Fuel Cell Output Scheduling With Early Unit Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation systems with multiple generators experience planning errors due to delayed actual output changes relative to planned changes, leading to inaccuracies in power generation plans.

Innovation Solution

A power generation plan revision method that advances the timing of changing the power-generating number of fuel cell units based on the magnitude of output changes, distributing planning errors across unit periods and reducing overall error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the timing of changing the power-generating number of fuel cell units is synchronized with the unit period change timing in the power generation plan, then the control is simple and follows the planned schedule, but planning errors occur due to delayed actual output changes relative to planned changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by advancing the timing of changing the power-generating number of fuel cell units before the scheduled unit period change timing. The control device determines the actual output change timing of the fuel cell device and sets the power-generating number change timing to precede this actual change timing, thereby proactively compensating for the delay between planned and actual output changes. This reduces planning errors by anticipating and preparing for the inevitable lag in actual output response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the timing of changing the power-generating number is advanced to compensate for output delay, then planning accuracy improves, but the control strategy becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation plan accuracyVSAvoidcontrol operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual output of the fuel cell device and using this information to dynamically adjust the timing of power-generating number changes. The control device determines the actual output change timing based on real-time output data and adjusts the control strategy accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables accurate power generation planning while maintaining operational simplicity through automated, data-driven decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the power-generating number is changed exactly at the unit period boundary, then the plan follows the scheduled structure, but planning errors accumulate due to the delay between planned and actual output changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplan structure stabilityVSAvoidpower generation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by shifting the power-generating number change timing from the unit period boundary to a point before the actual output change timing. This proactive adjustment maintains the structured approach of scheduled changes while correcting the timing to account for the delay between planned and actual output. The control device calculates the appropriate advance timing based on the determined actual output change timing, thereby preserving plan structure stability while improving power generation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250286370A1Power generation plan revision method, power generation plan revision device, and power generation system
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US20250286370A1 patent drawing
  • US20250286370A1 patent drawing
  • US20250286370A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power generation plan revision method according to the present disclosure includes: receiving a power generation plan for a fuel cell device provided with a plurality of fuel cell power generation units; and revising the received power generation plan for the fuel cell device so as to advance a timing of changing the power-generating number of the fuel cell power generation units relative to a timing of changing from a previous unit period to a next unit period in the power generation plan, according to the magnitude of a change in the output of the fuel cell device when changing from the previous unit period to the next unit period.