Hydrogen Tank Fault Localization Using Individual Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting faults in hydrogen tank systems with multiple individual tanks connected to a common supply line are unable to identify which specific tank is faulty, requiring the entire system to be shut down for safety, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses individual temperature sensors to calculate average and deviation values, comparing individual tank temperatures to detect and locate faults by checking against a normal temperature threshold range, allowing for the identification and isolation of faulty tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common pressure sensor is used in the common hydrogen supply line to detect faults, then fault detection capability is provided, but the system cannot identify which specific tank is faulty, requiring shutdown of the entire tank system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function by assigning individual temperature sensors to each tank instead of using a single common sensor. This segmentation enables independent monitoring of each tank's temperature, allowing the system to identify which specific tank is faulty based on temperature deviations, thereby preserving fault location information while maintaining fault detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If individual temperature sensors are installed in each tank to identify faulty tanks, then fault location precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect faults in the hydrogen storage tanks. Instead of directly monitoring pressure or leakage in each tank, the system measures temperature changes caused by adiabatic expansion during leakage or faulty valve operation. This indirect measurement approach enables fault location with moderate sensor deployment, balancing measurement precision with device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire tank system is shut down when a fault is detected, then safety is ensured, but system productivity and operational time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or isolates the faulty tank from the overall system by identifying it through temperature monitoring and then shutting down only that specific tank rather than the entire tank system. This selective isolation maintains safety by containing the fault while preserving the operational status of healthy tanks, thereby maintaining system productivity and extending operational time.
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
Enables rapid identification and isolation of faulty tanks, reducing system downtime and enhancing safety by pinpointing the specific tank with a fault, thereby allowing targeted maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
receiving individual temperatures of each one of the individual tanks
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (100) for detecting a fault (F) in a tank system (10) comprising multiple individual tanks (12) for storing hydrogen connected to a common hydrogen supply line (18). The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product, tank system (10) and fuel cell electric vehicle (60).