Fuel Cell Battery Power Architecture Without High-Ratio Boost Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems for transportation propulsion face inefficiencies due to high boost ratios, electrical stresses, and complex power conversion components, leading to increased cost, weight, and energy wastage, with voltage levels varying significantly between no-load and full-rated load states.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hydrogen fuel cell and rechargeable battery connected in series, with a bypass diode and isolated DC to DC converter, managed by a controller to maintain optimal voltage levels and prevent overvoltage, eliminating the need for intermediate boost converters and reducing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a battery system is constantly connected to the fuel cell generator via a complex controllable DC to DC converter to bridge the response time gap, then the response time requirement is met, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex controllable DC to DC converter from the system by replacing it with a simple diode-based power conversion architecture. This eliminates the need for complex control systems while maintaining the necessary power flow management between fuel cell and battery.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active controllable converter to manage power flow, the patent inverts the approach by using passive diode-based power conversion with uncontrolled rectification. This reversal of the control strategy simplifies the system while achieving the same functional outcome.
2Power
If the fuel cell and battery are connected via complex power conversion systems to meet voltage and power requirements, then the power delivery is optimized, but the system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes heavy and expensive complex power conversion systems by replacing them with simple diode-based power conversion architecture, significantly reducing system weight while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and heavy power conversion equipment with inexpensive, simple diode-based components that, while less sophisticated, provide sufficient performance for the application requirements.
3Stress or pressure
If a boost converter is used to increase voltage from 200-250V to 600-700V for high-performance propulsive systems, then the voltage requirement is met, but the conversion efficiency decreases and electrical stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for high-ratio boost converters by redesigning the power conversion architecture to operate at lower voltage ratios, thereby removing the source of high electrical stresses and energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameters of the system, opting for lower voltage levels (200-250V) rather than high voltage (600-700V), which eliminates the need for high-ratio voltage conversion and improves overall system efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage levels of the fuel cell stack output are allowed to vary by more than 2× between no-load and full rated load states, then the system adaptability is maintained, but the power electronics design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex power electronics control systems by replacing them with simple diode-based power conversion, which inherently handles voltage variations without requiring complex control circuitry or adaptive algorithms.
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 system achieves efficient power delivery with reduced weight and cost by optimizing voltage levels, minimizing energy loss, and enhancing system efficiency through integrated fuel cell and battery management.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass diode operably connected to the first power source and/or the second power source
Implementation Method 2
an isolated DC to DC converter to charge the rechargeable battery with the hydrogen fuel cell
Implementation Method 3
a hydrogen fuel cell and rechargeable battery connected in series
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fuel cell power delivery system includes a first power source configured to supply power to a propulsion inverter, a second power source configured to supply power to the propulsion inverter, a disconnect operably connected to the second power source, a bypass diode operably connected to the first power source and the second power source, a sensor that detects an output voltage of the integrated fuel cell power system, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor, cause the integrated fuel cell power system to access a signal from the sensor, determine if the accessed first signal is greater than a first threshold voltage, and operably disconnect an output of the second power source to the integrated fuel cell power system by the disconnect based on the determination.