Fuel Cell Vehicle Moisture Discharge Control for Camera Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell vehicles, the discharge of moisture from the fuel cell system can interfere with the visibility and accuracy of external cameras, affecting control systems that rely on image data for driving assistance and display functions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell vehicle equipped with a discharge mechanism and an electronic control unit that reduces the discharge flow rate of water vapor when predetermined control processes, such as drive assist or display control, are executed, using a low discharge process that adjusts the timing and temperature of moisture discharge based on environmental conditions and operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If moisture is discharged from the fuel cell system at normal flow rate, then moisture removal efficiency is improved, but camera visibility and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge flow rate of water vapor is dynamically adjusted based on the execution state of predetermined control. When predetermined control is executed, the discharge flow rate is reduced to a lower level; when predetermined control is not executed, the discharge flow rate is increased to a normal level. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the moisture discharge rate to the real-time operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of discharge flow rate is changed based on control conditions. The system switches between two distinct flow rate states (normal and reduced) depending on whether predetermined control is being executed, thereby optimizing both moisture removal and camera visibility under different operational scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If water vapor discharge flow rate is reduced during predetermined control, then camera visibility is improved, but moisture removal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic adjustment of discharge flow rate based on the periodic execution of predetermined control functions. The discharge mechanism alternates between normal operation and reduced discharge mode, matching the periodic nature of control execution. This allows the system to maintain high moisture removal efficiency during non-control periods while ensuring camera visibility during control periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge efficiency is dynamically optimized by adjusting the flow rate in response to control execution status. The system achieves high overall moisture removal efficiency by combining periods of normal discharge with periods of reduced discharge, rather than maintaining a constant reduced flow rate that would compromise overall efficiency.
3Reliability
If discharge flow rate is adjusted based on environmental conditions, then condensation control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from environmental condition sensors (temperature and humidity) to adjust the discharge flow rate. The control unit receives sensor data, predicts condensation likelihood, and accordingly adjusts the discharge mechanism. This feedback loop improves condensation control while maintaining manageable system complexity through straightforward sensor-controller-actuator architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of discharge flow rate based on environmental conditions without requiring complex external control. The control unit automatically predicts condensation risk and adjusts discharge accordingly, enabling the system to self-optimize its operation in response to changing environmental conditions.
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 minimizes the impact of moisture discharge on camera visibility and control accuracy, ensuring effective image capture and processing for driving assistance and display purposes while maintaining efficient moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
moisture generated by power generation, or the like, in a fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
the electronic control unit is configured to predict whether the water vapor discharged to the outside of the fuel cell vehicle easily condenses based on at least one of an outside air temperature and an outside air humidity
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell vehicle on which a fuel cell system including a fuel cell is mounted includes a discharge mechanism configured to discharge moisture, generated by the fuel cell, from the fuel cell system to an outside of the vehicle, a camera configured to capture an image outside the vehicle, and an electronic control unit configured to determine whether predetermined control based on an information obtained from the image and executed or stopped in response to a driving status or drive mode of the vehicle in an on-state of an ignition switch is being executed, and, when it is determined that the predetermined control is being executed, execute a low discharge process in which a discharge flow rate of water vapor that is discharged from the discharge mechanism to the outside of the vehicle is reduced as compared to when it is determined that the predetermined control is stopped.