U.S. patent application number 15/882579 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-13 for energy source supply systems, energy source supply devices, and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to A3 Labs LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is A3 Labs LLC. Invention is credited to Tyler Elm, David Haberman.
Application Number | 20180257504 15/882579 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63208886 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180257504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haberman; David ; et
al. |
September 13, 2018 |
ENERGY SOURCE SUPPLY SYSTEMS, ENERGY SOURCE SUPPLY DEVICES, AND
RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. The
energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy
source supply system, which in turn can comprise a first appliance
energy source supply subsystem and a second appliance energy source
supply subsystem. The first appliance energy source supply
subsystem can be configured to receive a first energy source.
Meanwhile, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can
be configured to make available a second energy source to a first
receiver vehicle, and the second energy source can be different
from the first energy source. Further, the first receiver vehicle
can comprise a first drive system, and the first drive system can
be configured to use the second energy source received by the first
receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle.
Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are
provided.
Inventors: |
Haberman; David; (Delay
Beach, FL) ; Elm; Tyler; (Bentonville, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
A3 Labs LLC |
Oakland |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
A3 Labs LLC
Oakland
CA
|
Family ID: |
63208886 |
Appl. No.: |
15/882579 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62468520 |
Mar 8, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 58/10 20190201;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; F17C 2265/061 20130101; Y02B 90/10 20130101;
H01M 8/04298 20130101; C07B 2200/09 20130101; C07C 231/10 20130101;
C07C 213/02 20130101; H01M 8/04925 20130101; B60K 3/02 20130101;
B60L 53/66 20190201; Y02P 70/50 20151101; H01M 16/006 20130101;
B60K 2015/03026 20130101; H01M 8/10 20130101; B60K 15/03006
20130101; H01M 2250/20 20130101; Y02T 90/16 20130101; Y02T 10/7072
20130101; Y02T 90/14 20130101; B60K 2015/03019 20130101; B60L 53/14
20190201; G05D 23/1904 20130101; Y02T 90/12 20130101; Y02E 60/50
20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101; B60L 58/30 20190201; B23P 19/04
20130101; B60L 53/35 20190201; B60L 53/60 20190201; Y02E 60/32
20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; Y02T 90/40 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60L 11/18 20060101
B60L011/18; H01M 8/10 20060101 H01M008/10; H01M 16/00 20060101
H01M016/00; H01M 8/04858 20060101 H01M008/04858 |
Claims
1) An energy source supply appliance comprising: an appliance
energy source supply system comprising: a first appliance energy
source supply subsystem; and a second appliance energy source
supply subsystem; wherein: the first appliance energy source supply
subsystem is configured to receive a first energy source; the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem is configured to
make available a second energy source to a first receiver vehicle;
the second energy source is different than the first energy source;
and the first receiver vehicle comprises a first drive system
configured to use the second energy source received by the first
receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle.
2) The energy source supply appliance of claim 1 wherein: the first
energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and the
second energy source comprises an electrical energy source.
3) The energy source supply appliance of claim 2 wherein: the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem further comprises:
a fuel cell system comprising one or more fuel cells; and an
electrical energy storage system electrically coupled to the fuel
cell system and comprising one or more appliance electrochemical
cells.
4) The energy source supply appliance of claim 3 wherein: the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem further comprises:
a direct current to direct current voltage converter.
5) The energy source supply appliance of claim 2 wherein: the first
drive system comprises one or more vehicle electrochemical cells,
and the second appliance energy source supply subsystem is
configured to approximately fully charge the one or more vehicle
electrochemical cells with the electrical energy source in less
than or equal to approximately 5 minutes.
6) The energy source supply appliance of claim 1 wherein: the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem is configured to
receive the first energy source from the first appliance energy
source supply subsystem and to convert the first energy source
received by the second appliance energy source supply subsystem to
the second energy source.
7) The energy source supply appliance of claim 6 wherein: the first
energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and the
second energy source comprises an electrical energy source.
8) The energy source supply appliance of claim 1 further
comprising: an appliance vehicle; wherein: the appliance energy
source supply system is configured to be transported by the
appliance vehicle.
9) The energy source supply appliance of claim 8 wherein: the first
energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and the
second energy source comprises an electrical energy source.
10) The energy source supply appliance of claim 9 wherein: the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem further comprises:
a fuel cell system comprising one or more fuel cells; and an
electrical energy storage system electrically coupled to the fuel
cell system and comprising one or more appliance electrochemical
cells.
11) The energy source supply appliance of claim 10 wherein: the
second energy source further comprises: a direct current to direct
current voltage converter.
12) The energy source supply appliance of claim 9 wherein: the
first drive system comprises one or more vehicle electrochemical
cells, and the second appliance energy source supply subsystem is
configured to approximately fully charge the one or more vehicle
electrochemical cells with the electrical energy source in less
than or equal to approximately 5 minutes.
13) The energy source supply appliance of claim 9 wherein: the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem is configured to
receive the first energy source and to convert the first energy
source to the second energy source.
14) The energy source supply appliance of claim 8 wherein: the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem is configured to
receive the first energy source and to convert the first energy
source received by the second appliance energy source supply
subsystem to the second energy source.
15) The energy source supply appliance of claim 1 wherein: the
first appliance energy source supply subsystem is configured to
make available the first energy source to a second receiver
vehicle; and the second receiver vehicle comprises a second drive
system configured to use the first energy source received by the
second receiver vehicle to motively power the second receiver
vehicle.
16) The energy source supply appliance of claim 15 wherein: the
first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and
the second energy source comprises an electrical energy source.
17) A method of providing an energy source supply appliance, the
method comprising: providing an appliance energy source supply
system; wherein: providing the appliance energy source supply
system comprises: 'providing a first appliance energy source supply
subsystem; and providing a second appliance energy source supply
subsystem; the first appliance energy source supply subsystem is
configured to receive a first energy source; the second appliance
energy source supply subsystem is configured to make available a
second energy source to a first receiver vehicle; the second energy
source is different than the first energy source; and the first
receiver vehicle comprises a first drive system configured to use
the second energy source received by the first receiver vehicle to
motively power the first receiver vehicle.
18) The method of claim 17 further comprising: providing an
appliance vehicle; wherein: the appliance energy source supply
system is configured to be transported by the appliance
vehicle.
19) The method of claim 17 wherein: the first energy source
comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and the second energy
source comprises an electrical energy source.
20) The method of claim 17 wherein: providing the second appliance
energy source supply subsystem further comprises: providing a fuel
cell system comprising one or more fuel cells; providing an
electrical energy storage system comprising one or more appliance
electrochemical cells; electrically coupling the fuel cell system
to the electrical energy storage system.
21) The method of claim 17 further comprising: coupling the second
appliance energy source supply subsystem to the first appliance
energy source supply subsystem; wherein: the second appliance
energy source supply subsystem is configured to receive the first
energy source from the first appliance energy source supply
subsystem and to convert the first energy source received by the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem to the second
energy source.
22) The method of claim 17 wherein: the first appliance energy
source supply subsystem is configured to make available the first
energy source to a second receiver vehicle; and the second receiver
vehicle comprises a second drive system configured to use the first
energy source received by the second receiver vehicle to motively
power the second receiver vehicle.
23) The method of claim 22 wherein: the first energy source
comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and the second energy
source comprises an electrical energy source.
24) A method comprising: using a first appliance energy source
supply subsystem of an appliance energy source supply system to
make available a first energy source to a first receiver vehicle,
the first receiver vehicle comprising a first drive system
configured to use the first energy source received by the first
receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle; and
using a second appliance energy source supply subsystem of the
appliance energy source supply system to make available a second
energy source to a second receiver vehicle, the second receiver
vehicle comprising a second drive system configured to use the
second energy source received by the second receiver vehicle to
motively power the second receiver vehicle; wherein: the first
energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source; and the
second energy source comprises an electrical energy source.
25) The method of claim 24 wherein at least one of: the method
further comprises: converting the first energy source to the second
energy source; the method further comprises: moving the appliance
energy source supply system; and using the second appliance energy
source supply subsystem of the appliance energy source supply
system to make available the second energy source to the second
receiver vehicle further comprises: approximately fully charging
one or more vehicle electrochemical cells of the second drive
system with the electrical energy source in less than or equal to
approximately 5 minutes. 811774.5 116
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/468,520, filed Mar. 8, 2017. U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/468,520 is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to energy source supply
systems and energy source supply devices, and relates more
particularly to mobile energy source supply devices configured to
make available one or more energy sources to one or more vehicles,
energy source supply systems implementing such mobile energy source
supply devices, and related methods.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND
[0003] Due to an unavailability of an energy source in a particular
region, it may not be possible in the region to operate a vehicle
that uses the energy source for motive power. For example,
unavailability in a region of hydrogen energy sources and/or
electrical energy sources may prevent operation of hydrogen
electric, plug-in electric, and/or hybrid electric vehicles in the
region. Accordingly, a need or potential for benefit exists for
systems, devices, and methods that can allow a vehicle to be
operated in a region that lacks sufficient or any access to an
energy source that the vehicle uses for motive power.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the
following drawings are provided in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for a system,
according to an embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a first appliance operating
zone, a second appliance operating zone, and a hub operating zone,
according to an embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an energy
source supply system, according to an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a system;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an
energy source supply hub, according to the embodiment of FIG.
4;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a hub
energy source supply system, according to the embodiment of FIG.
4;
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a
first energy source supply appliance, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 4;
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an
appliance energy source supply system, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 4;
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of providing (e.g., manufacturing) an energy source supply
device;
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an
appliance energy source supply system, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 9;
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a
second appliance energy source supply subsystem, according to the
embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method;
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method;
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an energy
source supply system, according to an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an energy
source safety management system, according to the embodiment of
FIG. 14;
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of providing (e.g., manufacturing) an energy source supply
device;
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing an
appliance energy source supply system, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 16;
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a
first appliance energy source supply subsystem, according to the
embodiment of FIG. 16;
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary activity of coupling a
pressure regulator to one or more thermal control devices,
according to the embodiment of FIG. 16;
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method;
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity
of selecting one of a first thermal control device or a second
thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source,
according to the embodiment of FIG. 20;
[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a front elevational view of an exemplary
computer system that is suitable to implement at least part of a
control subsystem of the system of FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 14, or at
least part of one or more of the methods described herein; and
[0027] FIG. 23 illustrates a representative block diagram of
exemplary elements included on the circuit boards inside a chassis
of the computer system of FIG. 22.
[0028] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0029] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0030] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0031] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or
otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically
coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled
together; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically
coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled
together; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically
coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled
together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent
or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
[0032] "Electrical coupling" and the like should be broadly
understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal,
whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or
combinations of electrical signals. "Mechanical coupling" and the
like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling
of all types.
[0033] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the
like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the
coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
[0034] As defined herein, "approximately" can, in some embodiments,
mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other
embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus five
percent of the stated value. In further embodiments,
"approximately" can mean within plus or minus three percent of the
stated value. In yet other embodiments, "approximately" can mean
within plus or minus one percent of the stated value.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Some embodiments include a system. The system can comprise
an energy source supply hub and an energy source supply appliance.
The energy source supply hub can comprise a hub energy source
supply system and a hub vehicle configured to transport the hub
energy source supply system. Further, the hub energy source supply
system can comprise a first hub energy source supply subsystem
configured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the energy
source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source
supply system and an appliance vehicle configured to transport the
appliance energy source supply system. Further, the appliance
energy source supply system can comprise a first appliance energy
source supply subsystem configured to receive the first energy
source from the first hub energy source supply subsystem and to
make available the first energy source received from the first hub
energy source supply subsystem to a receiver vehicle. Also, the
receiver vehicle can comprise a drive system configured to use the
first energy source received by the receiver vehicle to motively
power the receiver vehicle.
[0036] Further embodiments include a method of providing a system.
The method can comprise: providing an energy source supply hub; and
providing an energy source supply appliance. Meanwhile, providing
the energy source supply hub can comprise providing a hub energy
source supply system, and the hub energy source supply system can
be configured to be transported by a hub vehicle. Further,
providing the hub energy source supply system can comprise
providing a first hub energy source supply subsystem configured to
receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, providing the energy
source supply appliance can comprise providing an appliance energy
source supply system, and the appliance energy source supply system
can be configured to be transported by an appliance vehicle.
Further, providing the appliance energy source supply system can
comprise providing a first appliance energy source supply subsystem
configured to receive the first energy source from the first hub
energy source supply subsystem and to make available the first
energy source received from the first hub energy source supply
subsystem to a receiver vehicle. Also, the receiver vehicle can
comprise a drive system configured to use the first energy source
received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receiver
vehicle.
[0037] Further embodiments include a method. The method can
comprise: moving an energy source supply appliance proximal to an
energy source supply hub, the energy source supply hub comprising a
hub energy source supply system that is configured to be
transported by a hub vehicle, and the hub energy source supply
system comprising a first hub energy source supply subsystem
configured to make available a hydrogen fuel energy source; after
moving the energy source supply appliance proximal to the energy
source supply hub, receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source from
the energy source supply hub at an appliance energy source supply
subsystem of an appliance energy source supply system of the energy
source supply appliance; after receiving the hydrogen fuel energy
source at the appliance energy source supply subsystem, moving the
energy source supply appliance proximal to a receiver vehicle; and
after moving the energy source supply appliance proximal to the
receiver vehicle, supplying the hydrogen fuel energy source from
the appliance energy source supply subsystem to the receiver
vehicle, the receiver vehicle comprising a drive system, and the
drive system being configured to use the first energy source
received by the receive vehicle to motively power the receiver
vehicle.
[0038] Further embodiments include a system. The system can
comprise an energy source supply hub and an energy source supply
appliance. The energy source supply hub can comprise a hub energy
source supply system and a hub vehicle configured to transport the
hub energy source supply system. Further, the hub energy source
supply system can comprise a first hub energy source supply
subsystem configured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile,
the energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy
source supply system and an appliance vehicle configured to
transport the appliance energy source supply system. Further, the
appliance energy source supply system can comprise a first
appliance energy source supply subsystem configured to receive the
first energy source from the first hub energy source supply
subsystem, and a second appliance energy source supply subsystem
configured to receive the first energy source from the first
appliance energy source supply subsystem, to convert the first
energy source received from the first appliance energy source
supply subsystem to a second energy source, and to make available
the second energy source to a receiver vehicle. Also, the receiver
vehicle can comprise a drive system configured to use the first
energy source received by the receiver vehicle to motively power
the receiver vehicle.
[0039] Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance.
The energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy
source supply system, which in turn can comprise a first appliance
energy source supply subsystem and a second appliance energy source
supply subsystem. The first appliance energy source supply
subsystem can be configured to receive a first energy source.
Meanwhile, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can
be configured to make available a second energy source to a first
receiver vehicle, and the second energy source can be different
from the first energy source. Further, the first receiver vehicle
can comprise a first drive system, and the first drive system can
be configured to use the second energy source received by the first
receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle.
[0040] Further embodiments include a method of providing an energy
source supply appliance. The method can comprise providing an
appliance energy source supply system. Meanwhile, providing the
appliance energy source supply system can comprise: providing a
first appliance energy source supply subsystem; and providing a
second appliance energy source supply subsystem. The first
appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to
receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the second appliance
energy source supply subsystem can be configured to make available
a second energy source to a first receiver vehicle, and the second
energy source can be different from the first energy source.
Further, the first receiver vehicle can comprise a first drive
system, and the first drive system can be configured to use the
second energy source received by the first receiver vehicle to
motively power the first receiver vehicle.
[0041] Further embodiments include a method. The method can
comprise: using a first appliance energy source supply subsystem of
an appliance energy source supply system to make available a first
energy source to a first receiver vehicle. The first receiver
vehicle can comprise a first drive system configured to use the
first energy source received by the first receiver vehicle to
motively power the first receiver vehicle. The method also can
comprise using a second appliance energy source supply subsystem of
the appliance energy source supply system to make available a
second energy source to a second receiver vehicle. The second
receiver vehicle can comprise a second drive system configured to
use the second energy source received by the second receiver
vehicle to motively power the second receiver vehicle. The first
energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source, and the
second energy source can comprise an electrical energy source.
[0042] Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance.
The appliance energy source supply system can comprise an appliance
energy source supply subsystem, and the appliance energy source
supply subsystem can comprise a pressure regulator, a first thermal
control device, and a second thermal control device. The appliance
energy source supply subsystem can be configured to receive a
hydrogen fuel energy source and to make available the hydrogen fuel
energy source to a receiver vehicle, and the receiver vehicle can
comprise a drive system configured to use the hydrogen fuel energy
source received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the
receiver vehicle. Meanwhile, the appliance energy source supply
subsystem can be configured so that the hydrogen fuel energy source
is received by the pressure regulator before the hydrogen fuel
energy source is made available to the receiver vehicle, and the
pressure regulator is configured to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source and to limit the hydrogen fuel energy source to a
predetermined pressure when the pressure regulator receives the
hydrogen fuel energy source. Further, the appliance energy source
supply subsystem can be configured so that the hydrogen fuel energy
source is selectively received by one of the first thermal control
device or the second thermal control device before the hydrogen
fuel energy source is made available to the receiver vehicle and
after the hydrogen fuel energy source is received by the pressure
regulator, the first thermal control device can be configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a first
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the
first thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source, the second thermal control device can be configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a second
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the
second thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source, and the first temperature reduction is different than the
second temperature reduction.
[0043] Further embodiments include a method of manufacturing an
energy source supply appliance. The method can comprise providing
an appliance energy source supply system. Meanwhile, providing the
appliance energy source supply system can comprise providing an
appliance energy source supply subsystem, and providing the
appliance energy source supply subsystem can comprise: providing a
pressure regulator; providing a first thermal control device; and
providing a second thermal control device. The appliance energy
source supply subsystem can be configured to receive a hydrogen
fuel energy source and to make available the hydrogen fuel energy
source to a receiver vehicle, and the receiver vehicle can comprise
a drive system configured to use the hydrogen fuel energy source
received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receiver
vehicle. Meanwhile, the appliance energy source supply subsystem
can be configured so that the hydrogen fuel energy source is
received by the pressure regulator before the hydrogen fuel energy
source is made available to the receiver vehicle, and the pressure
regulator is configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source
and to limit the hydrogen fuel energy source to a predetermined
pressure when the pressure regulator receives the hydrogen fuel
energy source. Further, the appliance energy source supply
subsystem can be configured so that the hydrogen fuel energy source
is selectively received by one of the first thermal control device
or the second thermal control device before the hydrogen fuel
energy source is made available to the receiver vehicle and after
the hydrogen fuel energy source is received by the pressure
regulator, the first thermal control device can be configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a first
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the
first thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source, the second thermal control device can be configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a second
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the
second thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source, and the first temperature reduction is different than the
second temperature reduction.
[0044] Further embodiments include a method. The method can
comprise: receiving a hydrogen fuel energy source at an appliance
energy source supply subsystem, wherein the appliance energy source
supply subsystem comprises a first thermal control device and a
second thermal control device; after receiving the hydrogen fuel
energy source at the appliance energy source supply subsystem,
limiting the hydrogen fuel energy source to a predetermined
pressure; selecting one of the first thermal control device or the
second thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy
source, wherein the first thermal control device is configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a first
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the
first thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source, the second thermal control device is configured to receive
the hydrogen fuel energy source and to cause a second temperature
reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when the second
thermal control device receives the hydrogen fuel energy source,
and the first temperature reduction is different than the second
temperature reduction; and after limiting the hydrogen fuel energy
source to the predetermine pressure, and after selecting the one of
the first thermal control device or the second thermal control
device, making available the hydrogen fuel energy source to a
receiver vehicle, wherein the receiver vehicle comprises a drive
system configured to use the hydrogen fuel energy source received
by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receiver vehicle, and
making available the hydrogen fuel energy source to the receiver
vehicle comprises receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source at the
one of the first thermal control device or the second thermal
control device.
[0045] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary
block diagram for system 100, according to an embodiment. System
100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. System 100 can be employed in many different
embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described
herein.
[0046] As described in greater detail below, in many embodiments,
system 100 can be configured to make available one or more energy
sources to one or more vehicles (e.g., receiver vehicle(s) 109),
and in some embodiments, system 100 can be configured to make
available multiple different energy sources to the vehicle(s). In
these or other embodiments, system 100 can include one or more
energy source supply devices (e.g., energy source supply device(s)
101) that are configured to make available the energy source(s) to
the vehicle(s). Accordingly, in many embodiments, system 100 and
the energy storage supply device(s) of system 100 can permit one or
more vehicles to be operated in one or more regions that lack
sufficient or any access to one or more energy sources that the
vehicle(s) make use of to provide motive power to the vehicle(s),
and in further embodiments, can optimally make available the energy
source(s) to the vehicle(s).
[0047] In many embodiments, system 100 comprises one or more energy
source supply devices 101. Energy source supply device(s) 101 can
comprise one or more energy source supply appliances 102 (e.g.,
energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply
appliance 104) and/or one or more energy source supply hubs 105
(e.g., energy source supply hub 106). Further, system 100 can
comprise one or more energy source supply stations 107 (e.g.,
energy source supply station 108) and/or one or more receiver
vehicles 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle
111). In some embodiments, one or more of energy source supply
hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), one or more of
energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply
station 108), and/or one or more of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g.,
receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111) can be
omitted.
[0048] In many embodiments, each of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g.,
receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111) are configured to
receive an energy source, and each comprise a receiver vehicle
drive system (e.g., receiver vehicle drive system 112 and/or
receiver vehicle drive system 113) configured to motively power
that receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 by using the
energy source received by the receiver vehicle. For example, the
term "motively power" can mean to cause to move or to change
position, to cause locomotion, or to propel. Accordingly, in many
embodiments, the receiver vehicle drive system of a receiver
vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 can refer to a propulsion system
of the receiver vehicle. Further, in many embodiments, a receiver
vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 can use the energy source
received by the receiver vehicle to motively power the receiver
vehicle by converting the energy source that is received into
mechanical energy and using the mechanical energy to do work that
moves the receiver vehicle.
[0049] In some embodiments, when receiver vehicle(s) 109 comprise
multiple receiver vehicles, the energy sources received by the
multiple receiver vehicles can be the same for two or more receiver
vehicles of the multiple receiver vehicles and/or different for two
or more receiver vehicles of the multiple receiver vehicles.
