Dual Compressor Air Supply Layout for Fuel Cell Load Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air supply devices for fuel cell systems are oversized and have high inertia, leading to delays in reaching operating speed and increased electrical power requirements, as they struggle to provide optimal airflow at all operating points.
Innovation Solution
An air supply device with an electrically driven flow compressor featuring two compressors connected via coupling devices and control elements, allowing for variable operation as a single or double compressor in series or parallel, optimizing airflow and pressure based on the fuel cell system's operating point, with control units managing the compressors' power and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an air supply device is oversized to cover all operating points, then it can provide sufficient air supply for all operating conditions, but it has high inertia and requires more electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply device is divided into multiple compressor units (first compressor unit with first and second compressors, second compressor unit with third and fourth compressors), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of compressors based on the operating point, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to supply air for all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where compressor units can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the required air supply. The control system dynamically adjusts which compressors are operating and their configuration (series or parallel), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual operating conditions rather than running at full capacity continuously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an air supply device is oversized to cover all operating points, then it can provide sufficient air supply for all operating conditions, but it has high inertia leading to delays in reaching operating speed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the air supply device into multiple smaller compressor units, each unit has lower individual inertia compared to a single large compressor. This allows the system to reach operating speed more quickly by activating only the necessary number of compressors, reducing the overall time to reach operational state while still maintaining the capability to supply air for all operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the necessary number of compressor units required for the current operating point rather than running all compressors at full capacity. This partial action approach reduces the total inertia that needs to be accelerated, thereby reducing the time to reach operating speed while still providing sufficient air supply for the current demand.
3Productivity
If a single large compressor is used, then the device size is reduced, but it cannot provide optimal airflow at all operating points
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply device is segmented into multiple compressor units that can be independently controlled and configured. This segmentation enables the system to optimize airflow for different operating points by selectively activating and configuring specific compressor units, rather than relying on a single large compressor that cannot adapt to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures compressor units based on the operating point requirements. Compressors can be arranged in series or parallel configurations and selectively activated or deactivated, allowing the system to adapt its airflow characteristics to match the specific demands of different operating conditions, thereby optimizing productivity across all operating points.
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 solution enables efficient air supply at all operating points with reduced reaction time and lower electrical power requirements, providing the necessary air mass flow and pressure for fuel cell systems, including multi-stack systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (40) driving a shaft (3)
Implementation Method 2
a first compressor (4) and a second or further compressor (6)... Each compressor being connected to the shaft (3) or separable therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
An air supply device for a fuel cell system having an electrically driven flow compressor with an electric motor driving a shaft includes first and second compressors independently controllably coupled to the shaft by respective coupling devices. The first compressor has a feed line from which a feed bypass line branches off at a branch point and opens to an inlet side of the second compressor with a control element arranged in the branch, and with the first compressor having a compressor outlet that opens into a compressor outlet line that is connectable to the feed bypass line via a connection line controllable by means of a control unit. The compressors may be operated individually or together with flow arranged in parallel or in sequence when operating together, and may have different operating maps and mass airflow capabilities.