Fuel Cell Pump Failure Detection via Temperature Differential

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting cooling fluid pump failure in fuel cell systems are costly due to the use of flow sensors, and there is a need for a more economical solution to prevent overheating and damage to fuel cell components.

Innovation Solution

Measuring the temperature of the cooling fluid at the outlet from the fuel cell stack and the cathode exhaust temperature, comparing these measurements to expected temperatures based on operating conditions, and using a controller to provide a warning signal for pump failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a flow sensor is used to detect cooling fluid pump failure, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the system cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump failure detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect pump failure. Instead of directly measuring cooling fluid flow with a flow sensor, the system measures the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack. This temperature difference serves as a mediator that indicates whether the cooling fluid is flowing properly, thereby avoiding the need for expensive flow sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical flow sensor system with a thermal measurement system. By substituting the mechanical detection method (flow sensor) with a thermal detection method (temperature measurement), the system achieves the same functional goal of detecting pump failure without the high cost and complexity associated with flow sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If no flow sensor is used, then the system cost is reduced, but the ability to detect pump failure is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidpump failure detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the temperature difference between cooling fluid inlet and outlet, and uses this feedback to determine pump operating status. The controller compares the measured temperature difference against expected values to detect anomalies, providing continuous feedback-based monitoring that ensures reliable pump failure detection without requiring expensive flow sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 method effectively detects cooling fluid pump failure without the need for expensive flow sensors, preventing overheating and potential damage to the fuel cell stack by accurately determining if the cooling fluid is flowing, thus ensuring efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

measuring one or both of the temperature of the cooling fluid at the outlet from the fuel cell stack and the temperature of the cathode exhaust at the outlet from the fuel cell stack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The cooling fluid is pumped through the cooling fluid flow channels in the stack by a pump to maintain the stack at a desirable operating temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7682720B2Diagnostic method for detecting a coolant pump failure in a fuel cell system by temperature measurement

Publication Date: 2010.03.23 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A technique for determining whether a cooling fluid pump used for pumping a cooling fluid through a fuel cell stack has failed. The technique includes measuring the temperature of the cooling fluid at the output from the stack and/or measuring the cathode exhaust gas temperature as close as possible to the cathode outlet of the stack. The measured temperature is compared to a temperature that would be expected under the current operating conditions of the fuel cell system in a controller. If the difference between the measuring temperature and the expected temperature is large enough, then the controller provides a warning signal of pump failure, and also possibly reduces the stack outlet power.