Electrochemical Compressor Cascade Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen fueling stations face challenges in efficiently handling high vehicle traffic while ensuring each vehicle receives a full tank, as they require large, costly high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, and mechanical compressors suffer from energy inefficiency, wear, noise, and contamination issues due to rapid pressure changes in cascade storage systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electrochemical compressor and cascade storage system that includes a flow limiting valve, pressure sensors, and a controller to regulate pressure changes, allowing for controlled transitions between low and high pressure reservoirs, reducing compressor damage and optimizing fuel distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large capacity high pressure hydrogen storage tank is used to handle high volume traffic, then the station can serve more vehicles, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrogen storage system into multiple separate tanks with different pressure ratings (e.g., 350 bar, 700 bar, and liquid hydrogen tanks) instead of using a single large high-pressure tank. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple vehicles simultaneously by drawing from different pressure levels, reducing the need for one extremely large tank while maintaining high service capacity.
2Stress or pressure
If mechanical compression is used to achieve desired pressurization, then the hydrogen can be stored at high pressure, but energy consumption increases and moving parts suffer from wear and hydrogen embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compressors with electrochemical compressors that use electrochemical reactions to compress hydrogen. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reducing wear and hydrogen embrittlement issues, while also lowering energy consumption. The electrochemical compressor uses a membrane electrode assembly where hydrogen is compressed through electrochemical potential differences rather than mechanical compression.
3Speed
If rapid pressure changes occur in cascade storage systems, then transitions between pressure levels are fast, but the electrochemical compressor experiences damage from excessive pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure regulation system with control valves and pressure sensors as intermediaries between the cascade storage tanks and the electrochemical compressor. This intermediary system monitors and controls pressure changes, preventing rapid pressure fluctuations from reaching the compressor while still allowing fast transitions between storage pressure levels. The control system adjusts valve positions to maintain pressure within safe operating limits.
4Quantity of substance
If high pressure storage is used to maximize vehicle range, then the energy density increases, but the manufacturing cost and safety requirements for the tank increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple tanks with different pressure ratings (350 bar, 700 bar, and liquid hydrogen) instead of a single high-pressure tank. This allows the system to achieve high energy density by combining moderate-pressure and high-pressure storage, reducing the need for expensive 700 bar tanks for the entire storage capacity. The segmented approach enables cost-effective manufacturing by using a mix of pressure levels.
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 system enhances the longevity and efficiency of the electrochemical compressor by minimizing damage from rapid pressure changes, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen dispensing process, capable of handling high vehicle traffic while ensuring full tank fills.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen gas is introduced to the anode side of an MEA and oxidized, with an electric potential, to produce protons and electrons
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogen atoms can electrochemically split into electrons and protons (hydrogen ions) at the anode. The electrons flow through the circuit to the cathode and generate electricity, while the protons diffuse through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode
Implementation Method 3
The protons are driven across the electrolyte membrane to the cathode
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a compressed fuel storage system. The compressed fuel storage system may include an electrochemical compressor and one or more fuel dispensing units. The electrochemical compressor may be configured to compress a fuel source. Additionally, the compressed fuel storage system may include at least one low pressure compressed fuel reservoir fiuidly connected to the electrochemical compressor and the fuel dispensing units and at least one high pressure compressed fuel reservoir fiuidly connected to the electrochemical compressor and the fuel dispensing units.