Compressed Gas Storage Volume Calculation Using Test Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the volume of a compressed hydrogen storage system and its state of charge are influenced by variables such as flow meter accuracy, control system response, and piping network, making them station-dependent and requiring custom tuning for each system.
Innovation Solution
A method using three test vessels with known volume and initial pressure, connected to a compressed gas storage system via a hose, where each vessel establishes a pressure equilibrium state, allowing for the calculation of the system's volume and pressure without relying on flow meter accuracy or control valve properties, using equations of gas compressibility and mass conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters and control valves are used to estimate CHSS volume and state of charge, then measurement can be performed, but the accuracy depends on flow meter accuracy, control valve properties, and piping configuration, requiring custom tuning at each system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement process from the complex flow meter and control valve system, using instead a simple pressure sensor and known-volume test vessels. This removes the need for custom tuning of flow meters and control valves while maintaining measurement capability through pressure equilibrium measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from flow rate (which requires accurate flow meters and control valve tuning) to pressure (which can be measured with simple pressure sensors). By measuring pressure changes during controlled volume additions from test vessels, the system determines CHSS volume without relying on flow measurement accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bypass with automated control valve and orifice is added to lessen the impact of large pressure pulse, then component damage is reduced, but flow duration and orifice size must be adjusted for each filling station, requiring custom tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-characterizing the CHSS volume and initial pressure using the test vessel method before refueling operations. This advance knowledge allows the system to control pressure pulses during refueling without requiring complex bypass tuning, as the refueling process can be planned based on known system parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own known volume (from test vessel measurement) to self-regulate the refueling process, controlling pressure pulses through calculated ramp rates rather than relying on externally tuned bypass systems. The CHSS itself provides the information needed to protect itself from pressure damage.
3Measurement precision
If communication link data is used to measure volume and initial pressure of storage vessel, then measurement is obtained, but vehicle sensors might fail or valves might close incorrectly, making data unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system at the dispensing station that independently determines CHSS volume and initial pressure through pressure sensor measurements and test vessel additions. This intermediary system validates or corrects vehicle-reported data without relying on potentially failed vehicle sensors or communication links.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of CHSS volume and initial pressure before refueling begins, using this independently obtained data to verify the reliability of vehicle communication system data. This advance measurement allows the system to detect sensor failures or data errors before they affect refueling operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate and quick calculation of the compressed gas storage system's volume and pressure, independent of station-dependent variables, increasing refueling efficiency and safety while eliminating the need for custom tuning.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a first pressure value of the first vessel, the hose and the compressed gas storage system when a pressure equilibrium state is reached between the first vessel, the hose, and the compressed gas storage system
Implementation Method 2
calculating the volume of the compressed gas storage system, a volume of the hose, and a pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state based on equations of relation between pressure and volume of gas and compressibility factor
Implementation Method 3
based on equations of relation between pressure and volume of gas and compressibility factor as well as the mass conservation principle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for calculating a volume of a compressed gas storage vessel, a computer, and a medium. According to the method, three test vessels with known volume and initial pressure are used to establish a pressure equilibrium with a compressed gas storage system, and pressure values in three equilibrium states are respectively detected. In this way, according to the three pressure values and the known volumes and initial pressures, a volume of the compressed gas storage system, a volume of a hose, and a pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in an initial state can be quickly and accurately calculated. By accurately obtaining the volume of the compressed gas storage system, the volume of the hose, and the pressure value of the compressed gas storage system in the initial state, a refueling rate can be increased as much as possible while ensuring safe refueling.