Fuel Cell Power Control Using Battery Support at Peak Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems face decreased power generation efficiency in both low-load and high-load regions due to inefficient operating points, with existing technologies failing to effectively manage power demand and supply in high-load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell, a battery, and a controller that calculates and manages power generation efficiency, operating the fuel cell at a specific efficiency-maximizing point during high-load conditions and utilizing battery-discharged power to compensate for deficiencies, thereby optimizing overall system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the fuel cell operates in the low-load region to meet power demand, then the power demand is satisfied, but the power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell operates in advance at a specific operating point with high power generation efficiency to charge the battery, storing energy that can be used later during high-load conditions. This preliminary high-efficiency operation prepares energy reserves before the high-load period occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating point of the fuel cell is changed from the specific operating point (high efficiency) to other operating points (lower efficiency) depending on power demand conditions. By adjusting the operating parameters based on real-time power demand, the system optimizes overall efficiency while meeting power requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the fuel cell operates at the specific operating point to maximize power generation efficiency, then the power generation efficiency is maximized, but the power demand may not be met during high-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is segmented between the fuel cell and the battery. The fuel cell operates at the specific operating point to maximize efficiency and charge the battery, while the battery provides additional power during high-load conditions. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the fuel cell and the power demand. It stores energy when the fuel cell operates at high efficiency and releases energy when power demand exceeds what the fuel cell can provide, mediating between efficiency optimization and power demand satisfaction.
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 increased power generation efficiency by operating the fuel cell at its optimal point during high-load conditions and utilizing high-efficiency charged power from the battery, enhancing the overall fuel cell system's efficiency even in high-load regions.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell configured to supply generated electric power to the load device and the battery
Implementation Method 2
a battery configured to store electric power generated by the fuel cell and discharge stored electric power to the load device
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system for a load device may include a fuel cell, a battery, and a controller configured to control the fuel cell and the battery. The controller may be configured to: cumulatively calculate first accumulated electric energy generated by the fuel cell; cumulatively calculate a power generation efficiency average at the time of storage of the first accumulated electric energy; calculate required power generation efficiency to generate electric power that meets a power demand of the load device; under a first condition where the power generation efficiency average is lower than the required power generation efficiency, cause the fuel cell to generate electric power that meets the power demand; and under a second condition where the power generation efficiency average is higher, cause the fuel cell to generate electric power at a specific operating point and cause the battery to discharge deficient electric power.