before one of the modules or the entire system fails.

[0017] By distributed collection and correlation of such and similar sensor data at different points in a complex hydrogen supply system with multiple connected tank modules, different operating metrics can be determined, which depend significantly on the interaction between the tank modules. For example, detecting an operating anomaly in the hydrogen supply system can include detecting a potential leak in one of the tank modules and / or detecting a low fill level in one of the tank modules and / or detecting a valve malfunction in one of the tank modules, usually long before a malfunction occurs that significantly impairs the operation of the hydrogen supply system.

[0018] As described in detail below, it is particularly advantageous to collect such sensor data from most or all relevant system components—e.g., pressure vessels, valves, safety systems, pressure regulators, lines, PCUs, etc.—in order to monitor the current operating status of the entire system as accurately as possible (i.e., to perform comprehensive condition monitoring of the hydrogen supply system) and, based thereon, to perform actions (e.g., remote maintenance, etc.) that significantly improve the safety, availability, and performance of the hydrogen supply system. Further embodiments and technical advantages are described below with reference to the exemplary method of Fig. 4.

[0019] The present application further relates to a cloud computing device comprising a means for performing the method described above.

[0020] Such a cloud computing device may in particular comprise means for performing the method described above for a plurality of hydrogen supply systems, as well as means for determining a global operating metric for the plurality of hydrogen supply systems based on individual operating metrics of at least two of the hydrogen supply systems.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, such individual operational metrics of the cloud computing device may also be provided by at least some of the individual hydrogen supply systems.

[0022] The cloud computing device according to the present application may further comprise means for displaying an operational warning to an operator of one of the hydrogen supply systems based on an individual operational metric of one of the hydrogen distribution systems, and / or based on the global operational metric.

[0023] In particular, such a cloud computing device allows for optimizing material usage and maintenance effort for fleets of hydrogen supply systems, such as MEGCs, without compromising their availability and reliability. Further embodiments and technical advantages are described below with reference to the exemplary cloud computing device shown in Fig. 3.

[0024] The present application further relates to a hydrogen supply system comprising: N >= 2 tank modules, wherein each of the N tank modules has a pressure vessel, a filling and withdrawal valve (OTV), and optionally at least one thermal pressure relief valve (TPRD). The hydrogen supply system further comprises a distributor assembly and, optionally, a pressure regulator, wherein the distributor assembly connects a filling line to one of the tank modules and connects a withdrawal line to the pressure regulator.The hydrogen supply system further comprises M >= N sensors mounted on the OTVs, the TPRDs, the manifold assembly and / or the pressure regulator such that a first sensor signal is detected on the input side of a first tank module and a second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the first tank module, or mounted such that a first sensor signal is detected at a first tank module and a second sensor signal is detected at a second tank module.

[0025] The term "TPRD" is to be understood here and below to include an assembly that may include a mechanical TPRD and other components such as a temperature and / or pressure sensor. For example, a mechanical end-plug TPRD mounted at the lower end of the pressure vessel may be equipped with a temperature and / or pressure sensor to form such an assembly.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor signal can be detected on an input side of the first tank module, and the second sensor signal can be detected on an output side of the second tank module. In particular, determining the operating metric can involve correlating the sensor signals with each other and / or with a set of reference data for the hydrogen supply system.

[0027] For example, in some embodiments, N >= 2 tank modules can each be connected to K >= 2 tank groups or so-called registers. The N tank modules of each of the K registers can be connected via a distribution assembly, and the K registers can be connected to each other via lines between the distribution assemblies. Finally, the hydrogen supply system comprises a device for sending the sensor signals to a cloud computing device, or a control unit configured to perform one of the methods described herein and, if necessary, to send the determined operating metric to a cloud computing device.

[0028] Additional sensors can be located on the lines of the hydrogen supply system and used to determine the operating metrics.

[0029] In particular, the control unit may be configured to control the tank modules and other system components based on instructions received from the cloud computing device and / or based on instructions based on the determined operating metric, wherein the instructions may include one or more of the following: an instruction to activate / deactivate a portion of the hydrogen supply system, an instruction to change the operating state of a portion of the hydrogen supply system, and an instruction to read an operating parameter of a portion of the hydrogen supply system. In this way, the hydrogen supply system can be remotely maintained, for example, based on the operating metric.

[0030] In some embodiments, each OTV, each TPRD, the manifold assembly, and the pressure regulator may each include a pressure sensor; and, optionally, each OTV, each TPRD, the manifold assembly, and the pressure regulator may each include a temperature sensor and / or a flow sensor, wherein the sensors each transmit a sensor signal to the cloud computing device or the controller.

