Fuel Cell Air Mass Flow Estimation via Upstream Sensor Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mass flow sensors in fuel cell systems are prone to malfunction and costly, especially when used downstream from the air conveying device, leading to unreliable air mass flow measurements and increased costs due to the need for multiple sensors to account for varying air flows and leaks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a single air mass flow sensor is placed upstream from the air conveying device, with computed estimates used to determine air mass flow at other locations, potentially eliminating the need for additional sensors and ensuring reliable measurements by monitoring their functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air mass flow sensors are used downstream from the air conveying device, then air mass flow can be measured at that location, but the sensors are very prone to malfunction and lead to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the air mass flow sensor downstream from the air conveying device where it is prone to malfunction, the patent inverts the approach by placing the sensor upstream from the air conveying device. This reversal of sensor location eliminates the malfunction issues while still enabling accurate air mass flow measurement through computational estimation at downstream locations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple air mass flow sensors are installed at different locations in the air flow path, then air mass flow can be detected at all required locations, but the costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing physical air mass flow sensors at multiple locations, the patent creates a computational copy of the measurement capability. A single upstream sensor measures the air mass flow, and computational estimates are generated for downstream locations, eliminating the need for multiple expensive sensors while providing the same measurement information.
Solution Approach 2:
The single upstream air mass flow sensor serves multiple functions: it directly measures air mass flow at its location and indirectly provides estimated air mass flow values at multiple downstream locations through computation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors at each location.
3Measurement precision
If air mass flow sensors are used in fuel cell systems, then air mass flow can be measured, but the sensors are comparatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive air mass flow sensors with a combination of a single sensor and computational estimation. The computational approach acts as a cheaper alternative to multiple expensive sensors, providing the same measurement capability at lower cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying air to a fuel cell (2), using a controllable air conveying device (7) which delivers an air mass flow for a cathode chamber (4) of the fuel cell (2), and using at least one air mass flow sensor (9, 18). The invention is characterized in that, for at least one location (19) in the air flow path which is situated at a distance from the at least one air mass flow sensor (9) in the flow direction, a computed estimate is made of the air mass flow present at that location.