Mobile Hydrogen Refueling With Host-Powered Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile fluid supply systems, particularly for hydrogen refueling, are complex, expensive, and large due to the high power requirements and the need for multiple vehicles, which hampers their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered mobile fluid supply system that includes at least one pressurized fluid volume, a fluid dispenser, and a compressor, which is electrically connected to the host unit to power the compressor during fluid supply operations, allowing for efficient and self-powered fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a mobile hydrogen supply system uses two vehicles (one for low-pressure storage, one for refuelling system), then the system can provide sufficient fluid supply capability, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid storage function and refuelling system function into a single vehicle platform. The mobile refuelling station integrates both the pressurized fluid volume (storage) and the refuelling equipment (dispenser/compressor) in one unit, eliminating the need for two separate vehicles while maintaining full fluid supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vehicle platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the fluid storage platform and the refuelling operation platform. The vehicle carries both the pressurized fluid volumes and the complete refuelling system, making it a universal mobile refuelling station that can operate independently without requiring additional support vehicles.
2Device complexity
If a battery electric vehicle carries the fluid supply system, then the system can be simplified to a single vehicle, but the vehicle cannot provide enough power for fluid supply operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameter from battery electric to fuel cell electric. This parameter change enables the vehicle to generate sufficient electrical power (100-300 kW range) to operate the compressor and refuelling equipment while maintaining the simplification of using a single vehicle platform. The fuel cell system provides both the electrical power needed for operation and can utilize hydrogen from the pressurized volumes.
3Power
If a fuel cell electric vehicle carries the fluid supply system, then sufficient power is available for fluid supply operations, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system serves dual purposes: it provides electrical power for operating the compressor and refuelling equipment, and it consumes hydrogen from the pressurized fluid volumes during refuelling operations. This self-service arrangement eliminates the need for separate power generation equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high power availability.
4Power
If diesel engines or grid power are used to generate power for the mobile refuelling station, then sufficient power is available, but the system requires external infrastructure or additional vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile refuelling station is equipped with an onboard fuel cell system that generates its own electrical power independently. This self-powered capability allows the station to operate in remote locations without requiring connection to external grid infrastructure or additional diesel generator vehicles, thereby achieving full operational independence and versatility.
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
The system simplifies, reduces the size and cost of mobile fluid supply systems, enabling efficient fluid supply operations in remote locations without relying on diesel engines or grid power, and allows for rapid sequential fluid supply to multiple host units.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compressor configured to build sufficient pressure for the fluid supply operation in the mobile fluid supply system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrically powered mobile fluid supply system 100 for supplying fluid to a host unit 300. The mobile fluid supply system comprises at least one pressurized fluid volume 110, a fluid dispenser 120 fluidly connectable to the host unit 300 and configured to supply fluid from the at least one pressurized fluid volume 110 to the host unit 300 in a fluid supply operation, and at least one compressor 130 configured to build sufficient pressure for the fluid supply operation in the mobile fluid supply system 100. The mobile fluid supply system 100 is configured to be electrically connected to the host unit 300 and the at least one compressor 130 is configured to be electrically connected to the mobile fluid supply system 100 and electrically powered by the host 200 unit during the fluid supply operation. The disclosure further relates to a method for supplying fluid to a host unit 300, to a control unit 500 configured to control the fluid supply operation, and to a vehicle, vessel or craft 400 comprising the mobile fluid supply system 100.