Adaptive Fuel Injector Control for Fuel Cell Systems

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of injector characteristics by continuously updating the flow coefficient (kv) and bias terms based on real-time system operation. Instead of using fixed linear assumptions, the system adapts to changing injector behavior through recursive least squares estimation and other adaptive algorithms, allowing the control parameters to evolve with wear, temperature changes, and individual injector variations.

The system changes the parameters used to model injector flow from fixed nominal values to dynamically updated parameters. The flow coefficient kv and bias terms are continuously refined based on measured system responses, allowing the model to capture non-linear effects and individual injector characteristics. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining model accuracy without requiring complex hardware modifications.

The control system performs self-calibration by using the fuel cell stack's own operating parameters (current, pressure, temperature) to automatically update injector characteristics. The system extracts injector flow information from the relationship between injector duty cycle and measured stack performance, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex manual adjustment procedures. This self-service approach maintains accuracy while limiting complexity growth.

The patent implements feedback loops where the measured stack current and pressure are continuously compared against model predictions, and the differences are used to update injector parameters. This closed-loop adaptation allows the system to compensate for non-linearities and individual variations automatically, achieving high accuracy through relatively simple feedback mechanisms rather than complex open-loop control.