Fuel Cell System Oxygen Control via MOSFET Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in maintaining high output performance due to the need for frequent oxygen supply interruptions, known as 'Starvation,' which results in temporary performance boosts followed by gradual decline, and is cumbersome to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system comprising a cathode enclosed fuel cell, a controller, a switch, an oxygen supply device, and an output circuit, where the controller adjusts the electrochemical metering ratio of oxygen flow, using a MOSFET switch and pulse transfer of protons to optimize output current without reducing oxygen supply, and includes additional components like a voltage limiter, fuse, heat removal system, and safety apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If oxygen supply is reduced or interrupted (Starvation method), then output performance of fuel cells is improved temporarily, but execution time cannot be shortened due to mechanical device regulation requirements and performance slides down during further use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical devices (fans/air dampers) with electronic control components (MOSFET switch, controllable pressure reducing valve) to achieve oxygen supply interruption. This substitution eliminates the regulation and control time associated with mechanical devices, allowing for much shorter execution times while maintaining the performance boost effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the oxygen supply system through electronic components that can rapidly adjust oxygen flow. The MOSFET switch and controllable pressure reducing valve enable real-time, precise control of oxygen supply, allowing the system to dynamically respond to performance needs without the lag inherent in mechanical systems.
2Power
If oxygen supply is reduced or interrupted (Starvation method), then output performance of fuel cells is improved, but frequency of operation must be increased to maintain high performance level
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical devices with electronic control components, the system achieves faster response times and more precise control. This allows for optimized starvation cycles that maintain high performance with fewer operations, reducing the frequency needed while preserving the performance benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from mechanical regulation to electronic control, enabling precise adjustment of oxygen supply timing and duration. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve sustained high performance with reduced operation frequency, improving overall productivity.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical devices are used for oxygen supply reduction (fans/air dampers), then oxygen supply can be controlled, but regulation and control time is required which limits execution speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical control devices with electronic control components (MOSFET switch, controllable pressure reducing valve). This replacement maintains the ability to control oxygen supply while eliminating the regulation and control time inherent in mechanical systems, thereby dramatically increasing execution speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controllable pressure reducing valve to control oxygen supply, leveraging pneumatic principles for precise flow control. This approach provides both ease of operation through electronic control and high execution speed by avoiding mechanical regulation delays.
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
This approach enhances fuel cell performance stability by minimizing output interruptions and maintaining high output performance without the need for frequent oxygen supply reductions, allowing for more efficient and continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
Fuel cells can directly convert hydrogen and oxygen (usually the oxygen in the air) into electricity with high efficiency, and the byproduct of the reaction is water.
Implementation Method 2
The switch is a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The switch includes a source, a drain, and a gate.
Implementation Method 3
the oxygen supply device is a combination of devices comprising of an oxygen supply device or a compressed air cylinder, and a controllable pressure reducing valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system and a method for operating the fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a controller, a switch, an oxygen supply device and an output circuit. The fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode. The fuel cell is a cathode enclosed fuel cell. The controller is used to drive control signal for adjusting the electrochemical metering ratio of oxygen flow, supplied by the oxygen supply device, to output current, wherein the electrochemical metering ratio is ‘a’, and ‘a’ satisfies: 1≤a≤4. The method of the present disclosure uses the fuel cell system of the present disclosure, which optimizes the performance of a fuel cell and makes the output interruption time very short; hence it is highly beneficial for providing a more stable output.