Fuel Cell Converter Control for Voltage Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
When the first DC-DC converter is stopped in a fuel cell system, residual fuel gas can cause the output voltage of the fuel cell to rise beyond a safe limit, potentially damaging the electrolyte membrane and other components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system that determines if residual fuel gas capable of generating power remains in the fuel cell during intermittent operation and either sets a ceiling voltage to prevent excessive output or stops the converter when no residual fuel gas is present, thereby preventing the output voltage from exceeding safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the first DC-DC converter is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the output voltage of the fuel cell rises beyond safe limits causing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines in advance whether fuel gas remains in the fuel cell before stopping the converter. By performing this preliminary check, the system can proactively prevent voltage rise by keeping the converter running when fuel gas is present, while still achieving power consumption reduction when it is safe to stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the state of fuel gas in the fuel cell and uses this feedback information to make real-time decisions about converter operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the converter is stopped only when conditions are safe, preventing voltage rise while maximizing power consumption reduction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the first DC-DC converter is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the converter cannot limit output voltage causing fuel cell deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs a preliminary determination of fuel gas presence before stopping the converter. This advance check ensures that the converter is only stopped when fuel gas has been depleted, thereby preventing the harmful effect of voltage rise while still achieving power consumption reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses real-time feedback about fuel gas state to control converter operation. This feedback loop ensures that the converter remains operational when fuel gas is present (preventing voltage rise damage) and is stopped when safe (reducing power consumption).
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system including a fuel cell, and a converter which is connected between the fuel cell and a high voltage system and which sets an output ceiling voltage of the fuel cell, the fuel cell system comprising fuel gas supply stopping means for stopping the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell in an intermittent operation mode, remaining fuel gas amount determination means for determining whether fuel gas in at least an amount capable of generating power remains in the fuel cell, converter driving means for driving the converter so that, when it is determined that fuel gas in at least the amount capable of generating power remains in the fuel cell, the output ceiling voltage of the fuel cell becomes a first voltage capable of preventing deterioration of the fuel cell, and converter stopping means for stopping the converter when it is determined that fuel gas in at least the amount capable of generating power does not remain in the fuel cell.