Fuel Cell Load Device for Oxygen Removal and Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems for vehicles face challenges in removing oxygen from the fuel cell stack to prevent corrosion and deterioration, especially during collisions or system failures, and in managing regeneration braking energy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power net system for fuel cell vehicles that includes a diode, a fuel cell load device, relays, an inverter, and a converter, which allows for controlled voltage reduction at the fuel cell stack and consumption of regeneration braking energy, ensuring the stack is not exposed to high voltage and utilizing regenerative braking energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuel cell load device is connected to remove oxygen from the fuel cell stack, then oxygen removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxygen removal function with the existing fuel cell load device, integrating multiple functions (voltage reduction and oxygen removal) into a single component rather than adding separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell load device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a voltage reduction mechanism and an oxygen removal system, allowing one component to address multiple technical requirements
2Reliability
If relays are added to control voltage reduction and energy consumption, then voltage control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses controllable relays that can dynamically switch connections based on operating conditions, allowing flexible control of voltage reduction and energy consumption pathways without permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Relays serve as intermediary switching devices that control the connection between components, enabling precise control of electrical pathways without requiring direct complex integration between the fuel cell stack, load device, and energy storage systems
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell load device is used to consume regenerative braking energy, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell load device serves dual purposes: it performs its primary function of oxygen removal and voltage reduction while simultaneously consuming regenerative braking energy, allowing the system to utilize available energy without requiring separate dedicated consumption pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the fuel cell load device based on energy availability, adjusting its function to consume regenerative braking energy when available while maintaining its primary oxygen removal capability under all 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 effectively reduces voltage at the fuel cell stack during collisions or failures, prevents corrosion, and optimally manages regeneration braking energy, enhancing safety and efficiency by blocking electrical connections and utilizing regenerative energy for charging the high voltage battery.
Implementation Method 1
a diode having a first end connected to an output stage of a fuel cell stack
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell load device branched and connected between the output stage of the fuel cell stack and the diode
Implementation Method 3
a first relay positioned between the output stage of the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell load device and configured to connect or separate the output stage of the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell load device
Data Source
AI summary
A power net system for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a diode having a first end connected to an output stage of a fuel cell stack; a fuel cell load device branched and connected between the output stage of the fuel cell stack and the diode; a first relay positioned between the output stage of the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell load device and configured to connect or separate the output stage of the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell load device; and a second relay having a first end connected to a second end of the diode and a second end connected between the first relay and the fuel cell load device.