Hydrogen Production CI Control with Linear Reference Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for hydrogen production facilities struggle to accurately and efficiently meet varying carbon intensity requirements due to the complexity and diversity of carbon intensity calculation models across different jurisdictions, making real-time compliance challenging.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented control system that utilizes linear terms derived from operational parameter data and carbon intensity reference models to generate control variables, enabling real-time adjustment of hydrogen production processes to meet carbon intensity targets, employing model predictive control for optimized operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional control systems are used for hydrogen production facilities, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot accurately meet varying carbon intensity requirements due to model complexity and diversity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon intensity calculation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a carbon intensity calculator as an intermediary component that sits between the operational parameters and the control system. This calculator specifically handles the complex carbon intensity calculations using linear terms and reference models, isolating the complexity from the main control system while providing accurate CI values for compliance determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies of carbon intensity calculation models in the form of linear terms and reference models. These linearized representations approximate the complex carbon intensity relationships, enabling real-time control calculations without requiring the full complexity of original carbon intensity models, thus achieving both accuracy and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If real-time carbon intensity compliance is implemented, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon intensity compliance reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores linear terms and reference model parameters offline before real-time operation. These pre-computed values are prepared in advance and stored for rapid retrieval during real-time control, eliminating the need for complex calculations during critical compliance monitoring and control actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the complex carbon intensity calculation problem into a parameter-based control problem by defining linear terms with specific mathematical forms. This parameterization allows the system to meet compliance requirements through adjusted operational parameters rather than complex real-time optimization, simplifying the control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If complex carbon intensity reference models are used, then calculation accuracy is improved, but real-time control responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon intensity calculation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential features of complex carbon intensity reference models into simplified linear terms. By taking out only the critical relationships and representing them in linear form, the system maintains sufficient calculation accuracy for compliance determination while achieving the computational speed required for real-time control responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4621504A1A real-time control system for carbon intensity compliance in a hydrogen production facility
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 AIR PROD & CHEM INC
  • EP4621504A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4621504A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4621504A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of operating a hydrogen production facility to meet carbon intensity (CI) requirements, the method comprising: receiving operational parameter data from the hydrogen production facility, the operational parameter data being representative of measured and/or determined time-dependent values of operational parameters of the hydrogen production facility; processing the operational parameter data to define one or more linear terms, wherein the linear terms are linear with respect to one or more Cl reference models; generating, from the linear terms, control system Cl values representative of the CI of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility; generating control variables for controlling one or more operational parameters of the hydrogen production facility; and controlling the hydrogen production facility in accordance with the determined control variables.