Modular Compressor Strategy for Hydrogen Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen fuel manufacturing and delivery systems often mismatch end-use demands with the fixed production capacity and pressure, leading to inefficiencies in hydrogen refueling for vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A modular refueling system with at least two compressors, where one compressor matches the hydrogen production to the end-use demands, and a cascading processing array for variable hydrogen flow and pressure management, enabling efficient storage and dispensing to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single multi-stage compressor is used to take on-site hydrogen from generator output pressure to cascading storage pressures, then the system structure is simplified, but the system cannot efficiently match variable end-use demand with fixed production capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression system into multiple independent compressors (first compressor matched to generator output, second compressor matched to dispenser demand) rather than using a single multi-stage compressor. This segmentation allows each compressor to operate independently at its optimal point, enabling the system to adapt to variable end-use demand while maintaining simplified individual compressor designs.
2Productivity
If a compressor is sized to accommodate maximum production capacity, then the production system can operate at full capacity, but the delivery system cannot efficiently meet variable vehicle refueling demand rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage system (buffer storage or cascading storage array) between the production compressor and the delivery compressor. This intermediary allows the production system to operate at maximum capacity continuously, storing hydrogen at various pressure levels, while the delivery compressor draws from storage to match variable vehicle refueling demand, decoupling production rate from delivery rate.
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored in sufficient quantities at maximum production capacity, then the storage system can support high demand periods, but the system cannot efficiently deliver hydrogen at required mass flow rates of 20-100 grams per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic delivery compressor that can adjust its operation based on real-time demand signals from the dispenser system. The compressor is sized and controlled to deliver hydrogen at variable mass flow rates (20-100 grams per second) matching vehicle refueling requirements, rather than operating at a fixed rate. The cascading storage array also enables dynamic pressure management to support high flow rates during peak demand.
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 solution ensures efficient hydrogen production and delivery, matching end-use requirements, thereby increasing system efficiency, versatility, and usefulness, and supporting hydrogen vehicle refueling with high flow rates and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor is provided in communication with the source output with product directed from the source to the first compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Multi compressor systems and apparatuses for the manufacture, storage and dispensing of manufactured hydrogen fuel to hydrogen vehicle tanks or remote mobile refuelers are disclosed.