Dual Coolant Circuit Layout for Fuel Cell Vehicle Electronics

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems for fuel cell electric vehicles cannot adaptively cool individual components based on their specific requirements, leading to inefficient energy use and potential overheating.

Innovation Solution

A dual coolant circuit system with separate high-temperature and low-temperature circuits, each with dedicated pumps and check valves, allows for selective cooling of fuel cells and electronic components, enabling variable cooling based on operational needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single common coolant circuit is used to cool all electronic components and fuel cells, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling of individual components cannot be adapted to present requirements leading to unnecessary energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAdaptability of cooling to component requirementsVSAvoidComplexity of coolant circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant circuit is segmented into multiple independent partial circuits (first partial coolant circuit for fuel cell electronic components, second partial coolant circuit for electric drive electronic components). Each partial circuit can be independently controlled with its own pump, allowing selective cooling of specific components based on their thermal requirements and operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control of coolant flow by using individual pumps for each partial circuit. The control device can activate or deactivate specific pumps based on real-time temperature monitoring and operational requirements, enabling the cooling system to adapt dynamically to changing thermal loads of different components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If a single common coolant circuit is used, then the system is easy to operate, but certain components are cooled when this is not required, wasting energy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEnergy consumption for coolingVSAvoidEase of cooling system operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant circuit is segmented into multiple independent partial circuits (first partial coolant circuit for fuel cell electronic components, second partial coolant circuit for electric drive electronic components). Each partial circuit can be independently controlled with its own pump, allowing selective cooling of specific components based on their thermal requirements and operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control of coolant flow by using individual pumps for each partial circuit. The control device can activate or deactivate specific pumps based on real-time temperature monitoring and operational requirements, enabling the cooling system to adapt dynamically to changing thermal loads of different components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If separate coolant circuits with dedicated pumps are used for different components, then selective cooling is enabled optimizing energy use, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEnergy waste from unnecessary coolingVSAvoidComplexity of coolant circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant circuit is segmented into multiple independent partial circuits (first partial coolant circuit for fuel cell electronic components, second partial coolant circuit for electric drive electronic components). Each partial circuit can be independently controlled with its own pump, allowing selective cooling of specific components based on their thermal requirements and operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control of coolant flow by using individual pumps for each partial circuit. The control device can activate or deactivate specific pumps based on real-time temperature monitoring and operational requirements, enabling the cooling system to adapt dynamically to changing thermal loads of different components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system efficiently manages cooling by ensuring that only necessary components are cooled, optimizing energy use and maintaining efficient heat dissipation across different components.

Implementation Method 1

the coolant circuits run in the respective region of said parts so as to be able to dissipate heat from these regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS20240008221A1Advanced power electronic circuit for fuel cell vehicles enabling independent cooling of various systems

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An electrified vehicle and cooling system for an electrified vehicle include fuel cells and at least one first and one second coolant circuit, wherein the first coolant circuit is configured for cooling the fuel cells and the second coolant circuit is configured for cooling electronic components for controlling the fuel cells and for cooling electronic components of an electric drive system, wherein the second coolant circuit has a first partial coolant circuit and a second partial coolant circuit, wherein the first partial coolant circuit is arranged in the region of the electronic components for controlling the fuel cells and the second partial coolant circuit is arranged in the region of the electronic components of the electric drive system.