Hydrogen Dispenser Valve Block for Multi-Location Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen dispensing systems require duplicate infrastructure for each additional location and are inefficient in terms of space, capital costs, and safety due to multiple potential leak points, with external hoses posing tripping hazards and maintenance challenges, especially when used outdoors.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispensing system with integrated valve blocks and a programmable logic control system that allows for expansion from one to multiple dispensing points, reducing equipment and leak points, and utilizing a single pump system for water removal and operator panel for controlling both systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate infrastructure is installed for each additional dispensing location, then the system can serve multiple locations simultaneously, but the equipment cost, space requirements, and number of leak points double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single dispensing system with a multi-position valve assembly that can direct hydrogen flow to multiple different locations sequentially. The valve assembly includes multiple valve bodies with ports that can be selectively activated, allowing one physical dispenser to serve multiple filling points without requiring duplicate infrastructure at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic valve switching mechanism that can reconfigure the flow path to different dispensing locations as needed. The valve assembly allows the system to adapt its configuration based on which vehicle is being fueled, enabling flexible allocation of a single dispenser resource across multiple locations over time.
2Ease of operation
If an external hose is used for fueling, then the dispenser can reach vehicles, but the hose creates tripping hazards, abrasion damage risks, and maintenance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the dispensing valve assembly directly into the dispenser housing, with the valve bodies nested within the main structure. The valve ports are positioned to allow direct connection to vehicle tanks without requiring long external hoses, minimizing the exposed hose length and associated safety hazards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dispenser is located outdoors, then it can be more accessible, but water removal systems freeze in cold conditions and the equipment requires protection from elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operating parameters of the water removal system by incorporating heating elements that maintain the temperature of the water removal lines above freezing point. This allows the outdoor dispenser to operate reliably in cold conditions by actively controlling the thermal state of the fluid pathways.
4Extent of automation
If multiple valve blocks and conduits are used for control, then the system can precisely control hydrogen flow, but the installation time and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly unit. The valve assembly includes multiple valve bodies with integrated ports and control mechanisms that can be installed as one unit rather than requiring separate installation of multiple discrete valve blocks and connecting conduits, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining precise flow control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system and a method for dispensing a fluid such as hydrogen to a hydrogen powered vehicle. The dispensing system contains a source of fluid, a valve block, a programmable logic controller and a dispenser. The dispensing system can be expandable by including a second valve block which during normal operation remains closed. When the operator desires to add a second dispenser, the second valve block is opened and connects the fluid source with the second dispenser. The dispensing system can be set up and operated as set up and operated both indoors and outdoors.