Accordingly, two or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s)
109 and their respective receiver vehicle drive systems can be
similar or identical to each other, such as, for example, when the
energy sources received by the two or more receiver vehicles are
the same; and/or two or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 and their receiver vehicle drive systems can be
different than each other, such as, for example, when the energy
sources received by the two or more receiver vehicles are
different.
[0050] In many embodiments, receiver vehicle(s) 109 can be any type
or types of vehicles. Exemplary type(s) of vehicles can comprise a
car, a truck, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a scooter, a boat, a train,
an aircraft, a space craft, an airport ground support equipment, a
material handling equipment (e.g., a fork-lift), etc. In some
embodiments, two or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s)
109 can be the same type of vehicle as each other; and/or two or
more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 can be different
types of vehicles than each other.
[0051] In many embodiments, receiver vehicle(s) 109 can comprise
receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111. Further, receiver
vehicle 110 can comprise receiver vehicle drive system 112, and
receiver vehicle 111 can comprise receiver vehicle drive system
113.
[0052] Receiver vehicle 110 is configured to receive a first energy
source, and receiver vehicle drive system 112 is configured to
motively power receiver vehicle 110 by using the first energy
source received by receiver vehicle 110. For example, in some
embodiments, the first energy source can comprise a fuel energy
source. Accordingly, in these or other embodiments, receiver
vehicle 110 can comprise a hydrogen fuel or hydrogen electric
vehicle. In other embodiments, receiver vehicle 110 can comprise a
natural gas vehicle.
[0053] In some embodiments, when the first energy source comprises
a fuel energy source, receiver vehicle drive system 112 can
comprise an internal combustion engine configured to motively power
receiver vehicle 110 by combusting the fuel energy source. In these
embodiments, the fuel energy source can comprise any fuel energy
source suitably configured to be combusted by an internal
combustion engine to motively power receiver vehicle 110. For
example, when receiver vehicle drive system 112 comprises an
internal combustion engine configured to motively power receiver
vehicle 110 by combusting a fuel energy source, the fuel energy
source can comprise a petroleum-based fuel (e.g., gasoline,
petroleum diesel, autogas, natural gas (e.g., compressed or
liquefied natural gas), aviation fuel, fuel oil, etc.), a
coal-based fuel (e.g., gasoline, petroleum diesel, etc.), a
vegetable oil, wood gas, a biofuel (e.g., biobutanol, biodiesel,
dimethyl ether, bioethanol, biomethanol, biogas, etc.), hydrogen,
or the like.
[0054] In other embodiments, when the first energy source comprises
a fuel energy source, receiver vehicle drive system 112 can
comprise one or more fuel cells and one or more electric motors
electrically coupled to the one or more fuel cells. Further, the
fuel cell(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 112 can convert the
fuel energy source into electricity and can make available the
electricity to the electric motor(s) of receiver vehicle drive
system 112 to motively power receiver vehicle 110. In these
embodiments, the fuel energy source can comprise any fuel energy
source suitably configured to be converted into electricity by the
fuel cell(s) of receiver vehicle drive system 112. For example,
when receiver vehicle drive system 112 comprises one or more fuel
cells configured to convert the fuel energy source into electricity
and to make available the electricity to the electric motor(s) of
receiver vehicle drive system 112 to motively power receiver
vehicle 110, the fuel energy source can comprise hydrogen,
methanol, natural gas (e.g., compressed or liquefied natural gas),
methane, propane, butane, hexane, octane, salt water, or the
like.
[0055] Meanwhile, receiver vehicle 111 is configured to receive a
second energy source, and receiver vehicle drive system 113 is
configured to motively power receiver vehicle 111 by using the
second energy source received by receiver vehicle 111. In many
embodiments, the second energy source that receiver vehicle 111 is
configured to receive can be different than the first energy source
that receiver vehicle 110 is configured to receive. For example, in
some embodiments, the second energy source can comprise an
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). Accordingly, in these
or other embodiments, receiver vehicle 111 can comprise a full
electric or hybrid electric vehicle.
[0056] In some embodiments, when the second energy source comprises
an electrical energy source, receiver vehicle drive system 113 can
comprise one or more rechargeable energy storage systems and one or
more electric motors electrically coupled to the rechargeable
energy storage system(s). For example, in these embodiments, the
rechargeable energy storage system(s) of receiver vehicle drive
system 113 can store the electrical energy source and can make
available the electrical energy source to the electric motor(s) of
receiver vehicle drive system 113 to motively power receiver
vehicle 110. Further, in these embodiments, the rechargeable energy
storage system(s) can comprise (a) one or more electrochemical
cells (e.g., one or more batteries), (b) one or more capacitive
energy storage systems (e.g., super capacitors such as electric
double-layer capacitors), and/or (c) one or more inertial energy
storage systems (e.g., one or more flywheels).
[0057] In many embodiments, energy source supply appliance(s) 102
comprise energy source supply appliance 103. Further, when energy
source supply appliance(s) 102 comprise multiple energy source
supply appliances, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 also can
comprise energy source supply appliance 104. In some embodiments,
when energy source supply appliance(s) 102 comprise multiple energy
source supply appliances, one or more energy source supply
appliances of the multiple energy source supply appliances can be
similar or identical to one or more other energy source supply
appliances of the multiple energy source supply appliances. In
these or other embodiments, one or more energy source supply
appliances of the multiple energy source supply appliances can be
different than one or more other energy source supply appliances of
the multiple energy source supply appliances. For example, in some
embodiments, energy source supply appliance 104 and/or one or more
other energy source supply appliances of energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 can be similar or identical to energy source
supply appliance 103.
[0058] Energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104)
each can be configured to make available one or more energy sources
to receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or
receiver vehicle 111). In many embodiments, at least one energy
source supply appliance of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104) can be configured to make available multiple
different energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109, such as, for
example, when receiver vehicle(s) 109 comprise two or more receiver
vehicles configured to receive different energy sources. As defined
herein, a "unary energy source supply appliance" can refer to an
energy source supply appliance of energy source supply appliance(s)
102 that is configured to make available one energy source to
receiver vehicle(s) 109, and a "binary energy source supply
appliance" can refer to an energy source supply appliance of energy
source supply appliance(s) 102 that is configured to make available
two different energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0059] In many embodiments, energy source supply appliance 103
comprises an appliance energy source supply system 114. Appliance
energy source supply system 114 comprises first appliance energy
source supply subsystem 115. In some embodiments, appliance energy
source supply system 114 also can comprise second appliance energy
source supply subsystem 116. In further embodiments, part or all of
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be part of
first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115, and vice versa.
In other embodiments, second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can be omitted.
[0060] In many embodiments, energy source supply appliance 103 can
be mobile. For example, in some embodiments, energy source supply
appliance 103 can comprise appliance vehicle 117, and appliance
energy source supply system 114 can be transportable by appliance
vehicle 117. In many embodiments, appliance vehicle 117 can be any
type of vehicle suitable to transport appliance energy source
supply system 114, such as, for example, a car, a truck, a boat, a
train, an aircraft, a space craft, etc. In some embodiments, energy
source supply system 114 can be separated from appliance vehicle
117, such as when energy source supply system 114 is on a trailer
that is pulled by appliance vehicle 117. In other embodiments,
energy source supply system 114 is integrated with and is not
separable from appliance vehicle 117. Additional details of
appliance vehicle 117 are described below.
[0061] In some embodiments, first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 can make available the first energy source to one or
more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver
vehicle 110) that are configured to receive the first energy
source. In these or other embodiments, first appliance energy
source supply subsystem 115 can make available the first energy
source to second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116, such
as, for example, so that second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the
first energy source to the second energy source as described in
greater detail below. In other embodiments, first appliance energy
source supply subsystem 115 can make available the first energy
source to second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 but
not to receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0062] In many embodiments, first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 can be configured to receive the first energy source
so that first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110)
that are configured to receive the first energy source and/or (ii)
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116. For example,
in some embodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem
115 can be configured to receive the first energy source from
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106) and/or energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy
source supply station 108), as further described below.
[0063] In these or other embodiments, first appliance energy source
supply subsystem 115 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate)
the first energy source at first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 so that first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 can make available the first energy source to (i) the
one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g.,
receiver vehicle 110) that are configured to receive the first
energy source and/or (ii) second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116. In some embodiments, such as, for example, when the
first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source, first
appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can be configured to
produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source at first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 115 from water, such as, for
example, using electrolysis. In these embodiments, first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 115 can be configured to receive
water in order to produce the hydrogen fuel energy source at first
appliance energy source supply subsystem 115. In other embodiments,
such as, for example, when the first energy source comprises an
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 115 can be configured to produce
(e.g., generate) the first energy source at first appliance energy
source supply subsystem 115 from a power plant, such as, for
example, a solar energy power plant or a wind energy power plant.
In these embodiments, first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 can comprise the power plant. In still other
embodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can
be configured to receive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the
first energy source made available by first appliance energy source
supply subsystem 115 to (i) the one or more receiver vehicles of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110) that are
configured to receive the first energy source and/or (ii) second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116.
[0064] In many embodiments, first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 can be configured to store the first energy source so
that first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive
the first energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110) and/or (ii)
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116. In some
embodiments, first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can
comprise an appliance first energy source storage capacity. In
these or other embodiments, when the first energy source comprises
a fuel energy source, first appliance energy source supply
subsystem 115 can be configured to store the first energy source
under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure so that first
appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 can store more of the
first energy source in a smaller space.
[0065] Further, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
can make available the second energy source to one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111)
that are configured to receive the second energy source. In some
embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
can be configured to receive the second energy source so that
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can make
available the second energy source to the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive
the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In these or
other embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem
116 can be configured to convert (e.g., electrochemically convert)
the first energy source to the second energy source so that second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can make available the
second energy source to the one or more receiver vehicles of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111) that are
configured to receive the second energy source. For example, in
some embodiments, the first energy source can comprise a hydrogen
fuel energy source or a natural gas fuel energy source, the second
energy source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity), and second appliance energy source supply subsystem
116 can convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the hydrogen fuel
energy source or natural gas energy fuel energy source to the
electrical energy source, such as, for example, using one or more
fuel cells. In other embodiments, the first energy source can
comprise an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), the
second energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source or
a natural gas energy fuel energy source, and second appliance
energy source supply subsystem 116 can convert (e.g.,
electrochemically convert) the electrical energy source to the
hydrogen fuel energy source or natural gas energy fuel energy
source, such as, for example, using electrolysis or other
electrochemical conversion.
[0066] In many embodiments, second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can be configured to receive the second energy source
so that second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can
make available the second energy source to the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111)
that are configured to receive the second energy source. For
example, in some embodiments, second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can be configured to receive the first energy source
from first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115, energy
source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106),
and/or energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source
supply station 108), as further described below. In further
embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
can be configured to receive the second energy source from energy
source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106)
and/or energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source
supply station 108), as further described below.
[0067] In these or other embodiments, second appliance energy
source supply subsystem 116 can be configured to produce (e.g.,
generate) the second energy source at second appliance energy
source supply subsystem 116 so that second appliance energy source
supply subsystem 116 can make available the second energy source to
(i) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109
(e.g., receiver vehicle 111) that are configured to receive the
second energy source. In some embodiments, such as, for example,
when the second energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy
source, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be
configured to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy source at
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 from water,
such as, for example, using electrolysis. In these embodiments,
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can be
configured to receive water in order to produce the hydrogen fuel
energy source at second appliance energy source supply subsystem
116. In other embodiments, such as, for example, when the second
energy source comprises an electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity), second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy
source at second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 from
a power plant, such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or
a wind energy power plant. In these embodiments, second appliance
energy source supply subsystem 116 can comprise the power plant. In
still other embodiments, second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can be configured to receive but not to produce
(e.g., generate) the second energy source made available by second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 to the one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver
vehicle 111) that are configured to receive the second energy
source.
[0068] In many embodiments, second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can be configured to store the second energy source
so that second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can
make available the second energy source to the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111)
that are configured to receive the second energy source. In some
embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
can comprise an appliance second energy source storage capacity. In
these or other embodiments, when the second energy source comprises
a fuel energy source, second appliance energy source supply
subsystem 116 can be configured to store the second energy source
under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure so that second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 can store more of the
second energy source. As a specific example of an embodiment of
first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 and second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116, the first energy
source delivered by first appliance energy source supply subsystem
115 to receiver vehicle 110 can be hydrogen or natural gas, and the
second energy source deliver by second appliance energy source
supply subsystem 116 to receiver vehicle 111 can be
electricity.
[0069] Returning to other parts of appliance energy source supply
appliance 103, appliance vehicle 117 can comprise appliance vehicle
drive system 125, and appliance vehicle drive system 125 can be
configured to motively power appliance vehicle 117. In some
embodiments, appliance vehicle drive system 125 can be configured
to receive at least one energy source of the one or more energy
sources made available to receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver
vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111) by energy source supply
appliance 103 to motively power appliance vehicle 117. In other
embodiments, appliance vehicle drive system 125 can use another
energy source to motively power appliance vehicle 117.
[0070] In many embodiments, energy source supply hub(s) 105 can
comprise energy source supply hub 106. In some embodiments, when
energy source supply hub(s) 105 comprise multiple energy source
supply hubs, one or more energy source supply hubs of the multiple
energy source supply hubs can be similar or identical to one or
more other energy source supply hubs of the multiple energy source
supply hubs. In these or other embodiments, when energy source
supply hub(s) 105 comprise multiple energy source supply hubs, one
or more energy source supply hubs of the multiple energy source
supply hubs can be different than one or more other energy source
supply hubs of the multiple energy source supply hubs. In other
embodiments, one or more other energy source supply hubs of energy
source supply hub(s) 105 can be similar or identical to energy
source supply hub 106.
[0071] Energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply
hub 106) each can be configured to make available one or more
energy sources to (i) one or more energy source supply appliances
of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104)
and/or (ii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s)
109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In
some embodiments, at least one energy source supply hub of energy
source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) can
be configured (i) to make available multiple different energy
sources to energy source supply appliance(s) 102, such as, for
example, when energy source supply appliance(s) 102 comprise one or
more binary energy source supply appliances and/or two or more
unary energy source supply appliances configured to make available
different energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109, and/or (ii) to
make available multiple different energy sources to receiver
vehicle(s) 109. As defined herein, a "unary energy source supply
hub" can refer to an energy source supply hub of energy source
supply hub(s) 105 that is configured to make available one energy
source to energy source supply appliance(s) 102 and/or receiver
vehicle(s) 109, and a "binary energy source supply hub" can refer
to an energy source supply hub of energy source supply hub(s) 105
that is configured to make available two different energy sources
to energy source supply appliance(s) 102 and/or receiver vehicle(s)
109.
[0072] In many embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 comprises
hub energy source supply system 118. Hub energy source supply
system 118 comprises first hub energy source supply subsystem 119.
In some embodiments, hub energy source supply system 118 also can
comprise second hub energy source supply subsystem 120. In other
embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can be
omitted.
[0073] In many embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 can be
mobile. For example, in some embodiments, energy source supply hub
106 can comprise a hub vehicle 121, and hub energy source supply
system 118 can be transportable by hub vehicle 121. In many
embodiments, hub vehicle 121 can be any type of vehicle suitable to
transport hub energy source supply system 118, such as, for
example, a car, a truck, a boat, a train, an aircraft, a space
craft, etc. In some embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 can
be larger than energy source supply appliance 103. In some
embodiments, energy source supply hub 106 can be separated from hub
vehicle 121, such as when energy source supply hub 106 is on a
trailer that is pulled by hub vehicle 121. In other embodiments,
energy source supply hub 106 is integrated with and is not
separable from hub vehicle 106. Additional details of hub vehicle
126 are described below.
[0074] In some embodiments, first hub energy source supply
subsystem 119 can make available the first energy source to (i) one
or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or
energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to
receive the first energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110). In
these or other embodiments, first hub energy source supply
subsystem 119 can make available the first energy source to second
hub energy source supply subsystem 120, such as, for example, so
that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can convert
(e.g., electrochemically convert) the first energy source to the
second energy source as described in greater detail below. In other
embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can make
available the first energy source to second hub energy source
supply subsystem 120 but not (i) energy source supply appliance(s)
102 and/or (ii) receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0075] In many embodiments, first hub energy source supply
subsystem 119 can be configured to receive the first energy source
so that first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first
energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iii) second hub
energy source supply subsystem 120. For example, in some
embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can be
configured to receive the first energy source from energy source
supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108), as
further described below.
[0076] In these or other embodiments, first hub energy source
supply subsystem 119 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate)
the first energy source at first hub energy source supply subsystem
119 so that first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first
energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iii) second hub
energy source supply subsystem 120. In some embodiments, such as,
for example, when the first energy source comprises a hydrogen fuel
energy source, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can be
configured to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source at
first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 from water, such as,
for example, using electrolysis. In these embodiments, first hub
energy source supply subsystem 119 can be configured to receive
water in order to produce the hydrogen fuel energy source at first
hub energy source supply subsystem 119. In other embodiments, such
as, for example, when the first energy source comprises an
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), first hub energy
source supply subsystem 119 can be configured to produce (e.g.,
generate) the first energy source at first hub energy source supply
subsystem 119 from a power plant, such as, for example, a solar
energy power plant or a wind energy power plant. In these
embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can
comprise the power plant. In still other embodiments, first hub
energy source supply subsystem 119 can be configured to receive but
not to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source made
available by first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 to (i)
the one or more energy source supply appliances of energy source
supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103
and/or energy source supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to
receive the first energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110),
and/or (iii) second hub energy source supply subsystem 120.
[0077] In many embodiments, first hub energy source supply
subsystem 119 can be configured to store the first energy source so
that first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104), (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first
energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iii) second hub
energy source supply subsystem 120. In many embodiments, first hub
energy source supply subsystem 119 can comprise a hub first energy
source storage capacity. In further embodiments, the hub first
energy source storage capacity can be greater than the appliance
first energy source storage capacity described above with respect
to energy source supply appliance 103 and first appliance energy
source supply subsystem 115. For example, in some embodiments, the
hub first energy source storage capacity can be approximately 6, 7,
8, 9, or 10 times greater than the appliance first energy source
storage capacity. In these or other embodiments, when the first
energy source comprises a fuel energy source, first hub energy
source supply subsystem 119 can be configured to store the first
energy source under pressure so that first hub energy source supply
subsystem 119 can store more of the first energy source. In further
embodiments, first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 can be
configured to store the first energy source under a pressure
greater than the pressure at which first appliance energy source
supply subsystem 115 stores the first energy source.
[0078] Further, in some embodiments, second hub energy source
supply subsystem 120 can make available the second energy source to
(i) one or more energy source supply appliances of energy source
supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103
and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to
receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In
some embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can
be configured to receive the second energy source so that second
hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can make available the
second energy source to (i) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) and/or (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In these or other embodiments,
second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to
convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the first energy source
to the second energy source so that second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 can make available the second energy source to (i)
the one or more energy source supply appliances of energy source
supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103
and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) the one or
more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are
configured to receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver
vehicle 111). For example, in some embodiments, the first energy
source can comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source or a natural gas
energy fuel energy source, the second energy source can comprise an
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), and second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 can convert (e.g., electrochemically
convert) the hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy
fuel energy source to the electrical energy source, such as, for
example, using one or more fuel cells. In other embodiments, the
first energy source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity), the second energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel
energy source or a natural gas energy fuel energy source, and
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 120 can convert
(e.g., electrochemically convert) the electrical energy source to
the hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuel
energy source, such as, for example, using electrolysis or other
electrochemical conversion.
[0079] In many embodiments, second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 can be configured to receive the second energy source
so that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can make
available the second energy source to the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111)
that are configured to receive the second energy source. For
example, in some embodiments, second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 can be configured to receive the first energy source
from first hub energy source supply subsystem 119 and/or energy
source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station
108), as further described below. In further embodiments, second
hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to receive
the second energy source from energy source supply station(s) 107
(e.g., energy source supply station 108), as further described
below.
[0080] In these or other embodiments, second hub energy source
supply subsystem 120 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate)
the second energy source at second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 so that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120
can make available the second energy source to (i) the one or more
energy source supply appliances of energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or
energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) the one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to
receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In
some embodiments, such as, for example, when the second energy
source comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source, second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to produce (e.g.,
generate) the second energy source at second hub energy source
supply subsystem 120 from water, such as, for example, using
electrolysis. In these embodiments, second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 can be configured to receive water in order to
produce the hydrogen fuel energy source at second hub energy source
supply subsystem 120. In other embodiments, such as, for example,
when the second energy source comprises an electrical energy source
(i.e., electricity), second hub energy source supply subsystem 120
can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy
source at second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 from a
power plant, such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or a
wind energy power plant. In these embodiments, second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 can comprise the power plant. In still
other embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120
can be configured to receive but not to produce (e.g., generate)
the second energy source made available by second hub energy source
supply subsystem 120 to (i) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) and/or (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111).
[0081] In many embodiments, second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 can be configured to store the second energy source
so that second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can make
available the second energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104) and/or (ii) the one or more receiver vehicles
of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the
second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In many
embodiments, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can
comprise a hub second energy source storage capacity. In further
embodiments, the hub second energy source storage capacity can be
greater than the appliance second energy source storage capacity
described above with respect to energy source supply appliance 103
and second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116. For
example, in some embodiments, the hub second energy source storage
capacity can be approximately 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times greater than
the appliance second energy source storage capacity. In these or
other embodiments, when the second energy source comprises a fuel
energy source, second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can be
configured to store the second energy source under pressure so that
second hub energy source supply subsystem 120 can store more of the
second energy source. In further embodiments, second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 can be configured to store the second
energy source under a pressure greater than the pressure at which
second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 stores the
second energy source.
[0082] Returning to other parts of energy source supply hub 106,
hub vehicle 121 can comprise hub vehicle drive system 126, and hub
vehicle drive system 126 can be configured to motively power hub
vehicle 121. In some embodiments, hub vehicle drive system 126 can
be configured to receive at least one energy source of the one or
more energy sources made available to energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or
energy source supply appliance 104) and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109
(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111) by energy
source supply hub 106 to be used to motively power hub vehicle 121.
