Method for operating an energy supply device for at least one motor vehicle and corresponding energy supply device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply methods for motor vehicles lack reliability and continuity in providing energy from renewable sources, often relying on a single type of energy transmission and being inflexible in energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an energy supply device that intermittently provides electricity and hydrogen to motor vehicles using electrolysis, with a thermal energy store to ensure energy availability, allowing for independent operation of electrical and hydrogen connections and flexible energy transmission via wired or wireless means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of energy transmission is used, then the system structure is simple, but the energy supply reliability and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply system is segmented into multiple independent transmission paths: electrical energy transmission and hydrogen energy transmission. Each path operates autonomously, so if one path fails or is unavailable, the other can continue to supply energy, thereby improving overall system reliability without requiring an overly complex integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The energy supply device is designed with multi-functionality to provide both electrical energy and hydrogen energy through separate connections. This universal capability allows the system to adapt to different energy needs and maintain supply continuity by switching between or combining different energy types, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and supply reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermittent energy provision is used, then the system adapts to renewable energy availability, but the energy supply continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance when renewable energy is abundant. This stored thermal energy can be utilized later during periods when renewable energy generation is insufficient, thereby maintaining energy supply continuity while preserving the adaptability to intermittent renewable energy availability
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal energy storage acts as an intermediary between intermittent renewable energy generation and continuous energy supply requirements. The thermal storage system buffers the intermittency, converting irregular energy input into more continuous energy output that can meet ongoing vehicle energy demands
3Reliability
If thermal energy storage is added, then the energy availability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is merged with the existing electrical and hydrogen energy transmission infrastructure. By integrating the thermal storage as a complementary component that works in conjunction with the other energy paths rather than as a separate standalone system, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving improved energy availability
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
Ensures reliable and continuous energy supply to motor vehicles using renewable sources, enhancing energy availability and efficiency by storing thermal energy for electricity generation and hydrogen production, and allowing flexible energy delivery methods.
Implementation Method 1
the power source has a thermal energy store for temporarily storing thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogen being produced by electrolysis from water using electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an energy supply device (1) for at least one motor vehicle (2, 3). It is provided that at least temporarily, electrical current from a power source (65) is supplied to a power connection (4) of the energy supply device (1), and hydrogen from a hydrogen storage device (12) is supplied at least temporarily to a hydrogen connection (5) of the energy supply device (1) for transmission to the at least one motor vehicle (2, 3). The hydrogen is obtained by electrolysis from water using electrical current from the power source (65), and the power source (65) has a thermal energy storage device (40) for intermediate storage of thermal energy, which is used at least temporarily for supplying the electrical current. The invention further relates to an energy supply device (1) for at least one motor vehicle (2, 3).