Fuel Cell Hydrogen Purge Valve PWM Control for Low-Current Purging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fuel cell systems face challenges in efficiently purging hydrogen, especially when a vehicle is stationary for an extended period and ambient air is warm, leading to delayed or incomplete hydrogen removal due to low fuel cell current values.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that control a hydrogen purge valve using a controller to adjust its opening degree based on accumulated current values, employing pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to manage hydrogen flow rates, allowing for real-time purging of minute hydrogen amounts by calculating duty ratios and controlling the valve's opening time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a solenoid valve is opened for a certain time to discharge hydrogen during low current conditions, then hydrogen purge is performed, but the purge cannot be performed for a considerable amount of time and real-time purging of minute hydrogen amounts is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen purge efficiencyVSAvoidpurge delay time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the valve opening degree variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the opening degree of the purge valve based on the accumulated current value, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous real-time purging with variable opening degrees instead of fixed periodic purging, achieving both timely purging and efficient hydrogen removal even during low current conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of valve opening degree from a fixed binary state (open/closed) to a variable continuous parameter. By controlling the opening degree based on accumulated current value, the system can perform proportional purging where the purge amount corresponds to the hydrogen accumulation level. This resolves the contradiction by enabling real-time purging with adjusted opening degrees, eliminating purge delays while maintaining purge efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the opening degree of the hydrogen purge valve is adjusted based on accumulated current value, then real-time purging of minute hydrogen amounts is achieved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time purge capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic control. Instead of using complex mechanical valve mechanisms or multiple sensors, the system uses a controller that calculates accumulated current value and generates control signals based on predetermined relationships. This resolves the contradiction by achieving real-time purging control through software/algorithms rather than complex hardware, maintaining simplicity while enabling precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by using its own operational data (current value) to automatically control the purge valve. The controller accumulates current values during operation and automatically determines the appropriate opening degree without requiring external input or complex decision-making systems. This resolves the contradiction by enabling intelligent real-time purging control through self-monitoring and self-adjustment, avoiding the need for additional complex control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230402630A1System and method for controlling fuel cell
Publication Date: 2023.12.14 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20230402630A1 patent drawing
  • US20230402630A1 patent drawing
  • US20230402630A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and a method for controlling a fuel cell according to an embodiment are disclosed. The system for controlling a fuel cell includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen purge valve connected between the fuel cell and a hydrogen tank and configured to supply or cut off hydrogen to the fuel cell, and a controller configured to adjust an opening degree of the hydrogen purge valve based on an accumulated current value of the fuel cell calculated in advance and control a flow rate of the hydrogen.