Fuel Cell Bus Power Export Through a Bi-Directional Charging Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no known solution for generating electrical power from fuel cells on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) for the purpose of exporting power back to the grid.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional system including power electronics and controls capable of moving power inbound and outbound from the vehicle, which activates the hydrogen fuel cell system to generate direct current and exports this power back to a ground-side charging station connected to the power grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current vehicle battery types (lithium-ion, lead-acid, etc.) are used for power export to the grid, then power generation capability is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a power export system that can work with multiple vehicle powertrain types (battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles). The system uses a standardized vehicle-to-grid interface that accommodates different power sources through configurable power conversion electronics, allowing the same infrastructure to serve diverse vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific charging receptacles.
2Productivity
If vehicle-to-grid technology is implemented with battery vehicles, then power can be exported to the grid, but hydrogen fuel cell vehicles cannot utilize this capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a dual-mode power conversion system. The power conversion electronics can operate in two distinct modes: drawing power from battery vehicles through standardized charging receptacles, or receiving electrical power from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through a specialized export interface. This allows the same grid infrastructure to benefit from both vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses power conversion electronics as an intermediary device that mediates between different vehicle power sources and the grid. This intermediary component translates and conditions power from various sources (battery discharge, fuel cell generation) into grid-compatible electrical parameters, enabling seamless integration of diverse vehicle types into the existing grid infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized charging receptacles are used for battery vehicle charging, then charging infrastructure is established, but these receptacles cannot receive power export from fuel cell vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the power conversion electronics to handle multiple operational modes through a single standardized interface. The system can function as a conventional charger for battery vehicles while simultaneously serving as a power reception interface for fuel cell vehicles, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure for different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the power conversion electronics dynamically reconfigurable. The system can switch between different operational states (charging mode, power export mode, idle mode) based on the type of vehicle connected and the desired power flow direction. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without requiring hardware changes.
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
Enables the HFCV to act as an on-board generator, providing power back to the grid, thereby utilizing the vehicle's hydrogen fuel cell system to support grid stability during power outages or energy demand peaks.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen fuel cell system activated to supply direct current from hydrogen fuel cells used to power the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for generating exportable power from a hydrogen fuel cell. A Modular Propulsion Control System (MPCS) includes a hydrogen fuel cell system interface activated to supply direct current signals from hydrogen fuel cells through a DC-to-DC converter used to power the vehicle; a power bus for receiving the direct current signals from the DC to DC converter; and an electrical port, the electrical port configured to interface with a plug-in charge receptacle connected to a charging station for receiving the directed current signals from the power bus, the dc signals used to provide power to the charging station. A control system employing a vehicle computer and System Control Unit, configures hydrogen fuel cells, a power bus and the plug-in charge receptacle to provide for a specified amount of power to flow out of the vehicle through the MPCS to the ground side charge station.