Hydrogen Fueling Data Verification Using Blockchain Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen fueling operations are inefficient and imprecise due to unknown parameters, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies in determining end-of-fill density and state of charge, particularly with conventional pre-cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
A fueling verification system utilizing blockchain technology to securely and immutably store fueling data, allowing for real-time comparison of fuel measurements between delivery and recipient sources, enabling precise verification and compensation to ensure accurate fueling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrogen tank fueling procedures are used with safety margins, then safety is improved, but precision and efficiency deteriorate due to unknown parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring fueling parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) and using this data to dynamically adjust the fueling process. Sensors provide continuous feedback loops that allow the system to respond to actual conditions rather than relying on conservative estimates, thereby improving precision while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement systems with advanced sensing and computational systems. Instead of relying on simple flow meters and pressure gauges, the system uses multiple sensors (temperature, pressure, flow rate) combined with computational algorithms to precisely determine end-of-fill conditions, eliminating the need for conservative safety margins
2Reliability
If conservative pre-cooling methods are applied, then safety margin is improved, but fueling efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling only when and to the extent actually needed, based on real-time monitoring of tank temperature and pressure conditions. Rather than applying fixed conservative cooling protocols, the system assesses the actual thermal state of the tank and applies cooling selectively, eliminating unnecessary cooling steps while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors temperature and adjusts cooling intensity in real-time, increasing cooling only when temperature thresholds are approached and reducing or stopping cooling when thresholds are met. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for excessive pre-cooling while maintaining safety margins
3Measurement precision
If blockchain technology is implemented for fuel measurement verification, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between the fueling system and the verification process. Rather than requiring complex direct verification protocols between multiple systems, the blockchain serves as a neutral, trusted intermediary that records and verifies fuel measurements immutably. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while enhancing measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (hashes) of fuel measurement data and stores them on the blockchain. Instead of requiring complex real-time verification of physical measurements, the system generates cryptographic copies of the measurement data that can be independently verified on the blockchain network. This copying mechanism provides robust verification without requiring complex direct measurement validation systems
Data Source
AI summary
Fueling verification systems and methods for corroboration of vehicle fueling are described herein. The systems and methods provide for verifiable transmission of data collected from a remote source to assure data integrity and maintain proper fuel transmission as part of vehicle fueling. The systems and methods can include collecting a first fuel measure for a fueling process from a delivery source. A second fuel measure can be recorded into a blockchain. The second fuel measure for the fueling process can be received from a recipient source. Then, the first fuel measure and the second fuel measure can be correlated to determine a fueling offset. Then, the delivery source and/or the recipient source can be compensated based on the fueling offset.