Hydrogen Refueling Station Mode Switching to Cut Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability of economically viable hydrogen refueling stations hinders the large-scale deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs), as existing refueling infrastructure is not adequately developed to support widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for operating a hydrogen refueling station that includes source tube-trailers and at least one compressor, utilizing multiple operational modes to optimize hydrogen distribution and storage, where the system assesses its state at the end of each mode to select the next mode of operation, ensuring efficient use of buffer storage and compressor operation based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hydrogen refueling stations use traditional operational methods with tube-trailers and compressors, then the infrastructure can be established, but the refueling cost is high and economic viability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple operational modes (Mode 1: Tube Trailer Direct Fill, Mode 2: Buffer Storage Fill, Mode 3: Compressor Consolidation) based on real-time conditions such as buffer storage capacity, tube trailer availability, and demand patterns. This dynamic operation optimizes the use of expensive compressor resources during off-peak periods while meeting peak demand efficiently, thereby reducing overall refueling costs and enabling broader network deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary consolidation of hydrogen into buffer storage during off-peak periods when tube-trailer delivery is available and demand is low. This advance preparation ensures that high-demand periods can be met directly from buffer storage or tube-trailer without requiring expensive compressor operations, thus reducing operational costs and facilitating network expansion
2Loss of energy
If the refueling station operates with multiple operational modes and buffer storage, then refueling cost is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors system state including buffer storage capacity, tube trailer availability, compressor status, and demand patterns. Based on this feedback, the system automatically selects the appropriate operational mode (Direct Fill, Buffer Storage Fill, or Compressor Consolidation), managing complexity through intelligent automation rather than manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer storage system serves multiple functions: it acts as a hydrogen reservoir for direct vehicle refueling, a consolidation target for compressor operations during off-peak periods, and a buffer to manage pressure and flow variations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing system complexity while achieving cost reduction
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 hydrogen refueling costs by optimizing the use of tube-trailers and compressors, allowing for efficient hydrogen distribution during peak and off-peak demand periods, thereby enabling the economic viability of hydrogen refueling station networks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compressor
Implementation Method 2
coupled to the first tube trailer tanks by a pressure control valve
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for operating a refueling station including source tube-trailers and at least one compressor to reduce refueling cost. The refueling station includes a gaseous fuel supply source including a plurality of tanks on a tube trailer coupled to a first control unit, and high pressure buffer storage having predefined capacity coupled to a second control unit and the first tanks by a pressure control valve and the first control unit, and at least one compressor. The refueling station is operated at different modes depending on a state of the refueling station at the beginning of each operational mode. The refueling system is assessed at the end of each operational mode to identify the state of the system and select a next mode of operation. The operational modes include consolidating hydrogen, or any gaseous fuel, within the tubes mounted on the trailer.