Hydrogen Tank Filling Layout With Switchable Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles equipped with multiple hydrogen tanks face inefficient hydrogen filling due to long pipe lengths and pressure losses when there is only one filling port, leading to insufficient hydrogen storage.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen storage device with multiple receptacles and tanks, featuring independent flow paths and a solenoid valve controlled by a pressure sensor to optimize hydrogen distribution and ensure efficient filling across all tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple hydrogen tanks are equipped in commercial vehicles to extend travel distance, then the hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but the pipe length from the filling port to the tanks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydrogen distribution network into multiple independent flow paths, each connecting a specific receptacle to specific hydrogen tanks. This segmentation allows shorter pipe runs from each receptacle to its designated tanks, reducing overall pipe length while maintaining capacity to fill multiple tanks.
2Device complexity
If the pipe inside diameter is reduced to compensate for increased pipe length, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow paths, the system avoids the need for long pipes that would require larger diameters to maintain adequate flow. Each segmented path uses shorter pipes with standard diameters, reducing pressure loss without increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single filling port is used for multiple hydrogen tanks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the hydrogen filling rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically configures flow paths using solenoid valves that can open or close connections between receptacles and hydrogen tanks based on filling needs. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt between single-port and multi-port operating modes, optimizing filling rate without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution system is segmented into independent controllable paths, allowing selective activation of multiple filling operations simultaneously. Each segmented path can be independently controlled to fill different tanks from different receptacles, increasing overall filling rate.
4Productivity
If multiple filling ports are provided to increase hydrogen filling rate, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple filling ports with dynamic control through solenoid valves, allowing the number of active filling ports to be adjusted based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables high filling rates when needed while maintaining lower complexity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple receptacles are designed with universal compatibility to accept nozzles from hydrogen filling devices. This universality allows the system to utilize multiple filling ports simultaneously when available, increasing productivity without requiring specialized configurations for each port.
5Device complexity
If hydrogen is supplied from a single hydrogen filling device to multiple tanks through one receptacle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valves enable dynamic switching between serial and parallel flow path configurations. During filling operations, the system can switch to parallel paths to fill multiple tanks simultaneously, reducing filling time without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is segmented into multiple independent routes that can be activated simultaneously. This segmentation allows hydrogen to flow to multiple tanks in parallel rather than sequentially, significantly reducing total filling time.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen storage device is included in a vehicle and is configured to store hydrogen. The hydrogen storage device includes: a plurality of receptacles configured such that a nozzle of the hydrogen filling device is connected thereto; a plurality of hydrogen tanks; a flow path through which hydrogen flows; a solenoid valve located in the flow path; and a control device. The flow path includes an independent first flow path and an independent second flow path. By opening and closing the solenoid valve, the independent first and second flow paths are switched between a state in which they communicate with each other and a state in which they do not communicate with each other. The control device is configured to control the solenoid valve and configured to perform a calculation for determining whether to open or close the solenoid valve, based on a condition of the hydrogen filling device.