Compact Fuel Cell and Engine Integration for Emission-Free Urban Driving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicles that combine internal combustion engines and electric motors struggle to operate purely electrically in urban areas without compromising interior and luggage compartment space, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage energy demands for dynamic driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle design featuring a compact low-temperature fuel cell and internal combustion engine in a single engine compartment, with the fuel cell generating electricity for electric motor operation in urban areas, and an electrical storage unit using double-layer capacitors for dynamic energy needs, allowing for emission-free urban driving and efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a fuel cell is added to the engine compartment alongside the internal combustion engine, then emission-free urban driving becomes possible, but the engine compartment space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent powertrain configurations: a fuel cell-electric drive unit for urban operation and a conventional internal combustion engine for extra-urban operation. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized independently and enables the fuel cell to be integrated into the engine compartment without requiring complete redesign of the entire powertrain layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack is arranged in a spatial configuration that utilizes vertical space and optimizes three-dimensional packaging within the engine compartment. By considering spatial arrangement across multiple dimensions rather than simple linear placement, the design accommodates both the fuel cell and internal combustion engine within the available volume.
2Area of stationary object
If the internal combustion engine is made smaller to accommodate the fuel cell, then space is freed for the fuel cell, but the engine's power output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it provides primary propulsion for extra-urban highways and also functions as a generator in hybrid mode during urban operation. This universal design allows the engine to be downsized while maintaining sufficient power output through its dual operational roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine operating parameters are optimized for different operational modes. In hybrid mode, the engine operates at elevated temperatures and adjusted fuel-air ratios to maximize thermal efficiency and power density, allowing a smaller engine displacement to deliver the required power output when combined with electrical assistance.
3Power
If a large electrical storage unit is installed to provide power for urban driving, then sufficient power for acceleration is available, but the vehicle's interior and luggage space are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical storage system is designed with dynamic capacity that adapts to driving conditions. The storage unit provides high power output for brief acceleration phases in urban areas, then transitions to a smaller sustained power provision during constant-speed cruising, where the fuel cell directly supplies electrical power to the motor without requiring large energy reserves.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing continuous high power through a large storage unit, the system uses partial action by supplying electrical energy only during specific high-demand phases such as acceleration from traffic lights. During steady-state urban cruising, the fuel cell provides base electrical power, allowing the storage unit to be smaller while still meeting peak power requirements.
4Loss of energy
If the fuel cell is thermally coupled with the internal combustion engine for heat recovery, then energy efficiency is improved, but the fuel cell's optimal temperature range is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal management intermediary system with independent temperature control is introduced between the fuel cell and the internal combustion engine. This intermediary system selectively transfers or blocks thermal energy based on operational requirements, allowing the fuel cell to maintain its optimal low-temperature range (60-80°C) while still enabling heat recovery from the engine when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system dynamically adjusts temperature parameters based on operational mode. During urban fuel cell operation, the system maintains lower temperatures to preserve fuel cell efficiency and longevity. During extra-urban engine-only operation or hybrid mode, the system allows higher temperatures to maximize thermal efficiency and enable heat recovery, thereby optimizing energy efficiency without compromising fuel cell 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
Enables emission-free urban driving with minimal impact on vehicle usability, providing sufficient power for both urban and extra-urban operations while maintaining practicality and safety through efficient energy storage and thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell (20) making electrical energy available for operating the motor vehicle at low speeds, in particular in an inner-city area
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine (16) with a correspondingly higher output for operation outside of urban areas
Implementation Method 3
the electrical storage unit (30) has a plurality of double-layer capacitors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises two drive assemblies in the form of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. For the operation of the motor vehicle at low speeds, preferably in an inner-city area, a fuel cell having comparatively small dimensions provides electric energy that is supplied to the electric motor directly and/or via an electric accumulator. In this way, the motor vehicle can be moved without emissions during the operation of the fuel cell with hydrogen. For the operation outside of city areas, the internal combustion engine having an accordingly higher output is available. The fuel cell is arranged in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle together with the internal combustion engine.