Fuel Cell Pressure Sensor Correction via Downstream Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face measurement errors in pressure sensors due to incorrect calibration, leading to potential fuel gas shortages and vehicle stoppages, as the first pressure sensor is not corrected until its measurement value reaches a predetermined value, causing inaccuracies before that point.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a first pressure sensor on the upstream side and a second pressure sensor on the downstream side of a pressure reduction unit, along with a switching valve and correction unit, where the controller corrects the first pressure sensor based on the second measurement value when the first measurement value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, and performs pressure reduction processing to ensure accurate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the first pressure sensor is corrected only when its measurement value becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, then the correction process is simple, but measurement errors remain in the pressure sensor when the measurement value is larger than the predetermined value
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pressure reduction processing before correction when the first measurement value is larger than the predetermined value. This preliminary action reduces the pressure to a range where accurate correction can be performed, ensuring measurement precision without complicating the correction logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure reduction unit acts as an intermediary between the first pressure sensor and the correction unit. It mediates the pressure level to enable accurate correction by converting high pressure readings to a suitable range for correction operations.
2Measurement precision
If pressure reduction processing is performed before correction when the first measurement value is larger than the predetermined value, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its existing pressure reduction unit, already present in the fuel gas supply flow path, to perform the additional pressure reduction needed for correction. This self-service approach avoids adding new hardware while improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure reduction unit serves multiple functions: it reduces pressure during normal operation and also performs pressure reduction specifically for correction purposes when needed. This multi-functionality improves accuracy without increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the first pressure sensor is used to monitor tank pressure during filling, then real-time pressure monitoring is achieved, but measurement errors may cause fuel gas shortage or vehicle stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the first measurement value and provides feedback to the controller. When the value exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller initiates pressure reduction and correction processes, ensuring the pressure sensor remains accurate for reliable real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs correction actions in advance when measurement values indicate potential errors, preventing fuel gas shortage or vehicle stoppage by ensuring the pressure sensor remains accurate before critical failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
It is possible to suppress errors remaining in the measurement by a pressure sensor. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a tank storing fuel gas, a fuel gas supply flow path feeding the fuel gas from the tank to the fuel cell, a first pressure reduction unit reducing pressure of the fuel gas and feeding the fuel gas, a first pressure sensor measuring pressure in the fuel gas supply flow path, a second pressure sensor measuring pressure in the fuel gas supply flow path, a switching valve switching execution and stop of supply of the fuel gas, a correction unit correcting the first pressure sensor based on a second measurement value measured by the second pressure sensor, and a controller controlling the fuel cell system. The controller performs, when the switching valve stops supply of the fuel gas and a first measurement value is larger than a predetermined value, pressure reduction processing to make the first measurement value equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, and then controls the correction unit to correct the first pressure sensor.