Electromagnetic Injector for Fuel Cell Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical variable pressure regulating valves in fuel cell systems are cumbersome, expensive, and lack responsiveness, making it difficult to precisely vary fuel gas supply pressure in response to operating states, leading to increased system size and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system incorporating an injector with control means to regulate gas state parameters such as flow rate and pressure, using a regulator to reduce upstream pressure and an electromagnetically driven injector to control gas flow and pressure with high precision, allowing for responsive fuel gas supply adjustments based on the fuel cell's operating state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical variable pressure regulating valve is used to vary fuel gas supply pressure, then the supply pressure can be adjusted between two levels, but the responsiveness is low and high precision regulation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable pressure regulating valve with an electromagnetic injector that uses electromagnetic force to control the valve opening degree. This substitution enables precise control of the gas passage area and rapid response to control signals, achieving both high precision pressure regulation and fast responsiveness that mechanical systems cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the injector valve opening degree as a variable parameter to precisely regulate the gas passage area. By varying the opening degree continuously rather than between fixed positions, the system achieves precise pressure regulation. Additionally, the control signal parameters (voltage, current, pulse width) are adjusted to control the electromagnetic force and valve position dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical variable pressure regulating valve is used, then pressure regulation function is provided, but the construction is complex leading to large size and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulation function and shut-off function into a single injector device. The injector can regulate pressure by controlling valve opening degree and can completely shut off gas flow by closing the valve, eliminating the need for separate shut-off valve and reducing system complexity, size, and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector is designed to perform multiple functions: pressure regulation through variable opening degree control, complete shut-off through valve closure, and flow control. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining all necessary functions.
3Quantity of substance
If fuel gas supply pressure is extremely high, then sufficient fuel can be supplied to the fuel cell, but the mechanical variable regulator cannot quickly respond to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic injector replaces the slow-responding mechanical regulator. The electromagnetic actuator can rapidly adjust the valve opening degree in response to control signals, enabling quick pressure changes while maintaining sufficient fuel gas supply quantity to the fuel cell during dynamic operating conditions.
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 achieves high responsiveness and precise regulation of fuel gas supply pressure, reducing equipment size and costs while maintaining stability across varying operating conditions, ensuring efficient fuel gas supply.
Implementation Method 1
a regulator to decrease the supply pressure to a constant value when the fuel gas supply pressure from the fuel supply source is extremely high
Implementation Method 2
an injector for regulating the gas state upstream in the fuel supply system and supplying the gas downstream
Data Source
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AI summary
The fuel cell system is provided with a fuel cell, a fuel supply system for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell, an injector for regulating the gas state upstream in the fuel supply system and supplying the gas downstream, and control means for driving and controlling the injector at a predetermined drive cycle. The control means sets the working state of the injector in response to the operating state of the fuel cell.