Compressed Gas Dispensing Station Testing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The industry faces challenges in testing compressed gas dispensing stations, particularly for hydrogen and CNG, due to the lack of practical conditions such as rapid vehicle filling, varying initial pressures, and vessel volumes, which are not readily available for simulation.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus and method that includes a receptacle for sealing with the dispensing nozzle, a fluid transfer line with a back pressure regulator, a mass flow sensor, and a controller to simulate and measure representative fill pressures and temperatures, allowing for the simulation of various conditions using IR transmitters and user input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actual vehicles and receiving vessels are used for testing, then realistic operating conditions can be tested, but the availability and variety of test conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the receiving vessel through software simulation, allowing unlimited variation of vessel parameters (volume, initial pressure, temperature) without needing physical vessels. The virtual receiving vessel model replicates the physical system's behavior while enabling diverse test scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic modification of test parameters including receiving vessel volume, initial pressure, temperature, and filling rates through software controls. This enables testing under various prescribed conditions without changing physical hardware configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple vehicles are available for rapid succession testing, then real-world dispensing rates can be tested, but vehicle availability becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a virtual receiving vessel that can be rapidly reset and reconfigured between tests, eliminating the need to wait for physical vehicle availability. The virtual model allows continuous testing without the logistical constraints of coordinating multiple actual vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures virtual receiving vessels with specified parameters before tests begin, allowing immediate testing of various dispensing scenarios without waiting for physical vehicle preparation or arrival.
3Measurement precision
If receiving vessels with prescribed initial pressures and volumes are available, then accurate pressure testing can be performed, but such vessels are not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual receiving vessel through software that precisely models pressure, volume, and temperature parameters. This virtual model provides exact initial conditions for testing without requiring physical vessels to be manufactured or sourced with specific parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows software-based adjustment of receiving vessel parameters including initial pressure, volume, and temperature, enabling precise control of test conditions without the need to source or manufacture physical vessels with matching specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Testing apparatus and method for testing compressed gas dispensing stations where a back pressure regulator is used to imitate filling of receiving vessels without the need for receiving vessels. A mass flow sensor measures the mass of compressed gas dispensed to the testing apparatus, and a controller calculates the pressure for the back pressure regulator to imitate filling of a receiving vessel.