Fuel Cell Pre-Activation for Battery Discharge Power Shortfalls

The patent applies preliminary action by predicting future battery discharge power shortages before they occur. The controller monitors current discharge power and calculates predicted future discharge power, then activates the fuel cell in advance when the predicted power falls below the reference value. This ensures the fuel cell is ready to provide supplemental power before the battery discharge power actually drops, eliminating acceleration delays while maintaining simple control logic.

The patent merges the power sources by combining battery discharge power with fuel cell output power to meet the motor's power requirements. When the battery discharge power is reduced for protection, the controller simultaneously activates the fuel cell to provide supplemental power. The motor receives the sum of both power sources, ensuring sufficient available power while the battery operates within safe limits, thus maintaining both reliability and power availability.

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the predicted future discharge power based on current discharge power and operational parameters. The fuel cell is activated when this predicted value approaches the reference threshold, rather than waiting until the actual discharge power reaches the limit. This advance activation eliminates the time delay between detecting power shortage and fuel cell response, while the control remains simple through automated prediction and threshold comparison.

The patent introduces the fuel cell as an intermediary power source that supplements battery power during high-power operations. When the battery operates under high power conditions that cause thermal effects and power reduction, the fuel cell activates to provide additional power. This intermediary power source allows the battery to maintain high productivity operation without suffering thermal degradation, as the fuel cell compensates for the power loss.