Fuel Cell Hydrogen Pressure Correction Without Excess Purge Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydrogen supply systems for fuel cells face issues with precise pressure control due to offset errors in pressure sensors, leading to unintentional hydrogen discharge when correcting for these errors, which can reduce hydrogen concentration and deteriorate the fuel cell.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen supply system and control method that estimate and correct the gas discharge amount based on whether choking occurs after shutting off the discharge valve, using a controller to calculate differences in pressure measurements from hydrogen nozzle-pressure and low-pressure sensors, and adjust the pressure sensors accordingly to prevent hydrogen loss and maintain optimal concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the discharge valve is opened to correct the pressure sensor offset, then the pressure sensor can be corrected, but hydrogen is unintentionally discharged to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the gas discharge amount that would occur when the discharge valve is opened before actually opening it. This preliminary calculation allows the system to determine whether opening the valve would cause excessive hydrogen discharge, and only proceeds with valve opening if the discharge amount is within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the calculated gas discharge amount to control whether the discharge valve should be opened for pressure sensor correction. The controller continuously monitors the fuel cell's internal pressure and calculates the potential discharge amount, using this information to make informed decisions about valve operation.
2Quantity of substance
If the discharge valve is kept closed during operation, then hydrogen is retained in the fuel cell, but pressure sensor offset cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure sensor readings and compares them against expected values based on fuel cell operation conditions. When an offset is detected, the system calculates the gas discharge amount and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate timing for opening the discharge valve to correct the offset while minimizing hydrogen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the discharge valve based on calculated gas discharge amounts. Instead of keeping the valve constantly open or closed, the system dynamically adjusts valve operation timing and duration based on real-time calculations of hydrogen retention versus correction needs.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is corrected frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but system complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of gas discharge amounts before initiating pressure sensor correction procedures. This allows the controller to plan correction operations in advance, selecting optimal timing that minimizes disruption to fuel cell operation and reduces the need for frequent corrections.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen supply line connected to an inlet side of a fuel-cell anode, and supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell, a pressure sensor provided on the hydrogen supply line, and measuring a pressure of the hydrogen supply line, a discharge line connected to an outlet side of the fuel-cell anode, and communicating with the outside; a discharge valve provided on the discharge line to control communication between the anode of the fuel cell and the outside, and a controller shutting off the discharge valve during an operation of the fuel cell, differently estimating an amount of gas discharged through the discharge line depending on whether choking occurs after the discharge valve is shut off, and correcting the pressure sensor based on the estimated gas discharge amount.