Fuel Cell Converter Voltage Boost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell systems, the existing converter technology lacks the ability to distinguish between transition responses requiring significant voltage boosts and those requiring small boosts, leading to inefficient operation and increased fuel consumption due to frequent voltage boost operations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a converter that adjusts voltage boost ratios based on the acceleration demands of accessory motors, using voltage acquisition means to determine required voltages for both vehicle-driving and accessory motors, and converter control means to optimize voltage output, allowing for economy or power modes to prioritize fuel efficiency or acceleration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the converter frequently performs voltage boost operations to meet accessory motor demands, then the transition responsiveness is improved, but the system efficiency deteriorates due to increased losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the converter's voltage boost capability adjustable and adaptive. The converter control means dynamically adjusts the voltage boost ratio based on real-time comparisons between accessory motor required voltage and vehicle-driving motor required voltage, enabling the system to respond flexibly to varying load conditions while minimizing unnecessary voltage boost operations and associated energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by comparing required voltages for different motors and adjusting the converter output accordingly. The converter control means modifies the voltage boost ratio as a controllable parameter, selecting appropriate voltage levels based on operational demands to balance responsiveness with efficiency.
2Power
If the service voltage of accessory motors is designed higher to meet peak demands, then the acceleration performance is improved, but the converter must perform frequent voltage boost operations causing efficiency deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage supply to accessory motors based on real-time requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage. The converter control means continuously monitors and adjusts the voltage boost ratio, enabling the accessory motors to receive appropriate voltage levels matched to actual acceleration demands, thereby avoiding the inefficiency of frequent conversions while maintaining peak performance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by comparing required voltages for different motors and adjusting the converter output accordingly. This parameter adjustment allows the system to deliver high power when needed while minimizing unnecessary voltage conversion operations.
3Power
If the converter boosts voltage to meet the higher required voltage of vehicle-driving motor, then the vehicle-driving performance is improved, but the accessory motors operate at higher than designed voltage causing efficiency deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage distribution to different motors based on their specific requirements. The converter control means independently determines the required voltage for each motor type and adjusts the converter output accordingly, enabling the vehicle-driving motor to receive high voltage for peak performance while accessory motors receive appropriate voltage levels matched to their design specifications, thereby maintaining their efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage levels to different motors based on their specific requirements. The converter control means tailors the voltage output locally for each motor type, ensuring that accessory motors receive voltage matching their design specifications while the vehicle-driving motor receives higher voltage for peak performance, thereby optimizing overall system efficiency.
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 transition responsiveness, reduces unnecessary voltage boosts, and improves overall efficiency and fuel economy by tailoring voltage outputs to specific acceleration demands.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell that generates electricity using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas
Implementation Method 2
a converter that is provided between the fuel cell and both the vehicle-driving motor and accessory motor, and that boosts output voltage of the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes a converter for boosting the output voltage of a fuel cell stack and supplies the boosted voltage to a first inverter for a drive motor and a second inverter for an air compressor motor, voltage acquisition means, and converter control means. The voltage acquisition means acquires a required voltage of the air compressor motor according to a target air compressor motor torque based on acceleration demand of the air compressor motor. The converter control means sets the voltage boost ratio of the converter and controls the converter by comparing the required voltage of the air compressor motor and a required voltage of the drive motor.