In other embodiments, hub vehicle drive system 126 can use another
energy source to motively power hub vehicle 121.
[0083] In many embodiments, energy source supply station(s) 107 can
comprise energy source supply station 108. In some embodiments,
when energy source supply station(s) 107 comprise multiple energy
source supply stations, one or more energy source supply stations
of the multiple energy source supply stations can be similar or
identical to one or more other energy source supply stations of the
multiple energy source supply stations. In these or other
embodiments, when energy source supply stations(s) 107 comprise
multiple energy source supply stations, one or more energy source
supply stations of the multiple energy source supply stations can
be different than one or more other energy source supply stations
of the multiple energy source supply stations. In other
embodiments, one or more other energy source supply stations of
energy source supply stations(s) 107 can be similar or identical to
energy source supply station 108.
[0084] Energy source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source
supply station 108) each can be configured to make available one or
more energy sources to (i) one or more energy source supply hubs of
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106), (ii) one or more energy source supply appliances of energy
source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or
(iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109
(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In some
embodiments, at least one energy source supply station of energy
source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station
108) can be configured (i) to make available multiple different
energy sources to energy source supply hub(s) 105, such as, for
example, when energy source supply hub(s) 105 comprise one or more
binary energy source supply hubs and/or two or more unary energy
source supply hubs configured to make available different energy
sources to energy source supply appliance(s) 102 and/or receiver
vehicle(s) 109, (ii) to make available multiple different energy
sources to energy source supply appliance(s) 102, such as, for
example, when energy source supply appliance(s) 102 comprise one or
more binary energy source supply appliances and/or two or more
unary energy source supply appliances configured to make available
different energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109, and/or (iii)
to make available multiple different energy sources to receiver
vehicle(s) 109. As defined herein, a "unary energy source supply
station" can refer to an energy source supply station of energy
source supply station(s) 107 that is configured to make available
one energy source to energy source supply hub(s) 105, energy source
supply appliance(s) 102, and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109, and a
"binary energy source supply station" can refer to an energy source
supply station of energy source supply station(s) 107 that is
configured to make available two different energy sources to energy
source supply hub(s) 105, energy source supply appliance(s) 102,
and/or receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0085] In many embodiments, energy source supply station 108
comprises station energy source supply system 122. Station energy
source supply system 122 comprises first station energy source
supply subsystem 123. In some embodiments, station energy source
supply system 122 also can comprise second station energy source
supply subsystem 124. In other embodiments, second station energy
source supply subsystem 124 can be omitted.
[0086] In many embodiments, energy source supply station 108 can
comprise a facility or plant configured to make available one or
more energy sources to (i) one or more energy source supply hubs of
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106), (ii) one or more energy source supply appliances of energy
source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) and/or
(iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109
(e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In some
embodiments, the facility or plant can be stationary or permanently
installed at a site (i.e., energy source supply station 108 can be
stationary). In some embodiments, the facility or plant can be
configured to generate the one or more energy sources made
available to (i) one or more energy source supply hubs of energy
source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii)
one or more energy source supply appliances of energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or
energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver
vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111).
[0087] First station energy source supply subsystem 123 can make
available the first energy source to (i) one or more energy source
supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source
supply hub 106), (ii) one or more energy source supply appliances
of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104)
and/or (iii) one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s)
109 that are configured to receive the first energy source (e.g.,
receiver vehicle 110). In these or other embodiments, first station
energy source supply subsystem 123 can make available the first
energy source to second station energy source supply subsystem 124,
such as, for example, so that second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 can convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the
first energy source to the second energy source as described in
greater detail below. In other embodiments, first station energy
source supply subsystem 123 can make available the first energy
source to second station energy source supply subsystem 124 but not
(i) energy source supply hub(s) 105, (ii) energy source supply
appliance(s) 102, and/or (iii) receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0088] In many embodiments, first station energy source supply
subsystem 123 can be configured to receive the first energy source
so that first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy
source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104), (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second station
energy source supply subsystem 124. In some embodiments, such as,
for example, when the first energy source comprises an electrical
energy source (i.e., electricity), first station energy source
supply subsystem 123 can be configured to receive the first energy
source from a utility electric grid.
[0089] In these or other embodiments, first station energy source
supply subsystem 123 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate)
the first energy source at first station energy source supply
subsystem 123 so that first station energy source supply subsystem
123 can make available the first energy source to (i) the one or
more energy source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105
(e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104), (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first
energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second
station energy source supply subsystem 124. In some embodiments,
such as, for example, when the first energy source comprises a
hydrogen fuel energy source, first station energy source supply
subsystem 123 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the
first energy source at first station energy source supply subsystem
123 from water, such as, for example, using electrolysis. In these
embodiments, first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can
be configured to receive water in order to produce the hydrogen
fuel energy source at first station energy source supply subsystem
123. In other embodiments, such as, for example, when the first
energy source comprises an electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity), first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can
be configured to produce (e.g., generate) the first energy source
at first station energy source supply subsystem 123 from a power
plant, such as, for example, a solar energy power plant or a wind
energy power plant. In these embodiments, first station energy
source supply subsystem 123 can comprise the power plant. In still
other embodiments, first station energy source supply subsystem 123
can be configured to receive but not to produce (e.g., generate)
the first energy source made available by first station energy
source supply subsystem 123 to (i) the one or more energy source
supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source
supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104), (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second station
energy source supply subsystem 124.
[0090] In many embodiments, first station energy source supply
subsystem 123 can be configured to store the first energy source so
that first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can make
available the first energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy
source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104), (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the first energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 110), and/or (iv) to second station
energy source supply subsystem 124. In many embodiments, first
station energy source supply subsystem 123 can comprise a station
first energy source storage capacity. In further embodiments, the
station first energy source storage capacity can be greater than
the hub first energy source storage capacity described above with
respect to energy source supply hub 105 and first hub energy source
supply subsystem 119. For example, in some embodiments, the station
first energy source storage capacity can be approximately 5-20
times greater than the hub first energy source storage capacity. In
these or other embodiments, when the first energy source comprises
a fuel energy source, first station energy source supply subsystem
123 can be configured to store the first energy source under
pressure so that first station energy source supply subsystem 123
can store more of the first energy source. In further embodiments,
first station energy source supply subsystem 123 can be configured
to store the first energy source under a pressure greater than the
pressure at which first hub energy source supply subsystem 119
stores the first energy source.
[0091] Further, in some embodiments, second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can make available the second energy source to
(i) one or more energy source supply hubs of energy source supply
hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) one or more
energy source supply appliances of energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or
energy source supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) one or more
receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to
receive the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111).
[0092] In some embodiments, second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 can be configured to receive the second energy source
so that second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can make
available the second energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy
source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) and/or (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In some embodiments, such as,
for example, when the second energy source comprises an electrical
energy source (i.e., electricity), second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can be configured to receive the second energy
source from a utility electric grid.
[0093] In these or other embodiments, second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can be configured to convert (e.g.,
electrochemically convert) the first energy source to the second
energy source so that second station energy source supply subsystem
124 can make available the second energy source to (i) the one or
more energy source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105
(e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104) and/or (iii) the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive
the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). For example,
in some embodiments, the first energy source can comprise a
hydrogen fuel energy source or a natural gas energy fuel energy
source, the second energy source can comprise an electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity), and second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 can convert (e.g., electrochemically convert) the
hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuel energy
source to the electrical energy source, such as, for example, using
one or more fuel cells. In other embodiments, the first energy
source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity), the second energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel
energy source or a natural gas energy fuel energy source, and
second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can convert
(e.g., electrochemically convert) the electrical energy source to
the hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural gas energy fuel
energy source, such as, for example, using electrolysis or other
electrochemical conversion. In some embodiments, second station
energy source supply subsystem 124 can be configured to receive the
first energy source from first station energy source supply
subsystem 123.
[0094] In these or other embodiments, second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate)
the second energy source at second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 so that second station energy source supply subsystem
124 can make available the second energy source to (i) the one or
more energy source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105
(e.g., energy source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy
source supply appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104), and/or (iii) the one or more receiver
vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive
the second energy source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In some
embodiments, such as, for example, when the second energy source
comprises a hydrogen fuel energy source, second station energy
source supply subsystem 124 can be configured to produce (e.g.,
generate) the second energy source at second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 from water, such as, for example, using
electrolysis. In these embodiments, second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can be configured to receive water in order to
produce the hydrogen fuel energy source at second station energy
source supply subsystem 124. In other embodiments, such as, for
example, when the second energy source comprises an electrical
energy source (i.e., electricity), second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can be configured to produce (e.g., generate)
the second energy source at second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 from a power plant, such as, for example, a solar
energy power plant or a wind energy power plant. In these
embodiments, second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can
comprise the power plant. In still other embodiments, second
station energy source supply subsystem 124 can be configured to
receive but not to produce (e.g., generate) the second energy
source made available by second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 to (i) the one or more energy source supply hubs of
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply appliances of
energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104), and/or
(iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver vehicle(s) 109
that are configured to receive the second energy source (e.g.,
receiver vehicle 111).
[0095] In many embodiments, second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 can be configured to store the second energy source
so that second station energy source supply subsystem 124 can make
available the second energy source to (i) the one or more energy
source supply hubs of energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy
source supply hub 106), (ii) the one or more energy source supply
appliances of energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) and/or (iii) the one or more receiver vehicles of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 that are configured to receive the second energy
source (e.g., receiver vehicle 111). In many embodiments, second
station energy source supply subsystem 124 can comprise a station
second energy source storage capacity. In further embodiments, the
station second energy source storage capacity can be greater than
the hub second energy source storage capacity described above with
respect to energy source supply hub 105 and second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120. For example, in some embodiments, the
station second energy source storage capacity can be approximately
5-15 times greater than the hub second energy source storage
capacity. In these or other embodiments, when the second energy
source comprises a fuel energy source, second station energy source
supply subsystem 124 can be configured to store the second energy
source under pressure so that second station energy source supply
subsystem 124 can store more of the second energy source. In
further embodiments, second station energy source supply subsystem
124 can be configured to store the second energy source under a
pressure greater than the pressure at which second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 stores the second energy source.
[0096] In many embodiments, system 100 (e.g., energy source supply
device(s) 101) can be configured to make available one or more
energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages. For example,
in some embodiments, system 100 (e.g., energy source supply
device(s) 101) can be configured to make available one or more
energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in two stages. In these
embodiments, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) can receive at least one energy source from energy source
supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) and,
then, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) can
make available one or more energy sources to receiver vehicle(s)
109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111).
[0097] In other embodiments, system 100 (e.g., energy source supply
device(s) 101) can be configured to make available one or more
energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in three stages. In these
embodiments, energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source
supply hub 106) can receive at least one energy source from energy
source supply station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station
108) and, then, energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy
source supply hub 106) can make available one or more energy
sources to energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) and, then, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) can make available one or more energy sources to receiver
vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle
111).
[0098] Meanwhile, although system 100 (e.g., energy source supply
device(s) 101) is generally described with respect to two and three
stage implementations herein, in further embodiments, the
principles of system 100 can be extended so that system 100 can be
implemented with any suitable number of stages. In these
embodiments, the energy source storage capacity, and in some
embodiments, the storage pressures of energy source supply
device(s) 101 can decrease as the stages approach vehicle(s) 109
and can increase as the stages approach energy source supply
station(s) 107.
[0099] Further, although energy source supply device(s) 101 are
generally described such that the first energy source, the second
energy source, etc. remain consistent for each of energy source
supply device(s) 101, in some embodiments, when energy source
supply device(s) 101 comprise multiple energy source supply
devices, the types of energy sources implemented for the first
energy source, the second energy source, etc. can differ between
two or more of the multiple energy source supply devices. For
example, in some embodiments, energy source supply station 108 can
implement a first energy source comprising an electrical energy
source, and a second energy source comprising a hydrogen fuel
energy source or a natural gas energy fuel energy source.
Meanwhile, in these or other embodiments, one or more of energy
source supply hub 106, energy source supply appliance 103, and/or
energy source supply appliance 104 can implement a first energy
source comprising the hydrogen fuel energy source or the natural
gas energy fuel energy source, and a second energy source
comprising the electrical energy source. Accordingly, in these
embodiments, the one or more of energy source supply hub 106,
energy source supply appliance 103, and/or energy source supply
appliance 104 can receive the second energy source of energy source
supply station 108 as the first energy source of the one or more of
energy source supply hub 106, energy source supply appliance 103,
and/or energy source supply appliance 104.
[0100] Because system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s)
101) can be configured to make available one or more energy sources
to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages, system 100 (e.g., energy
source supply device(s) 101) can advantageously permit vehicle(s)
109 to be operated in one or more regions that lack sufficient or
any access to the energy source(s) to otherwise permit operation of
vehicle(s) 109 therein (i.e., one or more unsupported regions). For
example, in some embodiments, energy source supply station(s) 107
(e.g., energy source supply station 108) may be located too far
from the unsupported region(s) for energy source supply station(s)
107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) to directly make
available the energy source(s) to vehicle(s) 109 when vehicle(s)
109 are being operating in the unsupported region(s). Additional
factors, including local driving conditions, weather, current
energy source availability at energy source supply station(s) 107,
operating conditions of vehicle(s) 109, etc., also may contribute
to defining the unsupported region(s). However, because system 100
(e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) can be configured to
make available the energy source(s) to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in
stages, and because energy source supply device(s) 101 can be
mobile, system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) can
increase an effective service range of energy source supply
station(s) 107 (e.g., energy source supply station 108) in order to
make available the energy source(s) in the unsupported regions.
[0101] Further, because system 100 (e.g., energy source supply
device(s) 101) can be configured to make available one or more
energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in stages, and because
energy source supply device(s) 101 can be mobile, system 100 (e.g.,
energy source supply device(s) 101) can advantageously permit
vehicle(s) 109 to optimally make available the energy source(s) to
receiver vehicle(s) 109. For example, in many embodiments, when
multiple energy source supply device(s) 101 comprise multiple
energy source supply devices, energy source supply device(s) 101
can be operated in multiple operating zones to optimally make
available the energy source(s) to receiver vehicle(s) 109.
Operating energy supply device(s) 101 in multiple operating zones
can permit energy source supply device(s) 101 to more quickly,
cost-effectively, and/or capably make available one or more energy
sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0102] For example, when system 100 (e.g., energy source supply
device(s) 101) is being implemented to make available one or more
energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in three stages, and when
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106) are larger than energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g.,
energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply
appliance 104), energy source supply hub(s) 105 may not be able to
access receiver vehicle(s) 109 as quickly as energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 can or may not be able to access receiver
vehicle(s) 109 at all, such as, for example, due to geography
and/or road infrastructure. Accordingly, in these or other
embodiments, energy source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance
104) can be operated in one or more appliance operating zones and
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106) can be operated in one or more hub operating zones. Further,
the appliance operating zone(s) and the hub operating zone(s) can
be positioned such that the appliance operating zone(s) are near
enough to the hub operating zone(s) to permit energy source supply
hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub 106) to make available
the one or more energy sources to energy source supply appliance(s)
102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or energy source
supply appliance 104) while permitting energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and/or
energy source supply appliance 104) to cover more territory than
energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source supply hub
106) may be able to cover alone and/or while permitting energy
source supply appliance(s) 102 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104) to reach
receiver vehicle(s) 109 more quickly within the appliance operating
zone(s) than energy source supply hub(s) 105 (e.g., energy source
supply hub 106) may be able to do.
[0103] In some embodiments, two or more of the multiple operating
zones in which system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s)
101) is being operated can overlap each other. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more appliance operating zones can overlap at
least one hub operating zone. In these or other embodiments, two or
more appliance operating zones can overlap each other. However, in
other embodiments, one or more appliance zones may not or even no
appliance zones may overlap any hub operating zone(s) and/or
another appliance zone.
[0104] In these or other embodiments, the configuration or
configurations (e.g., location, shape, overlap, etc.) of the
multiple operating zones in which system 100 (e.g., energy source
supply device(s) 101) is being operated can be determined according
to one or more zone pattern factors. For example, the zone pattern
factor(s) can be applied to one or more algorithms configured to
define the configuration or configurations (e.g., location, shape,
overlap, etc.) of the multiple operating zones in which system 100
(e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) is being operated.
Exemplary zone pattern factors can include traffic (e.g., actual
and/or modeled), weather (e.g., actual and/or modeled), road
placement, empirical testing, service requests from one or more
operators of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (e.g., by voice, email, text
message, or any other suitable communication media), observations
submitted by one or more operators of receiver vehicle(s) 109
and/or energy source supply device(s) 101, etc. Further, in these
or other embodiments, the zone pattern factor(s) can determine the
position(s) of energy source supply device(s) 101 and/or the manner
of operation of energy source supply device(s) 101 within the
multiple operating zones in which system 100 (e.g., energy source
supply device(s) 101) is being operated, and/or the travel time(s)
to receiver vehicle(s) 109 based on the position(s). In some
embodiments, when multiple zone pattern factor(s) are considered,
two or more zone pattern factor(s) can be weighted the same or
differently than each other. For example, in many embodiments,
travel time(s) can be weighted more heavily than one or more other
zone pattern factors. In some embodiments, the position(s) and/or
travel time(s) of energy source supply device(s) 101 can be
determined from telemetry provided by the energy source supply
device(s) 101. In some embodiment, the configurations (e.g.,
locations, shapes, etc.) of the multiple operating zones in which
system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) is being
operated, the position(s) of energy source supply device(s) 101
within the multiple operating zones, and/or the manner of operation
of energy source supply device(s) 101 within the multiple operating
zones can be changed or updated in real time.
[0105] Turning ahead briefly in the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a
diagram of appliance operating zone 203, appliance operating zone
204, and hub operating zone 205, according to an embodiment. In
many embodiments, appliance operating zone 203 can correspond to a
first energy source supply appliance, appliance operating zone 204
can correspond to a second energy source supply appliance, and hub
operating zone 205 can correspond to an energy source supply hub.
In one embodiment, the first energy source supply appliance can be
similar or identical to energy source supply appliance 103 (FIG.
1); the second energy source supply appliance can be similar or
identical to energy source supply appliance 104 (FIG. 1); and the
energy source supply hub can be similar or identical to energy
source supply hub 105 (FIG. 1). Further, appliance operating zone
203 and appliance operating zone 204 can be similar or identical to
the appliance operating zones described above with respect to
system 100 (FIG. 1), and hub operating zone 205 can be similar or
identical to one of the hub operating zones described above with
respect to system 100 (FIG. 1). The size, geography, area, and/or
shape of appliance operating zones 203 and 204 can be similar or
different from each other.
[0106] Turning again to FIG. 1, in many embodiments, implementing
system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) to make
available one or more energy sources to receiver vehicle(s) 109 in
stages, and when applicable, in multiple operating zones, can be
advantageous when one of the energy source(s) is a hydrogen energy
source. For example, a humidity of the hydrogen energy source, a
purity of the hydrogen energy source, a temperature of the hydrogen
energy source, and a pressure of the hydrogen energy source
(collectively, a fuel quality of the hydrogen energy source) can
impact whether or not the hydrogen energy source can be
successfully made available to receiver vehicle(s) 109. Because
system 100 (e.g., energy source supply device(s) 101) can permit
energy source supply device(s) 101 to more quickly and/or capably
make available a hydrogen energy source to receiver vehicle(s) 109,
a fuel quality of the hydrogen energy source can be better
controlled. For example, by making available a hydrogen energy
source to receiver vehicle(s) 109 more quickly and/or capably,
there is less opportunity for the fuel quality of the hydrogen
energy source to change (e.g., degrade) between energy source
supply station(s) 107 and receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0107] In many embodiments, when energy source supply device(s) 101
comprise multiple energy source supply devices, one or more energy
source supply devices of the multiple energy source supply devices
can be configured to make available one or more energy sources to
one or more other energy source supply devices of the multiple
energy source supply devices, and vice versa. Further, in these
embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of the other energy source
supply device(s) of the multiple energy source supply devices can
be configured to receive one or more of the energy source(s) from
the energy source supply device(s) of the multiple energy source
supply devices making available the energy source(s).
[0108] For example, in some embodiments, when energy source supply
appliance(s) 102 comprise multiple energy source supply appliances
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 and energy source supply
appliance 104), one or more energy source supply appliances of the
multiple energy source supply appliances (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 103) can be configured to make available one or
more energy sources to one or more other energy source supply
appliances of the multiple energy source supply appliances (e.g.,
energy source supply appliance 104), and vice versa. Further, in
these embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of the other energy
source supply appliance(s) of the multiple energy source supply
appliances can be configured to receive one or more of the energy
source(s) from the energy source supply appliance(s) of the
multiple energy source supply appliances making available the
energy source(s).
[0109] In these or other embodiments, when energy source supply
hub(s) 105 comprise multiple energy source supply hubs, one or more
energy source supply hubs of the multiple energy source supply hubs
(e.g., energy source supply hub 106) can be configured to make
available one or more energy sources to one or more other energy
source supply hubs of the multiple energy source supply hubs, and
vice versa. Further, in these embodiments, one or more (e.g., all)
of the other energy source supply hub(s) of the multiple energy
source supply hubs can be configured to receive one or more of the
energy source(s) from the energy source supply hub(s) of the
multiple energy source supply hubs making available the energy
source(s).
[0110] In some embodiments, when energy source supply device(s) 101
comprise multiple energy source supply devices, an energy source
supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 104) receiving one or more energy sources
from another energy source supply device of energy source supply
device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103) can
simulate a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 so that the
energy source supply device supplying the one or more energy
source(s) can be tested and/or calibrated. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature
sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more voltage sensors,
one or more current sensors, etc.) of the energy source supply
device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 103) supplying the energy source(s) can be
compared to one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature
sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more voltage sensors,
one or more current sensors, etc.) of the energy source supply
device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source
supply appliance 104) receiving the energy source(s) to determine
whether the sensor(s) of the energy source supply device supplying
the energy source(s) provide the same or similar (e.g., within a
range of error acceptable to the operator of system 100)
measurement values to the sensor(s) of the energy source supply
device receiving the energy source(s). In some embodiments, one or
more (e.g., all) of energy source supply device(s) 101 can be
tested and/or calibrated by one or more others of energy source
supply device(s) 101, such as, for example, when at least one other
energy source supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101
configured to make available the same energy source(s) as the
energy source supply device(s) that are tested and/or calibrated is
implemented with system 100. In further embodiments, an energy
source supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 that is
configured to make available one or more but not all of the energy
sources made available by the energy source supply device being
tested and/or calibrated may, in some embodiments, be able to be
used for testing and/or calibrating at least part of the energy
source supply device being tested and/or calibrated.
