Large-Scale Hydrogen Refueling Station With Parallel Pressure Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen refueling stations are inadequate for simultaneously refueling multiple heavy-duty vehicles and lack the capacity to perform pressure consolidation during refueling, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A large-scale hydrogen refueling station with multiple supply storages, compressor modules, and dispenser modules, utilizing a centralized control system to manage flow paths for simultaneous refueling and pressure consolidation, including variable speed compressors and local controllers to optimize gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single compressor is used to supply multiple dispensers, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases because only one vehicle can be refueled at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the compressor function into multiple independent compressor modules (first compressor module, second compressor module, third compressor module), each capable of independently supplying hydrogen to dispensers. This segmentation allows parallel refueling operations while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compressor module is designed to perform multiple functions: supplying hydrogen to dispensers for vehicle refueling, and performing pressure consolidation by transferring hydrogen between supply storages. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If compressor capacity is increased to refuel multiple vehicles simultaneously, then productivity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure consolidation to allow higher-pressure supply storages to automatically refill lower-pressure supply storages without compressor intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces compressor runtime and energy consumption while maintaining the ability to serve multiple vehicles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
While one compressor module is refueling vehicles, other compressor modules perform pressure consolidation in parallel. This continuous utilization of compressor capacity for useful work (either refueling or pressure equalization) maximizes productivity without requiring excessive compressor power for any single operation.
3Reliability
If pressure consolidation is performed separately from refueling operations, then manufacturing precision of pressure management is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges pressure consolidation and refueling operations into a unified parallel process. Compressor modules perform pressure consolidation between supply storages simultaneously with dispensers refueling vehicles, eliminating sequential delays while maintaining precise pressure management through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs pressure consolidation in advance during periods when supply storages are being repressurized, preparing high-pressure hydrogen availability before peak refueling demand. This preliminary action ensures reliable pressure management during refueling operations without adding time delays.
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 faster refueling of multiple vehicles while reducing compressor capacity and power consumption, allowing for flexible operation and cost-effective management of hydrogen production and storage pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor module (2) including a compressor (17)
Implementation Method 2
perform pressure consolidation of one supply storage (1) with a first compressor module (2), at the same time as another supply storage (1) is used as a gas source for refueling another vehicle (14)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a large-scale hydrogen refueling station comprising at least one supply storage, a plurality of compressor modules comprising a local controller, a plurality of dispenser modules, and a hydrogen production system comprising a hydrogen production system controller mutually connected by one or more flow paths. Wherein one of the controllers facilitates control of valves and thereby flow of hydrogen gas in the flow paths between the at least one supply storage, compressor modules, dispenser modules and hydrogen production system. Wherein the control of the valves enables flow of hydrogen gas in at least three of the flow paths simultaneously.