Fuel Cell Vehicle Multi-Mode Control for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles face limitations in dynamic response and consumer influence due to inherent inertia in power management, resulting in reduced net power availability to external consumers and limited driver control over efficiency and consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell vehicle system with a control unit capable of operating in multiple modes, adjusting the air-conditioning system and fuel cell stack parameters based on driver inputs to optimize power consumption and dynamic response, allowing for enhanced driver influence over vehicle performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the fuel cell stack power Pstack is increased to meet power demand, then the available power increases, but the parasitic power consumption Paux of auxiliary units also increases, reducing the net power Pnet available to external consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by predicting future power demands and pre-adjusting the operating points of the fuel cell stack and auxiliary units. This allows the system to prepare for upcoming power requirements, optimizing the balance between Pstack and Paux before the actual demand occurs, thereby maximizing Pnet availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the fuel cell stack and auxiliary units in real-time based on current and predicted power demands. The control unit continuously optimizes the distribution of power between stack output and auxiliary consumption, ensuring maximum net power availability while adapting to changing operating conditions.
2Productivity
If the auxiliary units are accelerated to meet increased power demand, then the power delivery capability improves, but the mass inertia of auxiliary units causes delay, creating a local minimum in net power Pnet
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by anticipating power demand increases and pre-accelerating auxiliary units before the actual demand occurs. This predictive approach allows the system to overcome mass inertia delays, ensuring that auxiliary units are already at optimal operating speed when power demand increases, thereby eliminating response delays and maintaining continuous high productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the fuel cell vehicle operates with fixed control parameters, then the system is simple to operate, but the driver has limited influence over efficiency and consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its parameters based on driver inputs and operating conditions. The control unit continuously adjusts fuel cell stack operating points, auxiliary unit configurations, and power distribution strategies in response to driver demands, enabling both simple operation through automated adaptation and driver influence through responsive control adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where driver inputs and operating conditions are continuously monitored, and control parameters are automatically adjusted based on this feedback. This allows the driver to influence efficiency and consumption through natural driving behavior while the control system translates these inputs into optimized operational parameters, balancing ease of operation with driver control flexibility.
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 enables improved dynamic response and reduced power consumption by varying the operating range and transfer functions, allowing for more efficient use of fuel cell power and enhanced driver control over vehicle dynamics and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Fuel cells use the chemical conversion of a fuel with oxygen into water in order to generate electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel cell vehicle (200), in which the driver has more influence on the consumption and the dynamic of the vehicle (200). This is achieved by the fuel cell vehicle (200) comprising at least one sensor for detecting a first driver input and a control unit (60). The control unit (60) is configured to operate the fuel cell vehicle (200) in one of a plurality of operating modes depending on the first driver input, wherein a power consumption PAC of the air-conditioning system (70), an operating range of the fuel cell stack (10), and a transfer function for determining the power demand PEM from the second driver input are varied depending on the selected operating mode. It is provided that the driver has at least five different operating modes available, which differ in particular with respect to the available driving dynamic, the fuel consumption, and the adjustable comfort.