Integrated Brake Air Compressor for Fuel Cell Commercial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles equipped with fuel cell systems face challenges in maintaining compressed air pressure in air tanks without engine power, and there is a need for an integrated compressor system that can be driven by multiple driving units including a fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, and regenerative braking system.
Innovation Solution
An integrated compressor system driven by a fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, and regenerative braking system, with a control unit to manage compressed air distribution and electric energy application based on vehicle conditions, using a braking complement system that includes a compressor, air tank, and braking unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate compressor is used for fuel cell system and braking complement system, then each system can be independently maintained, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell system compressor and braking complement system compressor into a single integrated compressor unit. This merger reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the functional capabilities of both systems through a unified compression mechanism controlled by a central control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated compressor is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide compressed air for the fuel cell system and simultaneously provide compressed air for the braking complement system. The single compressor unit is controlled to switch between or operate for both systems based on their respective pressure requirements, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated compressors.
2Power
If engine power is used to drive the compressor, then the compressor can be driven mechanically, but the system cannot maintain compressed air pressure when the engine is not operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional engine-driven mechanical compression system with an electrically-driven compression system. The integrated compressor is powered by an electric motor that can draw electrical energy from the fuel cell system or the high-voltage battery, eliminating the dependency on engine operation for maintaining compressed air pressure in the air tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from mechanical engine power to electrical power. By utilizing electrical energy from either the fuel cell system or the high-voltage battery, the compressor can operate independently of engine status, ensuring continuous availability of compressed air for braking complement regardless of whether the engine is running.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving units are used to drive the compressor, then the system has more energy sources, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the pressure levels in both the air tank for braking complement and the fuel cell system, as well as the state of charge of the high-voltage battery. Based on this feedback information, the control unit intelligently selects the appropriate energy source (fuel cell or battery) and adjusts the compressor operation to maintain optimal pressure levels while managing the multiple energy sources efficiently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces component count and enhances driving efficiency by selectively driving the compressor based on vehicle conditions, ensuring consistent braking force through compressed air management.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor to which an electric driving force is applied from the driving unit, an air tank in which compressed air discharged from the compressor is stored
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell system which provides a driving force to the autonomous drone
Implementation Method 3
a regenerative braking system that converts a braking force of the autonomous drone into electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment apparatus for complementing a braking force of a vehicle includes a driving unit configured to drive an autonomous drone, a braking complement system connected with the driving unit and configured to complement the braking force, and a controller configured to determine a braking complement condition of the vehicle and to drive the braking complement system based on the braking complement condition. An embodiment braking complement system includes a compressor, wherein the driving unit is configured to apply an electric driving force to the compressor, an air tank in which compressed air discharged from the compressor is stored, and a braking complement unit connected with a discharge end of the air tank.