Abstract: Disclosed is an improved analytical method that can be utilized by hydrogen filling stations for directly and accurately calculating the end-of-fill temperature in a hydrogen tank that, in turn, allows for improvements in the fill quantity while tending to reduce refueling time. The calculations involve calculation of a composite heat capacity value, MC, from a set of thermodynamic parameters drawn from both the tank system receiving the gas and the station supplying the gas. These thermodynamic parameters are utilized in a series of simple analytical equations to define a multi-step process by which target fill times, final temperatures and final pressures can be determined. The parameters can be communicated to the station directly from the vehicle or retrieved from a database accessible by the station. Because the method is based on direct measurements of actual thermodynamic conditions and quantified thermodynamic behavior, significantly improved tank filling results can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved analytical method that can be utilized by hydrogen filling stations for directly and accurately calculating the end-of-fill temperature in a hydrogen tank that, in turn, allows for improvements in the fill quantity while tending to reduce refueling time. The calculations involve calculation of a composite heat capacity value, MC, from a set of thermodynamic parameters drawn from both the tank system receiving the gas and the station supplying the gas. These thermodynamic parameters are utilized in a series of simple analytical equations to define a multi-step process by which target fill times, final temperatures and final pressures can be determined. The parameters can be communicated to the station directly from the vehicle or retrieved from a database accessible by the station. Because the method is based on direct measurements of actual thermodynamic conditions and quantified thermodynamic behavior, significantly improved tank filling results can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically isolating interconnecting station nozzle and vehicle receptacle components during the refueling of high pressure gas into a vehicle tank comprising an electrically isolated vehicle tank inlet receptacle engageable with a refueling nozzle wherein the receptacle includes an assembly of mutually engageable electrically insulating media in conjunction with the vehicle receptacle mount to prevent electrical contact from the refueling nozzle to the vehicle chassis and gas tank in the refueling gas flow conduit system.

Abstract: A driver interactive system to indirectly monitor hydrogen fuel cell vehicle electrical charge potential through vehicle to ground resistance measurements, and to permit refueling only when vehicle to ground resistance does not exceed a predetermined safe level thereby reducing the possibility of a static discharge during the refill of high pressure storage tanks in hydrogen powered vehicles.

Abstract: A system for increasing the overall efficiency of a hydrogen fueled vehicle and refilling station infrastructure wherein the process of (1) consuming pressurized hydrogen gas that is stored in on board tanks used to power hydrogen fueled motor vehicles and (2) refueling the vehicle tanks at a hydrogen refilling station after the available on board fuel supply in the tanks is consumed is controlled according to a predetermined sequence involving the utilization of the hydrogen in the on board tanks.