[0111] Simulating a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109
with an energy source supply device of energy source supply
device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 104) to test
and/or calibrate another energy source supply device of energy
source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance
103) rather than testing and/or calibrating the other energy source
supply device with a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109
can be advantageous for one or more reasons. In some embodiments,
simulating a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 with an
energy source supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101
(e.g., energy source supply appliance 104) to test and/or calibrate
another energy source supply device of energy source supply
device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103) rather
than testing and/or calibrating the other energy source supply
device with a receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109
advantageously may permit the energy source supply device of energy
source supply device(s) 101 to be tested and/or calibrated over a
wider range of sensed values (e.g., pressure, temperature, voltage,
current, etc.) than may be possible when a receiver vehicle of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 is used. For example, when a receiver
vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109 is equipped with one or more
devices configured to limit an operational range of the receiver
vehicle, such as, for example, for purposes of safety and/or to
mitigate wear on the receiver vehicle, and when the operational
range of the receiver vehicle is smaller than an operational range
of the energy source supply device of energy source supply
device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103) being
tested and/or calibrated, simulating the receiver vehicle with
another energy source supply device of energy source supply
device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 104) can permit
the energy source supply device of energy source supply device(s)
101 being tested and/or calibrated to be calibrated and/or tested
outside of the limited operational range of the receiver vehicle.
In these or other embodiments, simulating a receiver vehicle of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 with an energy source supply device of
energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 104) to test and/or calibrate another energy source
supply device of energy source supply device(s) 101 (e.g., energy
source supply appliance 103) rather than testing and/or calibrating
the other energy source supply device with a receiver vehicle of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 advantageously may prevent damage to the
receiver vehicle of receiver vehicle(s) 109.
[0112] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates an
exemplary block diagram for energy source supply system 300,
according to an embodiment. Energy source supply system 300 is
merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. Energy source supply system 300 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0113] In some embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can be
similar or identical to appliance energy source supply system 114
(FIG. 1), and vice versa. Accordingly, in these embodiments, energy
source supply system 300 can be used to implement appliance energy
source supply system 114 (FIG. 1) in system 100 (FIG. 1). In other
embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can be similar or
identical to hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), and vice
versa. According, in these embodiments, energy source supply system
300 can be used to implement hub energy source supply system 118
(FIG. 1) in system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0114] In many embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can
comprise first energy source supply subsystem 301. In further
embodiments, energy source supply system 300 can comprise second
energy source supply subsystem 302, safety, diagnostic, and
telemetry (SDT) subsystem 303, communication subsystem 321, control
subsystem 324, and/or electric power subsystem 325. However, in
other embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDT
subsystem 303, communication subsystem 321, control subsystem 324,
and/or electric power subsystem 325 can be omitted. Further, in
some embodiments, part or all of second energy source supply
subsystem 302 can be part of first energy source supply subsystem
301, and vice versa.
[0115] In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 300 is similar or identical to appliance
energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1), first energy source
supply subsystem 301 can be similar or identical to first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 115 (FIG. 1), and vice versa. In
other embodiments, such as, for example, when energy source supply
system 300 is similar or identical to hub energy source supply
system 118 (FIG. 1), first energy source supply subsystem 301 can
be similar or identical to first hub energy source supply subsystem
119 (FIG. 1), and vice versa.
[0116] For example, in some embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem 301 can be configured to make available a first energy
source to second energy source supply subsystem 302, receiver
vehicle 304, and/or energy source supply appliance 305. Further,
the first energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source
(e.g., a gaseous or liquid hydrogen fuel energy source), and the
second energy source can comprise an electrical energy source. In
many embodiments, receiver vehicle 304 can be similar or identical
to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle
110 (FIG. 1)). In these or other embodiments, energy source supply
appliance 305 can be similar or identical to one of energy source
supply appliances 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 (FIG. 1) and/or energy source supply appliance 104
(FIG. 1)). In other embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem 301 can make available the first energy source to second
energy source supply subsystem 302 but not to receiver vehicle 304
and/or energy source supply appliance 305.
[0117] In these or other embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem 301 can comprise first energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 306, one or more buffering storage vessels 307,
thermal management system 308, compression system 309, one or more
holding storage vessels 310, one or more holding storage vessel
pressure regulators 311, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 312, and cascade control system 313. In some
embodiments, as described further herein, buffering storage
vessel(s) 307, thermal management system 308, compression system
309, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311, and/or
cascade control system 313 can be omitted.
[0118] In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 306 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source. In implementation, first energy source supply
subsystem input mechanism 306 can comprise one or more receptacles
(e.g., one or more fittings) suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source. In many embodiments, such as, for example, when
energy source supply system 300 is similar or identical to hub
energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), first energy source
supply subsystem input mechanism 306 can receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source from an energy storage supply station. Further, the
energy storage supply station can be similar or identical to one of
energy storage supply station(s) 107 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy
storage supply station 108 (FIG. 1)). In some embodiments, such as,
for example, when energy source supply system 300 is similar or
identical to appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1),
first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 306 can
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from an energy storage
supply hub and/or the energy source supply station. Further, the
energy storage supply hub can be similar or identical to one of
energy storage supply hub(s) 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy storage
supply hub 106 (FIG. 1)).
[0119] In many embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 307 can be
configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from first
energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 306 and to store the
hydrogen fuel energy source.
[0120] Accordingly, in some embodiments, buffering storage
vessel(s) 307 can be coupled to first energy source supply
subsystem input mechanism 306, such as, for example, by one or more
conduits. In implementation, buffering storage vessel(s) 307 can
comprise one or more tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel
energy source. In further embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s)
307 can store (e.g., temporarily store) the hydrogen fuel energy
source until the hydrogen fuel energy source can be received by
compression system 309.
[0121] In many embodiments, compression system 309 can be
configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from
buffering storage vessel(s) 307. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
compression system 309 can be coupled to buffering storage
vessel(s) 307, such as, for example, by one or more conduits.
Further, compression system 309 can be configured to compress the
hydrogen fuel energy source to increase a pressure of the hydrogen
fuel energy source and to provide the compressed hydrogen fuel
energy source to holding storage vessel(s) 310. In implementation,
compression system 309 can comprise a hydrogen compressor.
[0122] In many embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be
configured to receive and store the hydrogen fuel energy source.
When buffering storage vessel(s) 307 and compression system 309 are
implemented, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be coupled to
compression system 309, such as, for example, by one or more
conduits, to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from
compression system 309 (e.g., after the hydrogen fuel energy source
is compressed by compression system 309). Meanwhile, when buffering
storage vessel(s) 307 and compression system 309 are omitted,
holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be coupled (e.g., directly
coupled) to first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism
306, such as, for example, by one or more conduits, to receive the
hydrogen fuel energy source from first energy source supply
subsystem input mechanism 306. Nonetheless, in many embodiments,
implementing buffering storage vessel(s) 307 and compression system
309 can advantageously permit holding storage vessel(s) 310 to
store more of the hydrogen fuel energy source.
[0123] In implementation, holding storage vessel(s) 310 can
comprise one or more tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel
energy source. In many embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 310
can comprise an aggregate storage capacity, and in some
embodiments, each holding storage vessel of holding storage
vessel(s) 310 can be configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy
source approximately at or below a predetermined storage pressure.
In some embodiments, the aggregate storage capacity of holding
storage vessel(s) 310 can be greater than or equal to approximately
8 kilograms and less than or equal to approximately 73 kilograms.
For example, the aggregate storage capacity of holding storage
vessel(s) 310 can be approximately 8.4 kilograms. Further, in these
or other embodiments, the predetermined storage pressure of holding
storage vessel(s) 310 can be greater than or equal to approximately
34.47 Megapascals (gauge) and less than or equal to approximately
68.95 Megapascals (gauge).
[0124] In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 312 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source from holding storage vessel(s) 310 and to make
available the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source
supply subsystem 302, receiver vehicle 304, and/or energy source
supply appliance 305. Accordingly, in some embodiments, first
energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 312 can be coupled
to holding storage vessel(s) 310, such as, for example, by one or
more conduits. In implementation, first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 312 can comprise one or more hoses
and/or nozzles suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source
and to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to receiver
vehicle 304 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. Further,
when energy source supply system 300 comprises second energy source
supply subsystem input 314, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 312 can comprise one or more conduits configured
to make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy
source supply subsystem input 314, which is described further
below. In some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 312 can be configured to make available the
hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source supply
subsystem 302 but not to receiver vehicle 304 and/or energy source
supply appliance 305.
[0125] In many embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure
regulator(s) 311 can be configured to limit a pressure of the
hydrogen fuel energy source that is provided by compression system
309 to holding storage vessel(s) 310, such as, for example, via
cascade control system 313. In implementation, holding storage
vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can comprise one or more pressure
regulation valves. Further, holding storage vessel pressure
regulator(s) 311 can be between compression system 309 and holding
storage vessel(s) 310. Accordingly, in some embodiments, holding
storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can be coupled to
compression system 309, such as, for example, by one or more
conduits, and to cascade control system 313 or holding storage
vessel(s) 310, such as, for example, by one or more conduits. In
these or other embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure
regulator(s) 311 can be implemented to prevent the pressure of the
hydrogen fuel energy source being provided to holding storage
vessel(s) 310 from exceeding the predetermined storage pressure of
holding storage vessel(s) 310, thereby preventing damage to holding
storage vessel(s) 310 and/or injury to the operator of energy
source supply system 300. Nonetheless, in some embodiments, holding
storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 can be omitted, such as,
for example, when compression system 309 is omitted.
[0126] In many embodiments, cascade control system 313 can be
implemented when holding storage vessel(s) 310 comprise multiple
holding storage vessels. In particular, cascade control system 313
can be configured to control filling (e.g., by compression system
309 or first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 306) of
the multiple holding storage vessels with the hydrogen fuel energy
source in a cascading manner and/or dispensing of the hydrogen fuel
energy source (e.g., to first energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 312) from the multiple holding storage vessels in a
cascading manner. In other embodiments, cascade control system 313
can be omitted, such as, for example, when holding storage
vessel(s) 310 comprise only one holding storage vessel.
[0127] Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, in many embodiments,
when energy source supply system 300 comprises cascade control
system 313, cascade control system 313 can be between holding
storage vessel(s) 310 and one of first energy source subsystem
input mechanism 306, buffering storage vessel(s) 307, compression
system 309, or holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 311.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, cascade control system 313 can be
coupled to holding storage vessel(s) 310 and at least one of first
energy source subsystem input mechanism 306, buffering storage
vessel(s) 307, compression system 309, or holding storage vessel
pressure regulator(s) 311, such as, for example, by one or more
conduits.
[0128] In other embodiments, when energy source supply system 300
comprises cascade control system 313, cascade control system 313
can be between holding storage vessel(s) 310 and first energy
source subsystem output mechanism 312. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, cascade control system 313 can be coupled to holding
storage vessel(s) 310 and first energy source subsystem output
mechanism 312, such as, for example, by one or more conduits.
[0129] In many embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be
configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of first
energy source supply subsystem 301 (e.g., holding storage vessel(s)
310) to prevent or mitigate thermal stress on energy source supply
system 300. In some embodiments, thermally managing (e.g., cooling)
holding storage vessel(s) 310 can prevent holding storage vessel(s)
310 from overheating when holding storage vessel(s) 310 are
supplying the hydrogen fuel energy source to first energy source
supply subsystem output mechanism 312. For example, in many
embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be in thermal
communication with holding storage vessel(s) 310.
[0130] In implementation, thermal management system 308 can
comprise any suitable device or devices configured to thermally
manage (e.g., cool) at least part of first energy source supply
subsystem 301 (e.g., holding storage vessel(s) 310). For example,
in some embodiments, thermal management system 308 can comprise one
or more heat sinks, one or more thermoelectric coolers, one or more
forced air devices (e.g., one or more fans), etc.
[0131] In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 300 is similar or identical to appliance
energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1), second energy source
supply subsystem 302 can be similar or identical to second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1), and vice
versa. In other embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 300 is similar or identical to hub energy
source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), second energy source supply
subsystem 302 can be similar or identical to second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 (FIG. 1), and vice versa.
[0132] For example, in many embodiments, second energy source
supply subsystem 302 can be configured to make available a second
energy source to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply
appliance 305. Further, the second energy source can comprise an
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). In many embodiments,
receiver vehicle 320 can be similar or identical to one of receiver
vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle 111 (FIG. 1)). In
some embodiments, second appliance energy source supply subsystem
302 can make available the second energy source to receiver vehicle
320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305 when first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 301 is making available the first
energy source to receiver vehicle 304 and/or energy source supply
appliance 305, and vice versa.
[0133] In these or other embodiments, second energy source supply
subsystem 302 can comprise second energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 314, fuel cell system 315, electric power converter
323, electrical energy storage system 316, electric power converter
317, output control system 319, second energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 318, and/or thermal management system
308. In some embodiments, electrical energy storage system 316,
electric power converter 317, and/or thermal management system 308
can be omitted.
[0134] In many embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 314 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source from first energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 312. Accordingly, in some embodiments, second energy
source supply subsystem input mechanism 314 can be coupled (e.g.,
directly coupled) to first energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 312 in order to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source,
such as, for example, by one or more conduits.
[0135] In implementation, second energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 314 can comprise one or more receptacles (e.g., one
or more fittings) suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energy
source from first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism
312.
[0136] In many embodiments, fuel cell system 315 can be configured
to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from second energy
source supply subsystem input mechanism 314 and to convert (e.g.,
electrochemically convert) the hydrogen fuel energy source to the
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). Accordingly, fuel
cell system 315 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to second
energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 314 in order to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source, such as, for example, by
one or more conduits.
[0137] In implementation, fuel cell system 315 can comprise one or
more fuel cells. The fuel cell(s) can be configured to convert
(e.g., electrochemically convert) the hydrogen fuel energy source
to the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). In many
embodiments, the fuel cell(s) can comprise one or more fuel cells
suitable for converting (e.g., electrochemically converting) the
hydrogen fuel energy source to the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity). For example, in some embodiments, the fuel cell(s)
can comprise one or more proton exchange membrane fuel cells or one
or more solid oxide fuel cells. Further, in some embodiments, the
fuel cell(s) can comprise, collectively, a fuel cell power output
of greater than or equal to approximately 30 kilowatts and less
than or equal to approximately 60 kilowatts.
[0138] Further, fuel cell system 315 can comprise a fuel cell input
regulator, a fuel cell controller, and/or a fuel cell system
packaging. In these or other embodiments, the fuel cell input
regulator can control how much of the hydrogen fuel energy source
is received by the fuel cell(s) from second energy source supply
subsystem input mechanism 314, and the fuel cell controller can
control the output voltage of the fuel cell(s). For example, in
some embodiments, the fuel cell input regulator can comprise a
regulator valve. Further, the fuel cell controller can comprise a
microcontroller configured to monitor and control one or more
conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, etc.) of the fuel cell(s).
Further still, fuel cell system packaging can comprise any suitable
enclosure configured to protect fuel cell system 315 and/or to aid
in thermally managing fuel cell system 315. In some embodiments,
one or more of the fuel cell input regulator, the fuel cell
controller, and/or the fuel cell system packaging can be
omitted.
[0139] In many embodiments, electric power converter 323 can be
configured to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) from fuel cell system 315 and to convert a voltage of
the electrical energy source. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
fuel cell system 315 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled and/or
electrically coupled) to electric power converter 323 in order for
electric power converter 323 to receive the electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity).
[0140] In implementation, electric power converter 323 can comprise
a direct current to direct current converter (e.g., a voltage
regulator). Further, electric power converter 323 can comprise an
electric power converter packaging. The electrical power converter
packaging can comprise any suitable enclosure configured to protect
electric power converter 323 and/or to aid in thermally managing
electric power converter 323.
[0141] In many embodiments, electrical energy storage system 316
can be configured to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) from electric power converter 323 and to store the
electrical energy source. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when
electrical energy storage system 316 is implemented, electrical
energy storage system 316 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled
and/or electrically coupled) to electric power converter 323 in
order to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity).
[0142] In implementation, electrical energy storage system 316 can
comprise one or more electrochemical cells. The electrochemical
cell(s) can be configured to receive the electrical energy source
(i.e., electricity) and to store the electrical energy source. For
example, in some embodiments, the electrochemical cell(s) can
comprise one or more lithium-ion electrochemical calls. Further, in
some embodiments, the electrochemical cell(s) can comprise,
collectively, an electrochemical cell power output of greater than
or equal to approximately 50 kilowatts and less than or equal to
approximately 100 kilowatts.
[0143] Further, electrical energy storage system 316 can comprise a
cell framework and electrical backbone, a battery management
system, and an electrical energy storage system packaging the cell
framework and electrical backbone can comprise an electrical
network configured to electrically couple together the
electrochemical cell(s) and the battery management system. Further,
the battery management system can comprise a microcontroller
configured to monitor and control the electrochemical cell(s).
Further still, the electrical energy storage system packaging can
comprise any suitable enclosure configured to protect electrical
energy storage system 316 and/or to aid in thermally managing
electrical energy storage system 316. In some embodiments, one or
more of the cell framework and electrical backbone, the battery
management system, and the electrical energy storage system
packaging the cell framework and electrical backbone can be
omitted.
[0144] In many embodiments, electric power converter 317 can be
configured to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) from electrical energy storage system 316 and to
convert a voltage and/or type of current of the electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity). Accordingly, in some embodiments, when
electric power converter 317 is implemented, electric power
converter 317 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled and/or
electrically coupled) to electrical energy storage system 316 in
order to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity).
[0145] In implementation, electric power converter 317 can comprise
a direct current to alternating current converter (e.g., a power
inverter). In these or other embodiments, electric power converter
317 can comprise a direct current to direct current converter
(e.g., a voltage regulator). Further, in these or other
embodiments, electric power converter 317 can be configured to
operate over a range of greater than or equal to approximately 48
volts and less than or equal to approximately 480 volts. Further,
electric power converter 317 can comprise an electric power
converter packaging. The electrical power converter packaging can
comprise any suitable enclosure configured to protect electric
power converter 317 and/or to aid in thermally managing electric
power converter 317.
[0146] In many embodiments, output control system 319 can be
configured to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) from one of electric power converter 323, electrical
energy storage system 316, or electric power converter 317 and to
condition or produce the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) to comply with the electric charging protocol applying
to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, when electric power converter 317
is implemented, output control system 319 can be coupled (e.g.,
directly coupled and/or electrically coupled) to electric power
converter 317. In other embodiments, when electrical energy storage
system 316 is implemented and electric power converter 317 is
omitted, output control system 319 can be coupled (e.g., directly
coupled and/or electrically coupled) to electrical energy storage
system 316. In still other embodiments, when electrical energy
storage system 316 and electrical power converter 317 are omitted,
output control system 319 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled
and/or electrically coupled) to electric power converter 323.
[0147] In implementation, output control system 319 can comprise a
battery electric vehicle charging system.
[0148] In many embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 318 can be configured to receive the electrical
energy source (i.e., electricity) from output control system 319
and to make available the electrical energy source to receiver
vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. Accordingly,
in some embodiments, second energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 318 can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled and/or
electrically coupled) to output control system 319.
[0149] In implementation, second energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 318 can comprise one or more electrical connectors
suitable to receive the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) and to make available the electrical energy source to
receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. In
some embodiments, the electrical connector(s) can comprise one or
more electrical lines configured to convey the electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity) to electrical energy source to receiver
vehicle 320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305. In these or
other embodiments, the electrical connector(s) can comprise one or
more data lines configured to transfer data between energy source
supply system 300 and receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source
supply appliance 305. In many embodiments, the electrical
connector(s) can be configured to operate according to any suitable
charging protocol or charging protocols. For example, exemplary
charging protocols can include the J1772 charging protocol
established by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Warrendale,
Pa., United States of America, the CHAdeMO charging protocol
established by the CHAdeMO Association of Paris, France, the Tesla
charging protocol established by Tesla, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif.,
United States of America, etc.
[0150] In some embodiments, when the electrical connector(s)
comprise multiple electrical connectors, two or more of the
multiple electrical connectors can be configured with the same
charging protocols. In these or other embodiments, when the
electrical connector(s) comprise multiple electrical connectors,
two or more of the multiple electrical connectors can be configured
with different charging protocols. In further embodiments, when the
electrical connector(s) comprise multiple electrical connectors,
and when two or more of the multiple electrical connectors are
configured with different charging protocols, output control system
319 can adaptively condition or produce the electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity) to comply with the different charging
protocols, as needed.
[0151] In many embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be
configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of second
energy source supply subsystem 302 (e.g., fuel cell system 315,
electric power converter 323, electrical energy storage system 316,
electric power converter 317, and/or output control system 319).
Thermally managing second energy source supply subsystem 302 (e.g.,
fuel cell system 315, electric power converter 323, electrical
energy storage system 316, electric power converter 317, and/or
output control system 319) can improve an operating efficiency of
second energy source supply subsystem 302 (e.g., fuel cell system
315, electrical energy storage system 316, electric power converter
317, and/or output control system 319). Further, thermally managing
electric power converter 317 can advantageously help to dissipate
heat generated by operating electric power converter 317 over a
wide operating voltage range. For example, in many embodiments,
thermal management system 308 can be in thermal communication with
fuel cell system 315, electric power converter 323, electrical
energy storage system 316, electric power converter 317, and/or
output control system 319.
[0152] In implementation, thermal management system 308 can
comprise any suitable device or devices configured to thermally
manage (e.g., cool) at least part of second energy source supply
subsystem 302 (e.g., fuel cell system 315, electric power converter
323, electrical energy storage system 316, electric power converter
317, and/or output control system 319). For example, in some
embodiments, thermal management system 308 can comprise one or more
heat sinks, one or more thermoelectric coolers, one or more forced
air devices (e.g., one or more fans), etc.
