Fleet Management for Vehicle-to-Grid Hydrogen Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The infrastructure for producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen is limited, making it costly and risky to grow the hydrogen economy, and existing methods do not efficiently utilize vehicle capabilities for hydrogen generation.
Innovation Solution
A fleet management system that monitors hydrogen market parameters to instruct electric vehicles to provide electricity for hydrogen generation and hydrogen vehicles to obtain hydrogen from the generated electricity, optimizing energy use and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is produced through traditional methods (steam reformation, water electrolysis), then hydrogen fuel can be generated, but the infrastructure is limited and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling electric vehicles to serve dual purposes: transportation and mobile hydrogen production units. The vehicle's battery system and powertrain components are utilized not only for driving but also for electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen infrastructure is expanded through traditional production methods, then hydrogen availability increases, but risks and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing individual vehicles to produce their own hydrogen fuel onboard using their existing battery and powertrain systems. This eliminates dependence on external hydrogen production infrastructure and reduces system-wide risks associated with centralized production facilities.
3Productivity
If electric vehicles provide electricity for hydrogen generation, then hydrogen production efficiency improves, but vehicle energy availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by enabling vehicles to alternate between normal driving mode and hydrogen production mode. During periods when vehicles are stationary or regenerating energy through regenerative braking, the system switches to electrolysis mode to produce hydrogen, thereby optimizing both vehicle energy availability and hydrogen generation efficiency over time.
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 enables a flexible and pragmatic growth of the hydrogen economy by strategically managing vehicle-to-grid energy, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency in hydrogen production and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
electric vehicles to provide electricity for generating hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A fleet management system includes a market component that monitors a hydrogen market and identifies one or more hydrogen parameters associated with the hydrogen market, an electric vehicle component that analyzes the hydrogen parameters and selectively instructs one or more electric vehicles to provide electricity for generating hydrogen based on the hydrogen parameters, and a hydrogen vehicle component that selectively instructs one or more hydrogen vehicles to obtain at least a portion of the hydrogen generated from the electricity provided by the electric vehicles. The fleet management system enables a fleet of vehicles using a plurality of fuel types to be effectively and efficiently managed. Moreover, the fleet management system allows a hydrogen economy to grow in an economical and pragmatic manner.