Grid-Based Supply Station Expansion for Demand-Balanced Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for planning the expansion of supply stations, such as hydrogen refueling stations, are inefficient and resource-intensive due to a lack of data and experience, leading to high computational and personnel costs, and often result in suboptimal distribution of stations based on empirical data rather than demand analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a processor circuit to divide a geographical region into grid cells, iteratively selecting existing facilities for expansion based on geometric and demand-based criteria, ensuring a predetermined level of supply is achieved while minimizing resource waste by avoiding unnecessary installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If supply stations are expanded based on empirical data and traditional planning methods, then the expansion process can proceed with available data, but the distribution of stations becomes suboptimal and resource expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geographical region is divided into a grid of cells, allowing the expansion planning to be broken down into discrete, manageable units. Each grid cell can be independently evaluated for supply station placement, enabling precise local optimization while maintaining overall regional balance. This segmentation transforms the complex continuous optimization problem into a series of simpler discrete decisions.
2Manufacturing precision
If supply stations are installed to achieve uniform distribution across the region, then the expansion level is evenly ensured, but unnecessary installations may occur in areas with low demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different selection criteria and evaluation standards to different grid cells based on their specific characteristics. Each cell is evaluated independently using the same algorithmic framework, but the actual placement decisions are localized to where the demand metrics indicate need. This allows uniform application of the planning methodology while achieving non-uniform, demand-adapted station distribution.
3Loss of information
If traditional data acquisition and analysis methods are used for planning refueling infrastructure, then comprehensive data can be collected, but the planning process becomes very complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data elements needed for expansion planning from the broader available dataset. Instead of analyzing all possible infrastructure and demographic data, the method focuses on extracting key demand indicators and grid cell characteristics. This extraction approach maintains sufficient planning accuracy while dramatically reducing computational complexity and processing requirements.
4Loss of time
If a quick solution is implemented for controlling expansion without sufficient data and experience, then time and personnel costs are reduced, but the expansion planning becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service algorithmic approach where the system automatically performs expansion planning without requiring extensive manual data analysis or expert intervention. The standardized algorithm processes grid cell data and makes placement decisions autonomously, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual evaluation while maintaining consistent, reliable planning quality across all regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an expansion process of supply stations (13) in a geographical region (11) in which basic facilities (21) are already located, wherein the region (11) is divided into grid cells (30') in a digital map (19') using a grid (30) with an initial grid spacing (41), and in a respective iteration (27) it is determined for each grid cell (30') which of the basic facilities (21) is located therein, and at least one existing basic facility (21) is selected as the remaining basic facility (35), and if a predetermined termination criterion (A) is still not met due to the grid spacing (41) of the current grid (30), the region (11) is again divided into enlarged grid cells (34') using an enlarged grid spacing (42) and the iteration (27) is repeated for the enlarged grid cells (34').and otherwise, for the remaining basic facilities (35) selected in the grid cells (30'), it is indicated that these are to be used as bases for the supply stations (13).