Fuel Cell CO2 Sensor System for Parked Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles, especially those using methanol, produce CO2 during battery charging in closed spaces like garages, leading to potential increased CO2 levels and reduced O2 levels, posing risks to pets and children due to inadequate ventilation and lack of noise or smell alerts, necessitating improved safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with CO2 and O2 sensors mounted on the vehicle or in the garage to monitor gas concentrations, triggering an alarm if thresholds are exceeded, with options for visual, auditory, or wireless alerts, and remote control functionality to stop fuel cell operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a fuel cell system uses methanol and water as fuel to produce hydrogen gas, then hydrogen gas is produced for electricity generation, but substantial amounts of CO2 are produced which can accumulate in closed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by installing CO2 sensors inside the cabin that continuously monitor CO2 levels and provide signals to the control system. When CO2 concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically activates ventilation or adjusts fuel cell operation to reduce CO2 production, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual CO2 levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that mediates between the fuel cell power generation and the cabin environment. This control system receives inputs from CO2 sensors and implements intermediate measures such as activating ventilation systems or adjusting fuel cell output before CO2 levels become dangerous, acting as a buffer between the harmful CO2 production and the passengers.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle is parked in a closed garage with fuel cell charging enabled, then batteries are charged with electric power from fuel cells, but CO2 accumulates near the ground displacing oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing CO2 monitoring and warning systems before dangerous CO2 accumulation occurs. The system proactively detects rising CO2 levels during parked charging operations and alerts the driver or automatically takes corrective actions such as stopping fuel cell operation or activating ventilation, preventing the harmful condition rather than responding after it develops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the vehicle's fuel cell system to automatically adjust its operation based on CO2 level feedback. When CO2 sensors detect elevated levels, the control system can autonomously reduce or stop fuel cell charging operations without requiring external intervention, making the system self-regulating and responsive to its own environmental impact.
3Ease of operation
If CO2 sensors are installed inside the cabin for regulation of air conditioning, then air quality is improved, but the system does not detect CO2 accumulation outside the vehicle in closed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a CO2 monitoring system that serves dual purposes: it regulates internal cabin air conditioning by adjusting ventilation based on CO2 levels, and simultaneously monitors external CO2 accumulation in the parking environment. The same sensor system and control architecture handle both functions, making the system universal rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
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
Enhances safety by detecting and alerting users to hazardous CO2 and O2 levels around parked fuel cell vehicles, preventing exposure risks and allowing for corrective actions such as opening the garage or stopping the fuel cell charging process.
Implementation Method 1
a CO2 sensor or an O2 sensor... the CO2 sensor being configured for measuring the CO2 level... the O2 sensor being configured for measuring the O2 level
Implementation Method 2
a CO2 sensor or an O2 sensor... the O2 sensor being configured for measuring the O2 level
Implementation Method 3
the mix of methanol CH3OH and water H2O is catalytically converted into hydrogen gas H2 and CO2
Implementation Method 4
Fuel cell systems that use a mix of methanol and water as fuel produce substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, CO2. For producing hydrogen gas, H2, the mix of methanol CH3OH and water H2O is catalytically converted into hydrogen gas H2 and CO2. The CO2 passes the fuel cell and is released through the exhaust system into the environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for increasing safety in the surroundings of an electric vehicle having a fuel cell system and batteries, wherein the vehicle is configured for charging the batteries by power from the fuel cell system and e.g. produces CO2 during this operation, even when the vehicle is turned-off and in a parked situation, wherein the method includes the steps of providing a sensor system having a gas intake and configured for warning against elevated CO2 levels in the surroundings of the vehicle, mounting the sensor system on the vehicle with the gas intake outside the vehicle's cabin, providing an alarm when the sensor system evaluates that the CO2 levels in the surroundings of the vehicle are elevated and surpass a predetermined threshold level.