Fuel Cell Valve Diagnosis via Hydrogen Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel cell systems are complex due to the need for an air pressure sensor to determine if the air inlet and outlet valves are closed normally, which complicates the structure and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system that uses a hydrogen gas pressure sensor to estimate the normal closure of air inlet and outlet valves by measuring pressure changes after closing the hydrogen gas inlet, outlet, air inlet, and air outlet valves, allowing for simplified structure and reduced costs without an air pressure sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an air pressure sensor is provided in the air passage to determine whether the air inlet valve or air outlet valve is closed normally, then the valve closure status can be accurately detected, but the system structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen gas pressure sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only monitors hydrogen gas pressure during normal operation but also enables detection of air valve closure status by measuring pressure changes in the hydrogen gas passage when all valves are closed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate air pressure sensor, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the hydrogen gas passage as an intermediary medium to indirectly detect the closure status of air valves. By measuring pressure changes in the hydrogen gas passage (which is connected to the fuel cell and affected by air valve status), the system can determine air valve closure without directly measuring air pressure, thus avoiding the need for an air pressure sensor while maintaining detection reliability.
2Reliability
If an air pressure sensor is provided in the air passage to determine valve closure status, then accurate detection is achieved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen gas pressure sensor performs dual functions: monitoring hydrogen gas pressure during operation and detecting air valve closure status through pressure change measurement. This eliminates the need for a separate air pressure sensor, reducing component count and system cost while maintaining accurate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the air valve detection function into the existing hydrogen gas pressure monitoring system. By combining these functions into a single sensor and control process, the system reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple pressure sensors are provided for monitoring different passages, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen gas pressure sensor is designed to provide comprehensive monitoring information through a single device. It monitors hydrogen gas pressure during normal operation and detects air valve closure status by measuring pressure changes when valves are closed, thereby providing comprehensive monitoring without requiring multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pressure changes in the hydrogen gas passage as an intermediary indicator to infer the closure status of air valves. This indirect measurement approach allows comprehensive monitoring of both hydrogen gas pressure and air valve status using a single sensor, reducing the total number of sensors required while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
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 accurate and easy estimation of valve closure normalcy through pressure measurement, potentially identifying abnormalities and triggering corrective actions like compressor operation or alarms, thus simplifying the system and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogen gas pressure sensor is configured to obtain a pressure of gas in the hydrogen gas passage disposed downstream of the hydrogen gas inlet valve and upstream of the hydrogen gas outlet valve
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; an air passage including an air supply passage and an air exhaust passage; an air inlet valve configured to open and close the air supply passage; an air outlet valve configured to open and close the air exhaust passage; a hydrogen gas passage including a hydrogen gas supply passage and a hydrogen gas exhaust passage; a hydrogen gas inlet valve configured to open and close the hydrogen gas supply passage; a hydrogen gas outlet valve configured to open and close the hydrogen gas exhaust passage; a hydrogen gas pressure sensor configured to obtain a pressure of gas in the hydrogen gas passage disposed downstream of the hydrogen gas inlet valve and upstream of the hydrogen gas outlet valve; and a controller.