Integrated EV and Hydrogen Refueling Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for refueling hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and recharging electric vehicles use separate systems for hydrogen generation and electrical charging, leading to inefficient use of capital and energy resources, particularly when powered by renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
An integrated hydrogen generation system that includes an electrochemical stack, a power source with converters for precise power control, and a controller to manage power distribution between the electrochemical stack and the electric vehicle network, allowing for simultaneous hydrogen production and electrical charging, optimizing energy use and reducing energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate systems are used for hydrogen generation and electrical charging, then each system can be optimized independently, but capital and energy resources are used inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydrogen generation system and electrical charging system into a single integrated power distribution architecture. A central power source with controllable converters distributes power to both the electrochemical stack (for hydrogen generation) and the electric vehicle network simultaneously, allowing shared infrastructure and reduced energy losses through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system allows the power source to serve multiple functions: generating hydrogen through the electrochemical stack, charging electric vehicles, and potentially doing both simultaneously. The controllable converters enable dynamic allocation of power to different loads based on demand, making the system versatile and efficient.
2Loss of energy
If a single integrated system is used for both hydrogen generation and electrical charging, then capital and energy resources are used more efficiently, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is divided into modular components: a power source, controllable converters, an electrochemical stack, and an electric vehicle network. Each component can be independently controlled and optimized, managing complexity through functional segmentation while maintaining integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllable converters act as intermediary devices between the power source and the different loads (electrochemical stack and EV network). These converters manage power distribution, voltage conversion, and control signals, simplifying the integration complexity by providing standardized interfaces between components.
3Productivity
If power is diverted to the electrochemical stack for hydrogen generation, then hydrogen production increases, but power available for EV charging decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs controllable converters that can dynamically adjust power distribution between the electrochemical stack and EV charging network in real-time. This dynamic allocation allows the system to respond to changing demands, optimizing hydrogen production when needed while ensuring adequate charging capacity when vehicles require power.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable converters can change electrical parameters (voltage, current, power level) to optimize power distribution. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can maximize hydrogen production during periods of low charging demand while maintaining sufficient power for EV charging when required.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of hydrogen generation and electricity use, allowing for more efficient use of capital and energy resources by diverting energy to either the electrochemical stack or the electric vehicle network as needed, reducing energy losses during transmission and conversion.
Implementation Method 1
the power source comprises an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) rectifier
Implementation Method 2
a DC to DC converter or an AC to DC rectifier, a first DC to DC converter, and a second DC to DC converter
Implementation Method 3
Electrolysis (i.e., in the context of clean carbon production in the form of hydrogen) is a rapidly growing and enabling technology... the electrolyzer system creates hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 4
Hydrogen fuel uses the chemical energy of hydrogen to produce electricity as a clean form of energy... hydrogen atoms react with oxygen atoms to form water during oxidation; electrons are released in the process and flow as an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods described herein provide high-precision control of hydrogen generation and electricity use, thereby increasing the efficiency of the overall process. The system may include a power source that includes a rectifier for converting an alternating current input power signal to a direct current power signal. The direct current power signal may also be converted to a voltage level through a converter as an output to a vehicle network. A hydrogen generating system may also produce and provide hydrogen to the vehicle network. In some implementations, the vehicle network may include one or more electrical vehicles, hydrogen fuel-based vehicles, or hybrid hydrogen/electrical vehicles.