On-Site Hydrogen Generation and Auto-Exchange System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations is insufficient, limiting the acceptance and usability of fuel cell vehicles, as users rely on external stations for hydrogen supply.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient device that generates hydrogen on-site using electrolysis, equipped with a filling device for exchangeable storage devices and an automatic loading/unloading system, allowing for independent refueling at home without the need for external infrastructure, utilizing a photovoltaic device for electricity generation and an intermediate storage system for reserve hydrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydrogen storage devices are exchanged manually at external filling stations, then refueling can be performed, but the infrastructure is insufficient and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service refueling by automatically generating hydrogen on-site through electrolysis and autonomously exchanging storage devices. The control unit coordinates the generating device, filling device, and loading/unloading device to perform refueling operations without human intervention, eliminating dependence on external filling stations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage device that temporarily holds generated hydrogen before transferring it to the vehicle's mounting device. This intermediary component decouples the hydrogen generation process from the vehicle refueling process, enabling automated operation and reducing the need for direct connection to external infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen is generated on-site via electrolysis, then independence from external infrastructure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into functionally independent modules: a generating device for hydrogen production, a filling device for storage device refilling, and a loading/unloading device for automatic exchange. Each module operates semi-independently under control of a control unit, allowing the system to achieve infrastructure independence while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary hydrogen generation and storage before vehicle refueling is needed. The generating device can produce and store hydrogen in advance in the intermediate storage device, so that when refueling is required, the process can be executed quickly and automatically without needing external infrastructure at the moment of use
3Ease of operation
If automatic loading and unloading device is implemented, then user manual work is eliminated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated loading and unloading device that uses mechanical arms or conveyors to remove emptied storage devices from the vehicle and install filled ones. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually handle heavy storage devices, achieving high automation while the complexity is managed through integrated control systems
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
Enables convenient and autonomous hydrogen refueling for fuel cell vehicles, reducing dependence on external infrastructure and allowing users to refill storage devices quickly and efficiently, with the potential for simultaneous filling of multiple cartridges and partial autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen is generated on-site, which is preferably effected by means of electrolysis
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a photovoltaic device for electricity generation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying fuel to a motor vehicle having a fuel cell, comprising a generating device for generating hydrogen, a filling device for filling an exchangeable hydrogen storage device with hydrogen generated, and a loading and unloading device for the automatic unloading of an emptied hydrogen storage device from a mounting device of the motor vehicle, as well as for loading the mounting device with a filled hydrogen storage device.