Mobile Hydrogen Refueling Station with Multi-Pressure Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles are slow due to the lack of a compressor or a cooling system for hydrogen gas, which limits the simultaneous refueling of multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mobile hydrogen refueling station with multiple hydrogen gas sources at different pressures, allowing simultaneous refueling of two or more receiving vessels using a pulse-controlled method that adjusts hydrogen flow based on the temperature of the receiving vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mobile refueling station uses traditional sequential refueling without compression or cooling systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the refueling speed is slow and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system is divided into multiple independent gas sources (first, second, and third hydrogen gas sources) storing hydrogen at different pressure levels. This segmentation allows simultaneous refueling of multiple receiving vessels by directing hydrogen from appropriate sources to each vessel based on their current pressure, enabling parallel operations without requiring complex compression or cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic action by alternately controlling the flow of hydrogen gas to different receiving vessels in a coordinated manner. The controller switches between refueling operations on different vessels, opening and closing valves at timed intervals to maintain optimal refueling rates while managing thermal effects, thereby achieving high-speed refueling without continuous cooling.
2Productivity
If multiple receiving vessels are refueled simultaneously from a single hydrogen source, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to multiple valves and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold serves as a universal distribution component that handles multiple receiving vessels simultaneously. The single manifold structure provides multiple outlet connections that can be fluidly connected to different receiving vessels, allowing one component to perform multiple refueling functions. This reduces the need for separate valve and conduit assemblies for each vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple hydrogen gas sources and their associated valve systems are merged into a unified refueling architecture centered around a common manifold. Instead of having separate complete refueling systems for each vessel, the invention combines the storage sources and distribution network into an integrated system where valves and conduits serve multiple vessels through the shared manifold structure.
3Speed
If hydrogen gas flows continuously to receiving vessels without flow control, then refueling speed increases, but temperature control becomes problematic without a cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic flow control by alternately opening and closing valves to hydrogen gas sources during the refueling process. This pulsed or intermittent flow pattern allows the receiving vessel to experience periods of active refueling followed by brief pauses where heat can dissipate, preventing excessive temperature buildup while maintaining high overall refueling rates. The periodic valve switching creates a self-regulating thermal management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from pressure sensors and temperature monitoring to dynamically adjust valve positions and flow rates. When the receiving vessel approaches target pressure or temperature thresholds, the controller modulates the hydrogen flow by adjusting valve opening degrees or switching between different gas sources, thereby maintaining safe operating temperatures without requiring active cooling systems.
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 and more efficient refueling of multiple fuel cell vehicles simultaneously without the need for a compressor or cooling system, reducing the time required for refueling and increasing the number of vehicles that can be refueled within a given time period.
Implementation Method 1
said first hydrogen gas source is configured for storing hydrogen gas at a first pressure, said second hydrogen gas source is configured for storing hydrogen gas at a second pressure and said third hydrogen gas source is configured for storing hydrogen gas at a third pressure, wherein at least two of said first, second and third pressures being different
Implementation Method 2
A problem with the mobile prior art refueling stations is that refuelings are slow either because the mobile refueling station does not comprise compressor or because it does not comprise a cooling system for cooling hydrogen gas prior to refueling a receiving vessel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile hydrogen refueling station comprising at least a first, second and third hydrogen gas source configured for storing gas at different pressures. Said mobile hydrogen refueling station further comprises at least two filling hoses, connectable to said first, second and third hydrogen source a via conduit system and to a receiving vessel. Said mobile hydrogen refueling station further comprises a controller configured for simultaneously controlling refueling of at least a first and a second receiving vessel by: controlling flow of hydrogen gas from said first, second or third hydrogen gas source via a first of said at least two filling hoses to said first receiving vessel, and controlling flow of hydrogen gas from said first, second or third hydrogen gas source via a second of said at least two filling hoses to said second receiving vessel.