Hybrid Hydrogen Dispenser With Bidirectional EV Power Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by the limited availability of refueling and recharging infrastructure, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) having shorter ranges and longer charging times compared to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and the lack of integrated refueling and charging facilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of hybrid dispensers that combine hydrogen gas refueling with electrical charging capabilities, allowing for bi-directional power exchange, enabling FCEVs, BEVs, and plug-in fuel cell electric vehicles (PFCEVs) to be refueled and charged, and utilized as mobile generators to provide electrical power during disruptions or high demand periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen refueling infrastructure is developed separately from electrical charging infrastructure, then FCEV refueling capability is improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydrogen refueling and electrical charging functions into a single hybrid dispenser unit. The dispenser includes both a hydrogen dispensing system with nozzle and a electrical charging system with connector, allowing both functions to be performed at one location. This merging reduces infrastructure complexity by consolidating what would otherwise be separate facilities into one integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid dispenser is designed to serve multiple vehicle types (FCEV, BEV, and PFCEV) with a single facility. The dispenser can switch between dispensing hydrogen to FCEV fuel tanks and providing electrical charge to BEV batteries, making the infrastructure universally applicable to different EV technologies rather than requiring separate specialized facilities for each type.
2Length of moving object
If BEV battery capacity is increased to extend range, then travel distance is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid dispenser acts as an intermediary that provides hydrogen refueling capability to PFCEV and FCEV vehicles, offering an alternative to increasing BEV battery capacity. By enabling hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the system allows vehicles to achieve extended range through hydrogen storage and fuel cell conversion rather than relying solely on large heavy batteries.
3Reliability
If hybrid dispensers enable bi-directional power exchange, then grid resilience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid dispenser incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows it to change operating modes based on vehicle type and user needs. The system can dynamically switch between dispensing hydrogen, providing electrical charge, and enabling bi-directional power exchange. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional power exchange capability allows EVs to serve as mobile generators, providing power back to the grid or to other vehicles. The vehicle's battery or fuel cell system self-generates power that can be exchanged with the dispenser, reducing the need for external power infrastructure and enabling the system to serve itself during disruptions.
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 resilience of electrical infrastructure by allowing EVs to act as power sources, reduces the load on the grid, and supports energy efficiency by utilizing PFCEVs as mobile generators, thereby facilitating wider adoption of EVs and improving energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
FCEVs operate by providing compressed hydrogen to a fuel cell system (e.g., a fuel cell stack) that converts hydrogen gas into electricity to drive an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
one or more electrical connectors for connecting to a vehicle to exchange electrical power
Implementation Method 3
at least one hydrogen gas nozzle configured to dispense hydrogen gas to a fuel tank of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
According to at least one aspect, a hybrid dispenser comprising at least one hydrogen gas nozzle configured to dispense hydrogen gas to a fuel tank of a vehicle is provided. According to some aspects, the hybrid dispenser comprises one or more electrical connectors for connecting to a vehicle to exchange electrical power, and at least one controller configured to cause electrical power to be provided to a vehicle via at least one of the one or more electrical connectors in a first operating mode and cause electrical power to be received from a vehicle via at least one of the one or more electrical connectors in a second operating mode. According to some aspect, the hybrid dispenser comprising a wireless charging system and at least one controller configured to initiate operation of the wireless charging system to wirelessly charge the vehicle during a charging event.