Isolated Fuel Cell Power Assembly for Aeronautical Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aeronautical vehicles face inefficiencies and excess weight when incorporating new power sources, necessitating the integration of alternative power sources without creating additional inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A power source assembly combining a fuel cell module, battery, isolated DC/DC converter, and controller to regulate power distribution, ensuring efficient and controlled power delivery to propulsors, utilizing a dual active bridge topology to manage power flow and prevent premature wear of the fuel cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new power sources are incorporated into aeronautical vehicles, then power source versatility is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fuel cell stack and a battery into a single power source assembly, integrating two different power sources into one unified system. This merging approach provides versatile power options while consolidating weight into a single optimized structure rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source assembly is designed to provide multiple functions: the fuel cell stack can operate independently, the battery can operate independently, or they can work together in parallel or series configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different power demands while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If fuel cell modules are used to provide power, then continuous power supply is improved, but premature wear occurs without proper power management
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to manage power distribution in advance, determining when to operate the fuel cell stack alone, the battery alone, or both together. This preliminary control strategy prevents premature wear by avoiding high-current draw scenarios that would stress the fuel cell module before necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors and manages power distribution based on operating conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust power flow dynamically, protecting the fuel cell module from wear by coordinating operation with the battery and load demands.
3Ease of operation
If isolated DC/DC converter with dual active bridge topology is used, then power distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolated DC/DC converter with dual active bridge topology serves as an intermediary device between the power sources and the load. This mediator provides precise control over power distribution while isolating the complexity of control logic within the converter itself, maintaining ease of operation for the overall system.
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 assembly provides efficient power management, minimizing wear and ensuring reliable power delivery to propulsors, thereby optimizing performance and reducing excess weight.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer inductively coupling the DC/AC portion with the AC/DC portion; wherein the transformer of the DC/DC converter provides electric isolation between the DC/AC portion and the AC/DC portion
Data Source
AI summary
A power source assembly is provided having a fuel cell module configured to provide a first direct current power output; a battery configured to provide a second direct current power output; and an isolated DC/DC converter in electrical connection between the fuel cell module and a load. The isolated DC/DC converter includes a DC/AC portion, an AC/DC portion, and a transformer that connects the DC/AC portion and AC/DC portion. The battery can be electrically connected to the DC/AC portion or the AC/DC portion. The isolated DC/DC converter ensures that the fuel cell module is electrically isolated from the load via the transformer.