Fuel Tank Hydrogen Source Tracking via Origination Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers of hydrogen fuel in fuel cell vehicles lack a method to determine the source of the hydrogen, which varies in terms of production processes and environmental impact, such as green, gray, and blue hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to establish a communication link with a hydrogen origination point, determine the source of hydrogen based on production processes, and calculate the amount of hydrogen in a fuel tank using processing circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If hydrogen fuel is used in fuel cell vehicles, then clean energy consumption is achieved, but the source of hydrogen remains undetermined and unmonitored
Solution Approach 1:
A communication link is established between the hydrogen origination point and the fuel tank to serve as an intermediary information channel. This allows source identification data to be transmitted without requiring complex direct monitoring of hydrogen production processes, resolving the contradiction by using a simple communication mediator rather than complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or physical monitoring systems with a communication-based information transmission system. Instead of physically tracking hydrogen through complex infrastructure, the system uses digital communication links to convey source identification data, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining information availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydrogen production sources are used, then fuel flexibility is improved, but the ability to track and monitor hydrogen amounts from each source deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hydrogen tracking by establishing separate communication links with each hydrogen origination point. Each link independently transmits source identification data, allowing the system to track hydrogen amounts from multiple different sources (e.g., electrolysis, steam methane reformation) without interference or confusion between them, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling source flexibility.
3Loss of information
If communication links are established with hydrogen origination points, then source determination is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank system performs self-service by autonomously establishing communication links with hydrogen origination points and independently determining hydrogen source information. The processing circuitry within the fuel tank automatically receives and processes source identification data without requiring external intervention or complex centralized monitoring systems, thereby enabling source determination while minimizing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to calculate and monitor the amount of green and other hydrogen present and used in a fuel tank.