Fuel Cell Electrolysis for Prolonged Endurance Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems face overheating and excessive wear during prolonged endurance braking, limiting the duration of effective braking performance, especially in downhill scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Transfer electric energy generated during braking from electric motors to a fuel cell arrangement to perform electrolysis, converting water into oxygen and hydrogen, which is stored for later use, thereby dispersing excess energy and reducing motor heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If continuous braking is applied during long downhill portions, then braking performance is maintained, but the service brakes become overheated and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy that would otherwise be converted to heat in the brakes by using regenerative braking to capture kinetic energy during deceleration. This removes the harmful thermal effect from the braking system while maintaining the braking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically alternates between regenerative braking and service braking based on energy storage capacity and braking requirements. This periodic switching allows the service brakes to cool down between uses, preventing overheating while maintaining continuous braking capability.
2Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is used to capture energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the energy storage system becomes saturated and cannot accept more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the braking strategy based on real-time energy storage status. When the energy storage system is saturated, the control automatically transitions from regenerative braking to service braking or endurance braking, ensuring continuous operational capability while maximizing energy recovery when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the braking system by introducing endurance braking mode, which modifies the braking force distribution and energy management parameters to allow prolonged braking operation beyond the normal energy storage capacity limits.
3Force
If service brakes are used for prolonged periods, then braking force is maintained, but excessive wear occurs and component lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the normally wasted kinetic energy during braking into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. This not only reduces wear on service brakes but also charges the energy storage system, creating a beneficial dual outcome from the braking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges regenerative braking and service braking into a unified braking system that operates synergistically. The regenerative braking handles energy recovery while service brakes provide supplemental braking force, combining both systems to achieve reduced wear and maintained braking performance.
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 method prolongs the duration of consistent braking by reducing motor heating and extending the interval for effective braking without overheating, utilizing available fuel cell systems for energy dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
transferring (from the electric motor(s) to the fuel cell arrangement) electric energy or power generated by the electric motor(s) during the braking, and dispatching the transferred electric energy or power by causing the fuel cell arrangement to perform electrolysis driven by the transferred electric energy or power
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A method is disclosed for enabling prolonged endurance braking for a vehicle comprising one or more electric motor(s) and a fuel cell arrangement configured to drive the electric motor(s). The method comprises - during braking by the electric motor(s) - transferring, from the electric motor(s) to the fuel cell arrangement, electric energy or power generated by the electric motor(s) during the braking, and dispatching the transferred electric energy or power by causing the fuel cell arrangement to perform electrolysis driven by the transferred electric energy or power. In some examples, electric energy or power generated by the electric motor(s) during the braking is transferred from the electric motor(s) to the fuel cell arrangement only when an energy storing system of the vehicle is unable to receive the generated electric energy or power for storage. Corresponding computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, computer system, vehicle sub-system, and vehicle are also disclosed.