Fuel Cell Cooling System Dynamic Airflow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell cooling systems for vehicles lack the ability to regulate wind-based cooling effectively during running, leading to inefficiencies in cooling the fuel cells depending on circumstances such as speed and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell cooling system that includes a first air inlet, an air supply path, a regulating member, a blower, and a control portion that detects vehicle speed and temperature to adjust airflow to the fuel cell, using a combination of wind and blower output to maintain optimal cooling, and includes features to prevent rain and shut down the system when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If wind-based cooling is used during vehicle running, then cooling effect is achieved, but the ability to regulate airflow is insufficient depending on circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air supply system adjustable through a regulating member that can dynamically change the airflow amount based on vehicle speed and temperature conditions. The system transitions from fixed wind-based cooling to a dynamic system that adapts airflow regulation to varying operating circumstances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of airflow amount by introducing a regulating member that can vary the air supply quantity. The control portion adjusts the regulating member's position or opening degree based on detected vehicle speed and temperature, thereby changing the airflow parameter to match different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a regulating member is added to control airflow, then airflow regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating member serves multiple functions: it controls airflow amount for cooling regulation, works in conjunction with the blower to provide combined cooling, and can be controlled based on different operating conditions (vehicle speed, temperature). This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing comprehensive airflow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating member acts as an intermediary between the air supply path and the fuel cell, providing fine-grained control over airflow. It mediates between the available air supply (from wind or blower) and the actual cooling requirements of the fuel cell, enabling precise temperature management.
3Temperature
If blower is used to compensate for insufficient air supply, then cooling requirement is met, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between wind-based cooling and blower-assisted cooling based on vehicle speed and cooling requirements. At higher speeds where wind provides sufficient cooling, the blower remains inactive or operates at low power. At lower speeds where wind is insufficient, the blower activates to compensate, thereby optimizing energy consumption across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower provides partial compensation for insufficient air supply rather than continuously operating at full capacity. The control portion activates the blower only when and to the extent needed to meet cooling requirements, avoiding excessive energy consumption while ensuring adequate cooling when wind alone is insufficient.
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 system allows for effective regulation of airflow to the fuel cell based on circumstances, reducing electric power consumption, maintaining suitable temperatures for power generation, preventing rain exposure, and ensuring the fuel cell is not exposed to water or foreign objects after shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a blower which provides an air flow to the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
a regulating member which is provided in the air supply path and regulates an amount of air to be supplied from the air supply path to the fuel cell
Implementation Method 3
a fuel cell which supplies electric power to a driving motor
Implementation Method 4
uses the wind to which the vehicle is subjected during running to cool the fuel cells
Data Source
AI summary
The grill shutter is disposed between the front grill and the air intake duct. The grill shutter is capable of opening or closing shutter members and regulating positions of the shutter members when being opened. When a maximum supplied flow rate of air provided by the wind during running is greater than a flow rate of air required for the hydrogen fuel battery, the required flow rate of air is established only by opening/closing control of the shutter members through a grill shutter opening instruction. If this is not the case, the grill shutter members are opened fully through the grill shutter opening instruction to maximize the volume of the wind during running taken in from the front grille. Additionally, a shortfall in the required flow rate of air for the hydrogen fuel battery is compensated for by actuating the blower through a blower speed instruction.