Hydrogen Fuel Dispenser Display System for Fill Time Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen fuel dispensers often provide poorly formatted displays to customers, making it difficult for them to understand the fueling process, as they lack clear information on the remaining fill time and pressure, which can be confusing due to varying pressure units and complexities in hydrogen compressibility.
Innovation Solution
A new display system or graphical user interface that calculates and estimates the remaining fill time by using empirically derived equations and pressure measurements, providing accurate and reliable information to customers, including adjustments for leak checks and bank switching, to improve the customer experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the dispenser displays only mass of fuel dispensed and dispensing pressure, then the display system remains simple, but the customer cannot understand how long the filling will take or appreciate the dispensing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation system that processes sensor data (mass flow, pressure, temperature) through empirically derived equations to generate estimated time remaining. This intermediary layer translates complex hydrogen dispensing physics into simple customer-facing time estimates without requiring direct complexity in the display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical pressure gauges and manual calculations with electronic sensors and computer-based empirical equations. The system uses electronic data processing to calculate estimated time remaining based on real-time sensor inputs, substituting mechanical measurement systems with electronic computation.
2Loss of information
If the dispenser displays current pressure values (up to 80 MPa or more), then pressure information is provided, but customers are confused by high numbers and may mistakenly believe something is wrong
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the pressure parameter from absolute high values (80 MPa) into relative progress indicators. Instead of displaying raw pressure numbers that confuse customers, the system calculates estimated time remaining based on pressure progression, converting an intimidating physical parameter into an intuitive temporal metric that customers can easily understand.
3Loss of information
If the dispenser displays mass in kilograms, then fuel quantity is shown, but customers cannot determine how much longer filling will take without knowing tank capacity or initial fuel level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations by establishing empirically derived equations during system development that incorporate typical tank capacities and hydrogen dispensing rates. These pre-established mathematical models allow the system to quickly estimate time remaining based on real-time sensor data without requiring complex real-time calculations or customer input about tank specifications.
4Reliability
If the dispenser provides detailed information about hydrogen compressibility and flow rate variations, then accurate technical data is provided, but customers are overwhelmed by technical intricacies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential customer-relevant information (estimated time remaining) from the complex set of technical parameters including hydrogen compressibility, flow rate variations, and pressure dynamics. By separating the essential temporal information from the complex physical parameters, the system provides accurate reliability data while maintaining ease of customer understanding.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for hydrogen dispensing can be configured to generate a display to be output visually to a customer that may use a dispenser to fill a fuel tank with hydrogen fuel. The display can include a graphical user interface or other interface that can show the customer information about the dispensing of fuel that is being provided to the user. This displayed information can include information to indicate an estimated time remaining to fully fill a vehicle's fuel tank so the customer can have visual and/or audible indications for how much longer the customer may have to wait to have the vehicle's fuel tank filled for continued use of the dispenser. This can improve the customer's experience at the fueling station. For instance, embodiments can allow the customer to more effectively use the fueling station and manage his or her time at the fueling station.