Fuel Cell Vehicle External Power Supply Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel cell vehicles lack an efficient power distribution control system that optimally manages power supply to external loads based on the magnitude of power required and the state of charge of the high voltage battery, leading to suboptimal fuel economy and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An external power supply system for fuel cell vehicles that includes a fuel cell, a high voltage battery, a charging/discharging unit, and a controller to adjust power distribution between the fuel cell and the battery based on the load's power requirements and battery state of charge, employing multiple control modes to maximize fuel economy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fuel cell vehicle supplies power to external loads without optimized power distribution control, then the vehicle can function as a movable generator, but fuel economy and power efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capability to external loadsVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution control system dynamically adjusts the power output ratio between the fuel cell and high voltage battery based on real-time conditions including external load magnitude and battery state of charge, transitioning between different power distribution modes to optimize fuel economy while maintaining adaptability to varying power supply demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the power output ratios of the fuel cell and battery according to different operating conditions, modifying the state of charge thresholds and power distribution strategies based on load requirements to achieve optimal fuel efficiency across different scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the fuel cell operates continuously to supply power to external loads, then power supply reliability is improved, but fuel consumption and operation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements periodic adjustment of power distribution strategies by transitioning between different power supply modes (fuel cell dominant, battery dominant, or combined) based on time-varying conditions such as load changes and battery state of charge, allowing the fuel cell to operate intermittently rather than continuously, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining reliable power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The high voltage battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the fuel cell and external loads, absorbing excess power when the fuel cell operates and supplying power when the fuel cell is idle or operating at reduced capacity, thus decoupling fuel cell operation from continuous power supply requirements and reducing overall fuel consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the high voltage battery discharges to supply power to external loads, then the fuel cell operation can be reduced, but the state of charge decreases and may require frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel cell operation reductionVSAvoidbattery state of charge

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution control system continuously monitors the state of charge of the high voltage battery and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the power distribution strategy, switching between battery discharge mode, fuel cell operation mode, or combined mode to maintain battery state of charge within optimal ranges while reducing fuel cell operation when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system improves fuel economy by optimizing power distribution and maintaining the fuel cell in an optimal state, ensuring efficient power supply to external loads while minimizing battery discharge and fuel cell operation costs.

Implementation Method 1

A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that converts chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction without converting the chemical energy into heat by burning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Implementation Method 2

a high voltage battery connected to the fuel cell via a main bus terminal; a charging/discharging unit configured to execute charging or discharging of the high voltage battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10807499B2External power supply system and supply method of fuel cell vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An external power supply system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system includes a fuel cell and a high voltage battery that is connected to the fuel cell via a main bus terminal A charging/discharging unit executes charging or discharging of the high voltage battery. A power supply line is branched from the main bus terminal and connected to a load outside the vehicle to supply power of the fuel cell or the high voltage battery to the load outside the vehicle. A controller operates the fuel cell and the charging/discharging unit based on a magnitude in power supplied to the load outside the vehicle and a state of charge (SOC) of the high voltage battery.