Cab Cooling Radiator Layout for Fuel Cell Stack Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems face challenges in efficiently cooling fuel cell stacks due to limited space and increased size constraints, which can compromise vehicle performance and durability, and may require changes to vehicle architecture or violate size regulations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cab arrangement with a horizontally extending cooling radiator placed between the cabin and a vertically positioned fuel cell stack, allowing for efficient cooling without altering the existing vehicle architecture, and optionally tilted up to 15 degrees for improved airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling radiator is placed vertically in the front of the vehicle, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the available space for cargo is reduced and the vehicle architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling radiator is reoriented from a vertical front placement to a horizontal configuration positioned between the cabin and fuel cell stack. This dimensional change utilizes previously underutilized vertical space within the vehicle cabin, effectively adding a new spatial dimension for heat dissipation without encroaching on cargo volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling radiator is nested within the existing vehicle structure by positioning it in the space between the cabin floor and the fuel cell stack. This nested arrangement integrates the cooling system into the existing architectural framework, eliminating the need for additional external space or structural modifications.
2Quantity of substance
If the size of the vehicle is increased to accommodate an additional cooling system, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the vehicle violates size regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal cooling radiator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cooling for the fuel cell stack, utilizes space within the existing vehicle footprint, and maintains compliance with size regulations. This multi-functional design allows the vehicle to achieve enhanced cooling capacity without sacrificing cargo space or violating dimensional constraints.
3Volume of moving object
If the cooling radiator is placed horizontally between the cabin and fuel cell stack, then the cargo space is preserved, but the cooling efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling radiator is designed with optimized local characteristics including increased surface area through fin structures and strategic positioning within the horizontal space. These local quality enhancements ensure adequate heat dissipation performance is achieved within the constrained horizontal configuration, maintaining cooling efficiency while preserving cargo volume.
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
This configuration enables effective cooling of the fuel cell stack while maintaining the vehicle's original dimensions, ensuring performance and durability without violating size regulations, and allows for efficient heat transfer through a cooling circuit with guided airflow.
Implementation Method 1
Outside air is directed over, or through, the cooling radiator to lower the temperature of the liquid coolant
Implementation Method 2
By means of the cooling circuit, the liquid coolant is directed past the heat-generating components and the cooling radiator
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a vehicle cab arrangement. The vehicle cab arrangement comprises a cabin for housing a human driver of a vehicle. The vehicle cab arrangement comprises a horizontally extending fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack is placed vertically below the cabin. The vehicle cab arrangement comprises a horizontally extending cooling radiator. The cooling radiator is placed between the cabin and the fuel cell stack.