Fuel Cell Controller Navigation Coasting Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell electric vehicles face inefficiencies due to low fuel cell efficiency during driving, insufficient power supply at high speeds, and inability to recover energy during braking, leading to reduced performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing navigation information to predict deceleration and adjust the fuel cell system's operation by calculating a coasting line based on vehicle-specific constants and road gradient, determining necessary deceleration, and dynamically changing the fuel cell stop state entry criteria to minimize fuel cell operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel cell operates continuously to meet all vehicle power demands, then power supply reliability is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary operation during low-power periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing energy in the power storage unit during periods of low power demand (such as during regenerative braking or when fuel cell output exceeds immediate vehicle needs). This allows the fuel cell to be temporarily stopped or reduced in operation without compromising power supply reliability, thereby improving fuel efficiency by avoiding unnecessary fuel cell operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting the fuel cell's output level or stopping operation based on real-time vehicle power demands, navigation information, and power storage unit charge state. This parameter adjustment allows the fuel cell to operate only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable power supply and improving fuel efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell stops operation to improve fuel efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but power supply responsiveness deteriorates when sudden power demand occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage unit acts as an intermediary between the fuel cell and the vehicle's power demand. When the fuel cell stops or reduces operation to improve fuel efficiency, the power storage unit provides the necessary power buffer to maintain responsive power supply. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by decoupling the fuel cell's operational status from immediate power delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging of the power storage unit before the fuel cell stops operation, ensuring that sufficient energy is stored to handle sudden power demands. This preliminary energy storage allows the fuel cell to remain stopped for fuel efficiency while maintaining the capability to respond quickly to power needs through the pre-charged power storage unit.
3Power
If the fuel cell operates at high output to meet peak power demands, then power supply capability is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to operation in low-efficiency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply function between the fuel cell and the power storage unit. The fuel cell operates continuously at a steady, efficient output level rather than responding to all power fluctuations. The power storage unit handles peak power demands and transient requirements. This segmentation allows the fuel cell to operate in its high-efficiency range while still meeting peak power needs, resolving the contradiction between power capability and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational strategy based on real-time conditions including navigation information about upcoming terrain, vehicle speed, and power storage unit charge state. This dynamic control allows the fuel cell to operate at optimal efficiency points while the power storage unit provides dynamic power supplementation during peak demands, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power capability and operating in efficient ranges.
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 approach enhances fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary fuel cell operation, improving durability, and optimizing power supply, allowing for quicker and more accurate entry into a fuel cell stationary state, thereby advancing the air compressor stop point and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell, which is a kind of power generation device that converts chemical energy of a fuel into electric energy by electrochemically reacting in a fuel cell stack
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method of improving fuel efficiency of a fuel cell electric vehicle, and an apparatus and a system therefor. The method includes collecting navigation information and vehicle speed information, calculating a coasting line when a specified event point is detected based on the navigation information, determining whether deceleration is necessary by comparing a current traveling speed with a coasting line speed corresponding to a current location, and changing a criterion for determining whether to enter a fuel cell stop (FC STOP) state when the deceleration is necessary as a determination result.