Hydrogen Circuit Purging with Non-Ignitable Vehicle Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective methods for safely and efficiently purging hydrogen from hydrogen circuits in vehicles, particularly heavy-duty vehicles, due to the size of the tanks and the risk of hydrogen leaks, which can lead to explosions or fires, and require extensive downtime for purging before maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that deactivate vehicle functions and systems into a non-ignitable state, allowing remote control of hydrogen purging through a controllable vent valve arrangement, ensuring safety and efficiency by purging only affected parts of the hydrogen circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional purging methods are used for hydrogen tanks, then hydrogen can be removed from the system, but the process takes several hours or even days due to the size of the tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen circuit system is divided into multiple segments or zones. Instead of purging the entire system at once, the method enables selective purging of specific segments containing hydrogen leaks or requiring maintenance. This segmentation allows parallel processing and significantly reduces the overall purging time from hours/days to a much shorter duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of hydrogen leaks using sensors before initiating the purging process. By identifying the exact location and extent of hydrogen presence in advance, the system can prepare targeted purging actions, avoiding the need to purge the entire system and thereby reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If hydrogen purging is performed without deactivating vehicle systems, then the purging process can start immediately, but there is a high risk of ignition or explosion due to the low ignition energy of hydrogen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deactivation of all ignition sources and vehicle functions that could pose an ignition risk before hydrogen purging begins. This preliminary safety preparation includes shutting down engines, disabling electrical systems, and ensuring no open flames or sparks can occur. By completing these safety actions in advance, the system enables immediate purging without compromising safety, thus maintaining high productivity while eliminating ignition risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary counter-measures by deactivating potential ignition sources before hydrogen is present in the purging zone. This preventive anti-action creates a safe environment that counteracts the inherent ignition risk of hydrogen, allowing rapid purging to proceed without fear of explosion or fire.
3Reliability
If the entire hydrogen circuit system is purged, then safety is ensured, but vehicle downtime is extended and maintenance efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen circuit system is segmented into multiple independent zones. The purging operation targets only the specific segment where hydrogen leakage or maintenance is required, rather than purging the entire system. This selective approach maintains safety by thoroughly clearing the affected area while minimizing the overall downtime by leaving other segments operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The purging process applies local quality control by concentrating the purging action only where needed - in the specific region of the hydrogen circuit system that requires attention. This localized approach ensures adequate safety measures are taken in the affected area while avoiding unnecessary purging of other areas, thereby reducing overall vehicle downtime and improving maintenance efficiency.
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
Enables safer and faster purging of hydrogen from vehicles, reducing downtime and minimizing the risk of accidents by remotely controlling the purging process, ensuring all systems are in a non-ignitable state before hydrogen is released.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen gas should be depressurized to a safe location away from personnel, preferably upwards due to the buoyancy of hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling purging of hydrogen from a hydrogen circuit system of a vehicle, the hydrogen circuit system having a hydrogen conduit being arranged in fluid communication with at least one hydrogen tank, the method being implemented by a hydrogen control system comprising at least one processing circuitry, the method comprising deactivating one or more vehicle functions and vehicle systems into a non-ignitable state in response to a control signal indicative of a request for purging the hydrogen circuit system, and performing purging of the hydrogen circuit system when the one or more vehicle functions and vehicle systems are set into the non-ignitable state.