[0153] In some embodiments, implementing fuel cell system 315 and
electrical energy storage system 316 can permit second energy
source supply subsystem 302 to make available the electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity) to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy
source supply appliance 305 in a direct current to direct current
fast charging mode that can approximately fully charge one or more
rechargeable energy storage systems of a receiver vehicle drive
system of receiver vehicle 320 and/or one or more rechargeable
energy storage systems of an appliance energy source supply system
of energy source supply appliance 305 in less than or equal to
approximately 5 or 10 minutes.
[0154] In these or other embodiments, fuel cell system 315
advantageously can be configured to operate in a load-following
manner such that fuel cell system 315 can convert the hydrogen fuel
energy source to the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity)
on an as-needed basis. For example, being able to operate fuel cell
system 315 in a load-following manner can be advantageous because
energy source supply system 300 can store more energy in the form
of the hydrogen fuel energy source rather than in the form of the
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity). As a result,
degradation of the electrochemical cell(s) of electrical energy
storage system 316 can be minimized. Also, in some embodiments,
being able to operate fuel cell system 315 in a load-following
manner can be advantageous because fuel cell system 315 can be
operated to maximize a speed with which the electrical energy
source (i.e., electricity) is provided by second energy source
supply subsystem 302 to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy source
supply appliance 305. Although, in some embodiments, operating fuel
cell system 315 in a load-following manner can degrade the service
life of fuel cell system 315, the wear on fuel cell system 315 can
be offset by cooling fuel cell system 315 and avoiding fast
activation sequences, such as, for example, by implementing
predictive command algorithms which avoid fast changes (e.g., gas
line pressurizations, sensor resets, flow control, etc.) to the
balance of plant of the fuel cell system 315.
[0155] Further, by implementing electric power converter 323, a
quantity and/or electric power capacity of the fuel cell(s) of fuel
cell system 315 advantageously can be scaled up or down, as
desired. For example, a quantity and/or electric power capacity of
the fuel cell(s) of fuel cell system 315 can be scaled up or down,
such as, for example, to provide a desired electric power output of
fuel cell system 315, because electric power converter 323 can
adjust the voltage of the electric energy source (i.e.,
electricity), as needed. Also, because electric power converter 323
can adjust the voltage of the electric energy source (i.e.,
electricity), as needed, the fuel cell(s) of fuel cell system 315
can be implemented with off-the-shelf fuel cell(s). Implementing
the fuel cell(s) of fuel cell system 315 with off-the-shelf fuel
cell(s) advantageously can permit specifications of the fuel
cell(s) of fuel cell system 315 to be known without further testing
by the operator of system 300.
[0156] Further, by implementing electric power converter 317 and/or
output control system 319, second energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 318 can advantageously make available the
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) to receiver vehicle
320 and/or energy source supply appliance 305 with multiple
charging modes (e.g., one or more of Modes 1-4 established by the
International Electrotechnical Commission of London, England,
United Kingdom, direct current to direct current fast charging,
etc.) and/or with multiple charging protocols. Meanwhile,
implementing electric power converter 317 to comprise a direct
current to direct current converter can be advantageous to
eliminate a need to rectify the electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity) being provided to receiver vehicle 320 and/or energy
source supply appliance 305.
[0157] In many embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can be configured to
log performance data of energy source supply system 300. In these
or other embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can be configured to
monitor energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source
supply subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem
302) and diagnose problems affecting energy source supply system
300 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301 and/or second
energy source supply subsystem 302). For example, in some
embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can compare measured parameters
(e.g., voltage, current, pressure, temperature, etc.) applying to
energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supply
subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302) to
predetermined boundary conditions to determine if the measured
parameters are outside of the boundary conditions (e.g., over/under
voltage, over/under current, over/under pressure, over/under
temperature, etc.) or are trending toward an out-of-bounds
condition. Based on the severity of the out-of-bounds condition
and/or the criticality of the affected portion or portions of
energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supply
subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302) can
identify an out-of-bounds condition as being non-impactful, as
requiring attention within a designated time frame (i.e., an alert
condition), as requiring immediate attention (i.e., an alarm
condition), or as being a system failure. In many embodiments, SDT
subsystem 303 can deactivate energy source supply system 300 (e.g.,
first energy source supply subsystem 301 and/or second energy
source supply subsystem 302) or the affected portion or portions of
energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supply
subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302) in
the event of an alarm condition or system failure.
[0158] In implementation, SDT subsystem 303 can comprise one or
more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters (e.g.,
voltage, current, pressure, temperature, etc.) applying to energy
source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supply
subsystem 301 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302).
Further, SDT subsystem 303 can comprise one or more
microcontrollers configured to log performance data of energy
source supply system 300 and/or to analyze the one or more
parameters measured by the sensor(s) and compare the parameters to
the predetermined boundary conditions. Further still, SDT subsystem
303 can comprise one or more safety devices configured to prevent
propagation and/or amplification of failures in energy source
supply system 300 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 301
and/or second energy source supply subsystem 302). Exemplary safety
device(s) can include fuses, circuit breakers, stop valves,
blow-off valves, etc. In these embodiments, SDT subsystem 303
(e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 303) can activate
one or more of the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 303 to prevent
propagation and/or amplification of failures in energy source
supply system 300, such as, for example, in response to one or more
parameters measured by the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 303 and/or
analyzed by the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 303. Further,
in some embodiments, in determining when to activate one or more of
the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 303, SDT subsystem 303 (e.g.,
the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 303) can use adaptive logic
and/or machine learning to build upon a failure mode effect
criticality analysis (FMECA) of energy source supply system 300.
For example, the FMECA can be based on one or more look-up tables
of potential faults and the associated consequences, severity,
and/or probability of the potential faults. In further embodiments,
the look-up tables can establish where the sensor(s) and/or safety
device(s) of SDT subsystem 303 are located within energy source
supply system 300. In some embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 (e.g.,
the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 303) can confirm the
presences of faults using anomaly test logic prior to activating
one or more of the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 303.
[0159] In some embodiments, SDT subsystem 303 can be configured to
implement a learning logic flow. For example, SDT subsystem 303 can
characterize the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 303, rate the sensor(s)
of SDT subsystem 303 for criticality, implement a baseline
operation, poll the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 303 for operational
data, compare the operational data to alert and alarm lookup
tables, and trigger alert and alarm notifications when operational
data is outside accepted tolerances of the alert and alarm lookup
tables. Polling frequency and comparisons can be added or modified
based on occurrences of the operational data being outside accepted
tolerance of the alert and alarm lookup tables.
[0160] In many embodiments, control subsystem 324 can be configured
to control energy source supply system 300 (e.g., first energy
source supply subsystem 301, second energy source supply subsystem
302, SDT subsystem 303, communication subsystem 321, and/or
electric power subsystem 325). For example, in many embodiments,
control subsystem 324 can comprise a computer system. In some
embodiments, the computer system can be similar or identical to
computer system 2200 (FIG. 22).
[0161] In many embodiments, communication subsystem 321 can be
configured to provide communication between first energy source
supply subsystem 301, second energy source supply subsystem 302,
SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or electric power
subsystem 325, and/or within first energy source supply subsystem
301, second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303,
control subsystem 324, and/or electric power subsystem 325. In
implementation, communication subsystem 321 can comprise a control
area network vehicle bus (CAN bus).
[0162] In some embodiments, communication subsystem 321 can accept
cellular network communication (via a cellular network
transponder), which may include deployment directions for energy
source supply system 300. In some embodiments, deployment
directions for energy source supply system 300 can be provided
based on a location of receiver vehicle 304 and/or receiver vehicle
320, and/or a time to on-site energy transfer (service)
calculation. The location and timing information can be relayed by
communication subsystem 321 to control subsystem 324 to initiate a
system readiness polling of SDT subsystem 303 and electric power
subsystem 325. Based on confirmation of acceptable polling results
(e.g., functionality and safety checklist), control subsystem 324
can instruct second energy source supply subsystem 302 to initiate
preparatory actions necessary to transfer energy to receiver
vehicle 304 and/or receiver vehicle 320 within the timeframe of the
expected arrival at location or locations of receiver vehicle 304
and/or receiver vehicle 320. Based on confirmation of acceptable
polling results control subsystem 324 also can instruct thermal
management subsystem 308 to initiate a pre-cool down procedure of
second energy source supply subsystem 302. Implementing a pre-cool
down procedure can avoid thermal and mechanical stresses to
equipment, thereby increasing equipment life, decreasing a
probability of thermal related failure modes/safety events, and/or
more efficiently applying on-platform cooling potential energy,
such as, for example, by avoiding steady state environmental
temperature maintenance. In some embodiments, the pre-cool down
procedure can be implemented without using energy from second
energy source supply subsystem 302, and/or with minimum propagation
delay because it can be performed with solid state thermal
management.
[0163] In many embodiments, electric power subsystem 325 can be
configured to electrically power one or more (e.g., all) electrical
components of energy source supply system 300, first energy source
supply subsystem 301, second energy source supply subsystem 302,
SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or communication
subsystem 321. Accordingly, in these embodiments, electric power
subsystem 325 can be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to any
electrical components of energy source supply system 300, first
energy source supply subsystem 301, second energy source supply
subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or
communication subsystem 321 that electric power subsystem 325 is
configured to electrically power.
[0164] In implementation, electric power subsystem 325 can comprise
one or more rechargeable energy storage systems. For example, in
these embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage system(s) can
store an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) and make
available the electrical energy source to one or more (e.g., all)
electrical components of energy source supply system 300, first
energy source supply subsystem 301, second energy source supply
subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem 324, and/or
communication subsystem 321. Further, in these embodiments, the
rechargeable energy storage system(s) can comprise (a) one or more
electrochemical cells (e.g., one or more batteries), (b) one or
more capacitive energy storage systems (e.g., super capacitors such
as electric double-layer capacitors), and/or (c) one or more
inertial energy storage systems (e.g., one or more flywheels).
[0165] Further, electric power subsystem 325 can comprise a battery
charger. The battery charger can be configured to receive an
electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), such as, for example,
from a utility electric grid, and to make available the electrical
energy source to the rechargeable energy storage system(s) of
electric power subsystem 325. In some embodiments, the battery
charger also can be configured to make available the electrical
energy source to electrical energy storage system 316. In some
embodiments, fuel cell system 315 can make available the electrical
energy source (i.e., electricity) generated by fuel cell system 315
to the rechargeable energy storage system(s) of electric power
subsystem 325.
[0166] In many embodiments, thermal management system 308 can be
configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of
electric power subsystem 325. Thermally managing electric power
subsystem 325 can improve an operating efficiency of electric power
subsystem 325. For example, in many embodiments, thermal management
system 308 can be in thermal communication with electric power
subsystem 325.
[0167] In these or other embodiments, electrical energy storage
system 316 can be configured to electrically power one or more
(e.g., all) electrical components of energy source supply system
300, first energy source supply subsystem 301, second energy source
supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303, control subsystem 324,
and/or communication subsystem 321. Accordingly, in these
embodiments, electrical energy storage system 316 can be coupled
(e.g., electrically coupled) to any electrical components of energy
source supply system 300, first energy source supply subsystem 301,
second energy source supply subsystem 302, SDT subsystem 303,
control subsystem 324, and/or communication subsystem 321 that
electrical energy storage system 316 is configured to electrically
power.
[0168] In some embodiments, thermal management system 308 can
comprise a reservoir of coolant, a distribution circuit configured
to deliver the coolant to the part or parts of energy source supply
system 300 that thermal management system 308 is thermally
managing, a heat exchanger subsystem to accept and vent heat
transferred to the coolant by the part or parts of energy source
supply system 300 that thermal management system 308 is thermally
managing, a coolant distribution controller configured to control
distribution of the coolant through the distribution circuit,
distributed temperature sensors to provide temperature data to the
coolant distribution controller about the part or parts of energy
source supply system 300 that thermal management system 308 is
thermally managing, and end cooling plates configured to put the
coolant in thermal contact with any part or parts of energy source
supply system 300 that thermal management system 308 is thermally
managing.
[0169] In many embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy
source supply system 300 can be positioned to minimize thermal
and/or electromagnetic interference at energy source supply system
300. Positioning of one or more elements of energy source supply
system 300 can be determined in view of a volume available to house
the elements of energy source supply system 300, a shared thermal
stress of the elements of energy source supply system 300, and/or a
risk of electromagnetically induced cross talk or interference. In
some embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy source
supply system 300 can be positioned such that high power electrical
pathways are separate from data, sensor, and low voltage electrical
signals. In further embodiments, coolant for thermal management
system 308 can be separately routed to maximize volume for modular
expansion of energy source supply system 300. In many embodiments,
separating high power electrical pathways from data, sensor, and
low voltage electrical signals and/or separately routing coolant
for thermal management system 308 can permit optimal access to the
elements of energy source supply system 300 for repair and
maintenance of energy source supply system 300. In some
embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy source supply
system 300 can be positioned to support a directional flow of heat
generated by energy source supply system 300 rather than
unidirectional heat radiation, and to minimize the formation of hot
spots in energy source supply system 300. In further embodiments,
one or more elements of energy source supply system 300 can be
positioned to permit modularity of one or more elements of energy
source supply system 300.
[0170] Although energy source supply system 300 is generally
described for embodiments where the first energy source comprises a
hydrogen fuel energy source, in some embodiments, first energy
source can comprise another fuel energy source, such as, for
example, a natural gas fuel energy source. In these embodiments,
for example, fuel cell system 315 can be implemented with solid
oxide fuel cells. Further, in some of these embodiments, holding
storage vessel(s) 310 can act as a heat sink for fuel cell system
315.
[0171] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 400 of providing (e.g.,
manufacturing) a system. Method 400 is merely exemplary and is not
limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 400 can be
employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically
depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures,
the activities of method 400 can be performed in the order
presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the activities of
the method 400 can be performed in any other suitable order. In
still other embodiments, one or more of the activities in method
400 can be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the system can
be similar or identical to system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0172] In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise activity 401 of
providing an energy source supply hub. In some embodiments, the
energy source supply hub can be similar or identical to one of
energy source supply hub(s) 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source
supply hub 106 (FIG. 1)). FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary activity
401, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0173] For example, in many embodiments, activity 401 can comprise
activity 501 of providing a hub energy source supply system. In
some embodiments, the hub energy source supply system can be
similar or identical to hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG.
1) and/or energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3). FIG. 6
illustrates an exemplary activity 501, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 4.
[0174] For example, in many embodiments, activity 501 can comprise
activity 601 of providing a first hub energy source supply
subsystem. In some embodiments, the first hub energy source supply
subsystem can be similar or identical to first hub energy source
supply subsystem 119 (FIG. 1) and/or first energy source supply
subsystem 301 (FIG. 3).
[0175] In further embodiments, activity 501 can comprise activity
602 of providing a second hub energy source supply subsystem. In
some embodiments, the second hub energy source supply subsystem can
be similar or identical to second hub energy source supply
subsystem 120 (FIG. 1) and/or second energy source supply subsystem
302 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, activity 602 can be
omitted.
[0176] Turning again to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, activity 401
can comprise activity 502 of providing a hub vehicle. In some
embodiments, the hub vehicle can be similar or identical to hub
vehicle 121 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, activity 502 can be
omitted.
[0177] Turning now back to FIG. 4, in many embodiments, method 400
can comprise activity 402 of providing a first energy source supply
appliance. In some embodiments, the first energy source supply
appliance can be similar or identical to one of energy source
supply appliance(s) 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 (FIG. 1) and/or energy source supply appliance 104
(FIG. 1)). In some embodiments, one of activity 401 or activity 402
can be omitted. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary activity 402,
according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0178] For example, in many embodiments, activity 402 can comprise
activity 701 of providing an appliance energy source supply system.
In some embodiments, the appliance energy source supply system can
be similar or identical to appliance energy source supply system
114 (FIG. 1) and/or energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3). FIG.
8 illustrates an exemplary activity 701, according to the
embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0179] For example, in many embodiments, activity 701 can comprise
activity 801 of providing a first appliance energy source supply
subsystem. In some embodiments, the first appliance energy source
supply subsystem can be similar or identical to first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 115 (FIG. 1) and/or first energy
source supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3).
[0180] In further embodiments, activity 701 can comprise activity
802 of providing a second appliance energy source supply subsystem.
In some embodiments, the second appliance energy source supply
subsystem can be similar or identical to second appliance energy
source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1) and/or second energy source
supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, activity 802
can be omitted.
[0181] Turning again to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, activity 402
can comprise activity 702 of providing an appliance vehicle. In
some embodiments, the appliance vehicle can be similar or identical
to appliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, activity
702 can be omitted.
[0182] Turning now back to FIG. 4, in many embodiments, method 400
can comprise activity 403 of providing a second energy source
supply appliance. In some embodiments, the second energy source
supply appliance can be similar or identical to the first energy
source supply appliance, one of energy source supply appliance(s)
102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply appliance 103 (FIG. 1)
and/or energy source supply appliance 104 (FIG. 1)). Further, in
many embodiments, performing activity 403 can be similar or
identical to performing activity 402. In some embodiments, activity
403 can be omitted.
[0183] In some embodiments, method 400 can comprise activity 404 of
providing an energy source supply station. In some embodiments, the
second energy source supply station can be similar or identical to
one of energy source supply station(s) 107 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy
source supply station 108 (FIG. 1)). In other embodiments, activity
404 can be omitted.
[0184] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 9 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 900 of providing (e.g.,
manufacturing) an energy source supply device. Method 900 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 900 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the activities of method 900 can be performed in the
order presented. In other embodiments, the activities of the method
900 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other
embodiments, one or more of the activities in method 900 can be
combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the energy source supply
device can be similar or identical to one of energy source supply
device(s) 101 of FIG. 1 (e.g., one of energy source supply hub(s)
105 (FIG. 1) and/or one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(FIG. 1)).
[0185] In many embodiments, method 900 can comprise activity 901 of
providing an appliance energy source supply system. In many
embodiments, the appliance energy source supply system can be
similar or identical to appliance energy source supply system 114
(FIG. 1) and/or energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3). FIG. 10
illustrates an exemplary activity 901, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 9.
[0186] For example, in many embodiments, activity 901 can comprise
activity 1001 of providing a first appliance energy source supply
subsystem. In some embodiments, the first appliance energy source
supply subsystem can be similar or identical first appliance energy
source supply subsystem 115 (FIG. 1) and/or first energy source
supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3).
[0187] Further, in some embodiment, activity 901 can comprise
activity 1002 of providing a second appliance energy source supply
subsystem. In some embodiments, the second appliance energy source
supply subsystem can be similar or identical second appliance
energy source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1) and/or second energy
source supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the
second appliance energy source supply subsystem can be omitted.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary activity 1002, according to the
embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0188] For example, in many embodiments, activity 1002 can comprise
activity 1101 of providing a fuel cell system comprising one or
more fuel cells. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system can be
similar or identical to fuel cell system 315 (FIG. 3).
[0189] In many embodiments, activity 1002 can comprise activity
1102 of providing an electrical energy storage system comprising
one or more appliance electrochemical cells. In some embodiments,
the electrical energy storage system can be similar or identical to
electrical energy storage system 316 (FIG. 3).
[0190] In many embodiments, activity 1002 can comprise activity
1103 of electrically coupling the fuel cell system to the
electrical energy storage system. In some embodiments, performing
activity 1103 can be similar or identical to electrically coupling
the fuel cell system 315 (FIG. 3) to electrical energy storage
system 316 (FIG. 3).
[0191] Referring back to FIG. 10, in many embodiments, activity 901
can comprise activity 1003 of coupling the second appliance energy
source supply subsystem to the first appliance energy source supply
subsystem. For example, in some embodiments, performing activity
1003 can be similar or identical to coupling second appliance
energy source supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3) to first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3) as described above with
respect to energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3). In other
embodiments, activity 1003 can be omitted.
[0192] Turning again back to FIG. 9, in many embodiments, method
900 can comprise activity 902 of providing an appliance vehicle. In
some embodiments, the appliance vehicle can be similar or identical
to appliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, activity
902 can be omitted.
[0193] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 12 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 1200. Method 1200 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 1200 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the activities of method 1200 can be
performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the
procedures, the activities of the method 1200 can be performed in
any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more
of the activities in method 1200 can be combined or skipped. In
many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise a method of using an
energy source supply device. In many embodiments, the energy source
supply device can be similar or identical to one of energy source
supply device(s) 101 of FIG. 1 (e.g., one of energy source supply
hub(s) 105 (FIG. 1) and/or one of energy source supply appliance(s)
102 (FIG. 1)).
[0194] In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1201
of making available a first energy source to a first receiver
vehicle with a first appliance energy source supply subsystem of an
appliance energy source supply system. In some embodiments, the
first receiver vehicle can be similar or identical to one of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 (FIG.
1) and/or receiver vehicle 111 (FIG. 1)). Further, the first
appliance energy source supply subsystem can be similar or
identical to first appliance energy source supply subsystem 115
(FIG. 1). Further still, the appliance energy source supply system
can be similar or identical to appliance energy source supply
system 114 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, the first energy source
can comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source. In some embodiments,
activity 1201 can be omitted.
[0195] In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1202
of making available a second energy source to a second receiver
vehicle with a second appliance energy source supply subsystem of
the appliance energy source supply system. In some embodiments, the
second receiver vehicle can be similar or identical to one of
receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 (FIG.
1) and/or receiver vehicle 111 (FIG. 1)). Further, the second
appliance energy source supply subsystem can be similar or
identical to second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
(FIG. 1). In many embodiments, activity 1202 can be performed
before, after, or simultaneously with activity 1201. In some
embodiments, the second energy source can be different than the
first energy source. For example, the second energy source can
comprise an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity).
[0196] When the second energy source comprises an electrical energy
source, in some embodiments, performing activity 1202 can comprise
an activity of approximately fully charging one or more vehicle
electrochemical cells of a second drive system of the second
receiver vehicle with the electrical energy source in less than or
equal to approximately 5 or 10 minutes. In some embodiments, the
second drive system can be similar or identical to receiver vehicle
drive system 113 (FIG. 1).
