Fuel Cell Injector Control for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems experience noise and vibration issues due to frequent operation of the injector during non-power generation states, which can be uncomfortable for users, and there is a need to reduce these disturbances while ensuring adequate hydrogen supply and preventing hydrogen deficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system that sets a higher second target pressure initially and then transitions to a lower first target pressure, controlling the injector to minimize operations and maintain optimal hydrogen supply, along with an anode gas circulation system to prevent hydrogen deficiency and reduce noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the injector operates frequently to maintain the first target pressure in non-power generation state, then hydrogen supply reliability is improved, but noise and vibration increase making users uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary hydrogen supply action by setting the second target pressure (higher than the first target pressure) at the beginning of non-power generation state. This preliminary action increases hydrogen supply in advance, creating a buffer that reduces the need for frequent subsequent injector operations, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic action by switching between two pressure target modes: initially using the second target pressure, then transitioning to the first target pressure. This periodic switching pattern optimizes injector operation frequency, reducing unnecessary operations after the initial hydrogen supply is established.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the injector operation frequency is reduced to minimize noise and vibration, then user comfort is improved, but hydrogen supply adequacy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by establishing a higher second target pressure at the start of non-power generation state. This ensures adequate hydrogen supply is achieved in advance through a single or limited number of injector operations, creating a buffer that maintains supply adequacy during subsequent periods without frequent injector activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the target pressure parameter between two distinct values: the second target pressure (higher) and the first target pressure (lower). This parameter switching strategy ensures adequate hydrogen supply during critical initial periods while reducing injector operation frequency during stable periods, balancing supply adequacy with noise reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to reduce the noise and the vibration caused in operation of an injector in a non-power generation state of a fuel cell. There is provided a fuel cell system comprising fuel cells configured such that each fuel cell includes an anode, an electrolyte membrane and a cathode; an injector that is configured to supply hydrogen to the anode; and a controller that is configured to control operation of an injector to make pressure of the anode reach a target pressure. In a non-power generation state that is after a start of the fuel cell system but is before power generation of the fuel cells, the controller sets a second target pressure that is higher than a first target pressure to the target pressure and controls operation of the injector to make the pressure of the anode equal to the second target pressure. After the pressure of the anode is increased to be higher than the first target pressure, the controller sets the first target pressure to the target pressure and controls operation of the injector to make the pressure of the anode equal to the first target pressure. The first target pressure is a pressure required to supply hydrogen over the entire anodes in the fuel cell stack.