Heterogeneous Energy Supply System for Multi-Fuel Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging stations are dedicated to specific alternative energy sources, limiting their ability to provide a heterogeneous energy supply for vehicles powered by electricity, compressed air, and hydrogen gas.

Innovation Solution

A heterogeneous energy supply system comprising a control unit, electric power management unit, electricity supply unit, air supply unit, and hydrogen supply unit, which are electrically connected and controlled to output electricity, compressed air, and hydrogen gas respectively, allowing for the simultaneous charging and refilling of vehicles using multiple energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a charging station is dedicated to a specific alternative energy source, then the system can provide specialized service for that energy source, but the system cannot serve multiple types of alternative fuel vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy source compatibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station is designed with multiple supply units (electricity supply unit, compressed air supply unit, hydrogen supply unit) that can serve different types of alternative fuel vehicles. The control unit coordinates these units to provide unified management for multiple energy sources, making the system universal rather than dedicated to a single energy type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging station is divided into independent supply units for different energy sources (electricity, compressed air, hydrogen), each with its own control mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple energy types while maintaining specialized functionality for each, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple energy supply units are integrated into a single charging station, then the system can serve multiple alternative fuel vehicle types, but the control and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-energy supply capabilityVSAvoidenergy output management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives information from various supply units and makes decisions based on real-time system status. This feedback mechanism enables automated coordination of multiple energy sources, simplifying operation despite the complexity of managing multiple supply units simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the coordination and output regulation of multiple supply units without requiring manual intervention for each unit. The system self-regulates energy distribution and switching between different energy sources, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9637091B2Heterogeneous energy supply system

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A heterogeneous energy supply system includes an electric power management unit controlled by a control unit to output electric power. An electricity supply unit is powered by the electric power management unit, and is controlled by the control unit to regulate the electric power so as to provide an electricity output. An air supply unit is powered by the electric power management unit, and is controlled by the control unit to generate an air output. A hydrogen supply unit is powered by the electric power management unit, and is controlled by the control unit to generate a hydrogen gas output.