Hydrogen Refueling Station Control for Compressor Cycling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen refueling stations experience high power consumption and compressor wear due to frequent start/stop cycles, and existing control methods do not optimize energy usage or refueling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high-frequency and low-frequency tank profile system that adjusts compressor operation and supply storage pressure based on predicted refueling demand, optimizing energy consumption and reducing start/stop cycles by using multiple vessels and varying compressor speed, and optimizing the cooling system for maximum capacity during peak periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor is stopped and then restarted when a vehicle is to be refueled, then the refueling station can respond to demand, but the number of start/stop cycles increases leading to high power consumption and compressor wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing hydrogen in accumulators during low-demand periods and pre-cooling the hydrogen before refueling. This allows the compressor to run continuously at optimal levels while still responding quickly to refueling demands without frequent start/stop cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the refueling process by using multiple accumulators with different fill levels and selecting appropriate accumulators based on real-time demand. The compressor speed and cooling system operation are dynamically optimized based on the selected refueling protocol and current station load.
2Productivity
If the compressor is stopped and then restarted when a vehicle is to be refueled, then the refueling station can respond to demand, but compressor wear increases due to frequent start/stop cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing hydrogen in accumulators during low-demand periods and pre-cooling the hydrogen before refueling. This allows the compressor to run continuously at optimal levels while still responding quickly to refueling demands without frequent start/stop cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the start/stop phase by maintaining continuous compressor operation and using accumulators as buffer storage. The accumulators allow the system to rush through refueling demands using stored hydrogen while the compressor continues running without interruption.
3Productivity
If multiple vessels are used in supply storage, then pressure can be optimized for different refueling scenarios, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply storage is segmented into multiple accumulators (first accumulator, second accumulator, etc.) that can be independently controlled and monitored. Each accumulator can serve different refueling scenarios, allowing the system to optimize pressure and temperature for each while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple accumulators serve universal functions by all being capable of storing and supplying hydrogen for refueling. The system can select any accumulator based on current demand, making the infrastructure multi-functional and adaptable to various refueling protocols without requiring completely separate 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
This approach reduces energy consumption, minimizes compressor wear, and ensures efficient and fast refueling by maintaining continuous compressor operation with optimized pressure and cooling capacity, aligning with demand patterns and energy pricing.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (2) having an inlet and an outlet
Implementation Method 2
a cooling system (12) having an inlet and an outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention related to a system for control of a hydrogen refuelling station. The control of the hydrogen refuelling station is optimized according to a high-frequency tank profile in a time period between time A and time B. The high-frequency tank profile includes selecting a first of the plurality of vessels as supply to the compressor during at least part of the refuelling of the vehicle tank, the selection is based on pressure of hydrogen gas in one or more vessels of the supply storage. The control of the hydrogen refuelling station is furthermore optimized according to a low-frequency tank profile in a time period between time C and time D. The low-frequency tank profile includes preparing one or more hydrogen refuelling station components to enable a plurality of vehicle tank refuellings in the subsequent time period between time A and time B.