Hydrogen Tank Throttling Loss Detection via Pressure-Temperature Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrogen tank systems in vehicles face challenges in detecting and managing throttling losses, which can occur due to clogged filters, pipe deformations, and other factors, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during refueling and hydrogen withdrawal.

Innovation Solution

The method involves monitoring pressure and temperature changes at multiple points in the hydrogen tank system during refueling and withdrawal, using this data to localize throttling losses and identify affected pipe sections, thereby allowing for targeted maintenance and system optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple tanks and complex systems are used to store gaseous hydrogen, then the hydrogen storage capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen storage capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogen tank system is divided into multiple individual tanks (first tank, second tank, etc.), each equipped with its own temperature sensor. Pressure sensors are placed at multiple measuring points throughout the system. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of each tank and section, enabling detection of throttling losses in specific areas without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If filters are installed in the hydrogen tank system, then hydrogen purity is improved, but throttling losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen purityVSAvoidthrottling losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pressure and temperature at multiple measuring points and compares actual values against expected values during refueling and withdrawal operations. When deviations indicate throttling losses, the system can identify the affected section and alert operators to inspect or replace filters, balancing purity requirements with energy efficiency through data-driven maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If maintenance work is performed on the hydrogen tank system, then system reliability is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs continuous monitoring and detects throttling losses during normal operation before they lead to system failures. By identifying problematic filters or pipe sections early, maintenance can be planned and executed during scheduled downtime rather than emergency situations, reducing safety risks associated with urgent maintenance work on pressurized hydrogen systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If pressure and temperature are monitored at multiple points, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrottling loss detection precisionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing temperature sensors installed in each tank for hydrogen quantity determination are utilized for dual purposes: both measuring hydrogen amount and detecting throttling losses when combined with pressure data. Pressure sensors at multiple points provide information used for both pressure regulation and throttling detection. This multi-functionality improves detection precision without requiring entirely separate monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the detection of throttling losses within a closed hydrogen tank system during regular operation, allowing for timely intervention to prevent system failures and ensure safe and efficient hydrogen management.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure is usually measured at several points in the tank system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

each tank is typically equipped with a temperature sensor to provide information about the amount of hydrogen stored

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 3

throttling losses affect the pressure and temperature of the hydrogen in the tank system depending on the position of the unwanted throttling point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling loss: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS20250109826A1Method and device for detecting any throttling losses in a hydrogen tank system
Publication Date: 2025.04.03 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20250109826A1 patent drawing
  • US20250109826A1 patent drawing
  • US20250109826A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method (40) for detecting any throttling losses (11) in a hydrogen tank system (10),characterized by the following features:before access to the hydrogen tank system (10), a course (30) of pressure and temperature (31) expected for the access without the throttling losses (11) is determined at different measuring points in the hydrogen tank system (10),the pressure and the temperature (31) at the measuring points are continuously recorded during the access, andthe throttling losses (11) are detected on a case-by-case basis on the basis of the deviation (33) of the pressure or the temperature (31) from the expected course (30).