[0031] Additional sensors can be mounted directly on the pressure vessel (e.g. in the fiber) or on the lines of the hydrogen supply system.

[0032] The methods described herein or certain parts thereof may alternatively or additionally be carried out by a control unit of a hydrogen supply system, the on-board computer of a vehicle or a computing device specially designed for this purpose.

[0033] The present application further relates to a MEGC comprising a hydrogen supply system as described herein in a suitable housing. The MEGC may further comprise an electronic control unit that controls and monitors the operation of the hydrogen supply system and exchanges data with a cloud computing device.

[0034] The methods, systems, and devices described herein can also be applied to hydrogen supply systems with only one tank module. Here, too, multiple sensor signals can be recorded at different positions in the hydrogen supply system, for example, on the inlet and outlet sides of the tank module, and correlated with each other and / or with reference data to determine an operating metric. Such methods, systems, and devices are therefore also part of the present application. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a MEGC according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a cloud computing device according to a possible embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig. 4 schematically shows, using a flowchart, a method for determining an operating metric of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present application. Description of exemplary embodiments

[0039] Some possible embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by way of example. Various feature combinations are described with reference to the respective embodiments illustrated. Naturally, not all features of the described embodiments need to be present to implement the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments can be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment—provided this is technically compatible and expedient—without deviating from the disclosure and scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0040] Fig. i shows a schematic view of a hydrogen supply system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The hydrogen supply system 100 comprises N >= 2 tank modules no, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, each of the tank modules noa, 100b comprises a pressure vessel 120, an OTV 130, and two TPRDs 140. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply system 100 comprises a manifold assembly 150 and a pressure regulator 160. Via the manifold assembly 150, the OTVs 130 of the tank modules 110 are connected to a filling line 170, via which the pressure vessels 120 can be filled with gaseous hydrogen. In other configurations, fewer TPRDs can be used. For example, only one TPRD can be attached to the manifold assembly, or one each to the OTV 130.

[0041] The hydrogen can be stored in the pressure vessels 120, for example, at a nominal pressure of 700 bar. In the illustrated configuration, the pressure regulator 160 is also connected to the OTVs 130 of the tank modules 310 via the distributor assembly 150. The hydrogen stored in the pressure vessels can be supplied via the pressure regulator 160 to a consumer, such as a fuel cell 180, which operates, for example, at a nominal pressure of 15 bar. In other configurations, such as those used in MEGCs, the hydrogen stored in the pressure vessels 120 can be supplied via the pressure regulator 160 or directly to a withdrawal line (not shown). A flow restrictor can also be installed in the filling path and / or the withdrawal path (also not shown). As described above, according to the present application, the hydrogen supply system 100 comprises M >= N sensors that generate M sensor signals, which are described below with reference to Fig.4 is discussed to determine an operating metric for the hydrogen supply system 100. IO.

[0042] The M sensors can be attached to the OTVs 130, the pressure vessels 120, the TPRDs 140, the manifold assembly 150, the flow restrictors, the lines, and / or the pressure regulator 160 such that at least a first sensor signal is detected on the inlet side of a first tank module 110a and a second sensor signal is detected on an outlet side of the first tank module 110a. The term TPRD is understood herein to mean a TPRD assembly (e.g., an end-plug TPRD assembly), which, in addition to the mechanical valve, can include one or more of the sensors described herein and other components.

[0043] The M >= N sensors can alternatively or additionally be mounted such that a first sensor signal is detected at the first tank module 110a and a second sensor signal is detected at a second tank module 110b.

[0044] The M >= N sensors can alternatively or additionally also be mounted such that a first sensor signal is detected on an input side of the first tank module 110a and the second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the second tank module 110b.

[0045] The hydrogen supply system 100 may further comprise a device 190 for sending the M sensor signals to a cloud computing device (see Fig. 3 below) and / or a control unit 195 configured to perform one of the methods described herein. The operating metric for the hydrogen supply system determined thereby may then be sent to a cloud computing device (see Fig. 3). The sensor signals may be sent to the device 190 and / or the control unit 195, for example, via a radio connection 197 or via signal cables.

[0046] In some embodiments, the controller 195 may be further configured to control the tank modules 110 based on instructions received from a cloud computing device and / or based on instructions based on the operating metric determined, for example, by the controller 195.

