Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Split for SOH-Aware Module Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face challenges in managing power distribution efficiently across fuel cell modules and battery packs with varying states of health and charge, leading to inefficiencies and potential degradation, especially in vehicles with high power variability demands.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that monitors and controls fuel cell modules and battery packs, determining a power split based on state of health, state of charge, and operating phases to optimize power flow and extend component lifespan by prioritizing charging and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is distributed evenly across all fuel cell modules and battery packs, then the system meets power demand reliably, but components with lower state of health degrade faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing power differently to various fuel cell modules and battery packs based on their individual states of health. The controller assigns weighted factors to each component, allowing power distribution to be tailored to each component's condition rather than applying a uniform distribution. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable power supply while protecting weaker components from excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by continuously adjusting the power split ratios based on real-time monitoring of state of charge and state of health parameters. The power distribution is not static but dynamically adapts to changing component conditions, allowing the system to optimize both reliability and component lifespan as conditions evolve during operation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the controller continuously monitors and adjusts power split based on state of health and state of charge, then component lifespan is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control system to automatically monitor, evaluate, and adjust power distribution without external intervention. The controller independently manages the complex task of balancing component lifespan extension with power delivery requirements, using built-in algorithms to calculate optimal power splits based on monitored parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors state of charge and state of health parameters, uses this information to adjust power split ratios, and repeats the process. This closed-loop feedback system manages the complexity by automating the decision-making process rather than requiring manual intervention.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If power is prioritized to components with higher state of health, then component lifespan is optimized, but power distribution efficiency decreases under high demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the power split ratios based on real-time values of state of charge and state of health parameters. When power demand is high, the system modifies the weighting factors to allow greater power flow through available capacity. This resolves the contradiction by changing the distribution parameters adaptively rather than using fixed ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the power distribution strategy flexible and adaptive to changing conditions. The system can shift between prioritizing component protection and maximizing power delivery efficiency depending on the operational context, such as state of charge levels and instantaneous power demand.
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 ensures efficient power management, reduces fuel consumption, and extends the lifespan of fuel cell and battery components by optimizing power distribution and charging strategies based on real-time conditions and predictive analytics.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell produces electricity by electrochemically combining a fuel and an oxidant across an ionic conducting layer, the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
Each battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A system for a fuel cell vehicle including a plurality of fuel cell modules, a plurality of battery packs, and a controller. At least one of the plurality of fuel cell modules having a state of health (SOH) different from a corresponding SOH of other fuel cell modules. Each battery pack including a plurality of battery cells. At least one of the plurality of battery packs having a SOH different from a corresponding SOH of other battery packs. The controller is communicatively coupled to monitor and control operation of the plurality of fuel cell modules and the plurality of battery packs. The controller is configured to receive a power demand and determine a power split between the plurality of fuel cell modules and the plurality of battery packs based on an operating phase of the vehicle.