Hydrogen Station Compressor Unit Reduces Pressure Fluctuation Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of hydrogen stations in 'bank rotation' mode leads to a lower pressure value in pressure accumulator tanks, increasing the pressure fluctuation width and reducing the durability and lifespan of these tanks, thus not adequately reducing the replacement frequency as intended.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compressor unit that assists the hydrogen supply from pressure accumulator tanks, ensuring a higher pressure value at the end of filling and reducing the pressure fluctuation width by simultaneously supplying hydrogen during the filling process, and allowing continued high-pressure supply after the accumulator unit has finished.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the hydrogen station is operated in the 'bank rotation' mode using differential pressure, then the total number of pressure accumulation cycles is reduced to a quarter, but the pressure value of the pressure accumulator tank serving as the low-pressure bank becomes lower, increasing the pressure fluctuation width and reducing the durability of the tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by introducing a compressor unit that supplies hydrogen at a higher pressure than the low-pressure bank during the filling process. This raises the ending pressure value of the low-pressure bank from what would normally occur in pure differential pressure filling, thereby reducing the pressure fluctuation width (pressure amplitude) while maintaining the bank rotation operational benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor unit acts as an intermediary between the hydrogen storage system and the filling process. It provides additional hydrogen supply that compensates for the pressure drop in the low-pressure bank, effectively mediating the pressure balance to reduce the pressure amplitude without disrupting the bank rotation cycle reduction strategy
2Productivity
If the pressure accumulator tank serves as the low-pressure bank with lower pressure value, then the filling process can proceed, but the pressure fluctuation width increases and the number of repetitions in the S-N diagram decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pressure parameter dynamics by having the compressor unit actively supply hydrogen during the filling process. This changes the pressure trajectory of the low-pressure bank, ensuring it ends at a higher pressure value than it would in pure differential pressure mode, thereby reducing the pressure amplitude while maintaining filling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor unit provides continuous hydrogen supply throughout the filling process, working simultaneously with the pressure accumulator tanks. This continuous action ensures that the low-pressure bank maintains a higher ending pressure, reducing the pressure fluctuation width while the filling operation proceeds efficiently
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 approach maintains a higher pressure value in pressure accumulator tanks, reduces the pressure fluctuation width, and enhances the durability and lifespan of the tanks, thereby effectively lowering the replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor unit configured to compress hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
a first accumulator tank configured to accumulate the hydrogen in a first accumulation pressure range; a second accumulator tank configured to accumulate the hydrogen in a second accumulation pressure range lower than the first accumulation pressure range
Implementation Method 3
The supply by the 'differential pressure' refers to a method in which hydrogen is supplied by using the pressure difference between the pressure accumulator tank and the tank to be filled
Data Source
AI summary
When a pressure accumulator tank A3a is used as a low-pressure bank, a controller sends an open control signal to an electromagnetic open/close valve A10a to open the electromagnetic open/close valve A10a so that hydrogen in the pressure accumulator tank A3a can be supplied to a tank to be filled (not shown) of an FCV. In parallel with this, the controller sends an open control signal to a first electromagnetic open/close valve 6a and a second electromagnetic open/close valve 6b to open the first and second electromagnetic open/close valves 6a and 6b so that hydrogen can be supplied also from a compressor 2 to the tank to be filled of the FCV.