Fuel Cell Air Blower On/Off Control for Voltage and Acceleration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on/off control methods for air blowers in fuel cell/supercapacitor hybrid vehicles fail to prevent excessive voltage in the fuel cell stack and result in low vehicle acceleration response during air blower switching-off.
Innovation Solution
An on/off control method for the air blower that varies its operation based on supercapacitor voltage, motor current, stack voltage, and voltage rise/drop rates, using a control map to manage the switching times and prevent the fuel cell stack voltage from exceeding predetermined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the air blower is switched off to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel cell durability is improved and fuel efficiency increases, but the voltage of the fuel cell stack may exceed the maximum voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The control method continuously monitors the voltage of the fuel cell stack and the current state of charge of the supercapacitor, using this feedback information to dynamically determine the optimal switching timing of the air blower. This ensures the air blower is switched off only when conditions permit, preventing voltage exceedance while maximizing fuel efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method predicts future voltage conditions based on the current state of charge of the supercapacitor and planned vehicle operations. By performing preliminary assessment of voltage trends, the system can proactively schedule air blower switching to prevent voltage exceedance before it occurs, rather than reacting after the problem arises.
2Loss of energy
If the air blower is switched off to reduce power consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but vehicle acceleration response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control method dynamically adjusts the air blower switching strategy based on real-time vehicle operating conditions, including acceleration demands and power requirements. When rapid acceleration is detected, the system maintains the air blower in the on-state to ensure adequate oxygen supply and power output, thereby preserving acceleration response while still optimizing fuel efficiency during steady-state operation.
3Reliability
If the air blower switching is delayed to prevent voltage exceedance, then fuel cell stack voltage control is improved, but vehicle acceleration response is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control method performs preliminary assessment of voltage trends and supercapacitor state of charge to predict future voltage conditions. This allows the system to proactively schedule air blower switching operations in advance, ensuring voltage control is maintained while minimizing delays to acceleration response by preparing switching actions before they are critically needed.
Data Source
AI summary
On/off times of the air blower of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle equipped with a fuel cell as a main power source and a supercapacitor as an auxiliary power source are controlled to vary according to supercapacitor voltage, motor current, stack voltage and/or stack voltage rise/drop rate. Accordingly, the voltage of the fuel cell stack can be prevented from far exceeding a predetermined maximum voltage. Moreover, vehicle acceleration response during switching-off of the air blower can be improved.