Fuel Cell Cooling System with Dual Circuits for Cold Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell cooling systems face challenges in rapidly starting fuel cells at low temperatures, requiring high-power pumps and complex four-way valves, which increase cost and complexity, and struggle with temperature homogenization across the cell stack.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a main circuit and a secondary alternating circuit, utilizing controlled valves and a reciprocating pump with a piston for alternating fluid circulation, allowing independent operation of the circuits and enhanced temperature regulation through frequency control based on cell voltage measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a four-way valve with automatic actuation is used to alternate fluid circulation direction in the cells, then temperature homogenization is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two independent circulation loops: a first loop for continuous unidirectional flow and a second loop for alternating bidirectional flow. This segmentation allows each loop to perform its specific function with simpler components, avoiding the need for a complex four-way valve while achieving temperature homogenization through the alternating loop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the heat exchanger serve multiple functions by connecting it to both circulation loops. The heat exchanger participates in both the continuous cooling function (first loop) and the temperature homogenization function (second loop), reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a four-way valve system is implemented for alternating fluid circulation, then temperature distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cooling system into two independent loops with distinct functions, the patent eliminates the need for expensive four-way valves. Each loop uses simpler two-way valves or flow control mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining temperature distribution performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the alternating circulation function using a separate second loop with a pump and two-way valves, rather than implementing the complex four-way valve mechanism. This copying approach achieves the same temperature homogenization effect with much lower manufacturing cost.
3Productivity
If high-power pumps are used to drive alternating fluid circulation in cold conditions, then starting performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pumping function into two independent pumps: a first pump for continuous operation and a second pump for alternating operation. This allows the system to use the more energy-efficient first pump for continuous cooling while the second pump handles only the intermittent alternating circulation needed for temperature homogenization, reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating circulation in the second loop operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when temperature homogenization is needed during cold starting. This periodic operation significantly reduces the energy consumption associated with alternating fluid circulation compared to continuous operation.
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 rapid starting and temperature homogenization of fuel cells at low temperatures with reduced energy consumption and simplified, cost-effective design, minimizing the risk of water freezing and promoting efficient heat distribution across the cell stack.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-conveying fluid circuit put in circulation by a pump that comes in contact with the fuel cells in order to absorb heat while warming up
Implementation Method 2
The fluid then circulates in a heat exchanger in order to cool down, in particular by exchange with the ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling system for a fuel cell (2), comprising a main heat-transfer-fluid circuit including a main circulation pump (6) and a heat exchanger (8) with the exterior, which feed an upstream pipe (12) supplying the fluid to the cells (4) of the fuel cell, said fluid leaving the cells via a downstream pipe (14) in order to return to the main pump. The system is characterised in that a secondary circuit, comprising a secondary circulation device (30) that circulates the fluid in an alternate manner, is connected in parallel with the main circuit to the upstream (12) and downstream (14) pipes and in that one or more controlled valves (10, 16) allow the main circuit and the secondary circuit to operate independently.