Mobile PEM Fuel Cell Charging With Dual Hydrogen Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The global transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is hindered by the reliance on fossil fuels for energy, particularly in transportation and power generation, due to challenges in integrating variable renewable energy sources into grids, maintaining grid stability, and decarbonizing energy systems.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of mobile generation resources (MGRs) across a grid, utilizing fuel cells powered by on-site hydrogen generation or storage, which can provide power and ancillary services, and be allocated across multiple refueling and docking stations to manage carbon intensity and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If variable renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid, then carbon emissions are reduced, but grid stability deteriorates due to variability in power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile generation resources (MGRs) as intermediary units that can rapidly respond to grid fluctuations caused by variable renewable energy. These MGRs act as a buffer between the unstable renewable sources and the grid, providing fast-acting power adjustment to maintain stability while allowing high penetration of carbon-free renewable energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic allocation and dispatch of mobile generation resources that can move and adjust their output in real-time based on grid conditions. This dynamic response capability allows the system to adapt to the variability of renewable energy sources, maintaining grid stability through rapid power adjustment rather than static generation units.
2Reliability
If mobile generation resources are deployed across the grid, then grid resilience is improved, but device complexity increases due to allocation and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mobile generation resource fleet into multiple independent units distributed across different locations. Each unit operates semi-autonomously with standardized interfaces, allowing the system to scale resilience capabilities by simply adding more units rather than managing a single complex centralized system. This segmentation reduces coordination complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs mobile generation resources with universal, standardized interfaces and protocols that allow any unit to interchangeably serve multiple grid functions (power generation, frequency regulation, voltage support). This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized coordination systems for different resource types, simplifying overall system management while enhancing resilience.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fuel cells are used for power generation, then carbon intensity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases due to hydrogen storage and distribution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements mobile generation resources with onboard hydrogen storage and refueling capabilities that allow them to operate autonomously without requiring complex fixed infrastructure. The units can self-manage their fuel supplies and move to locations where hydrogen infrastructure is minimal or non-existent, reducing the operational burden of hydrogen distribution while maintaining low carbon intensity.
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
MGRs enhance grid resilience, reduce carbon intensity, and improve load balancing by providing dispatchable power and ancillary services, enabling the integration of renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, while also offering flexible and convenient charging solutions for electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
Fuel cells as power sources for charging electric vehicles and other electric loads
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile generation resource (MGR) comprises a PEM fuel cell stack, hydrogen inputs and a hydrogen bus. A first hydrogen input receives hydrogen at 200 bars pressure which is stored in an onboard hydrogen tank. A second hydrogen input receives hydrogen at a pressure of 100 bars or less. The hydrogen bus, controlled by an MGR computing system, selects either the onboard hydrogen tank or the second hydrogen input as a hydrogen source for the fuel cell stack. A power take-off connection, cable and adapter provide DC electricity produced by the fuel cell stack at a power of at least 50 kilowatts. The MGR computing system communicates with the hydrogen bus and the power take-off connection, cable and adapter. A MGR user app instructs the MGR computing system to select the active source of hydrogen and to direct power produced by the fuel cell stack to the power take-off.