Fuel Cell Power Control for Converter-Less Acceleration Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
The elimination of the converter for the electrical power storage device in a fuel cell system results in insufficient power supply to the motor when the voltage of the electrical power storage device decreases, leading to reduced vehicle acceleration as requested by the driver.
Innovation Solution
A control method that calculates the load output required to drive the load and the maximum output that can be supplied from the electrical power storage device, and controls the fuel cell system to increase the power generation output via a boost converter when the load output exceeds the maximum, thereby reducing the power storage output used by the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the converter for the electrical power storage device is eliminated to reduce cost, then the system cost is reduced, but the electric power supply capability to the motor deteriorates when the voltage of the electrical power storage device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the fuel cell converter and electrical power storage device converter into a single shared converter. This converter can handle power conversion for both power sources, eliminating the need for a separate converter for the electrical power storage device while maintaining the ability to supply sufficient power to the motor through coordinated control of both power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control that adjusts the operating mode based on real-time conditions. The control unit dynamically switches between different power supply modes: using only the electrical power storage device when sufficient, using only the fuel cell when needed, or combining both power sources when the load output exceeds the maximum output of the electrical power storage device alone. This dynamic adaptation maintains power supply capability while reducing system complexity
2Device complexity
If the converter for the electrical power storage device is eliminated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the acceleration performance deteriorates when the power storage output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shared converter is designed to perform multiple functions: converting power from the fuel cell, converting power from the electrical power storage device, and supplying power to the motor. This multi-functional converter reduces device complexity while the control system ensures acceleration performance is maintained by coordinating both power sources when high power is needed
3Ease of operation
If direct connection between the electrical power storage device and motor is implemented, then the system simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to varying load requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the power supply strategy based on real-time load requirements. When the accelerator pedal is depressed and load demand exceeds the electrical power storage device's maximum output, the system dynamically switches to combined power supply mode, activating the fuel cell to supplement power. This dynamic control maintains system simplicity while adapting to varying load conditions
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
Ensures sufficient motor performance by increasing the power generation output from the fuel cell, charging the electrical power storage device, and maintaining or increasing the maximum output, even without a converter for the electrical power storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter including input terminals connected to the fuel cell and output terminals connected to each of the electrical power storage device and the DC terminals of the inverter
Data Source
AI summary
By processing circuitry executing a program recorded in a storage unit, a control method for a fuel cell system includes calculating a load output and calculating a maximum output, comparing the load output with the maximum output, and controlling, in a case that the load output exceeds the maximum output, the fuel cell system to decrease a power storage output used by a load, by increasing a power generation output.