[0047] The instructions may include one or more of the following: an instruction to enable / disable a portion of the hydrogen supply system 100 (e.g., one of the tank modules 110, or one of the OTVs 130), an instruction to change the operating state of a portion of the hydrogen supply system, and an instruction to read an operating parameter of a portion of the hydrogen supply system.

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

[0049] In further embodiments, N >= 2 tank modules can each be connected to form K >= 2 tank groups or so-called K registers. The N tank modules of each of the K registers are connected via a distribution assembly, similar to the distribution assembly 150. In such a system, the sensor signals can also be recorded at the distribution assemblies 150. This allows the tank modules to be constructed without sensor technology, thereby reducing costs and complexity. For example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a flow sensor can be integrated into each of the K distribution assemblies 150, which record corresponding sensor signals for the associated register.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a MEGC 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. The MEGC 200 comprises a hydrogen supply system 220 as described herein, a control unit 240, and a filling line 230 and a withdrawal line 235. The filling line and the withdrawal line can be connected, for example, via additional lines to the K distribution assemblies of a hydrogen supply system in which N tank modules are combined into K registers.

[0051] The MEGC 200 may exchange data with a cloud computing device via the controller 240 or a separate communication module (e.g., a cellular module), as described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present application, the MEGC 200 and / or the hydrogen supply system 220 comprises an electronic control unit 240 to control and monitor the operation of the MEGC's tank modules, and optionally execute the methods described herein or some steps thereof. The electronic control unit can exchange data with a cloud computing device, for example, via an integrated wireless interface (LIE, 5G, NFC, etc.) or a separate communication module.

[0053] The sensor signals can also be transmitted to the control unit wirelessly (e.g., LTE, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth) or via signal lines. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensors or components of the tank modules or system (e.g., OTV, TPRD assemblies, pressure regulators, flow restrictors, etc.) can themselves have a wireless interface, allowing them to exchange data directly with a cloud computing device and among themselves.

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

[0055] In some embodiments, e.g., for cybersecurity reasons, the data exchange may only occur in the MEGC direction to the cloud, e.g., to prevent the control unit 240 from being controlled by a malicious entity.

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a cloud computing device 310 according to an embodiment of the present application. As described above, the cloud computing device 310 comprises a means for performing one of the methods described herein (see Fig. 4). For example, the cloud computing device 310 can be at least partially implemented in cloud computing software, which is executed, for example, in the form of microservices on one or more cloud computing nodes 112, each of which provides (possibly virtualized) processing resources 114, storage resources 116, and network resources 118 for the cloud-based distributed execution of cloud computing software.

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

[0058] The cloud computing device 310 may further comprise means for performing one of the methods described herein for each of a plurality of hydrogen supply systems 338, as well as means for determining a global operating metric for the plurality of hydrogen supply systems based on individual operating metrics of at least two of the hydrogen supply systems 338.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, such individual operating metrics may also be determined by (a part of) the hydrogen supply systems 338 themselves and sent to the cloud computing device 310.

[0060] In some embodiments, cloud computing device 310 may include means 232 for generating an operational alert for an operator of one of the hydrogen supply systems 238 based on an individual operational metric of one of the hydrogen distribution systems and / or based on the global operational metric. For example, one of the hydrogen distribution systems 338 may be located on a vehicle, and the operational alert may indicate to the vehicle that a maintenance stop is necessary.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cloud computing device 310 described here further comprises one or more of the following: means for sending an activation and / or deactivation instruction for a part of a hydrogen supply system based on the detected operating metric and / or the detected global operating metric. Alternatively or additionally, the cloud computing device 310 may comprise means for changing the operating state of a part of the hydrogen supply system based on the detected operating metric and / or the detected global operating metric, as well as means for reading out an operating state of a part of the hydrogen supply system, e.g., via the radio interface.

[0062] 320.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cloud computing device 310 may further comprise means for receiving 320 a position signal from one or more of the hydrogen supply systems 338, wherein the means for determining the global operating metric for the plurality of hydrogen supply systems also determines the global operating metric based on the position signals of the hydrogen supply system 338.

[0064] Fig. 4 schematically shows a flowchart of a method 400 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. The method 400 can be executed, for example, by a control unit or a cloud computing device and includes a step 410 of receiving at least a first and a second sensor signal from a hydrogen supply system having at least two interconnected tank modules. For example, as described above, various pressure, temperature, and / or flow sensor signals can be received from the various components (accumulators, OTVs, pressure regulators, lines, distribution assemblies, etc.) of the hydrogen supply system.

