Dual-Compressor Hydrogen Filling Station Control System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen filling stations require high-power compressors to maintain high pressures, leading to increased costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen filling station control system utilizing two compressors with different discharge pressures, where a first compressor with a smaller discharge pressure is used initially, and a second compressor with a larger discharge pressure is engaged when the storage tank pressure reaches a preset level, optimizing gas charging and reducing compressor load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-power compressor is used to maintain high pressure in the storage tank, then the hydrogen filling capacity is improved, but the power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is divided into two stages using two compressors with different discharge pressures. The first compressor charges the storage tank to a first preset pressure, and the second compressor charges it to a second preset pressure (higher than the first). This segmentation allows each compressor to operate within its optimal range, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the required filling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two compressors based on the current pressure level of the storage tank. The controller activates the first compressor when the tank pressure is below the first preset pressure, and switches to the second compressor when the pressure reaches the first preset pressure. This dynamic operation optimizes energy efficiency by matching compressor output to actual charging needs.
2Productivity
If a high-power compressor is used to maintain high pressure in the storage tank, then the hydrogen filling capacity is improved, but the cost of the compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single high-power compressor, the system segments the compression function into two compressors with different specifications. The first compressor has a smaller gas displacement and lower cost, while the second compressor has a larger gas displacement and higher cost. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high filling capacity without requiring an excessively expensive single compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by deploying only the necessary compressor capacity at each stage. The first compressor provides sufficient charging for the initial phase, and the second compressor provides the additional capacity needed for the final phase. This avoids the excessive cost of oversizing a single compressor to handle the maximum filling requirement throughout the entire process.
3Productivity
If a compressor with larger gas displacement is used, then the hydrogen filling speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is segmented into two phases with different speed requirements. The first compressor operates at a lower speed/displacement for the initial charging phase, and the second compressor with larger gas displacement operates only for the final charging phase when maximum filling speed is required. This segmentation reduces overall power consumption by avoiding continuous operation of the high-speed compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by sequentially activating the first and second compressors based on the charging progress. The controller periodically switches between compressors as the storage tank pressure approaches the target level, optimizing the balance between filling speed and energy consumption.
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 reduces the load on the higher-power compressor, allows for the use of a compressor with smaller gas displacement, thereby lowering costs and energy consumption while maintaining efficient hydrogen filling operations.
Implementation Method 1
the first compressor is used for gas charging and pressurizing the first storage tank
Implementation Method 2
the second compressor is used for gas charging and pressurizing the first storage tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a hydrogen filling station control system and method and a hydrogen filling station, belonging to the field of hydrogen filling stations. The system includes: a first compressor, a second compressor, a first storage tank, a detector and a controller, wherein a discharge pressure of the first compressor is smaller than a gas storage pressure of the first storage tank, a discharge pressure of the second compressor is larger than or equal to the gas storage pressure of the first storage tank, the first compressor and the second compressor are connected to the first storage tank, and the detector is configured to detect a pressure of the first storage tank; and the controller is configured to: control the first compressor to inflate and pressurize the first storage tank; and control, when the pressure of the first storage tank is equal to a first preset pressure, the second compressor to inflate and pressurize the first storage tank. According to the present application, the cost of the compressors can be saved, and the power consumption can be reduced.