Fuel Cell Backup Power Control for Unstable Grid Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply systems fail to maintain normal operation when city energy is unstable, such as during power trips or failures, which can disrupt critical loads like base stations or file servers, making it inconvenient to transmit information.

Innovation Solution

A power controlling method that detects city energy stability, using a fuel cell unit as a backup power source when stability conditions are not met, allowing continuous operation of loads by transforming city energy into main or backup power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional power supply system is used, then the system is simple, but the load cannot operate normally when city energy is unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload operation continuityVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel cell unit is activated in advance and maintained in a ready state before power failure occurs. The controller detects city energy instability and pre-activates the fuel cell unit to provide backup power, ensuring continuous load operation without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel cell unit serves as an intermediary power source between the city energy and the load. When city energy becomes unstable, the fuel cell unit mediates by providing alternative power to the load, ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a fuel cell unit is added as backup power, then the load can operate during power failure, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidpower supply system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel cell unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a backup power source during power failures and also function as a primary power source when city energy is unavailable. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated backup systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors the stability of city energy and automatically activates or deactivates the fuel cell unit based on detected conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures the fuel cell unit operates only when necessary, simplifying system management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the fuel cell unit is activated immediately, then backup power is provided quickly, but energy is consumed during activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup power response timeVSAvoidenergy consumption during activation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel cell unit is pre-positioned and pre-configured in the power supply system, ready for immediate activation. This preliminary preparation eliminates activation delays and ensures quick response to power failures without requiring energy-intensive startup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of the fuel cell unit based on real-time detection of city energy stability. The controller activates the fuel cell unit only when instability is detected, optimizing the balance between response speed and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 continuous operation of loads by providing backup power through a fuel cell unit during unstable city energy conditions, ensuring uninterrupted service for critical devices.

Implementation Method 1

a fuel cell unit is activated to provide a backup power to the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical conversion: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS9466985B2Control method for fuel cell power
Publication Date: 2016.10.11 CHUNG HSIN ELECTRIC & MACHINERY MFG
  • US9466985B2 patent drawing
  • US9466985B2 patent drawing
  • US9466985B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power controlling method for a power supplying system coupled to a load is disclosed. City energy is detected. It is determined whether the city energy corresponds to a first pre-determined condition. When the city energy corresponds to the first pre-determined condition, the city energy is transformed to generate a main power to the load. When the city energy does not correspond to the first pre-determined condition, a fuel cell unit is activated to provide a backup power to the load.