Fuel Cell Vehicle Control Device for Enclosed Space Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric motor vehicle drives with fuel-cell-based energy sources face restrictions in enclosed spaces due to safety concerns related to gas-powered operations, limiting their application areas.

Innovation Solution

A control device that manages an electric motor vehicle drive with both a fuel-cell-based and a fuel-cell-free energy source, allowing users to switch between operating modes via a human-machine interface, enabling the fuel-cell-free mode for safe operation in restricted areas and optimizing energy use by charging the fuel-cell-free source when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fuel-cell-based electrical energy source is used to feed the electric drive, then the vehicle can operate with extended range and efficiency, but it cannot be operated in enclosed spaces such as parking garages, halls, workshops or tunnels due to safety concerns regarding gaseous reactants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication areaVSAvoidsafety risk from gaseous reactants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The energy supply system is segmented into two separate electrical energy sources: a first fuel-cell-based energy source and a second fuel-cell-free energy source. This segmentation allows the vehicle to operate in different modes depending on the location and safety requirements, enabling entry into enclosed spaces by deactivating the fuel cell system while maintaining propulsion capability through the second energy source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the fuel cell by providing a deactivate/activate switch that allows transition between active and inactive states. When entering enclosed spaces, the fuel cell is deactivated to eliminate gaseous reactant risks, and when leaving such spaces, it can be reactivated to resume efficient operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the fuel-cell-based energy source is deactivated for safety in enclosed spaces, then safety risks are eliminated, but the vehicle loses access to efficient long-range operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety in enclosed spacesVSAvoidoperational range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges two different electrical energy sources into a unified propulsion system. The first fuel-cell-based energy source provides efficient long-range operation, while the second fuel-cell-free energy source provides safe operation in enclosed spaces. Both sources are connected to the electric drive and can be selected via a switch arrangement, allowing the vehicle to maintain operational flexibility across different environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a switch arrangement is added to enable mode selection between fuel-cell-based and fuel-cell-free energy sources, then adaptability to different operating areas is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode selectionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch arrangement serves multiple functions: it selects between different energy sources, indicates current operating mode through lighting elements, and provides user feedback about system status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 expanded application areas for electric motor vehicle drives by preventing gas leaks and extending the vehicle's range by using the fuel-cell-free energy source in restricted zones, while ensuring safety and efficient energy management.

Implementation Method 1

fuel cells, where a reaction of hydrogen with oxygen of the air takes place, resulting in water for the purpose of releasing electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell reaction: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS11167642B2Control device and method for controlling a fuel-cell-based motor vehicle drive

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A control device for controlling an electric motor vehicle drive having an electric drive, a first fuel-cell-based energy source, and a second fuel-cell-free energy source, has a human-machine interface for detecting a user input for selecting an operating mode for the motor vehicle drive and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive a selection signal from the human-machine interface indicating a user input for selecting an operating mode for the motor vehicle drive and to control the motor vehicle drive in accordance with the selection signal to transfer the same into a first operating mode in which the first energy source is operated to supply the electric drive with electrical energy or to transfer the same into a second operating mode in which the first energy source is deactivated and in which the second energy source is operated to supply the electric drive with electrical energy.