[0197] In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1203
of converting (e.g., electrochemically converting) the first energy
source to the second energy source. In many embodiments, performing
activity 1203 can be similar or identical to converting (e.g.,
electrochemically converting) the first energy source to the second
energy source as described above with respect to system 100 (FIG.
1) and/or energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3). In further
embodiments, activity 1203 can be performed before or
simultaneously with activity 1202. For example, in some
embodiments, performing activity 1203 can comprise an activity of
using a fuel cell system to convert (e.g., electrochemically
convert) the first energy source to the second energy source. In
these embodiments, the fuel cell system can be similar or identical
to fuel cell system 315 (FIG. 3).
[0198] In many embodiments, method 1200 can comprise activity 1204
of moving the appliance energy source supply system. In some
embodiments, performing activity 1204 can be similar or identical
to moving the appliance energy source supply system as described
above with respect to system 100 (FIG. 1) and/or energy source
supply system 300 (FIG. 3). For example, in some embodiments,
performing activity 1204 can comprise an activity of moving the
appliance energy source supply system with an appliance vehicle. In
these embodiments, the appliance vehicle can be similar or
identical to appliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1).
[0199] Skipping ahead in the drawings, FIG. 13 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 1300. Method 1300 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 1300 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the activities of method 1300 can be
performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the
procedures, the activities of the method 1300 can be performed in
any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more
of the activities in method 1300 can be combined or skipped. In
many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise a method of using a
system. In some embodiments, the system can be similar or identical
to system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0200] In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1301
of moving an energy source supply appliance proximal to an energy
source supply hub. In some embodiments, the energy source supply
hub can be similar or identical to energy source supply hub 106
(FIG. 1). In these or other embodiments, the energy source supply
appliance can be similar or identical to one of energy source
supply appliance(s) 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 and/or energy source supply appliance 104).
[0201] In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1302
of receiving a hydrogen fuel energy source from the energy source
supply hub at a first appliance energy source supply subsystem of
an appliance energy source supply system of the energy source
supply appliance. In some embodiments, the first appliance energy
source supply subsystem can be similar or identical to first
appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 (FIG. 1). Further, the
appliance energy source supply system can be similar or identical
to appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, activity 1302 can be performed after activity
1301.
[0202] In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1303
of moving the energy source supply appliance proximal to a first
receiver vehicle. In some embodiments, the first receiver vehicle
can be similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of
FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In
further embodiments, activity 1303 can be performed after activity
1302.
[0203] In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1304
of supplying the hydrogen fuel energy source from the first
appliance energy source supply subsystem to the first receiver
vehicle. In some embodiments, activity 1304 can be performed after
activity 1303. In other embodiments, activity 1303 and/or activity
1304 can be omitted.
[0204] In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1305
of moving the energy source supply appliance proximal to a second
receiver vehicle. In some embodiments, the second receiver vehicle
can be similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of
FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle 110 and/or receiver vehicle 111). In
further embodiments, activity 1305 can be performed after one or
more of activity 1302, activity 1303, and activity 1304.
[0205] In many embodiments, method 1300 can comprise activity 1306
of supplying an electrical energy source from a second appliance
energy source supply subsystem of the appliance energy source
supply system to the second receiver vehicle. In some embodiments,
the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can be similar
or identical to second appliance energy source supply subsystem 116
(FIG. 1). In some embodiments, activity 1306 can be performed after
activity 1304 and/or activity 1305. In other embodiments, activity
1306 can be performed before or simultaneously with activity 1304.
In further embodiments, activity 1305 and/or activity 1306 can be
omitted.
[0206] Some embodiments of method 1300 can be implemented with a
natural gas fuel energy source instead of a hydrogen fuel energy
source.
[0207] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 14 illustrates an
exemplary block diagram for energy source supply system 1400,
according to an embodiment. Energy source supply system 1400 is
merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. Energy source supply system 1400 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0208] In some embodiments, energy source supply system 1400 can be
similar or identical to appliance energy source supply system 114
(FIG. 1), and vice versa. Accordingly, in these embodiments, energy
source supply system 1400 can be used to implement appliance energy
source supply system 114 (FIG. 1) in system 100 (FIG. 1). In other
embodiments, energy source supply system 1400 can be similar or
identical to hub energy source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), and vice
versa. According, in these embodiments, energy source supply system
1400 can be used to implement hub energy source supply system 118
(FIG. 1) in system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0209] In these or other embodiments, energy source supply system
1400 can be similar or identical to energy source supply system 300
(FIG. 3), and vice versa. For example, in many embodiments, energy
source supply system 1400 can comprise first energy source supply
subsystem 1401. In further embodiments, energy source supply system
1400 can comprise second energy source supply subsystem 1402,
safety, diagnostic, and telemetry (SDT) subsystem 1403,
communication subsystem 1421, control subsystem 1424, and/or
electric power subsystem 1425. However, in other embodiments,
second energy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403,
communication subsystem 1421, control subsystem 1424, and/or
electric power subsystem 1425 can be omitted. Further, in some
embodiments, part or all of second energy source supply subsystem
1402 can be part of first energy source supply subsystem 1401, and
vice versa.
[0210] In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to appliance
energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1), first energy source
supply subsystem 1401 can be similar or identical to first
appliance energy source supply subsystem 115 (FIG. 1), and vice
versa. In other embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to hub energy
source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 can be similar or identical to first hub energy
source supply subsystem 119 (FIG. 1), and vice versa.
[0211] For example, in some embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 can be configured to make available a first energy
source to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver
vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405. Further,
the first energy source can comprise a hydrogen fuel energy source
(e.g., a gaseous or liquid hydrogen fuel energy source), and the
second energy source can comprise an electrical energy source. In
many embodiments, receiver vehicle 1404 can be similar or identical
to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1 (e.g., receiver vehicle
110 (FIG. 1)). In these or other embodiments, energy source supply
appliance 1405 can be similar or identical to one of energy source
supply appliances 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy source supply
appliance 103 (FIG. 1) and/or energy source supply appliance 104
(FIG. 1)). In other embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 can make available the first energy source to second
energy source supply subsystem 1402 but not to receiver vehicle
1404 and/or energy source supply appliance 1405.
[0212] In these or other embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 can comprise first energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 1406, one or more buffering storage vessels 1407,
thermal management system 1408, compression system 1409, one or
more holding storage vessels 1410, one or more holding storage
vessel pressure regulators 1411, first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412, cascade control system 1413, and
energy source safety management system 1422. In some embodiments,
as described further herein, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407,
thermal management system 1408, compression system 1409, holding
storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411, and/or cascade control
system 1413 can be omitted.
[0213] In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 1406 can be similar or identical to first energy
source supply subsystem input mechanism 306 (FIG. 3). For example,
first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 1406 can be
configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source. In
implementation, first energy source supply subsystem input
mechanism 1406 can comprise one or more receptacles (e.g., one or
more fittings) suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source.
In many embodiments, such as, for example, when energy source
supply system 1400 is similar or identical to hub energy source
supply system 118 (FIG. 1), first energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 1406 can receive the hydrogen fuel energy source
from an energy storage supply station. Further, the energy storage
supply station can be similar or identical to one of energy storage
supply station(s) 107 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy storage supply
station 108 (FIG. 1)). In some embodiments, such as, for example,
when energy source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to
appliance energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1), first energy
source supply subsystem input mechanism 1406 can receive the
hydrogen fuel energy source from an energy storage supply hub
and/or the energy source supply station. Further, the energy
storage supply hub can be similar or identical to one of energy
storage supply hub(s) 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g., energy storage supply
hub 106 (FIG. 1)).
[0214] In some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
input mechanism 1406 can comprise an input mechanism pressure
sensor. For example, the input mechanism pressure sensor can detect
a pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source received by first
energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 1406. In some
embodiments, the input mechanism pressure sensor can be part of SDT
subsystem 1403, as described below.
[0215] In many embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can be
similar or identical to buffering storage vessel(s) 307 (FIG. 3).
For example, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can be configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from first energy source
supply subsystem input mechanism 1406 and to store the hydrogen
fuel energy source. Accordingly, in some embodiments, buffering
storage vessel(s) 1407 can be coupled to first energy source supply
subsystem input mechanism 1406, such as, for example, by one or
more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more
valves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the
hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s). In
implementation, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can comprise one
or more tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy source.
In further embodiments, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 can store
(e.g., temporarily store) the hydrogen fuel energy source until the
hydrogen fuel energy source can be received by compression system
1409.
[0216] In many embodiments, compression system 1409 can be similar
or identical to compression system 309 (FIG. 3). For example,
compression system 1409 can be configured to receive the hydrogen
fuel energy source from buffering storage vessel(s) 1407.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, compression system 1409 can be
coupled to buffering storage vessel(s) 1407, such as, for example,
by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one
or more valves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow
of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s).
Meanwhile, compression system 1409 can be configured to compress
the hydrogen fuel energy source to increase a pressure of the
hydrogen fuel energy source and to provide the compressed hydrogen
fuel energy source to holding storage vessel(s) 1410. In
implementation, compression system 1409 can comprise a hydrogen
compressor.
[0217] In many embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be
similar or identical to holding storage vessel(s) 310 (FIG. 3). For
example, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be configured to
receive and store the hydrogen fuel energy source. When buffering
storage vessel(s) 1407 and compression system 1409 are implemented,
holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be coupled to compression system
1409, such as, for example, by one or more conduits, to receive the
hydrogen fuel energy source from compression system 1409 (e.g.,
after the hydrogen fuel energy source is compressed by compression
system 1409). Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more
valves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the
hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s). Meanwhile, when
buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 and compression system 1409 are
omitted, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be coupled (e.g.,
directly coupled) to first energy source supply subsystem input
mechanism 1406, such as, for example, by one or more conduits, to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from first energy source
supply subsystem input mechanism 1406. Further, the conduit(s) can
comprise one or more valves configured to control, direct, and/or
regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the
conduit(s). Nonetheless, in many embodiments, implementing
buffering storage vessel(s) 1407 and compression system 1409 can
advantageously permit holding storage vessel(s) 1410 to store more
of the hydrogen fuel energy source.
[0218] In implementation, holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can
comprise one or more tanks configured to store the hydrogen fuel
energy source. In many embodiments, holding storage vessel(s) 1410
can comprise an aggregate storage capacity, and in some
embodiments, each holding storage vessel of holding storage
vessel(s) 1410 can be configured to store the hydrogen fuel energy
source approximately at or below a predetermined storage pressure.
In some embodiments, the aggregate storage capacity of holding
storage vessel(s) 1410 can be greater than or equal to
approximately 8 kilograms and less than or equal to approximately
73 kilograms. For example, the aggregate storage capacity of
holding storage vessel(s) 310 can be approximately 8.4 kilograms.
Further, in these or other embodiments, the predetermined storage
pressure of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 can be greater than or
equal to approximately 34.47 Megapascals (gauge) and less than or
equal to approximately 68.95 Megapascals (gauge).
[0219] In many embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 1412 can be similar or identical to first energy
source supply subsystem output mechanism 312 (FIG. 3). For example,
first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 can be
configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from holding
storage vessel(s) 1410 and to make available the hydrogen fuel
energy source to second energy source supply subsystem 1402,
receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412 can be coupled to holding storage
vessel(s) 1410, such as, for example, by one or more conduits.
Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more valves configured
to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel
energy source through the conduit(s).
[0220] In implementation, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 1412 can comprise one or more hoses and/or nozzles
suitable to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to make
available the hydrogen fuel energy source to receiver vehicle 1404
and/or energy source supply appliance 1405. In some embodiments,
the hose(s) can comprise one or more bonding cables to electrically
ground the hose(s). Further, when energy source supply system 1400
comprises second energy source supply subsystem input 1414, first
energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 can comprise
one or more conduits configured to make available the hydrogen fuel
energy source to a second energy source supply subsystem input of
second energy source supply subsystem 1402. For example, the second
energy source supply subsystem input can be similar or identical to
second energy source supply subsystem input 314 (FIG. 3). Further,
the conduit(s) can comprise one or more valves configured to
control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy
source through the conduit(s). In some embodiments, first energy
source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 can be configured to
make available the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy
source supply subsystem 1402 but not to receiver vehicle 1404
and/or energy source supply appliance 1405.
[0221] In some embodiments, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 1412 can comprise one or more safety release
mechanisms. In these embodiments, the safety release mechanism(s)
can couple the hose(s) and/or the nozzle(s) of first energy source
supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 to energy source supply
system 1400 and can permit the hose(s) and/or the nozzle(s) to
decouple (e.g., break away) from energy source supply system 1400
when a force exceeding a predetermined force acts upon the safety
release mechanism(s), the hose(s), and/or the nozzle(s). For
example, the safety release mechanism(s) can prevent damage to part
or all of energy source supply system 1400 in the event that the
receiver vehicle 1404 and/or energy source supply appliance 1405
drive or otherwise move away from energy source supply system 1400
while the hose(s) and/or nozzle(s) remain coupled to receiver
vehicle 1404 and/or energy source supply appliance 1405. In some
embodiments, the safety release mechanism(s) can permit the hose(s)
and/or the nozzle(s) to be recoupled to energy source supply system
1400 after the hose(s) and/or the nozzle(s) have been decoupled
from energy source supply system 1400. In implementation, the
safety release mechanism(s) can comprise any suitable breakaway
connector.
[0222] In many embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure
regulator(s) 1411 can be similar or identical to holding storage
vessel pressure regulator(s) 311 (FIG. 3). For example, holding
storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411 can be configured to
limit a pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source that is
provided by compression system 1409 to holding storage vessel(s)
1410, such as, for example, via cascade control system 1413. In
implementation, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411
can comprise one or more pressure regulation valves. Further,
holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411 can be between
compression system 1409 and holding storage vessel(s) 1410.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure
regulator(s) 1411 can be coupled to compression system 1409, such
as, for example, by one or more conduits, and to cascade control
system 1413 or holding storage vessel(s) 1410, such as, for
example, by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can
comprise one or more valves configured to control, direct, and/or
regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the
conduit(s). In these or other embodiments, holding storage vessel
pressure regulator(s) 1411 can be implemented to prevent the
pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy source being provided to
holding storage vessel(s) 1410 from exceeding the predetermined
storage pressure of holding storage vessel(s) 1410, thereby
preventing damage to holding storage vessel(s) 1410 and/or injury
to the operator of energy source supply system 1400. Nonetheless,
in some embodiments, holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s)
1411 can be omitted, such as, for example, when compression system
1409 is omitted.
[0223] In many embodiments, cascade control system 1413 can be
similar or identical to cascade control system 313 (FIG. 3). For
example, cascade control system 1413 can be implemented when
holding storage vessel(s) 1410 comprise multiple holding storage
vessels. In particular, cascade control system 1413 can be
configured to control filling (e.g., by compression system 1409 or
first energy source supply subsystem input mechanism 1406) of the
multiple holding storage vessels with the hydrogen fuel energy
source in a cascading manner and/or dispensing of the hydrogen fuel
energy source (e.g., to first energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 1412) from the multiple holding storage vessels in a
cascading manner. In other embodiments, cascade control system 1413
can be omitted, such as, for example, when holding storage
vessel(s) 1410 comprise only one holding storage vessel.
[0224] Although not illustrated in FIG. 14, in many embodiments,
when energy source supply system 1400 comprises cascade control
system 1413, cascade control system 1413 can be between holding
storage vessel(s) 1410 and one of first energy source subsystem
input mechanism 1406, buffering storage vessel(s) 1407, compression
system 1409, or holding storage vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, cascade control system 1413 can
be coupled to holding storage vessel(s) 1410 and at least one of
first energy source subsystem input mechanism 1406, buffering
storage vessel(s) 1407, compression system 1409, or holding storage
vessel pressure regulator(s) 1411, such as, for example, by one or
more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can comprise one or more
valves configured to control, direct, and/or regulate flow of the
hydrogen fuel energy source through the conduit(s).
[0225] In these or other embodiments, when energy source supply
system 1400 comprises cascade control system 1413, cascade control
system 1413 can be between holding storage vessel(s) 1410 and one
or more of energy source safety management system 1422 or first
energy source subsystem output mechanism 1412. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, cascade control system 1413 can be coupled to holding
storage vessel(s) 1410, such as, for example, by one or more
conduits, and to energy source safety management system 1422 or
first energy source subsystem output mechanism 1412, such as, for
example, by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can
comprise one or more valves configured to control, direct, and/or
regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the
conduit(s).
[0226] In many embodiments, energy source safety management system
1422 can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source
from one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 or cascade control
system 1413 and to reduce a temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy
source that is made available by first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412 to second energy source supply
subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply
appliance 1405 (e.g., before the hydrogen fuel energy source is
made available by first energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 1412 to second energy source supply subsystem 1402,
receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405).
For example, energy source safety management system 1422 can reduce
a temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source that is made
available by first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism
1412 to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver
vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 such that
the temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source does not exceed
a predetermined maximum delivery temperature. Reducing the
temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source that is made
available by first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism
1412 to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver
vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 such that
the temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source does not exceed
the predetermined maximum delivery temperature can prevent damage
to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle
1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405. In many
embodiments, the predetermined maximum delivery temperature can be
any suitable temperature. However, in some embodiments, the
predetermined maximum delivery temperature can be selected to be
less than a melting temperature of part or all of second energy
source supply subsystem 1402, receiver vehicle 1404, and/or energy
source supply appliance 1405. For example, in further embodiments,
the predetermined maximum delivery temperature can be selected to
be less than a melting temperature of a plastic liner of a fuel
tank of receiver vehicle 1404.
[0227] In many embodiments, energy source safety management system
1422 can be between one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 or
cascade control system 1413 and first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
energy source safety management system 1422 can be coupled to at
least one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 or cascade control
system 1413, such as, for example, by one or more conduits, and to
first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412, such
as, for example, by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s)
can comprise one or more valves configured to control, direct,
and/or regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the
conduit(s).
[0228] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 15 illustrates an
exemplary block diagram for energy source safety management system
1422, according to the embodiment of FIG. 14. In many embodiments,
energy source safety management system 1422 comprises pressure
regulator 1501 and one or more thermal control devices 1502. For
example, thermal control device(s) 1502 can comprise thermal
control device 1503. Further, when thermal control device(s) 1502
comprise multiple thermal control devices, thermal control
device(s) 1502 also can comprise thermal control device 1504, and
energy source safety management system 1422 can comprise flow
manifold 1505. In some embodiments, when thermal control device(s)
1502 comprise multiple thermal control devices, energy source
safety management system 1422 also can comprise flow controller
1506. In other embodiments, thermal control device 1504, flow
manifold 1505, and/or flow controller 1506 can be omitted.
[0229] In many embodiments, pressure regulator 1501 can be
configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source received by
energy source safety management system 1422 and to limit a pressure
of the hydrogen fuel energy source received by pressure regulator
1501 to a predetermined pressure (e.g., before the hydrogen fuel
energy source is made available by first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14) to second energy source
supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14),
and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14)). For example,
in some embodiments, pressure regulator 1501 can be configured to
receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from one of holding storage
vessel(s) 1410 (FIG. 4) or cascade control system 1413 (FIG. 4).
Accordingly, in some embodiments, pressure regulator 1501 can be
coupled to at least one of holding storage vessel(s) 1410 (FIG. 4)
or cascade control system 1413 (FIG. 4), such as, for example, by
one or more conduits (e.g., the conduit(s) coupling energy source
safety management system 1422 to at least one of holding storage
vessel(s) 1410 (FIG. 14) or cascade control system 1413 (FIG. 14)).
Meanwhile, in many embodiments, the predetermined pressure can be
any suitable pressure. However, in some embodiments, the
predetermined pressure can be greater than or equal to
approximately 12.4 Megapascals (gauge). In implementation, pressure
regulator 1501 can comprise a pressure regulation valve.
[0230] In many embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,
thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504)
each can be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source
from pressure regulator 1501 and to reduce a temperature of the
hydrogen fuel energy source when that thermal control device
receives the hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., after pressure
regulator 1501 has limited the pressure of the hydrogen fuel energy
source received by pressure regulator 1501 to the predetermined
pressure, and/or before the hydrogen fuel energy source is made
available by first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism
1412 to second energy source supply subsystem 1402, receiver
vehicle 1404, and/or energy source supply appliance 1405). For
example, in some embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,
thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can
be configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source from
pressure regulator 1501.
[0231] Accordingly, in some embodiments, thermal control device(s)
1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control
device 1504) can be coupled to pressure regulator 1501, such as,
for example, by one or more conduits. Further, the conduit(s) can
comprise one or more valves configured to control, direct, and/or
regulate flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source through the
conduit(s). In some embodiments, the conduit(s) can comprise a blow
off valve. In these or other embodiments, the conduit(s) can
comprise a vent configured to permit an operator of energy source
supply system 1400 (FIG. 14) to vent the conduit(s).
[0232] Further, each of thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,
thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can
be configured to provide the hydrogen fuel energy source to first
energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14)
(e.g., after reducing the temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy
source). Accordingly, in some embodiments, thermal control
device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal
control device 1504) can be coupled to first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14), such as, for example, by
one or more conduits (e.g., the conduit(s) coupling energy source
safety management system 1422 to first energy source supply
subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14)).
[0233] In many embodiments, thermal control device 1503 can be
configured to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source and to
converge a flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source to cause a
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source when
thermal control device 1503 receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source. For example, by converging the flow of the hydrogen fuel
energy source, as a result of the Venturi effect, thermal control
device 1503 can cause a velocity of the hydrogen fuel energy source
to increase, a pressure and a temperature of the hydrogen fuel
energy source to decrease, and a mass flow rate of the hydrogen
fuel energy source to remain constant. Further, the increase in
velocity and the decrease in pressure and temperature of the
hydrogen fuel energy source can be mathematically calculated as a
function of the magnitude by which the flow of the hydrogen fuel
energy source is converged. As described in greater detail below,
the decrease in temperature also can be mathematically calculated
as a function of an inlet temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy
source (i.e., a temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source
before the flow of the hydrogen fuel energy source is converged).
In many embodiments, the inlet temperature can be approximately
equal to an ambient temperature at or near energy source supply
system 1400 (FIG. 14).
