Fuel Cell Cathode Exhaust Boosting for Vehicle Air Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle propulsion systems face inefficiencies due to excessive air usage in fuel cell systems, which can lead to increased energy consumption and complexity in pneumatic systems, particularly in vehicles using compressed air for braking and suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a fuel cell system with a compressed air system, where filtered air from the fuel cell cathode side is used to boost an electrically driven air compressor for pneumatic devices, eliminating the need for additional air filters and reducing power consumption, by connecting the air compressor to the fuel cell system's exhaust air conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If filtered air from the fuel cell cathode side is used to boost the electrically driven air compressor, then power consumption is reduced and component size is minimized, but the air flow requirements and pressure demands of both the fuel cell system and pneumatic devices must be coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell system's air intake pathway with the pneumatic system's air compressor boost pathway. The air filter serves both the fuel cell cathode and the air compressor, and the compressed air from the fuel cell system is used to boost the electrically driven air compressor. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces power consumption while requiring control coordination between the two systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter is designed to serve multiple functions: filtering air for the fuel cell cathode and filtering air for the air compressor. The compressed air system is designed to provide air both to the fuel cell system and to boost the air compressor for pneumatic devices. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and lowers overall power consumption.
2Device complexity
If the air filter is positioned to serve both fuel cell cathode and air compressor, then component quantity is reduced, but the air flow distribution and pressure regulation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter is merged into a single component that serves both the fuel cell cathode air intake and the air compressor air intake. This consolidation reduces the total number of filters needed in the system while requiring careful design of the air distribution pathways to ensure both systems receive adequate filtered air.
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 integration reduces the power required to drive the compressed air system, minimizes component size and weight, and simplifies the system by eliminating redundant filters, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the fuel cell system may comprise a vast number of fuel cells forming a fuel cell stack in which an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen generates electric power
Implementation Method 2
an air compressor disposed in the air inlet conduit
Implementation Method 3
an air filter arranged to receive air from an ambient environment, the air filter being arranged at an inlet of the air inlet conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle, having a fuel cell system and a compressed air system for supplying compressed air to a pneumatic device is provided. The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell having an anode side and a cathode side, an outlet conduit connected to an outlet end of the cathode side, an air inlet conduit connected to an inlet end of the cathode side for supply of air to the cathode side of the fuel cell. An air compressor is disposed in the air inlet conduit, an air filter receives air from an ambient environment. Their filter is arranged at an inlet of the air inlet conduit. The compressed air system includes an electrically operable air compressor connectable to the pneumatic device in fluid communication with the compressor. An air inlet of the compressor is connected to the outlet conduit at a selected position, whereby the compressor receives exhaust air from the cathode side of the at least one fuel cell.