Fuel Cell Air Supply Using Vehicle Compressed Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cells face challenges in dynamic or transient operation where the oxygen requirement increases rapidly, and the installed compressor cannot meet this demand, particularly when transitioning from lower to higher loads.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a compressed air source, such as part of a vehicle's compressed air system, to supply compressed air directly to the fuel cell, ensuring oxygen delivery even when the primary supply device fails or is insufficient, by connecting it to the fuel cell independently or through the primary supply device, and using it to support the compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressor optimized for stationary supply is used, then the fuel cell can be supplied with oxygen during steady-state operation, but the compressor cannot meet the oxygen demand during transient operation when load increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a compressed air source (such as a pneumatic braking system) that is already present in the vehicle to provide pre-compressed air to the fuel cell during transient operation. This preliminary action of having compressed air readily available eliminates the delay associated with compressor startup and immediately meets the increased oxygen demand when the fuel cell load increases rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the vehicle's existing compressed air system (originally designed for braking or suspension) to also serve as an oxygen supply source for the fuel cell during transient operation. This allows the same compressed air infrastructure to fulfill multiple functions: normal vehicle operations and emergency oxygen supplementation, thereby resolving the contradiction without adding dedicated equipment.
2Productivity
If the primary supply device is used exclusively, then the system remains simple, but the fuel cell cannot meet increased oxygen requirements during transient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by leveraging the vehicle's existing compressed air system (pneumatic braking system or air suspension system) to also serve as a backup oxygen supply for the fuel cell. Instead of adding a completely separate system, the invention makes the existing multi-functional compressed air infrastructure serve dual purposes: vehicle operations and fuel cell oxygen supply during transient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own compressed air system serves the fuel cell's oxygen needs during transient operation, effectively making the vehicle self-sufficient. The compressed air already stored in the vehicle's pneumatic systems is redirected to support the fuel cell, eliminating the need for external backup systems or additional compressed air storage specifically for fuel cell operation.
3Reliability
If compressed air is continuously supplied from a compressed air source, then the fuel cell's oxygen requirements can be met during transient operation, but energy is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand action by activating the compressed air supply to the fuel cell only during transient operation when the load increases rapidly or when the primary compressor cannot meet the oxygen demand. During steady-state operation, the primary compressor handles the oxygen supply, and the compressed air source remains inactive or in standby, thereby avoiding continuous energy consumption while ensuring reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the primary compressor and the compressed air source based on operational conditions. During transient operation or when the primary supply device fails, the compressed air source is activated to meet the oxygen demand. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption by using the compressed air source only when necessary, rather than continuously.
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 method ensures rapid increase in oxygen delivery and pressure within the fuel cell, meeting increased oxygen requirements and supporting the primary supply device during transient operations without the need for additional systems.
Implementation Method 1
Extracting compressed air from a compressed air source; Supplying the compressed air to the fuel cell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for supplying a vehicle fuel cell with compressed air is disclosed, comprising the steps: - Step (A): supplying the fuel cell (FC) with a fuel and an oxidizer via a primary supply device (4); - Step (B): extracting compressed air (2) from a compressed air source (1); and - Step (C): supplying the compressed air (2) to the fuel cell (FC). Furthermore, a device, a supply system, a vehicle, a computer program product, and a storage medium are disclosed.