Fuel Cell System Direct DC Charging Without AC Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fuel cell systems require a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) converter to charge electric vehicles, increasing system complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A fuel cell system is directly connected to an electric vehicle without a DC/AC converter, using a DC/DC converter to adjust voltage and a router to direct the charge, with a transactional unit and waste heat unit for efficient energy delivery and climate control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a DC/AC converter is used to charge electric vehicles from a fuel cell system, then the system can provide AC power to the vehicle, but the system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the DC/AC converter from the charging system, extracting this unnecessary component. The fuel cell system directly outputs DC power that is compatible with electric vehicle batteries, eliminating the need for power conversion equipment and reducing system complexity while maintaining charging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel cell system is designed to directly provide DC power output that can universally charge electric vehicles without requiring additional conversion equipment. The system maintains adaptability to different vehicle types through direct DC connection, making the charging infrastructure simpler and more versatile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a DC/AC converter is used in the charging system, then AC power can be delivered to the vehicle, but the costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the DC/AC converter component from the charging system, removing the associated manufacturing costs, maintenance expenses, and installation complexity. The system achieves cost reduction by directly connecting the fuel cell's DC output to the vehicle battery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective direct DC connection components instead of expensive power conversion equipment. By using basic electrical connectors and wiring rather than complex converters, the system achieves economical manufacturing while maintaining full charging functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of energy

If waste heat from the fuel cell system is utilized, then energy efficiency improves, but additional heat delivery infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheat delivery infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the waste heat, which would normally be discarded, into a useful resource for heating the electric vehicle cabin. By capturing and redirecting this thermal energy through existing exhaust pathways, the system improves overall energy efficiency and provides climate control without requiring complex additional infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel cell system's exhaust pathway serves dual functions: venting combustion gases and delivering waste heat to the vehicle cabin. This multi-functional use of existing components improves energy efficiency while avoiding the need for separate, complex heat delivery infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach simplifies the system, reduces costs, and enables efficient charging of electric vehicles by eliminating the need for power conversion equipment while utilizing waste heat for temperature management.

Implementation Method 1

A fuel cell system can refer to a configuration of one or more fuel cells configured to produce a direct current (DC) signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

The waste heat unit is configured to deliver heat to the electric vehicle during at least a portion of delivery of the charge, where the heat comprises waste heat from the fuel cell system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9597966B2Fuel cell system for charging an electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 BLOOM ENERGY CORP

AI summary

A method for charging electric vehicles includes receiving information regarding an electric vehicle. At least a portion of the information is received through a vehicle interface configured to place a battery of the electric vehicle into electrical communication with a fuel cell system. A charge is delivered from the fuel cell system to the battery of the electric vehicle through the vehicle interface without use of a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) converter. The charge is delivered based at least in part on the information.