Hydrogen Fueling System With Multi-Tank Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen fueling systems for vehicles are limited by inefficiencies in hydrogen usage, leading to increased costs, hazardous conditions, and restricted refueling locations due to incomplete filling and varying tank sizes, which are exacerbated by the need for specialized infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
An autogenous two-stage hydrogen fueling process utilizing a system with a liquid hydrogen storage tank and additional tanks to efficiently vaporize and store hydrogen at varying pressures and temperatures, allowing for efficient dispensing to vehicles, including a first tank for liquid hydrogen, a second tank for vaporization, and a third tank for high-pressure storage, with control systems to optimize hydrogen transfer based on target vessel capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current hydrogen fueling systems use fixed infrastructure with specialized delivery networks, then hydrogen can be delivered to vehicles, but the system becomes expensive to operate, hazardous, and limited to specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides hydrogen storage into multiple tanks with different pressure ratings (350 psi and 700 psi) and separates liquid hydrogen storage from dispensing functions. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed in various locations without requiring a single complex centralized infrastructure, as each component can be independently positioned and configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate vaporization chamber that converts liquid hydrogen to gas before dispensing to the vehicle. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex phase change process in a dedicated unit, allowing simpler storage tanks and dispensing mechanisms to be used at various locations.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored as liquid in cryogenic tanks, then storage density is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires specialized temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates liquid hydrogen storage from the dispensing system by using dedicated cryogenic storage tanks that are physically isolated from the vaporization and dispensing components. This segmentation allows the complex cryogenic storage function to be optimized independently while keeping the rest of the system simple and deployable in various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vaporization chamber serves as an intermediary between the cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage and the dispensing system. It receives liquid hydrogen from the cryogenic tanks, converts it to gas through controlled heating, and then dispenses the gas to the vehicle, thereby simplifying both the storage and dispensing functions.
3Productivity
If hydrogen fueling is performed using conventional methods, then vehicles can be refueled, but the process is time-consuming and results in hydrogen waste due to incomplete filling or varying tank sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the dispensing process by first filling the vehicle tank to a first pressure level using the 350 psi hydrogen source, then automatically switching to the 700 psi source to fill the remaining capacity. This dynamic two-stage approach ensures complete filling of varying tank sizes without waste, and significantly increases refueling speed compared to conventional single-stage methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the hydrogen supply during the refueling process by switching between two different pressure sources (350 psi and 700 psi). This parameter change enables the system to efficiently fill tanks of different sizes and pressure ratings, eliminating hydrogen waste while improving refueling speed.
4Loss of energy
If a two-stage pressurization system is used, then hydrogen usage efficiency is maximized, but the system complexity increases with multiple tanks and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hydrogen storage into two dedicated tanks with different pressure ratings (350 psi and 700 psi) and uses separate control mechanisms for each stage of dispensing. This segmentation, while increasing component count, actually simplifies the control logic by using straightforward pressure-differential-based automatic switching rather than complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-stage dispensing system operates autonomously by using the pressure difference between the two hydrogen sources to automatically control the filling process. The system self-regulates the transition between stages based on tank pressure levels, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while maximizing hydrogen usage efficiency.
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
This approach maximizes hydrogen usage, reduces refueling time and costs, and allows for portable and easily deployable hydrogen fueling stations, minimizing hazardous conditions and expanding refueling location possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
The second tank may be heated or otherwise maintained at a temperature that allows vaporization or boiling of the liquid hydrogen to hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 2
The hydrogen gas within the second tank may be transferred from the second tank to the third tank. The hydrogen gas within the third tank may be maintained at a pressure that is less than or equal to the pressure within the second tank
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen fueling system and method comprises a container, a first tank, second tank, and third tank disposed within the container, and a nozzle coupled to the second tank and the third tank. One or more computer-readable storage media storing instructions executable by one or more processors may control flow of liquid hydrogen and hydrogen gas in the system, adjust temperature of the tanks, control pressure in the tanks, and transfer hydrogen gas from the second tank, the third tank, or a combination thereof to one or more target vessels. The system may also comprise flow control assemblies and flow control valves to manage the transfer of liquid hydrogen and hydrogen gas in the system.