Fuel Cell Power Supply Control for Rapid Battery Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply control systems for fuel cell and battery devices face challenges in quickly warming up the battery device, especially at low temperatures, due to the non-linear I-V curve of fuel cells, which leads to inefficient power distribution and potential degradation of the fuel cell catalyst when operating near the Open Circuit Voltage (OCV).
Innovation Solution
A power supply control device that sets a target output voltage for the fuel cell within a range between the OCV and a predetermined threshold voltage, allowing for differential settable ranges during discharge and charge, and executes forcible charge and discharge control based on battery temperature and state of charge to avoid the OCV region, thereby controlling the output current and accelerating the warming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fuel cell operates near the Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) to maximize voltage output, then the voltage value is maximized, but the catalyst degradation is accelerated and the operating point becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The control device preemptively prevents the fuel cell from operating in the dangerous voltage region near OCV by setting appropriate voltage thresholds. Before the fuel cell can reach the degradation-prone OCV state, the control system adjusts the operating point to a safe region, thereby preventing catalyst degradation before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts the fuel cell's operating parameters (voltage and current) based on the battery's state of charge and temperature conditions. By changing the operating voltage away from OCV when necessary, the system maximizes voltage output while preventing catalyst degradation through parameter optimization.
2Speed
If the battery device is warmed up by forcible charge and discharge at low temperatures, then the warming speed is improved, but the fuel cell may operate in the OCV region causing catalyst degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the fuel cell's operating voltage based on real-time battery temperature and state of charge conditions. During battery warming operations, the control system actively modifies the fuel cell operating point to avoid the OCV region while still providing necessary power, thereby preventing catalyst degradation while maintaining effective warming speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the battery's temperature and state of charge, and uses this feedback to adjust the fuel cell's operating voltage. When the battery requires warming, the feedback mechanism ensures the fuel cell operates at voltages that provide sufficient power while avoiding the dangerous OCV region, thus preventing catalyst degradation.
3Reliability
If the output voltage of the fuel cell is set to OCV when FC required power is less than oxidation-reduction power, then power generation is stopped to avoid degradation, but the battery device cannot be efficiently charged or discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The control device optimizes the fuel cell's operating voltage parameter based on the battery's charge/discharge requirements. Instead of fixedly setting the voltage to OCV for protection, the system dynamically adjusts the voltage to an optimal value that both protects the fuel cell from degradation and maintains efficient power distribution to/from the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the fuel cell from catalyst degradation by avoiding the OCV region, while also enabling efficient battery charge/discharge operations. The universal control strategy adapts to different operational modes (charging, discharging, warming) and maintains both fuel cell protection and system productivity across all modes.
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
This solution enables rapid warming of the battery device by prohibiting charging during discharge and varying the output current of the fuel cell, minimizing fuel cell degradation and optimizing power distribution, while ensuring efficient power generation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the I-V curve of the fuel cell exhibits non-linearity due to the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
the battery device and the fuel cell are connected in parallel with each other, and distribution of the power from each is performed
Data Source
AI summary
In order to more rapidly warm up a battery device in a power supply equipped with a fuel cell and a battery device, a fuel-cell-mounted vehicle driving system for driving and controlling a rotating electric machine installed on a vehicle comprises an inverter connected to the rotating electric machine; a power supply circuit having a battery device, a voltage converter, and a fuel cell; and a power supply control device for controlling the power supply circuit. The power supply control device includes an FC output voltage setting module for setting the output voltage of the fuel cell, an OCV avoidance module for, when an FC output voltage is set, avoiding a voltage around an OCV, a battery warm-up control determination module for determining whether the battery device is under warm-up control or not, and an OCV avoidance release module for, when the battery device is under the warm-up control, releasing the OCV avoidance.