Electromagnetic Pressure Regulating Valve for Fuel Cell Hydrogen Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen gas supply devices for fuel cell systems face challenges in accurately controlling hydrogen flow rates and pressures at high upstream pressures, leading to potential hydrogen leakage and damage to sealing components.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen gas supply device with an electromagnetic pressure regulating valve that includes a safety structure with sealing members and pressure equalizing passages to prevent hydrogen leakage, using a combination of sealing members and pressure equalization to manage high-pressure hydrogen gas and ensure accurate pressure control, and incorporating a normally closed valve configuration with a return spring and electromagnetic actuation for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a diaphragm seal method is used at the slide sealing portion, then the valve can operate at high upstream pressure, but the diaphragm may be damaged due to inadequate pressure resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing portion is divided into multiple segments: a resilient sealing member (O-ring) that can elastically deform to accommodate pressure changes, and a rigid backup ring that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the sealing system to handle high upstream pressure without damaging a single diaphragm component.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing material parameters are changed from a rigid diaphragm to a resilient O-ring material that can elastically deform under pressure. The O-ring's material properties (elasticity, hardness) are selected to withstand high upstream pressure while maintaining sealing effectiveness, transforming the sealing mechanism from rigid to flexible.
2Stress or pressure
If an O ring seal method is used instead of diaphragm seal, then the valve can handle high upstream pressure, but hydrogen leakage may occur due to unintended external factors
Solution Approach 1:
A backup ring is installed behind the O-ring sealing member to provide structural support and prevent the O-ring from extruding or failing under high upstream pressure. This backup ring acts as a cushioning element that protects the sealing system from pressure-induced failures before leakage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses a composite structure combining the O-ring (flexible sealing material) with the backup ring (rigid support structure). This composite sealing arrangement leverages the advantages of both materials: the O-ring provides conformal sealing while the backup ring provides pressure resistance and structural integrity, preventing hydrogen leakage.
3Measurement precision
If the upstream pressure becomes high during operation, then the valve can maintain pressure control, but hydrogen leakage may occur through the sealing portion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple components (O-ring, backup ring, groove structure) that work together to maintain sealing integrity under varying pressure conditions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function: the O-ring seals, the backup ring supports, and the groove contains the sealing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system's physical parameters (material elasticity, cross-sectional area, installation tension) are optimized to maintain effective sealing across the full range of upstream pressure conditions. The O-ring's elastic properties allow it to maintain contact pressure with the sealing surface even as upstream pressure varies, ensuring continuous sealing.
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 effectively controls hydrogen flow rates and pressures with high accuracy, preventing hydrogen leakage to the atmosphere even at high upstream pressures, enhancing the safety and reliability of the fuel cell system by ensuring the hydrogen gas is directed back into the system rather than escaping.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator that generates an electromagnetic force or a magnetizing force
Implementation Method 2
a return spring that generates an elastic force; a normally closed valve configuration with a return spring
Implementation Method 3
the first space is connected to the secondary port through the pressure equalizing passage, the hydrogen gas having flowed out to the first space is returned to the secondary port through the pressure equalizing passage
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen gas supply device including a pressure regulating valve capable of controlling the flow rate (or pressure) of hydrogen to the fuel cell stack with a high degree of accuracy even if upstream pressure is high and preventing hydrogen gas leakage to the atmosphere. A hydrogen gas supply device 1 configured to supply a hydrogen gas to a fuel cell stack 3 includes an electromagnetic pressure regulating valve 14 configured to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen gas to low pressure. The electromagnetic pressure regulating valve 14 includes a housing 21, and a valve passage 22 connecting a primary port 21a and a secondary port 21c is formed in the housing 21. A valve body 24 configured to control an opening degree of the valve passage is provided in the housing 21. A high-pressure sealing member 28 and a low-pressure sealing member 29 are provided on an outer periphery of the valve body 24. The high-pressure sealing member 28 and the low-pressure sealing member 29 are provided in this order from one end side of the valve body 24 to the other end side thereof. The electromagnetic pressure regulating valve 14 further includes a housing pressure equalizing passage 34 connecting the secondary port 21c and a buffer chamber 30 formed between the high-pressure sealing member 28 and the low-pressure sealing member 29.