Fuel Cell Power Supply Internal Resistance Deterioration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell power supplies struggle to accurately determine the deterioration level of fuel cells and power storage means due to individual variability in their I-P characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell power supply system that includes a fuel cell, DC-DC converters, and internal resistance calculation means to determine the deterioration level by measuring internal resistance values, which are calculated based on detected voltages and controlled current adjustments, thereby suppressing individual variability effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the deterioration level is determined based on preset I-P characteristics, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy is reduced due to individual variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from I-P characteristics to internal resistance characteristics. By measuring internal resistance at different current levels and calculating the difference, the system achieves accurate deterioration detection that is not affected by individual variability in fuel cell characteristics. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by providing both high accuracy and applicability to individual units.
2Measurement precision
If the fuel cell current is stopped to measure open-circuit voltage, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the power supply to the load is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device. The capacitor temporarily stores energy when the fuel cell current is stopped for measurement, ensuring continuous power supply to the load. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate open-circuit voltage measurement without interrupting the power supply to the electrical load.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are used to calculate internal resistance, then the deterioration determination accuracy improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs internal resistance measurements at multiple current levels during normal operation without stopping the fuel cell. By continuously measuring at different operating points and calculating internal resistance differences, the system achieves accurate deterioration determination without significant time loss. This continuous measurement approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining both high accuracy and operational efficiency.
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
Accurately determines the deterioration level of fuel cells and power storage means by calculating internal resistance values, ensuring reliable power supply and extending the lifespan of these components.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell voltage detection means which detects a terminal-to-terminal voltage of the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
an internal resistance calculation means which supplies electric power from the power storage means to the electric load via the second DC-DC converter and calculates an internal resistance value of the fuel cell on the basis of a detection voltage of the fuel cell voltage detection means
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell power supply includes a fuel cell voltage detection means which detects a terminal-to-terminal voltage of the fuel cell; an internal resistance calculation element configured to supply electric power from a battery to a motor via a second DC-DC converter and configured to calculates a resistance value of an internal resistance of the fuel cell on the basis of a detection voltage of the fuel cell in a state where a current output of the fuel cell is stopped, a detection voltage of a terminal-to-terminal voltage of the fuel cell in a state where the output current of the fuel cell is adjusted to a value, and the value; and a deterioration level determination element configured to determines a deterioration level of the fuel cell on the basis of a change in the resistance value of the internal resistance of the fuel cell.