[0065] The first sensor signal is recorded on an input side of a first tank module, and the second sensor signal is recorded on an output side of the first tank module. Alternatively, the first sensor signal can be recorded on the first tank module and the second sensor signal on a second tank module. If more than two sensor signals are recorded, both configurations can apply.

[0066] The method 400 further comprises the step 420 of determining an operating metric for the hydrogen supply system based on the first and second sensor signals. The received sensor signals can each comprise a time series of measured values. Alternatively or additionally, the first sensor signal can be acquired on an input side of the first tank module and the second sensor signal can be acquired on an output side of the second tank module. For example, determining the operating metric can comprise correlating the sensor signals with one another and / or with a set of reference data for the hydrogen supply system. Such reference data can, for example, be acquired by a fleet operator in a database and tagged with metadata, for example to generate reference data for certain operating anomalies. In this way, operating anomalies can be detected before a hydrogen supply system fails.

[0067] Furthermore, determining the operating metric may include detecting an operating anomaly of the hydrogen supply system based on the received sensor signals. For example, detecting the operating anomaly of the hydrogen supply system may include detecting a possible leak, a low fill level, and / or a malfunction of a valve of one of the tank modules. For example, such operating anomalies may be detected by comparing the sensor signals with reference data.

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

[0069] The method 400 may further include receiving one or more diagnostic sensor signals, where the diagnostic sensor signals may include one or more of a vibration sensor signal, a shock sensor signal, a GPS sensor signal, and an overvoltage warning sensor signal.

[0070] In such embodiments, method 400 includes determining the operating metric also based on the environmental sensor signals and / or the diagnostic sensor signals. In particular, the environmental sensor signals and / or the diagnostic sensor signals may be correlated with the first and / or second sensor signals to determine the operating metric. For example, a measured severe shock correlated with a pressure drop and / or a temperature change may be an indication of damage to a portion of the hydrogen system. In some embodiments, method 400 according to the present invention may be designed such that each of the tank modules includes a fill and discharge valve (OTV) and, optionally, each of the tank modules includes a thermal relief valve (TPRD).The method 400 may include receiving the first and second sensor signals and / or further sensor signals from different OTVs and / or different TPRDs, and determining the operating metric based on the received sensor signals.

[0071] In some embodiments, the hydrogen supply system may include a manifold assembly, a pressure regulator, and optionally a flow restrictor, wherein the manifold assembly connects a fill line to one of the tank modules, and one of the tank modules is connected to the pressure regulator. The method may include receiving the first and / or second sensor signal and / or further sensor signals from the manifold assembly, the pressure regulator, and / or the flow restrictor, and determining the operating metric based on the received sensor signals.

[0072] In some embodiments, N >= 2 tank modules can also be connected to form K >= 2 tank groups or so-called registers. The N tank modules of each of the K registers can be connected via a distribution module, and the K registers can be connected to each other via lines between the distribution modules.

[0073] In such a system, the first sensor signal can be acquired at a first distribution assembly and the second sensor signal at a second distribution assembly. This allows the tank modules of the registers to be constructed without sensor technology, thereby reducing costs and complexity. For example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a flow sensor can be integrated into or on each distribution assembly, which acquires corresponding sensor signals for the associated register.

[0074] The method described with reference to Fig. 4 can also be applied to hydrogen supply systems with only one tank module. Here, too, multiple sensor signals can be recorded at different positions within the hydrogen supply system, for example, on the inlet and outlet sides of the tank module, and correlated with each other and / or with reference data to determine the operating metrics for the hydrogen supply system.

Claims

Patent claims i to 15 1. A method comprising: Receiving at least one first and at least one second sensor signal from a hydrogen supply system having at least two interconnected tank modules, wherein the first sensor signal is detected on an input side of a first tank module and wherein the second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the first tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is detected at the first tank module and the second sensor signal is detected at a second tank module, or wherein the first sensor signal is detected on an input side of the first tank module and wherein the second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the second tank module; and Determining an operating metric for the hydrogen supply system based on at least the first and second sensor signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sensor signals each comprise a time series of measured values; and / or wherein determining the operating metric comprises detecting an operating anomaly of the hydrogen supply system; and preferably wherein detecting the operating anomaly of the hydrogen supply system comprises detecting a possible leak in one of the tank modules, and / or detecting a low fill level in one of the tank modules, and / or detecting a malfunction of a valve in one of the tank modules.

