Fuel Cell Coolant Branching for Rapid Component Defreezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face the risk of failure due to ice formation in components when operated in sub-zero temperatures, leading to blocked operation and slow start-up times.
Innovation Solution
A coolant branch line directs heat from the fuel cell stack to dedicated components using thermal convection and heat exchange, bypassing conventional cooling circuits to rapidly defreeze critical components without external heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric heaters are used to heat the fuel cell system before operation, then the risk of freezing is reduced, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack heats itself during normal operation, and this self-generated heat is directed to defreeze other components through the coolant circuit. The system uses its own operational heat output to prevent freezing in other parts, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circuit serves dual functions: it cools the fuel cell stack during operation and simultaneously heats other components to prevent freezing. This multi-functional use of the existing coolant system eliminates the need for dedicated heating equipment.
2Reliability
If electric heaters are installed to prevent freezing, then component reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generated by the fuel cell stack during operation is utilized to defreeze other components. The operational heat output, which would otherwise be waste, is converted into a useful heating source for preventing freezing in the coolant circuit and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell system uses its own operational heat output to prevent freezing in other components, making the system self-sufficient for heating needs without requiring external energy input for heating purposes.
3Productivity
If the fuel cell stack operates in cold environments, then the system remains operational, but ice formation blocks components downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant circuit is configured to deliver heated coolant to components downstream of the fuel cell stack before these components can freeze. By proactively heating the coolant and directing it to vulnerable components, the system prevents ice formation before it can block the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium, carrying thermal energy from the fuel cell stack to other components that need heating. This intermediary substance enables heat transfer without direct thermal contact between the stack and other components.
4Temperature
If conventional cooling circuits are used, then the fuel cell stack is cooled effectively, but heat cannot be efficiently transferred to other components
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant circuit is divided into separate branches: one for cooling the fuel cell stack and another for heating other components. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously perform cooling and heating functions, directing heat to where it is needed without compromising stack cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coolant circuit have different temperature characteristics and functions. The coolant is cooled where it contacts the fuel cell stack and heated where it contacts other components, with each section optimized for its specific thermal function.
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
Facilitates fast start-up and prevents component freezing by efficiently transferring heat to critical components, ensuring reliable operation in cold environments.
Implementation Method 1
the heat generated by the starting fuel cell stack will heat the coolant of the cooling circuit
Implementation Method 2
A coolant branch line connected to the cooling circuit and guiding coolant of the cooling circuit to a dedicated component of the fuel cell system
Implementation Method 3
the warming coolant may automatically move in the cooling circuit due to its thermal expansion
Implementation Method 4
the coolant may change its state of aggregation, such as changing from a liquid to a gaseous state when exceeding a certain temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell system (100) capable of defreezing a dedicated component (120) by guiding a coolant via a coolant branch line (125, 126) from a fuel cell stack 110 to the dedicated component (120). Further disclosed is a vehicle comprising such fuel cell system.