Fuel Cell Power Allocation via Real-Time Efficiency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems using fuel cells face inefficiencies in power distribution between fuel cells and storage devices, leading to suboptimal energy management and efficiency, especially when load requirements vary.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system comprising a fuel cell, a power storage device, and a processor that controls both to ensure the power storage device supplies power with efficiency equal to or higher than a first value, with the fuel cell supplying the difference in power required, thereby optimizing energy distribution based on calculated target powers and efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the fuel cell output power is determined based on stored output characteristics, then the power generation efficiency is maintained high, but the system cannot adapt when load requirements vary and optimal efficiency cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual output current and voltage of the fuel cell, calculates the actual output characteristics in real-time, and uses this feedback to dynamically determine the FC allowable power. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to load variations while maintaining high power generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static stored output characteristics to dynamic real-time measurement and calculation of fuel cell output characteristics. The FC allowable power is continuously updated based on actual measurements, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to varying load requirements and maintain optimal efficiency.
2Power
If the secondary cell outputs power to meet load requirements, then the load demand is satisfied, but the voltage fluctuation increases and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process that determines the FC allowable power based on real-time fuel cell characteristics. This intermediary value serves as a reference to optimally allocate power between the fuel cell and secondary cell, reducing voltage fluctuations and improving overall power efficiency while meeting load requirements.
3Loss of energy
If the FC allowable power is determined based on newly acquired output characteristics, then the power generation efficiency is optimized, but the system complexity increases due to continuous measurement and calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fuel cell's own output characteristics (measured current and voltage) to determine its allowable power output. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external characterization tests and simplified the measurement system, requiring only basic sensors to monitor the fuel cell's actual performance and calculate optimal power allocation.
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 overall power supply system efficiency by ensuring that the power storage device operates at maximum efficiency and the fuel cell supplements the required power, improving energy management and reducing energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell (50) and a storage device (22) that are capable of supplying power to a load (40)
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell (50) and a storage device (22) that are capable of supplying power to a load (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a fuel cell, a power storage, and a processor. The fuel cell and the power storage supply electric power to a load. The processor is configured to control the fuel cell and the power storage. The processor is configured to acquire a required system power that is required in the power supply system. The processor is configured to determine a power storage shared power such that power efficiency of the electric power supplied from the power storage to the load is equal to or higher than a first value. The processor is configured to determine a fuel cell shared power such that the electric power supplied from the fuel cell is a difference between the power storage shared power and the required system power.