Coolant for EV Fuel Cells Reducing Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolants for fuel cells and batteries in electric vehicles have high electrical conductivity due to salts and ionizable compounds, which can lead to short circuits and corrosion, making them unsuitable for use without complete electric insulation of cooling channels.
Innovation Solution
The use of antifreeze compositions based on alkylene glycols or their derivatives, combined with specific azole derivatives and ortho-silicic esters, which reduce electrical conductivity and provide enhanced corrosion protection for metals like aluminum, iron, and nonferrous metals, thereby extending the interval between coolant changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coolant protection compositions are used in fuel cells and batteries, then corrosion protection is provided, but electrical conductivity becomes unacceptably high due to salts and ionizable compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of corrosion inhibitors by selecting non-ionizable organic compounds (carboxylic acids and their derivatives) instead of conventional salts and ionizable compounds. This parameter change maintains corrosion protection functionality while dramatically reducing electrical conductivity to acceptable levels for fuel cell and battery applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the essential protective function of conventional corrosion inhibitors (forming protective films on metal surfaces) but implements it through a different chemical mechanism using non-ionizable organic compounds that adsorb onto metal surfaces, thereby replicating the protection effect without the harmful electrical conductivity
2Productivity
If cooling systems operate for extended periods, then productivity is improved, but coolant purity degrades leading to increased conductivity and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping the cooling system with non-ionizable corrosion inhibitors that maintain their effectiveness over extended periods. These inhibitors are selected for their stability and ability to maintain protective films on metal surfaces throughout the operational lifecycle, preventing degradation that would otherwise increase conductivity and corrosion risk
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 antifreeze compositions maintain low electrical conductivity and provide effective corrosion protection, ensuring safe and long-term operation of fuel cells and batteries by reducing the frequency of coolant changes.
Implementation Method 1
specific azole derivatives and ortho-silicic esters, which reduce electrical conductivity and provide enhanced corrosion protection for metals like aluminum, iron, and nonferrous metals
Implementation Method 2
Conventional coolants for fuel cells and batteries in electric vehicles have high electrical conductivity due to salts and ionizable compounds, which can lead to short circuits and corrosion
Data Source
AI summary
Coolants based on alkylene glycols or derivatives thereof are useful for cooling systems in electric vehicles having fuel cells and/or batteries, preferably for motor vehicles, particularly preferably for passenger cars and commercial vehicles (known as light and heavy duty vehicles). The coolants contain additional corrosion inhibitors for improved corrosion protection in addition to specific azole derivatives.