Hydrogen Tank Inventory Calculation From Pressure-Temperature Logs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accurately determining the hydrogen gas inventory in off-site hydrogen stations are prone to errors due to manual data collection and variations in meter types and reading times, making it difficult to grasp the real-time inventory with high accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes log data creation, inventory calculation, sorting, and output devices to automatically collect and process pressure and temperature data from multiple meters at off-site stations, enabling accurate inventory calculation and sorting by time periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual data collection from meters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to reading errors and variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reading processes with automated electronic data collection systems. Meters are equipped with communication interfaces that automatically transmit pressure and temperature data to a central server, eliminating the need for manual reading and recording while significantly improving measurement precision and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where meters automatically record and transmit their own measurement data without human intervention. The automated system performs data collection, transmission, and initial processing independently, improving both precision and reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If automated data collection system is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data collection architecture where a single server system handles multiple functions: receiving data from various meter types, storing historical records, performing inventory calculations, and generating reports. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a unified system rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between the meters and the user interface. The server handles data reception, processing, and management, isolating the complexity of automated data collection from both the measurement devices and the end users, thereby making the system more manageable despite increased automation.
3Ease of operation
If uniform sampling timing is used across all stations, then ease of operation improves, but loss of time increases due to inability to capture real-time variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sampling timing where the data collection frequency and timing are automatically adjusted based on operational conditions. The system can increase sampling rates during periods of rapid change or high activity and reduce rates during stable periods, optimizing both operational ease and real-time monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic data collection cycles that are automatically scheduled and executed. Data is collected at regular intervals defined by configurable parameters, providing systematic monitoring while maintaining ease of operation through automated scheduling rather than manual coordination.
4Measurement precision
If individual sampling timing is set for each station, then real-time inventory accuracy improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the central server receives status information from each station and automatically adjusts sampling timing and coordination based on actual conditions. The system learns from operational patterns and optimizes data collection schedules, reducing the difficulty of coordinating individual station timing while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of sampling timing and parameters for each station based on expected operational patterns. Data collection schedules, meter selection criteria, and coordination parameters are pre-configured and optimized before actual operation begins, reducing the complexity of real-time coordination while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus for managing an inventory amount of a hydrogen gas in a plurality of hydrogen tanks that store hydrogen gas, the management apparatus including a log data receiving circuit configured to receive log data including a plurality of parameter data measured by a plurality of instruments arranged each on hydrogen tank and identification information of each hydrogen tank, and an inventory amount calculation circuit configured to calculate an inventory amount of the hydrogen gas at an individual calculation timing that is individually set for each hydrogen tank based on the log data.