Vehicle-to-Vehicle Hydrogen Refueling With Pressure-Regulated Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles face challenges in refueling outside traditional stations due to the difficulty in accessing compressed gaseous fuel, particularly in situations where refueling stations are inaccessible or geographically restricted.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transferring fuel cell fuel between vehicles, utilizing a fuel system controller to manage pressure and valve operations, and a communication network to facilitate vehicle-to-vehicle refueling, allowing for immediate refueling outside geofenced areas and alerting operators to potential fuel shortages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fuel cell vehicles use compressed gaseous fuel storage, then fuel energy density is improved, but refueling accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a refueling nozzle as an intermediary device that connects the fuel storage tank to the refueling port. The nozzle includes a valve that controls fuel flow and a pressure regulator that manages pressure during transfer, enabling safe and controlled refueling of compressed gaseous fuel outside traditional stations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service refueling through automated controller operations. The fuel system controller automatically manages valve opening/closing, pressure regulation, and fuel transfer when a refueling nozzle is connected, allowing drivers to refuel without specialized station infrastructure
2Reliability
If refueling stations are restricted to specific geographic areas, then safety control is improved, but refueling availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the refueling system universal by enabling both traditional station refueling and vehicle-to-vehicle refueling. The same fuel storage tank, valve, and pressure regulator system can operate in both controlled station environments and unrestricted mobile scenarios, adapting to different geographic and safety contexts
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel transfer is enabled outside geofenced areas, then refueling flexibility is improved, but fuel loss risk deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system controller provides feedback control by monitoring valve position, pressure regulator status, and fuel transfer conditions. The controller continuously adjusts system parameters based on sensor feedback to detect leaks, prevent over-pressurization, and ensure complete transfer, reducing fuel loss risk during mobile refueling operations
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 quick and efficient refueling of fuel cell vehicles in inaccessible locations, ensuring continuous operation by allowing fuel transfer between vehicles and alerting operators to potential fuel depletion within restricted areas.
Implementation Method 1
set pressure of the pressure regulator
Implementation Method 2
command the valve to open to initiate transfer of fuel... command the valve to close to prevent transfer of fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a fuel cell vehicle includes a providing fuel cell fuel port, a fuel cell fuel storage tank, a fuel cell fuel flowmeter, and a pressure regulator. The fuel cell fuel storage tank is fluidically coupled to the providing fuel cell fuel port. The fuel cell fuel flowmeter is coupled between the fuel cell fuel port and the fuel cell fuel storage tank and is configured to measure flow of fuel cell fuel from the fuel cell fuel storage tank to the providing fuel cell fuel port. The pressure regulator is coupled between the fuel cell fuel flowmeter and the fuel cell fuel storage tank and is configured to control pressure of fuel cell fuel flowing from the fuel cell fuel storage tank to the providing fuel cell fuel port.