Gas Fill-Up Process System and Methodology with Minimal or No Cooling
BACKGROUND
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are projected by some industry analysts to become the fastest-growing segment of the auto market. These vehicles use hydrogen gas as fuel, have zero tailpipe emissions, and can be refueled in minutes, compared to the hours required for charging a typical EV. The hydrogen fueling station systems currently in use require expensive refrigeration equipment (both from a capital and operational perspective) to cool the hydrogen as it is pumped into the car’s tank. Finding affordable, efficient, and safe hydrogen fueling practices will be essential for the successful development of the hydrogen economy.
INNOVATION
Professor Manousiouthakis and colleagues have developed a novel system and method of filling vehicle tanks with gaseous fuels that eliminates the need for expensive cooling systems. The technology can be applied to hydrogen fueling stations and other high-pressure gas fueling stations, such as those used with natural-gas powered vehicles. The technology also offers faster fill-up times than conventional technology.
APPLICATIONS
- Fuel cell electric vehicles and natural gas vehicles
- High-pressure storage tanks
ADVANTAGES
- Reduces or eliminates costs for cooling systems
- Provides faster fill-up times
- Improves system safety
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
The technology has been demonstrated in computer simulations and showed that vehicle fill-up times could be reduced to 1 minute while staying below the 85ºC temperature limit.
RELATED MATERIALS
Olmos, F., Manousiouthakis, V.I. Hydrogen car fill-up process modeling and simulation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. (2013).