Hydrogen Nozzle Connection Detection for Multi-Tank Filling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen filling systems struggle to efficiently determine the connection of multiple nozzles to either a single or multiple tank systems, leading to inefficient filling times and incorrect filling controls due to the inability to distinguish between different tank system configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize first and second filling controls, involving prefilling operations and pressure measurements to determine the connection configuration of nozzles to tank systems, allowing for optimized hydrogen filling based on the specific tank system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple nozzles are connected to multiple receptacles, then hydrogen filling capacity is improved, but it becomes impossible to determine whether nozzles are connected to one tank system or multiple tank systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions (prefilling operations) before the main filling process to detect the tank system configuration. By conducting test prefilling operations through selected nozzles and monitoring pressure changes, the system determines whether multiple nozzles are connected to one or multiple tank systems, enabling appropriate filling control to be selected subsequently.
2Loss of time
If filling control is performed without determining tank system configuration, then filling process can start immediately, but filling efficiency decreases and filling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a brief preliminary detection phase (prefilling operation) that takes minimal time compared to the overall filling process. This preliminary action enables the system to identify the correct filling pattern, ensuring optimal filling efficiency throughout the main filling process without significant time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensor feedback during prefilling operations to determine tank system configuration. By monitoring pressure changes in response to controlled hydrogen supply, the system receives information about the connection configuration and adjusts the filling control accordingly, optimizing the overall filling process.
3Reliability
If vehicle identification information is transmitted to determine tank system type, then accurate filling control is achieved, but information security concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's tank system performs self-identification through its own physical response characteristics during prefilling operations. The pressure changes that occur during controlled hydrogen supply reveal the tank system configuration without requiring the vehicle to transmit any identification information externally, thus maintaining information security while achieving accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces information-based identification (transmitting vehicle IDs or tank system type data) with a physical detection method based on pressure measurements during prefilling. This mechanical/physical approach substitutes for electronic information exchange, eliminating security risks associated with data transmission while maintaining detection accuracy.
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
Ensures efficient hydrogen filling by accurately distinguishing between different tank system connections, preventing prolonged filling times and optimizing filling efficiency without requiring sensitive vehicle information transmission.
Implementation Method 1
when pressure in rest of the hydrogen supply lines increases after the first prefilling
Data Source
AI summary
A method of filling at least one movable body with hydrogen from a hydrogen supply apparatus that is provided with hydrogen supply lines and nozzle, said at least one movable body being provided with a tank system that has receptacles, and hydrogen conduits coming together, the hydrogen supply apparatus is configured to be able to perform first and second filling controls, the first filling control being to be performed when the nozzles are connected to the receptacles, the second filling control being to be performed when one of the nozzles is connected to one of the receptacles, the method including: before performing the first or second filling control, performing first prefilling via one of the nozzles; and performing the first filling control when pressure in rest of the hydrogen supply lines that is/are connected to other of the nozzles via which no first prefilling is performed increases.