Hydrogen Cartridge Switching for Accurate Replacement Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen storage alloys in hydrogen utilization systems make it difficult to accurately determine the remaining hydrogen amount, leading to frequent refueling and hydrogen waste, especially in vehicles where cartridges are replaced early to prevent running out of hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen utilization system that includes a hydrogen cartridge with a storage alloy, allowing it to be used in multiple devices, including mobility and non-mobility devices, and enabling operation with an alternative energy source, such as a general electric power system, to continue functioning even when hydrogen supply is cut off, with a notification system to determine optimal replacement timing based on usage or hydrogen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen storage alloy, then the cruising distance can be increased, but it becomes difficult to accurately grasp the amount of hydrogen remaining
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying the user in advance when the hydrogen cartridge should be replaced, based on estimated remaining hydrogen levels. This allows users to plan refueling before hydrogen depletion occurs, resolving the contradiction by providing advance information without requiring real-time precise measurement.
2Reliability
If hydrogen cartridge is replaced at a relatively early timing to prevent running out of hydrogen, then the vehicle can continue operating, but a relatively large amount of hydrogen remains in the used cartridge resulting in waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by estimating the remaining hydrogen level in the cartridge and notifying the user when replacement is appropriate. This feedback mechanism allows optimization of replacement timing to balance continuous operation requirements with minimizing hydrogen waste in the replaced cartridge.
3Loss of energy
If a hydrogen cartridge is used in both first device and second device, then hydrogen utilization efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen cartridge is designed with universal compatibility to be used in both mobility devices (first device) and non-mobility devices (second device). This multi-functionality improves hydrogen utilization efficiency by allowing the same cartridge to serve multiple purposes and devices, while the standardized design keeps the added complexity manageable.
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 configuration reduces hydrogen waste by allowing flexible replacement timing, ensures continuous operation of devices with alternative energy sources, and optimizes hydrogen usage across multiple systems until the cartridge is fully depleted.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen cartridge (12) containing a hydrogen storage alloy
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen utilization system includes: a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a first device configured in such a manner that the hydrogen cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the first device, the first device being operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source; and a second device configured in such a manner that the hydrogen cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the second device, the second device being operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source and being operable using another energy source.