[0234] In implementation, thermal control device 1503 can comprise
a restrictive flow orifice. As used herein, the term "restrictive
flow orifice" refers to an orifice plate comprising an orifice and
an orifice diameter of the orifice. Accordingly, the restrictive
flow orifice can receive the hydrogen fuel energy source at the
orifice, which can converge the flow of the hydrogen fuel energy
source as the hydrogen fuel energy source passes through the
orifice. Meanwhile, the magnitude by which the flow of the hydrogen
fuel energy source is converged can be a function of the orifice
diameter of the orifice.
[0235] In many embodiments, implementing thermal control device
1503 as a restrictive flow orifice can be advantageous when thermal
control device 1503 is also implemented with pressure regulator
1501 because, for a particular orifice diameter of the orifice and
when the hydrogen fuel energy source is limited to the
predetermined pressure by pressure regulator 1501, a temperature
reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source caused by thermal
control device 1503 can be known, specific, and consistent.
Accordingly, the orifice diameter of the restrictive flow orifice
can be optimized to a diameter that results in a highest mass flow
rate of the hydrogen fuel energy source (e.g., permitting the
hydrogen fuel energy source to be provided by first energy source
supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14) to second energy
source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG.
14), and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) as
quickly as possible) but that also ensures that a temperature
increase in the hydrogen fuel energy source resulting from first
energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14)
providing the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source
supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14),
and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) does not
exceed the temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source
caused by thermal control device 1503 or exceed the temperature
reduction by more than a predetermined amount (e.g., for a
predetermined mass of the hydrogen fuel energy source provided). As
a result, thermal control device 1503 can prevent the temperature
of the hydrogen fuel energy source from exceeding the predetermined
maximum delivery temperature, as described above. Further, because
the mass flow rate through the restrictive flow orifice also can be
known, specific, and consistent, a time for a predetermined mass of
the hydrogen fuel energy source to be provided by first energy
source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14) to second
energy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle
1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG.
14) can be calculated, thereby permitting an operator of energy
source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14) to provide the predetermined
mass of the hydrogen fuel energy source as a function of time, and
permitting confirmation that the calculated time is not long enough
to cause a temperature increase in the hydrogen fuel energy source
to exceed the temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy
source caused by thermal control device 1503 or to exceed the
temperature reduction by the predetermined amount. For example, the
predetermined mass of the hydrogen fuel energy source can comprise
approximately 1 kilogram. Further, in some embodiments, the time
for the predetermined mass of the hydrogen fuel energy source to be
provided by first energy source supply subsystem output mechanism
1412 (FIG. 14) to second energy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG.
14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy source supply
appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) can depend on a change (e.g., increase) in
pressure at second energy source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14),
receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy source supply
appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) as second energy source supply subsystem
1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy
source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source. Meanwhile, because an operator of energy source
supply system 1400 (FIG. 14) can be confident that a temperature
increase in the hydrogen fuel energy source is not exceeding the
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source caused by
thermal control device 1503 or exceeding the temperature reduction
by the predetermined amount, first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14) can make available the hydrogen
fuel energy source to second energy source supply subsystem 1402
(FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or energy source
supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) without receiving temperature data
therefrom (e.g., to monitor a temperature at second energy source
supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14),
and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14)).
[0236] In many embodiments, thermal control device 1503 can be
devoid of moving parts, such as, for example, when thermal control
device 1503 comprises a restrictive flow orifice. Implementing
thermal control device 1503 to be devoid of moving parts
advantageously can mitigate or eliminate operational error by an
operator of energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14) incorrectly
operating thermal control device 1503. Further, implementing
thermal control device 1503 to be devoid of moving parts
advantageously can mitigate mechanical failure of thermal control
device 1503.
[0237] In many embodiments, when thermal control device(s) 1502
(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device
1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, each of the
thermal control devices of the multiple thermal control devices can
be similar to each other but can cause a different temperature
reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source, and in some
embodiments, can pass the hydrogen fuel energy source with
different mass flow rates. For example, when thermal control
device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal
control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, and
when the multiple thermal control devices comprise multiple
restrictive flow orifices, the multiple restrictive flow orifices
can comprise different orifice diameters.
[0238] In these or other embodiments, thermal control device(s)
1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control
device 1504) can comprise any suitable orifice diameter or orifice
diameters. In many embodiments, the orifice diameter(s) of thermal
control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504 can be
greater than or equal to approximately 0.0178 centimeter and less
than or equal to approximately 0.102 centimeter. For example, the
orifice diameter of thermal control device 1503 can comprise one of
approximately 0.0178 centimeter, approximately 0.0381 centimeter,
approximately 0.0457 centimeter, approximately 0.0508 centimeter,
approximately 0.0635 centimeter, approximately 0.0762 centimeter,
or approximately 0.102 centimeter. Meanwhile, when thermal control
device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal
control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, an
orifice diameter of another thermal control device of the multiple
thermal control devices (e.g., thermal control device 1504) can
comprise a different one of approximately 0.0178 centimeter,
approximately 0.0381 centimeter, approximately 0.0457 centimeter,
approximately 0.0508 centimeter, approximately 0.0635 centimeter,
approximately 0.0762 centimeter, or approximately 0.102
centimeter.
[0239] In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal
control device 1503 comprises approximately 0.0178 centimeter, the
mass flow rate through thermal control device 1503 can be
approximately 0.176 grams per second, and the time to transfer
approximately 1 kilogram of the hydrogen fuel energy source can be
approximately 94.7 minutes, such as, for example, at an ambient
temperature of approximately 50 degrees Celsius. In some
embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device
1503 comprises approximately 0.0381 centimeter, the mass flow rate
through thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 0.789
grams per second, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram
of the hydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 21.1
minutes, such as, for example, at an ambient temperature of
approximately 40 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the
orifice diameter of thermal control device 1503 comprises
approximately 0.0457 centimeter, the mass flow rate through thermal
control device 1503 can be approximately 1.13 grams per second, and
the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of the hydrogen fuel
energy source can be approximately 14.8 minutes, such as, for
example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 35 degrees
Celsius. In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal
control device 1503 comprises approximately 0.0508 centimeter, the
mass flow rate through thermal control device 1503 can be
approximately 1.40 grams per second, and the time to transfer
approximately 1 kilogram of the hydrogen fuel energy source can be
approximately 11.9 minutes, such as, for example, at an ambient
temperature of approximately 30 degrees Celsius. In some
embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device
1503 comprises approximately 0.0635 centimeter, the mass flow rate
through thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 2.19 grams
per second, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of
the hydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 7.6 minutes,
such as, for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 25
degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the orifice diameter of
thermal control device 1503 comprises approximately 0.0762
centimeter, the mass flow rate through thermal control device 1503
can be approximately 3.16 grams per second, and the time to
transfer approximately 1 kilogram of the hydrogen fuel energy
source can be approximately 5.3 minutes, such as, for example, at
an ambient temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius. In some
embodiments, when the orifice diameter of thermal control device
1503 comprises approximately 0.102 centimeter, the mass flow rate
through thermal control device 1503 can be approximately 5.61 grams
per second, and the time to transfer approximately 1 kilogram of
the hydrogen fuel energy source can be approximately 3.0 minutes,
such as, for example, at an ambient temperature of approximately 10
degrees Celsius.
[0240] Further, in many embodiments, when thermal control device(s)
1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control
device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, the
multiple thermal control devices can be configured to receive the
hydrogen fuel energy source at different times. For example, in
these or other embodiments, the multiple thermal control devices
(e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device
1504) can be coupled to pressure regulator 1501 and/or to first
energy source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14) in
parallel. Further, in these or other embodiments, when thermal
control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or
thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control
devices, the hydrogen fuel energy source can be selectively
received by one of the multiple thermal control devices, such as,
for example, when energy source safety management system 1422
comprises flow manifold 1505.
[0241] When thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control
device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple
thermal control devices, flow manifold 1505 can receive the
hydrogen fuel energy source and can permit the hydrogen fuel energy
source to be selectively provided to one of the multiple thermal
control devices at different times. Selectively providing the
hydrogen fuel energy source to one of the multiple thermal control
devices at different times advantageously can permit the thermal
control device of the multiple thermal control devices having a
largest orifice diameter that will not cause a temperature increase
in the hydrogen fuel energy source resulting from first energy
source supply subsystem output mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14) providing
the hydrogen fuel energy source to second energy source supply
subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14), receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 14), and/or
energy source supply appliance 1405 (FIG. 14) to exceed the
temperature reduction of the hydrogen fuel energy source caused by
the thermal control device or exceed the temperature reduction by
more than a predetermined amount to be used to provide the hydrogen
fuel energy source to first energy source supply subsystem output
mechanism 1412 (FIG. 14).
[0242] As noted above, the temperature reduction can depend on an
ambient temperature at or near energy source supply system 1400
(FIG. 14). Accordingly, in many embodiments, when thermal control
device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal
control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, the
thermal control device of thermal control device(s) 1502 selected
to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source can be selected based on
a current ambient temperature at or near energy source supply
system 1400 (FIG. 14). For example, in some embodiments, when
thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503
and/or thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal
control devices, one thermal control device of the multiple thermal
control devices (e.g., thermal control device 1503) can be selected
when the current ambient temperature is less than or equal to a
predetermined ambient temperature, and another thermal control
device of the multiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermal
control device 1504) can be selected when the current ambient
temperature is greater than the predetermined ambient temperature.
For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined ambient
temperature can be one of approximately 10 degrees Celsius,
approximately 20 degrees Celsius, approximately 25 degrees Celsius,
approximately 30 degrees Celsius, approximately 35 degrees Celsius,
approximately 40 degrees Celsius, or approximately 50 degrees
Celsius. In some embodiments, when the predetermined ambient
temperature is approximately 25 degrees Celsius, one thermal
control device of the multiple thermal control devices (e.g.,
thermal control device 1503) can comprise an orifice diameter of
approximately 0.0635 centimeter, and another thermal control device
of the multiple thermal control devices (e.g., thermal control
device 1504) can comprise an orifice diameter of approximately
0.0457 centimeter.
[0243] In these or other embodiments, when thermal control
device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal
control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control devices, the
thermal control device of thermal control device(s) 1502 selected
to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source can be selected based on
a current clock time and/or a current clock date. For example, the
current ambient temperature can be a function of the current clock
time and/or the current clock date.
[0244] In many embodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be between
pressure regulator 1501 and thermal control device(s) 1502.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be coupled
to pressure regulator 1501, such as, for example, by one or more
conduits, and to thermal control device(s) 1502, such as, for
example, by one or more conduits. In implementation, flow manifold
1505 can comprise a multi-directional valve. In some embodiments,
flow manifold 1505 can be manually operated to select which one of
the multiple thermal control devices of thermal control device(s)
1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control
device 1504) receives the hydrogen fuel energy source. In other
embodiments, flow manifold 1505 can be automatically operated to
select which one of the multiple thermal control devices of thermal
control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or
thermal control device 1504) receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source, such as, for example, when energy source safety management
system 1422 comprises flow controller 1506. In some embodiments,
flow manifold 1505 can be omitted, such as, for example, when
thermal control device(s) 1502 comprise one thermal control device
(e.g., thermal control device 1503).
[0245] Flow controller 1506 can comprise a microcontroller
configured to automatically operate flow manifold 1505 to select
which one of the multiple thermal control devices of thermal
control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or
thermal control device 1504) receives the hydrogen fuel energy
source. In many embodiments, as explained above, the
microcontroller can determine which one of the multiple thermal
control devices of thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal
control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) receives
the hydrogen fuel energy source based on a current ambient
temperature at or near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14),
a current clock time, and/or a current clock date. In some
embodiments, flow controller 1506 can be electrically coupled to
flow manifold 1505.
[0246] In many embodiments, energy source safety management system
1422 can comprise an ambient temperature sensor. The ambient
temperature sensor can detect a current ambient temperature at or
near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In some
embodiments, the ambient temperature sensor can be part of SDT
subsystem 1403 (FIG. 14), as described below. Further, when thermal
control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or
thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control
devices, when energy source safety management system 1422 comprises
flow controller 1506, and when flow controller 1506 determines
which one of the multiple thermal control devices receives the
hydrogen fuel energy source based on a current ambient temperature
at or near energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14), flow
controller 1506 can receive the current ambient temperature from
the ambient temperature sensor. In other embodiments, when thermal
control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control device 1503 and/or
thermal control device 1504) comprise multiple thermal control
devices, and when the thermal control device of the multiple
thermal control devices is determined manually based on a current
ambient temperature at or near energy source supply system 1400
(FIG. 14), an operator of energy source supply system 1400 (FIG.
14) can review the current ambient temperature detected by the
ambient temperature sensor.
[0247] In many embodiments, energy source safety management system
1422 can comprise a pressure regulator pressure sensor. The
pressure regulator pressure sensor can detect a pressure of the
hydrogen fuel energy source after the hydrogen fuel energy source
has been limited to the predetermined pressure by pressure
regulator 1501. Accordingly, when pressure regulator 1501 is
operating properly, the pressure detected by pressure regulator
pressure sensor is approximately equal to the predetermined
pressure of pressure regulator 1501. In some embodiments, the
pressure regulator pressure sensor can be part of SDT subsystem
1403 (FIG. 14), as described below.
[0248] In some embodiments, energy source safety management system
1422 can comprise an inlet pressure sensor and/or an inlet
temperature sensor upstream of thermal control device(s) 1502. In
these or other embodiments, energy source safety management system
1422 can comprise an outlet pressure sensor and/or an outlet
temperature sensor downstream of thermal control device(s) 1502.
The inlet pressure sensor can detect a pressure of the hydrogen
fuel energy source upstream of thermal control device(s) 1502, and
the inlet temperature sensor can detect a temperature of the
hydrogen fuel energy source upstream of thermal control device(s)
1502. Meanwhile, the outlet pressure sensor can detect a pressure
of the hydrogen fuel energy source downstream of thermal control
device(s) 1502, and the outlet temperature sensor can detect a
temperature of the hydrogen fuel energy source downstream of
thermal control device(s) 1502. In some embodiments, the inlet
pressure sensor, the inlet temperature sensor, the outlet pressure
sensor, and/or the outlet temperature sensor can be part of SDT
subsystem 1403 (FIG. 14), as described below.
[0249] In many embodiments, thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,
thermal control device 1503 and/or thermal control device 1504) can
be interchangeable with one or more other thermal control devices
at different times, and when thermal control device(s) 1502
comprise multiple thermal control devices, can be interchangeable
with each other. For example, interchanging a thermal control
device of thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g., thermal control
device 1503) with another thermal control device can permit a
different temperature reduction to be applied to the hydrogen fuel
energy source, as desired. In these or other embodiments, the
thermal control device of thermal control device(s) 1502 (e.g.,
thermal control device 1503) can be decoupled from energy source
safety management system 1422 and replaced with the other thermal
control device (e.g., thermal control device 1504 or another
thermal control device) in order to interchange the thermal control
device with the other thermal control device.
[0250] Referring now back to FIG. 14, in many embodiments, thermal
management system 1408 can be configured to thermally manage (e.g.,
cool) at least part of first energy source supply subsystem 1401
(e.g., holding storage vessel(s) 1410) to prevent or mitigate
thermal stress on energy source supply system 1400. In some
embodiments, thermally managing (e.g., cooling) holding storage
vessel(s) 1410 can prevent holding storage vessel(s) 1410 from
overheating when holding storage vessel(s) 1410 are supplying the
hydrogen fuel energy source to first energy source supply subsystem
output mechanism 1412. For example, in many embodiments, thermal
management system 1408 can be in thermal communication with holding
storage vessel(s) 1410.
[0251] In implementation, thermal management system 1408 can
comprise any suitable device or devices configured to thermally
manage (e.g., cool) at least part of first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 (e.g., holding storage vessel(s) 1410). For example,
in some embodiments, thermal management system 1408 can comprise
one or more heat sinks, one or more thermoelectric coolers, one or
more forced air devices (e.g., one or more fans), etc.
[0252] In some embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to appliance
energy source supply system 114 (FIG. 1), second energy source
supply subsystem 1402 can be similar or identical to second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1), and vice
versa. In other embodiments, such as, for example, when energy
source supply system 1400 is similar or identical to hub energy
source supply system 118 (FIG. 1), second energy source supply
subsystem 1402 can be similar or identical to second hub energy
source supply subsystem 120 (FIG. 1), and vice versa.
[0253] Further, in some embodiments, second energy source supply
subsystem 1402 can be similar or identical to second energy source
supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3). For example, in some embodiments,
second energy source supply subsystem 1402 can be configured to
make available a second energy source to receiver vehicle 1420
and/or energy source supply appliance 1405, and the second energy
source can comprise an electrical energy source (i.e.,
electricity). In many embodiments, receiver vehicle 1420 can be
similar or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 of FIG. 1
(e.g., receiver vehicle 111 (FIG. 1)). In many embodiments, second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 1402 can make available
the electrical energy source (i.e., electricity) to receiver
vehicle 1420 and/or energy source supply appliance 1405 when first
appliance energy source supply subsystem 1401 is making available
the hydrogen fuel energy source to receiver vehicle 1404 and/or
energy source supply appliance 1405.
[0254] In many embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can be similar or
identical to SDT subsystem 303 (FIG. 3). For example, SDT subsystem
1403 can be configured to log performance data of energy source
supply system 1400. In these or other embodiments, SDT subsystem
1403 can be configured to monitor energy source supply system 1400
(e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second
energy source supply subsystem 1402) and diagnose problems
affecting energy source supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy
source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second energy source supply
subsystem 1402). For example, in some embodiments, SDT subsystem
1403 can compare measured parameters (e.g., voltage, current,
pressure, temperature, etc.) applying to energy source supply
system 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or
second energy source supply subsystem 1402) to predetermined
boundary conditions to determine if the measured parameters are
outside of the boundary conditions (e.g., over/under voltage,
over/under current, over/under pressure, over/under temperature,
etc.) or are trending toward an out-of-bounds condition. Based on
the severity of the out-of-bounds condition and/or the criticality
of the affected portion or portions of energy source supply system
1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second
energy source supply subsystem 1402) can identify an out-of-bounds
condition as being non-impactful, as requiring attention within a
designated time frame (i.e., an alert condition), as requiring
immediate attention (i.e., an alarm condition), or as being a
system failure. In many embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can
deactivate energy source supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy
source supply subsystem 1401 and/or second energy source supply
subsystem 1402) or the affected portion or portions of energy
source supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 1402)
in the event of an alarm condition or system failure.
[0255] In implementation, SDT subsystem 1403 can comprise one or
more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters (e.g.,
voltage, current, pressure, temperature, etc.) applying to energy
source supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 and/or second energy source supply subsystem 1402).
Further, SDT subsystem 1403 can comprise one or more
microcontrollers configured to log performance data of energy
source supply system 1400 and/or to analyze the one or more
parameters measured by the sensor(s) and compare the parameters to
the predetermined boundary conditions. Further still, SDT subsystem
1403 can comprise one or more safety devices configured to prevent
propagation and/or amplification of failures in energy source
supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy source supply subsystem 1401
and/or second energy source supply subsystem 1402). Exemplary
safety device(s) can include fuses, circuit breakers, stop valves,
blow-off valves, etc. In these embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403
(e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 1403) can activate
one or more of the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 1403 to
prevent propagation and/or amplification of failures in energy
source supply system 1400, such as, for example, in response to one
or more parameters measured by the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 1403
and/or analyzed by the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 1403.
Further, in some embodiments, in determining when to activate one
or more of the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 1403, SDT
subsystem 1403 (e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 1403)
can use adaptive logic and/or machine learning to build upon a
failure mode effect criticality analysis (FMECA) of energy source
supply system 1400. For example, the FMECA can be based on one or
more look-up tables of potential faults and the associated
consequences, severity, and/or probability of the potential faults.
In further embodiments, the look-up tables can establish where the
sensor(s) and/or safety device(s) of SDT subsystem 1403 are located
within energy source supply system 1400. In some embodiments, SDT
subsystem 1403 (e.g., the microcontroller(s) of SDT subsystem 1403)
can confirm the presences of faults using anomaly test logic prior
to activating one or more of the safety device(s) of SDT subsystem
1403.
[0256] In some embodiments, SDT subsystem 1403 can be configured to
implement a learning logic flow. For example, SDT subsystem 1403
can characterize the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 1403, rate the
sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 1403 for criticality, implement a
baseline operation, poll the sensor(s) of SDT subsystem 1403 for
operational data, compare the operational data to alert and alarm
lookup tables, and trigger alert and alarm notifications when
operational data is outside accepted tolerances of the alert and
alarm lookup tables. Polling frequency and comparisons can be added
or modified based on occurrences of the operational data being
outside accepted tolerance of the alert and alarm lookup
tables.
[0257] In many embodiments, control subsystem 1424 can be similar
or identical to control subsystem 324 (FIG. 3). For example, in
many embodiments, control subsystem 1424 can be configured to
control energy source supply system 1400 (e.g., first energy source
supply subsystem 1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402,
SDT subsystem 1403, communication subsystem 1421, and/or electric
power subsystem 1425). For example, in many embodiments, control
subsystem 1424 can comprise a computer system. In some embodiments,
the computer system can be similar or identical to computer system
2200 (FIG. 22).
[0258] In many embodiments, communication subsystem 1421 can be
similar or identical to communication subsystem 321 (FIG. 3). For
example, in many embodiments, communication subsystem 1421 can be
configured to provide communication between first energy source
supply subsystem 1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402,
SDT subsystem 1403, control subsystem 1424, and/or electric power
subsystem 1425, and/or within first energy source supply subsystem
1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem
1403, control subsystem 1424, and/or electric power subsystem 1425.
In implementation, communication subsystem 1421 can comprise a
control area network vehicle bus (CAN bus).
[0259] In some embodiments, communication subsystem 1421 can accept
cellular network communication (via a cellular network
transponder), which may include deployment directions for energy
source supply system 1400. In some embodiments, deployment
directions for energy source supply system 1400 can be provided
based on a location of receiver vehicle 1404 and/or receiver
vehicle 1420, and/or a time to on-site energy transfer (service)
calculation. The location and timing information can be relayed by
communication subsystem 1421 to control subsystem 1424 to initiate
a system readiness polling of SDT subsystem 1403 and electric power
subsystem 1425. Based on confirmation of acceptable polling results
(e.g., functionality and safety checklist), control subsystem 1424
can instruct second energy source supply subsystem 1402 to initiate
preparatory actions necessary to transfer energy to receiver
vehicle 1404 and/or receiver vehicle 1420 within the timeframe of
the expected arrival at location or locations of receiver vehicle
1404 and/or receiver vehicle 1420. Based on confirmation of
acceptable polling results control subsystem 1424 also can instruct
thermal management subsystem 1408 to initiate a pre-cool down
procedure of second energy source supply subsystem 1402.
