Vehicle Hydrogen Supply Control Using Real-Time Station Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current hydrogen supply management for vehicles is inefficient due to significant technical constraints in storage and production, leading to unpredictable refueling availability and high costs, with limited hydrogen distribution stations causing risks of running out of hydrogen and increased production and distribution complexities.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes sensors on vehicles to collect and transmit operational parameters, including geolocation and hydrogen needs, to a control module, which identifies nearby refueling stations and informs users of available stations and refueling conditions, optimizing hydrogen supply and production through real-time monitoring and AI-based decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored and distributed at high pressures (35 MPa or 70 MPa), then the energy density and distribution efficiency are improved, but the equipment complexity and safety requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage to liquid hydrogen storage at lower temperatures. This changes the physical state parameter (from gas to liquid) and temperature parameter (to cryogenic levels), thereby achieving high energy density without requiring extreme pressure containment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by storing hydrogen in liquid form rather than gaseous form. This phase change from gas to liquid at cryogenic temperatures dramatically increases energy density while reducing the complexity of pressure management systems, as liquid hydrogen can be stored at lower pressures compared to compressed gaseous hydrogen.
2Reliability
If hydrogen distribution stations produce hydrogen on-site through water electrolysis, then the supply reliability is improved, but the production time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-producing and storing hydrogen in liquid form at centralized production facilities before distribution. This allows hydrogen to be ready for immediate distribution without on-site production delays, combining the benefits of advance preparation with rapid dispensing capability at distribution stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid hydrogen as an intermediary medium between production and distribution. Instead of direct on-site electrolysis at distribution stations, hydrogen is produced centrally, converted to liquid form, transported, and then distributed. This intermediary approach decouples production time from distribution time, improving supply reliability without sacrificing speed.
3Speed
If the vehicle tank is filled rapidly by pressure difference, then the refueling speed is improved, but the temperature rise and final pressure accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using liquid hydrogen as the distribution medium instead of high-pressure gas. Liquid hydrogen transfers to the vehicle tank as a liquid, which then vaporizes and pressurizes more gradually and controllably. This changes the transfer state parameter (from gas to liquid), enabling faster refueling without the extreme temperature rises and pressure inaccuracies associated with rapid gas compression.
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 method ensures users can refuel under optimal conditions by providing real-time hydrogen availability monitoring and optimized production, reducing costs and ensuring reliable hydrogen supply, while allowing users to plan refueling based on their journey and station availability.
Implementation Method 1
collecting, by at least two sensors on board a vehicle, at least two parameters relating to the operation and driving of the vehicle during its movement, including at least the geolocation of the vehicle and its hydrogen needs
Implementation Method 2
A method that utilizes sensors on vehicles to collect and transmit operational parameters, including geolocation and hydrogen needs, to a control module, which identifies nearby refueling stations and informs users of available stations and refueling conditions, optimizing hydrogen supply and production through real-time monitoring and AI-based decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating regarding supply of hydrogen of a moving vehicle to one or more distribution stations begins by collecting at least two parameters relating to the vehicle during its movement by two or more sensors onboard the vehicle. The parameters include at least the current location of the vehicle. Next, the parameters are transmitted to a control module. At least one parameter relating to hydrogen available in the one or more distribution stations is then collected by another sensor, which then transmits the hydron availability parameters to the control module. A hydrogen distribution station is then identified while the vehicle is moving, and a user of the vehicle is informed of available hydrogen distribution stations and of hydrogen supply conditions in the identified distribution stations.