Fuel Cell PMC Thermal Control for Coolant Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell vehicles, the existing thermal management systems for power module completes (PMCs) fail to maintain consistent coolant temperatures across PMCs due to varying separation distances from the radiator, leading to temperature deviations and accelerated fuel cell degradation.
Innovation Solution
A power plant thermal-management-system control method that uses a controller to receive coolant temperature values from PMCs, determine a representative value, and operate thermal management systems based on this value, including adjusting coolant supply pumps and temperature control valves to maintain optimal temperature ranges and facilitate rapid cooling of stopped PMCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coolant supply pumps and temperature control valves of TMSs in PMCs are identically controlled, then control simplicity is maintained, but temperature uniformity across PMCs deteriorates due to different cooling line lengths and flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring coolant supply pumps and temperature control valves differently for each PMC based on their specific cooling line characteristics. Each PMC's TMS is tailored to its local conditions (distance from radiator, cooling line length), ensuring optimal temperature control for each module rather than applying uniform control to all PMCs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters (pump rotation speeds, valve opening degrees) based on the specific characteristics of each PMC. The control system adjusts these parameters to compensate for differences in cooling line lengths and flow rates, thereby maintaining temperature uniformity across all PMCs despite their different positions in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooling line lengths from radiator to PMCs are different, then system layout flexibility is improved, but temperature consistency across PMCs deteriorates due to varying flow rates and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses temperature consistency issues caused by different cooling line lengths by applying local quality control. Each PMC's TMS is configured according to its specific location and cooling line characteristics, with customized pump and valve settings that account for the varying distances from the radiator, thereby compensating for the inherent temperature and flow rate differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors temperature and flow conditions in each PMC and adjusts pump speeds and valve openings accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that temperature consistency is maintained across all PMCs despite differences in cooling line lengths and system layout variations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If coolant flow rates and temperatures to PMCs vary due to separation distances, then individual PMC cooling needs are addressed, but temperature deviations from reference range occur leading to fuel cell degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents fuel cell degradation by dynamically changing control parameters (pump rotation speeds, valve opening degrees) for each PMC based on its specific cooling conditions. These parameter adjustments compensate for temperature deviations caused by varying separation distances, ensuring that each PMC operates within the optimal temperature range and preventing fuel cell degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control to monitor temperature deviations in each PMC and adjust the cooling system parameters in real-time. When temperature deviations from the reference range are detected, the control system responds by modifying pump and valve settings to bring temperatures back within the optimal range, thereby preventing fuel cell degradation.
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 method prevents temperature deviations in PMCs, thereby reducing fuel cell degradation and ensuring consistent power output by optimizing coolant flow and temperature control across the power plant.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant supply pump that supplies the coolant from the radiator into the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
coolant that has passed through the fuel cell and the radiator in this order
Implementation Method 3
a coolant temperature control valve that controls a temperature of the coolant supplied into the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A power plant thermal-management-system control method for controlling thermal management systems in PMCs is provided. The thermal management systems are operated based on coolant temperatures of the PMCs of a power plant of a fuel cell vehicle to prevent the temperatures of the PMCs from deviating from a reference range, which in turn prevents degradation of fuel cells.