Fuel Cell Cooling Control via Ambient Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in accurately measuring the temperature of cooling liquid within the system, leading to inefficient cooling liquid circulation and flow rate adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with temperature sensors and a controller that estimates and measures the cooling liquid temperature inside the supply flow path, adjusts the flow rate, and controls the flow splitting ratio using a bypass tube and flow split valve to ensure accurate temperature regulation and efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the circulation of cooling liquid is started based on ambient temperature, then the cooling system can be activated, but the accurate temperature of the cooling liquid cannot be grasped due to temperature differences between ambient air, cooling liquid in radiator, and cooling liquid supplied to fuel cell
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling liquid circulation based on ambient temperature before accurate temperature measurement is available. The controller starts circulation in advance using ambient temperature as a preliminary indicator, then later adjusts based on actual temperature measurements from the first temperature sensor when cooling liquid reaches it.
Solution Approach 2:
The first temperature sensor acts as an intermediary measurement point located at the radiator outlet. It provides indirect measurement of the cooling liquid temperature by measuring the temperature of cooling liquid that has just been cooled by the radiator and is about to be supplied to the fuel cell.
2Productivity
If the flow rate of cooling liquid is adjusted based on inaccurate temperature data, then the cooling system operates, but the fuel cell temperature control is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of cooling liquid at the radiator outlet using the first temperature sensor. The controller adjusts the flow rate based on the measured temperature, creating a closed-loop control system that improves both cooling efficiency and temperature control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate of cooling liquid is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller can change the flow rate according to the measured temperature, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and optimize cooling performance.
3Speed
If the flow split valve opens rapidly to adjust cooling, then the response is fast, but undershoot and overshoot occur causing unstable temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by starting cooling liquid circulation based on ambient temperature before the fuel cell reaches critical temperatures. This preventive approach allows gradual adjustment of the flow split valve, preventing rapid openings that would cause undershoot and overshoot, thereby maintaining temperature stability.
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 solution allows for precise temperature control of the cooling liquid, preventing undershoot and overshoot of the flow split valve, ensuring optimal fuel cell operation and efficient cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator for cooling the cooling liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system comprises: a fuel cell; a cooling liquid supply flow path for supplying cooling liquid to the fuel cell; a radiator for cooling the cooling liquid; a first temperature sensor, provided at an outlet of the radiator, for measuring a temperature of the cooling liquid; an ambient temperature sensor; and a controller. The controller executes: estimating a temperature of the cooling liquid inside the cooling liquid supply flow path based on an ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor; acquiring a temperature of the cooling liquid inside the cooling liquid supply flow path based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor after it is determined that the cooling liquid within the radiator has reached the first temperature sensor; and adjusting a flow rate of the cooling liquid based on the estimated temperature or the acquired temperature of the cooling liquid.