Hydrogen Generator Power Source Selection for Cost-Aware Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen generation systems lack the ability to adapt and optimize the use of multiple power sources, failing to consider the relative costs of different power sources, which limits their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes processors connected to a hydrogen generator capable of using multiple power sources, with a computer-readable medium storing instructions to select the most cost-effective power sources, including renewable options like solar, wind, and geothermal, and uses historical data to train a machine learning system for optimized power source selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hydrogen generation systems use multiple power sources, then cost optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that manages multiple power sources and the hydrogen generator. The controller receives power from multiple sources (renewable and non-renewable), stores historical cost data, and automatically selects the most cost-effective power source based on stored price information and weather conditions, thereby optimizing costs without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by storing historical data regarding power source costs and weather conditions, then using this stored information to make automated decisions about power source selection. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts power source selection based on accumulated historical data, enabling cost optimization through learned patterns rather than static configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system adapts to different power sources dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal management system that can handle multiple types of power sources (renewable and non-renewable) through a single interface. The system stores historical data for various power sources and weather conditions, then applies this data universally to select the most cost-effective power source for any given situation, enabling adaptability without requiring separate control mechanisms for each power source type
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing historical cost data and weather information in advance before actual power source selection is needed. This pre-stored historical data enables the controller to make rapid, informed decisions about power source selection without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing control complexity
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
The system efficiently generates hydrogen by selecting the lowest cost power sources, optimizing energy usage and reducing costs through adaptive power source management and machine learning optimization.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen generator capable of being powered by a plurality of different power sources
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating hydrogen includes one or more processors operatively connected a hydrogen generator capable of being powered by a plurality of different power sources and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a first request to generate a first quantity of hydrogen; select a first one or more power sources of the plurality of different power sources to minimize a cost of generating the first quantity of hydrogen; connect the hydrogen generator to receive power from the first one or more power sources; and instruct the hydrogen generator to generate the first quantity of hydrogen using the first one or more power sources.