Adaptive Fuel Storage Ratios for Blended Fuel Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently and safely storing and blending multiple fuels, particularly hydrogen and oxygen, to meet dynamic demand and supply conditions while optimizing energy generation efficiency and cost is unresolved by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A storage structure with separate underground vessels and a controller that intelligently adjusts pressure, volume, and number of vessels to store fuels, employing a blending strategy that adapts to changing conditions, ensuring optimal fuel ratios for downstream consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static fuel storage ratios are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing demand and supply conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fuel storage parameters by allowing the storage ratio of first and second fuels to change based on operating conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the amount of each fuel stored in response to real-time demand and supply conditions, transforming a static storage system into an adaptive one that optimizes fuel availability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller receives feedback signals indicating current fuel storage levels, demand conditions, and supply availability. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts storage parameters to maintain optimal fuel ratios, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously adapts to changing conditions while managing system complexity through automated decision-making.
2Reliability
If fuel storage parameters are dynamically adjusted, then fuel supply reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller autonomously manages fuel storage parameters without requiring constant external intervention. The system self-adjusts storage ratios based on pre-programmed criteria and real-time sensor data, performing self-diagnosis and self-optimization functions that improve reliability while minimizing the need for complex external control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: monitoring fuel levels, analyzing demand patterns, managing storage ratios, and coordinating with dispensing mechanisms. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If embrittlement mitigation strategies are implemented, then fuel storage safety improves, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system mitigates embrittlement by dynamically changing storage parameters such as pressure, temperature, and fuel composition ratios. By adjusting these parameters in response to material condition monitoring, the system protects storage vessels from embrittlement while maintaining operational flexibility through continuous parameter optimization rather than fixed conservative settings.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using static, overly conservative storage parameters that limit operational flexibility, the system employs dynamic parameter adjustment to mitigate embrittlement. The storage controller continuously monitors material conditions and adjusts fuel storage parameters accordingly, enabling the system to maintain safety margins while adapting to varying operational demands and fuel types.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for adaptively adjusting the storage of fuels for use in a fuel blending process. First and second fuels are stored in storage vessels at an initial volumetric fuel storage ratio. A storage controller executes a performance strategy to adaptively adjust at least one storage parameter in response to a predicted or detected change in operating conditions of the system. The performance strategy can include increasing a storage pressure of at least one of the fuels and/or changing a total number of storage vessels used to store the respective fuels. A dispensing mechanism transfers a blended fuel formed from the first and second fuels in accordance with the execution of the performance strategy. The fuels can take a variety of forms including hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), hydrocarbons, etc. The blended fuel may be dispensed by a fueling station to a motor vehicle.