Hydrogen Fueling Communication With Bidirectional Error Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrogen fueling systems for hydrogen fueled mobility lack efficiency, reliability, and safety due to limitations and vulnerabilities in unidirectional communication protocols, leading to inefficient and slow fueling processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a bidirectional communication process with error and emergency handling methods, including a communication device that detects errors, classifies them as safety-critical or non-safety-critical, and performs appropriate handling processes, such as emergency handling or protocol fallback, to enhance safety, compatibility, and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unidirectional communication devices are used for hydrogen fueling control, then the system structure is simple, but the fueling efficiency and reliability are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefueling efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional unidirectional communication architecture by implementing bidirectional communication between the vehicle and dispenser. This allows the vehicle to actively request fueling, monitor progress, and control the process, rather than passively receiving commands, thereby significantly improving fueling efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the vehicle continuously monitors fueling status, pressure, and temperature, and communicates this information back to the dispenser. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of fueling parameters, improving both efficiency and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If conventional unidirectional communication is used, then the communication protocol is simple, but error handling capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror handling capabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary error handling by establishing bidirectional communication protocols that include pre-defined error detection, classification, and response mechanisms before fueling operations begin, enabling proactive rather than reactive error management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer that mediates between the vehicle and dispenser, providing structured error handling, protocol negotiation, and emergency response coordination, thereby improving reliability without directly complicating the core fueling mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If unidirectional communication is used, then the system is easy to operate, but safety monitoring and emergency handling are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the vehicle monitors pressure, temperature, and fueling status, and communicates this safety-critical information to the dispenser and operator, enabling real-time safety monitoring and rapid emergency response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the vehicle's control system to autonomously monitor its own safety parameters, detect anomalies, and initiate emergency shutdown procedures if necessary, reducing the burden on operators while improving safety monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4678969A1Hydrogen fueling communication method and device for error and emergency handling
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4678969A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678969A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4678969A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: detecting errors that occur during communication for preparing the supply of hydrogen fuel between a mobility and a dispenser that supplies hydrogen fuel to the mobility, or during the supplying of hydrogen fuel by the dispenser to the mobility; with respect to the detected errors, determining whether the communication or the suppyling of hydrogen fuel stops; and performing follow-up processes defined on the basis of the detected errors.