Movable H2 Connection Checker for Hydrogen Refueling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen refueling poses significant safety risks due to its flammability and ease of diffusion, requiring trained personnel, which increases costs and limits accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for verifying the refueling process at an H2 filling station, equipped with a movable checking unit and sensors to detect improper connections between the nozzle and tank opening, allowing for automated and safe refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trained personnel are used to carry out hydrogen refueling operations, then safety requirements are met, but operational costs increase and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling system performs self-checks using sensors to detect improper connections between the nozzle and tank opening. The system automatically verifies connection quality through sensor feedback, eliminating the need for trained personnel to manually check connections, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection by trained personnel is replaced with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor unit mechanically or electronically detects connection status and provides feedback to the control unit, substituting human expertise with automated sensing and control mechanisms
2Reliability
If manual checking of connections is performed, then connection quality can be verified, but refueling speed decreases and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor checks the connection between nozzle and tank opening before the refueling process begins. By performing the connection verification in advance, the system ensures connection quality without delaying the actual refueling operation, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback about connection quality to the control unit. This immediate feedback allows the system to verify proper connection and proceed with refueling without manual intervention, maintaining both connection quality and refueling speed
3Ease of manufacture
If automated refueling systems are implemented, then operational costs decrease, but safety risks may increase without proper monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
Manual monitoring by trained personnel is replaced with automated sensor-based detection systems. The sensors continuously monitor connection status and provide feedback to the control unit, maintaining safety through automated detection while reducing operational costs associated with trained personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The automated refueling system performs self-monitoring using integrated sensors that detect improper connections and communicate with the control unit. This self-service capability ensures safety monitoring without requiring external trained personnel, reducing costs while maintaining safety standards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for checking a refueling process at an H2 filling station (4), comprising a base unit (6) for arranging the device (2) on a surface, preferably in the immediate vicinity of the H2 filling station (4), a movable inspection unit (8) arranged on the base unit (6) for checking a connection between a dispensing nozzle (12) of the H2 filling station (4) and a tank opening (24) of a hydrogen-powered vehicle (22), wherein the movable inspection unit (8) comprises a sensor (10) by means of which an improper connection between the dispensing nozzle (12) of the H2 filling station (4) and the tank opening (24) of the hydrogen-powered vehicle (22) can be detected.