Implementing a pre-cool down procedure can avoid thermal and
mechanical stresses to equipment, thereby increasing equipment
life, decreasing a probability of thermal related failure
modes/safety events, and/or more efficiently applying on-platform
cooling potential energy, such as, for example, by avoiding steady
state environmental temperature maintenance. In some embodiments,
the pre-cool down procedure can be implemented without using energy
from second energy source supply subsystem 1402, and/or with
minimum propagation delay because it can be performed with solid
state thermal management.
[0260] In many embodiments, electric power subsystem 1425 can be
similar or identical to electric power subsystem 325 (FIG. 3). For
example, in many embodiments, electric power subsystem 1425 can be
configured to electrically power one or more (e.g., all) electrical
components of energy source supply system 1400, first energy source
supply subsystem 1401, second energy source supply subsystem 1402,
SDT subsystem 1403, control subsystem 1404, and/or communication
subsystem 1421. Accordingly, in these embodiments, electric power
subsystem 1425 can be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to any
electrical components of energy source supply system 1400, first
energy source supply subsystem 1401, second energy source supply
subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403, control subsystem 1404, and/or
communication subsystem 1421 that electric power subsystem 1425 is
configured to electrically power.
[0261] In implementation, electric power subsystem 1425 can
comprise one or more rechargeable energy storage systems. For
example, in these embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage
system(s) can store an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity)
and make available the electrical energy source to one or more
(e.g., all) electrical components of energy source supply system
1400, first energy source supply subsystem 1401, second energy
source supply subsystem 1402, SDT subsystem 1403, control subsystem
1404, and/or communication subsystem 1421. Further, in these
embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage system(s) can comprise
(a) one or more electrochemical cells (e.g., one or more
batteries), (b) one or more capacitive energy storage systems
(e.g., super capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors),
and/or (c) one or more inertial energy storage systems (e.g., one
or more flywheels).
[0262] Further, electric power subsystem 1425 can comprise a
battery charger. The battery charger can be configured to receive
an electrical energy source (i.e., electricity), such as, for
example, from a utility electric grid, and to make available the
electrical energy source to the rechargeable energy storage
system(s) of electric power subsystem 1425.
[0263] In many embodiments, thermal management system 1408 can be
configured to thermally manage (e.g., cool) at least part of
electric power subsystem 1425. Thermally managing electric power
subsystem 1425 can improve an operating efficiency of electric
power subsystem 1425. For example, in many embodiments, thermal
management system 1408 can be in thermal communication with
electric power subsystem 1425.
[0264] In some embodiments, thermal management system 1408 can
comprise a reservoir of coolant, a distribution circuit configured
to deliver the coolant to the part or parts of energy source supply
system 1400 that thermal management system 1408 is thermally
managing, a heat exchanger subsystem to accept and vent heat
transferred to the coolant by the part or parts of energy source
supply system 1400 that thermal management system 1408 is thermally
managing, a coolant distribution controller configured to control
distribution of the coolant through the distribution circuit,
distributed temperature sensors to provide temperature data to the
coolant distribution controller about the part or parts of energy
source supply system 1400 that thermal management system 1408 is
thermally managing, and end cooling plates configured to put the
coolant in thermal contact with any part or parts of energy source
supply system 1400 that thermal management system 1408 is thermally
managing.
[0265] In many embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy
source supply system 1400 can be positioned to minimize thermal
and/or electromagnetic interference at energy source supply system
1400. Positioning of one or more elements of energy source supply
system 1400 can be determined in view of a volume available to
house the elements of energy source supply system 1400, a shared
thermal stress of the elements of energy source supply system 1400,
and/or a risk of electromagnetically induced cross talk or
interference. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements of
energy source supply system 1400 can be positioned such that high
power electrical pathways are separate from data, sensor, and low
voltage electrical signals. In further embodiments, coolant for
thermal management system 1408 can be separately routed to maximize
volume for modular expansion of energy source supply system 1400.
In many embodiments, separating high power electrical pathways from
data, sensor, and low voltage electrical signals and/or separately
routing coolant for thermal management system 1408 can permit
optimal access to the elements of energy source supply system 1400
for repair and maintenance of energy source supply system 1400. In
some embodiments, one or more of the elements of energy source
supply system 1400 can be positioned to support a directional flow
of heat generated by energy source supply system 1400 rather than
unidirectional heat radiation, and to minimize the formation of hot
spots in energy source supply system 1400. In further embodiments,
one or more elements of energy source supply system 1400 can be
positioned to permit modularity of one or more elements of energy
source supply system 1400.
[0266] Although energy source supply system 1400 is generally
described for embodiments where the first energy source comprises a
hydrogen fuel energy source, in some embodiments, first energy
source can comprise another fuel energy source, such as, for
example, a natural gas fuel energy source.
[0267] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 16 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 1600 of providing (e.g.,
manufacturing) an energy source supply device. Method 1600 is
merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. Method 1600 can be employed in many different embodiments
or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the activities of method 1600 can be performed in the
order presented. In other embodiments, the activities of the method
1600 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other
embodiments, one or more of the activities in method 1600 can be
combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the energy source supply
device can be similar or identical to one of energy source supply
device(s) 101 of FIG. 1 (e.g., one of energy source supply hub(s)
105 (FIG. 1) and/or one of energy source supply appliance(s) 102
(FIG. 1)).
[0268] In many embodiments, method 1600 can comprise activity 1601
of providing an appliance energy source supply system. In many
embodiments, the appliance energy source supply system can be
similar or identical to appliance energy source supply system 114
(FIG. 1), energy source supply system 300 (FIG. 3), and/or energy
source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). FIG. 17 illustrates an
exemplary activity 1601, according to the embodiment of FIG.
16.
[0269] For example, in many embodiments, activity 1601 can comprise
activity 1701 of providing a first appliance energy source supply
subsystem. In some embodiments, the first appliance energy source
supply subsystem can be similar or identical to first appliance
energy source supply subsystem 115 (FIG. 1), first energy source
supply subsystem 301 (FIG. 3), and/or first energy source supply
subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14). FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary activity
1701, according to the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0270] In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity
1801 of providing a pressure regulator. In some embodiments, the
pressure regulator can be similar or identical to pressure
regulator 1501 (FIG. 15).
[0271] In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity
1802 of providing one or more (e.g., multiple) thermal control
devices. In some embodiments, the thermal control device(s) can be
similar or identical to thermal control device(s) 1502 (FIG.
15).
[0272] In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity
1803 of providing a flow manifold. In some embodiments, the flow
manifold can be similar or identical to flow manifold 1505 (FIG.
15). In other embodiments, activity 1803 can be omitted.
[0273] In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity
1804 of coupling the pressure regulator to the thermal control
device(s). For example, in some embodiments, performing activity
1804 can be similar or identical to coupling pressure regulator
1501 (FIG. 15) to thermal control device(s) 1502 (FIG. 15) as
described above with respect to energy source supply system
1400
[0274] (FIG. 14). FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary activity 1804,
according to the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0275] In many embodiments, activity 1804 can comprise activity
1901 of coupling the flow manifold to the pressure regulator. For
example, in some embodiments, performing activity 1901 can be
similar or identical to coupling flow manifold 1505 (FIG. 15) to
pressure regulator 1501 (FIG. 15) as described above with respect
to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In some embodiments,
activity 1901 can be omitted, such as, for example, when activity
1803 is omitted.
[0276] In many embodiments, activity 1804 can comprise activity
1902 of coupling the flow manifold to the thermal control
device(s). For example, in some embodiments, performing activity
1902 can be similar or identical to coupling flow manifold 1505
(FIG. 15) to thermal control device(s) 1502 (FIG. 15) as described
above with respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14).
In some embodiments, activity 1902 can be omitted, such as, for
example, when activity 1803 is omitted.
[0277] Referring back to FIG. 18, in many embodiments, activity
1701 can comprise activity 1805 of providing a flow controller. In
some embodiments, the flow controller can be similar or identical
to flow controller 1506 (FIG. 15). In other embodiments, activity
1805 can be omitted, such as, for example, when activity 1803 is
omitted.
[0278] In many embodiments, activity 1701 can comprise activity
1806 of electrically coupling the flow controller to the flow
manifold. For example, in some embodiments, performing activity
1806 can be similar or identical to electrically coupling flow
controller 1506 (FIG. 15) to flow manifold 1505 (FIG. 15) as
described above with respect to energy source supply system 1400
(FIG. 14). In some embodiments, activity 1806 can be omitted, such
as, for example, when activity 1805 is omitted.
[0279] Referring back to FIG. 17, in some embodiment, activity 1601
can comprise activity 1702 of providing a second appliance energy
source supply subsystem. In some embodiments, the second appliance
energy source supply subsystem can be similar or identical second
appliance energy source supply subsystem 116 (FIG. 1), second
energy source supply subsystem 302 (FIG. 3), and/or second energy
source supply subsystem 1402 (FIG. 14). In some embodiments,
activity 1702 can be omitted.
[0280] In many embodiments, activity 1601 can comprise activity
1703 of coupling the second appliance energy source supply
subsystem to the first appliance energy source supply subsystem.
For example, in some embodiments, performing activity 1703 can be
similar or identical to coupling second energy source supply
subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14) to first energy source supply subsystem
1402 (FIG. 14) as described above with respect to energy source
supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In other embodiments, activity 1703
can be omitted.
[0281] Referring back to FIG. 16, in many embodiments, method 1600
can comprise activity 1602 of providing an appliance vehicle. In
some embodiments, the appliance vehicle can be similar or identical
to appliance vehicle 117 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, activity
1602 can be omitted.
[0282] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 20 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 2000. Method 2000 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 2000 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the activities of method 2000 can be
performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the
procedures, the activities of the method 2000 can be performed in
any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more
of the activities in method 2000 can be combined or skipped.
[0283] In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2001
of receiving a hydrogen fuel energy source at an appliance energy
source supply subsystem. For example, in some embodiments,
performing activity 2001 can be similar or identical to receiving a
hydrogen fuel energy source at appliance energy source supply
subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14) as described above with respect to energy
source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). Further, the appliance energy
source supply subsystem can be similar or identical to appliance
energy source supply subsystem 1401 (FIG. 14). In further
embodiments, performing activity 2001 can comprise receiving the
hydrogen fuel energy source at the appliance energy source supply
subsystem when the appliance energy supply subsystem is located at
a first location.
[0284] In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2002
of limiting the hydrogen fuel energy source to a predetermined
pressure. For example, in some embodiments, performing activity
2002 can be similar or identical to limiting the hydrogen fuel
energy source to a predetermined pressure as described above with
respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In further
embodiments, activity 2002 can be performed after activity
2001.
[0285] In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2003
of selecting one of a first thermal control device or a second
thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source.
For example, in some embodiments, performing activity 2003 can be
similar or identical to selecting one of first thermal control
device 1503 (FIG. 15) or second thermal control device 1504 (FIG.
15) to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source as described above
with respect to energy source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14).
Further, the first thermal control device can be similar or
identical to first thermal control device 1503 (FIG. 15); and/or
the second thermal control device can be similar or identical to
second thermal control device 1504 (FIG. 15). FIG. 21 illustrates
an exemplary activity 2003, according to the embodiment of FIG.
20.
[0286] In many embodiments, activity 2003 can comprise activity
2101 of selecting the one of the first thermal control device or
the second thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source based on a current ambient temperature at the
receiver vehicle. In some embodiments, performing activity 2101 can
be similar or identical to selecting the one of the first thermal
control device or the second thermal control device to receive the
hydrogen fuel energy source based on a current ambient temperature
at the receiver vehicle as described above with respect to energy
source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In other embodiments, activity
2101 can be omitted.
[0287] In many embodiments, activity 2003 can comprise activity
2102 of selecting the one of the first thermal control device or
the second thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source based on a current clock time. In some embodiments,
performing activity 2102 can be similar or identical to selecting
the one of the first thermal control device or the second thermal
control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source based on
a current clock time as described above with respect to energy
source supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In other embodiments, activity
2102 can be omitted.
[0288] In many embodiments, activity 2003 can comprise activity
2103 of selecting the one of the first thermal control device or
the second thermal control device to receive the hydrogen fuel
energy source based on a current date. In some embodiments,
performing activity 2103 can be similar or identical to selecting
the one of the first thermal control device or the second thermal
control device to receive the hydrogen fuel energy source based on
a current date as described above with respect to energy source
supply system 1400 (FIG. 14). In other embodiments, activity 2103
can be omitted.
[0289] Referring back to FIG. 20, in many embodiments, method 2000
can comprise activity 2004 of making available the hydrogen fuel
energy source to a receiver vehicle. For example, in some
embodiments, performing activity 2004 can be similar or identical
to making available the hydrogen fuel energy source to a receiver
vehicle as described above with respect to energy source supply
system 1400 (FIG. 14). Further, the receiver vehicle can be similar
or identical to one of receiver vehicle(s) 109 (FIG. 1) and/or
receiver vehicle 1404 (FIG. 3). In further embodiments, activity
2004 can be performed after activity 2001, activity 2002, and/or
activity 2003. In many embodiments, performing activity 2004 can
comprise receiving the hydrogen fuel energy source at the one of
the first thermal control device or the second thermal control
device. In these or other embodiments, performing activity 2004 can
comprise making available the hydrogen fuel energy source to the
receiver vehicle when the appliance energy supply subsystem is
located at a second location different than the first location at
which the appliance energy supply subsystem receives the hydrogen
fuel energy source.
[0290] In many embodiments, method 2000 can comprise activity 2005
of interchanging a third thermal control device with the one of the
first thermal control device or the second thermal control device.
For example, in some embodiments, performing activity 2005 of
interchanging a third thermal control device with the one of the
first thermal control device or the second thermal control device
as described above with respect to energy source supply system 1400
(FIG. 14). Further, the third thermal control device can be similar
or identical to one of thermal control device(s) 1502 (FIG. 15). In
some embodiments, activity 2005 can be performed before activity
2003.
[0291] Some embodiments of method 2000 can be implemented with a
natural gas fuel energy source instead of a hydrogen fuel energy
source.
[0292] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 22 illustrates an
exemplary embodiment of a computer system 2200, all of which or a
portion of which can be suitable for implementing part or all of
one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and systems
described herein. For example, in some embodiments, all or a
portion of computer system 2200 can be suitable for implementing
part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods,
and/or systems described herein. Furthermore, one or more elements
of computer system 2200 (e.g., a refreshing monitor 2206, a
keyboard 2204, and/or a mouse 2210, etc.) also can be appropriate
for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the
techniques, methods, and/or systems described herein.
[0293] In many embodiments, computer system 2200 can comprise
chassis 2202 containing one or more circuit boards (not shown), a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 2212, a hard drive 2214, and an
optical disc drive 2216. Meanwhile, for example, optical disc drive
2216 can comprise a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a
Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive, or a Blu-ray drive. Still, in other
embodiments, a different or separate one of a chassis 2202 (and its
internal components) can be suitable for implementing part or all
of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and/or
systems described herein.
[0294] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 23 illustrates a
representative block diagram of exemplary elements included on the
circuit boards inside chassis 2202 (FIG. 23). For example, a
central processing unit (CPU) 2310 is coupled to a system bus 2314.
In various embodiments, the architecture of CPU 2310 can be
compliant with any of a variety of commercially distributed
architecture families.
[0295] In many embodiments, system bus 2314 also is coupled to a
memory storage unit 2308, where memory storage unit 2308 can
comprise (i) non-volatile memory, such as, for example, read only
memory (ROM) and/or (ii) volatile memory, such as, for example,
random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory can be
removable and/or non-removable non-volatile memory. Meanwhile, RAM
can include dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), etc. Further,
ROM can include mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM),
one-time programmable ROM (OTP), erasable programmable read-only
memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM)
(e.g., electrically alterable ROM (EAROM) and/or flash memory),
etc. In these or other embodiments, memory storage unit 2308 can
comprise (i) non-transitory memory and/or (ii) transitory
memory.
[0296] The memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments
disclosed herein can comprise memory storage unit 2308, an external
memory storage drive (not shown), such as, for example, a
USB-equipped electronic memory storage drive coupled to universal
serial bus (USB) port 2212 (FIGS. 22 & 23), hard drive 2214
(FIGS. 22 & 23), optical disc drive 2216 (FIGS. 22 & 23), a
floppy disk drive (not shown), etc. As used herein, non-volatile
and/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) refer to the
portions of the memory storage device(s) that are non-volatile
and/or non-transitory memory.
[0297] In various examples, portions of the memory storage
device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g.,
portions of the non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can be
encoded with a boot code sequence suitable for restoring computer
system 2200 (FIG. 22) to a functional state after a system reset.
In addition, portions of the memory storage device(s) of the
various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the
non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise microcode such
as a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface (UEFI) operable with computer system 2200 (FIG.
22). In the same or different examples, portions of the memory
storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein
(e.g., portions of the non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can
comprise an operating system, which can be a software program that
manages the hardware and software resources of a computer and/or a
computer network. Meanwhile, the operating system can perform basic
tasks such as, for example, controlling and allocating memory,
prioritizing the processing of instructions, controlling input and
output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files.
Exemplary operating systems can comprise (i) Microsoft.RTM.
Windows.RTM. operating system (OS) by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond,
Wash., United States of America, (ii) Mac.RTM. OS by Apple Inc. of
Cupertino, Calif., United States of America, (iii) UNIX.RTM. OS,
and (iv) Linux.RTM. OS. Further, as used herein, the term "computer
network" can refer to a collection of computers and devices
interconnected by communications channels that facilitate
communications among users and allow users to share resources
(e.g., an internet connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.). The
computers and devices can be interconnected according to any
conventional network topology (e.g., bus, star, tree, linear, ring,
mesh, etc.).
[0298] As used herein, the term "processor" means any type of
computational circuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor,
a microcontroller, a controller, a complex instruction set
computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set
computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word
(VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal
processor, or any other type of processor or processing circuit
capable of performing the desired functions. In some examples, the
one or more processors of the various embodiments disclosed herein
can comprise CPU 2310.
[0299] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 23, various I/O devices
such as a disk controller 2304, a graphics adapter 2324, a video
controller 2302, a keyboard adapter 2326, a mouse adapter 2306, a
network adapter 2320, and other I/O devices 2322 can be coupled to
system bus 2314. Keyboard adapter 2326 and mouse adapter 2306 are
coupled to keyboard 2204 (FIGS. 22 & 23) and mouse 2210 (FIGS.
22 & 23), respectively, of computer system 2200 (FIG. 22).
While graphics adapter 2324 and video controller 2302 are indicated
as distinct units in FIG. 23, video controller 2302 can be
integrated into graphics adapter 2324, or vice versa in other
embodiments. Video controller 2302 is suitable for refreshing
monitor 2206 (FIGS. 22 & 23) to display images on a screen 2208
(FIG. 22) of computer system 2200 (FIG. 22). Disk controller 2304
can control hard drive 2214 (FIGS. 22 & 23), USB port 2212
(FIGS. 22 & 23), and CD-ROM drive 2216 (FIGS. 22 & 23). In
other embodiments, distinct units can be used to control each of
these devices separately.
[0300] Network adapter 2320 can be suitable to connect computer
system 2200 (FIG. 22) to a computer network by wired communication
(e.g., a wired network adapter) and/or wireless communication
(e.g., a wireless network adapter). In some embodiments, network
adapter 2320 can be plugged or coupled to an expansion port (not
shown) in computer system 2200 (FIG. 22). In other embodiments,
network adapter 2320 can be built into computer system 2200 (FIG.
22). For example, network adapter 2320 can be built into computer
system 2200 (FIG. 22) by being integrated into the motherboard
chipset (not shown), or implemented via one or more dedicated
communication chips (not shown), connected through a PCI
(peripheral component interconnector) or a PCI express bus of
computer system 2200 (FIG. 22) or USB port 2212 (FIG. 22).
[0301] Returning now to FIG. 22, although many other components of
computer system 2200 are not shown, such components and their
interconnection are well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Accordingly, further details concerning the construction and
composition of computer system 2200 and the circuit boards inside
chassis 2202 are not discussed herein.
[0302] Meanwhile, when computer system 2200 is running, program
instructions (e.g., computer instructions) stored on one or more of
the memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed
herein can be executed by CPU 2310 (FIG. 23). At least a portion of
the program instructions, stored on these devices, can be suitable
for carrying out at least part of the techniques, methods, and
activities of the methods described herein. In various embodiments,
computer system 2200 can be reprogrammed with one or more systems,
applications, and/or databases to convert computer system 2200 from
a general purpose computer to a special purpose computer.
[0303] Further, although computer system 2200 is illustrated as a
desktop computer in FIG. 22, in many examples, system 2200 can have
a different form factor while still having functional elements
similar to those described for computer system 2200. In some
embodiments, computer system 2200 may comprise a single computer, a
single server, or a cluster or collection of computers or servers,
or a cloud of computers or servers. Typically, a cluster or
collection of servers can be used when the demand on computer
system 2200 exceeds the reasonable capability of a single server or
computer. In certain embodiments, computer system 2200 may comprise
a laptop computer system. In certain additional embodiments,
computer system 2200 may comprise an embedded system.
[0304] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of
embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the
disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that
the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent
required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary
skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that any element of
FIGS. 1-23 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of
certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a
complete description of all possible embodiments. For example, one
or more of the activities of method 400 (FIG. 4), method 900 (FIG.
9), method 1200 (FIG. 12), method 1300 (FIG. 13), method 1600 (FIG.
16), method 2000 (FIG. 20) or one or more of the other methods
described herein may include different activities and be performed
by many different elements, in many different orders.
[0305] Generally, replacement of one or more claimed elements
constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits,
other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described
with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages,
solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause
any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,
or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims,
unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated
in such claim.
[0306] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *