Hydrogen Refuelling Gas Verification Through Vehicle Tank Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of hydrogen-powered vehicles have no means to verify the amount of hydrogen gas delivered during refueling, relying solely on potentially faulty gas meters at hydrogen filling stations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for verifying the amount of hydrogen gas delivered by establishing a communication connection between the vehicle and the filling station, transmitting meter information, and determining the actual amount absorbed into the vehicle tank, allowing comparison and detection of discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a gas meter is used to measure the amount of hydrogen gas delivered during refueling, then the filling speed and convenience are improved, but the reliability of the measurement is worsened because the driver has no means to verify the accuracy of the gas meter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vehicle's control unit receives the measured gas quantity from the gas meter, independently calculates the expected gas quantity based on tank pressure and temperature measurements, and compares the two values. This feedback loop allows the driver to verify the accuracy of the gas meter reading through the display unit, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining fast refueling speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle itself performs the verification function by using its own sensors (pressure sensor 114, temperature sensor 116) and control unit 110 to independently calculate and verify the gas quantity. The driver benefits from this self-service verification capability without requiring additional external verification equipment, enabling them to confirm the accuracy of the gas meter reading.
2Ease of operation
If the driver relies solely on the gas meter reading, then the operation is simple and fast, but the risk of undetected measurement errors or gas leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit 110 automatically compares the gas meter reading with the independently calculated gas quantity and can detect discrepancies indicating potential leaks or measurement errors. The system provides feedback to the driver through the display unit 122, alerting them to any inconsistencies without requiring complex manual verification procedures, thus maintaining operational simplicity while detecting harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with an automated electronic verification system. The control unit 110 automatically performs calculations based on pressure and temperature data from sensors 114 and 116, compares it with the gas meter reading, and provides electronic alerts through display unit 122 or communication interface 120, substituting complex manual checking procedures with automated electronic detection.
3Measurement precision
If a verification system comparing gas meter readings with actual gas uptake is implemented, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and communication components
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit 110 performs multiple functions: it controls the refueling process, processes data from pressure sensor 114 and temperature sensor 116, calculates the expected gas quantity, compares it with the gas meter reading, and controls the display unit 122. By making the control unit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated verification hardware, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface 120 serves dual purposes: it enables the verification system to transmit data externally and also allows the vehicle to receive calibration data for the gas meter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for verifying the quantity of hydrogen gas dispensed to a vehicle (100) during a refueling process (500) at a hydrogen refueling station (200), the method comprising the steps of: filling a vehicle tank (110) of the vehicle (100) during the refueling process at the hydrogen refueling station (200), measuring the quantity of hydrogen gas dispensed to the vehicle tank (110) during the refueling process (500) using a gas meter (220) of the hydrogen refueling station (200), establishing a communication link (300) between the hydrogen refueling station (200) and the vehicle (100) or an external device (400) connected to the vehicle (100), and transmitting at least one meter reading (310) from the gas meter (220), which contains the quantity of hydrogen gas measured by the gas meter (220), to the vehicle (100) or the external device via the communication link (300). (400),and determining the amount of hydrogen gas taken into the vehicle tank (110) during the refueling process (500).