Hydrogen Filling Apparatus with Predictive Time Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen filling apparatuses lack accuracy in predicting the completion time of the filling process due to fluctuations in physical quantities like flow rate and pressure, and are not convenient for operators when dealing with hydrogen tanks of different volumes.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen filling apparatus that temporarily stops the filling process to detect temperature and pressure, calculates the required time based on these values, and displays it on a display unit, allowing for more accurate and convenient operation, including the use of a heating device to maintain hydrogen storage tank pressure and prevent undue temperature drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filling process is continuously carried out while measuring physical quantities, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fluctuations in flow rate and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary pause in the filling process to capture stable temperature and pressure measurements before calculating the predicted completion time. This preliminary measurement action during a brief pause ensures data accuracy without significantly impacting overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The filling process is executed in periodic cycles: fill for a predetermined time, pause for measurement, then resume. This periodic action pattern allows accurate measurements to be taken at regular intervals while maintaining high overall filling productivity
2Measurement precision
If the filling process is stopped to measure temperature and pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to interruption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously measuring (excessive action) or never measuring (insufficient action), the system applies partial measurement action by pausing only for brief predetermined intervals. This partial pause is sufficient to obtain accurate temperature and pressure readings while minimizing impact on overall filling productivity
3Measurement precision
If the filling process is paused for measurement, then predicted time accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to stopping the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial pausing - just long enough to capture stable temperature and pressure measurements - rather than continuous pausing. This partial action approach minimizes time loss while achieving sufficient measurement precision for accurate predicted completion time calculation
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
The apparatus provides a more accurate and convenient method for calculating and displaying the time needed to fill hydrogen tanks, accommodating different volumes and reducing filling time by maintaining high-pressure hydrogen discharge, thus enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the heating device to maintain hydrogen storage tank pressure and prevent undue temperature drops
Implementation Method 2
a detector that detects temperature and pressure values in the hydrogen tank
Implementation Method 3
calculating a time needed for filling the hydrogen tank with a predetermined amount of hydrogen based on the detected temperature and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen filling apparatus fills a hydrogen tank, for example, mounted on a fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage tank. After the hydrogen tank has started to be filled with hydrogen in a hydrogen filling process, the hydrogen filling process is stopped for a predetermined time, and a temperature and a pressure in the hydrogen tank are detected while the hydrogen filling process is being stopped. Thereafter, a time needed to fill the hydrogen tank with a predetermined amount of hydrogen is calculated based on detected values of the temperature and the pressure, and the calculated time is displayed on a display unit.