Hydrogen Fueling Range Estimation from Station Filling Specifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen face challenges with incomplete charging due to variations in fuel tank permissible pressures and filling station supply pressures, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A gas fuel-based moving object equipped with a transceiver and processor that receives filling specification information from a gas charger, estimates the maximum possible filling amount of gas based on filling pressure and temperature, and provides this information through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a high-pressure hydrogen charger is used to completely fill the fuel tank, then the filling amount is improved, but the time required to generate high-pressure hydrogen gas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling hydrogen gas before compression and pre-planning the filling process based on tank capacity and charger specifications. This preparation reduces the time required during actual high-pressure filling by avoiding intermediate cooling steps during the critical filling phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by operating the charger at maximum capacity throughout the filling process without interruption. The control algorithm ensures continuous gas flow and compression, eliminating idle time and maintaining optimal charger utilization from start to finish.
2Loss of time
If a low-pressure hydrogen charger is used to avoid time delay, then the charging time is improved, but the filling amount is insufficient due to lower supply pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts filling parameters based on real-time conditions, transitioning from low-pressure pre-filling to high-pressure completion filling. The control algorithm dynamically modifies flow rates, pressures, and temperature parameters to optimize both speed and total filling amount throughout the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters by cooling hydrogen gas to lower temperatures before and during filling, which increases gas density and allows more hydrogen to be stored in the tank. The system also adjusts pressure parameters through multi-stage compression to achieve complete filling despite charger limitations.
3Loss of time
If the filling process is optimized for speed, then the charging time is improved, but the user cannot recognize the filling amount status, causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring filling amount, tank pressure, temperature, and charger status, then providing real-time updates to the user interface. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain optimized filling speed while keeping the user informed of progress and expected completion time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control algorithm acts as an intermediary between the physical filling process and the user interface, translating complex parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) into meaningful information for the user. It mediates between speed optimization and information provision by processing sensor data and presenting it in an understandable format.
4Quantity of substance
If the filling process is optimized for completeness, then the filling amount is improved, but the user experiences difficulty in driving plan due to post-filling driving distance shorter than expected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of expected driving range based on the specific filling amount achieved, tank pressure, and vehicle consumption characteristics before the user leaves the station. This advance information provision allows the user to adjust their driving plan accordingly, preventing surprises about shorter-than-expected range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on the actual filling amount achieved and translates it into expected driving range information. This feedback enables the user to make informed decisions about their driving plan, potentially adjusting routes or departure times to accommodate the actual fueling level rather than relying on theoretical maximums.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a gas fuel-based moving object capable of checking the amount of gas filling according to filling specification and method therefor. The moving object includes: a transceiver configured to receive filling specification information of a gas charger; and a processor configured to estimate, based on the filling specification information, a maximum possible filling amount of gas injected to a fuel tank of the moving object and to provide the maximum possible filling amount through a user interface.