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

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, further comprising receiving one or more environmental sensor signals that Show hydrogen concentration in a room where the Hydrogen supply system, and / or which indicate an ambient temperature of the hydrogen supply system, and / or which indicate an ambient humidity of the hydrogen supply system; and / or Receiving one or more diagnostic sensor signals, wherein the diagnostic sensor signal(s) comprises one or more of the following: a vibration sensor signal, a shock sensor signal, a GPS sensor signal, and an overvoltage warning sensor signal; and Determining the operating metric also based on the one or more environmental sensor signals and / or based on the one or more diagnostic sensor signals, preferably comprising Correlating the environmental sensor signals and / or the diagnostic sensor signals with the first and / or second sensor signal.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the tank modules comprises a filling and discharging valve, OTV, and, optionally, a thermal pressure relief valve, TPRD; and wherein the method further comprises: Receiving the first and second sensor signals and / or further sensor signals from different OTVs and / or different TPRDs; and Determining the operating metric based on the received sensor signals; and / or wherein the hydrogen supply system comprises a manifold assembly and a pressure regulator and optionally a flow restrictor, wherein the manifold assembly connects a fill line to one of the tank modules and one of the tank modules is connected to the pressure regulator, and wherein the method further comprises: Receiving the first and / or second sensor signal and / or further sensor signals from the distributor assembly and / or the pressure regulator; and Determine the operating metric based on the received sensor signals. 6 Cloud computing device comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5. 7- Cloud computing device according to claim 6, further comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, in each case for a plurality of hydrogen supply systems; and means for determining a global operating metric for the plurality of hydrogen supply systems based on individual operating metrics of at least two of the hydrogen supply systems; and, preferably, means for generating an operating warning for an operator of one of the hydrogen supply systems based on an individual operating metric of one of the hydrogen distribution systems, and / or based on the global operating metric, wherein, preferably, one of the hydrogen distribution systems is arranged on a vehicle, and the operating warning indicates to the vehicle that a maintenance stop is necessary.

8. The cloud computing device according to any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising: means for sending an activation and / or deactivation instruction for a portion of one of the hydrogen supply systems based on the determined operating metric and / or the determined global operating metric; and / or means for changing the operating state of a portion of the hydrogen supply system based on the detected operating metric and / or the detected global operating metric; and / or means for reading out an operating state of a portion of the hydrogen supply system; and / or means for receiving a position signal from one of the hydrogen supply systems; and wherein the means for determining the global operating metric for the plurality of hydrogen supply systems also determines the global operating metric based on the position signal of the hydrogen supply system.

9. Hydrogen supply system comprising: N >= 2 interconnected tank modules, each of the N tank modules comprising a pressure vessel, a filling and discharge valve, OTV, and, optionally, a thermal pressure relief valve, TPRD; a manifold assembly connected to one or more of the N tank modules and a filling line; and an optional pressure regulator connected to one or more of the N tank modules and connected to a consumer device or a withdrawal line; and M >= N sensors mounted on the OTVs, the optional TPRDs, the manifold assembly, and / or the optional pressure regulator such that at least a first sensor signal is detected on the input side of a first tank module and a second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the first tank module; or mounted such that at least a first sensor signal is detected on a first tank module and a second sensor signal is detected on a second tank module; or mounted such that at least a first sensor signal is detected on the input side of a first tank module and a second sensor signal is detected on an output side of the second tank module; and means for sending the sensor signals to a cloud computing device;or a control device configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and preferably to send the operating metric determined thereby to the cloud computing device.; 10. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 9, further comprising a filling flow restrictor connected to the filling line; and / or a withdrawal flow restrictor connected to the withdrawal line; and wherein the filling flow restrictor and / or the withdrawal flow restrictor are provided with one or more of the M sensors.

11. Hydrogen supply system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the M sensors comprise temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and / or flow sensors, or functionally integrated combinations thereof; and / or where N >= 2 tank modules are combined to form K >= 2 registers and are each connected via one of K distribution assemblies, where each of the K distribution assemblies comprises one of M >= K sensors.

12. The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the controller is further configured to control the tank modules based on instructions received from the cloud computing device and / or based on instructions based on the determined operating metric; and preferably wherein the instructions comprise one or more of the following: an instruction to activate / deactivate a portion of the hydrogen supply system, an instruction to change the operating state of a portion of the hydrogen supply system, and an instruction to read an operating parameter of a portion of the hydrogen supply system.

13. The hydrogen supply system of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein each OTV, each existing flow restrictor, each existing TPRD, the manifold assembly, and the pressure regulator each comprise a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a flow sensor; and wherein the sensors each transmit a sensor signal to the cloud computing device or the controller.

14. A multi-element gas container comprising: a hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 13; a housing; and a filling line and a withdrawal line.

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

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