Fuel Cell Reuse Evaluation Using Degradation-Based Remaining Value
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to effectively evaluate the reuse value of fuel cells based on their degradation state, leading to inefficient resource utilization and inappropriate selection for secondary applications.
Innovation Solution
A fuel-cell secondary-use determination system that accepts seller and user input information, including usage period, output performance, and degradation data, to determine the remaining value and suitable reuse applications for fuel cells, allowing for accurate evaluation and matching of fuel cells based on their condition and user requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fuel cells are disposed of based on predetermined durable years, then the disposal process is simple and straightforward, but fuel cells with remaining value are wasted and resource utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from fixed time-based durability to condition-based remaining value assessment. By measuring actual degradation parameters (electrolyte membrane performance, electrode condition, output characteristics) and calculating remaining value based on these measurements, the system determines whether fuel cells can be reused in secondary applications rather than being disposed of prematurely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation system that acts as a mediator between fuel cell disposal and reuse. This system includes degradation information acquisition units, remaining value calculation units, and application matching units that assess the fuel cell's actual condition and match it with appropriate secondary applications, preventing both waste and inappropriate reuse.
2Loss of substance
If fuel cells are reused without evaluation, then resource utilization is maximized, but inappropriate applications may cause safety issues or further degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment actions before fuel cell reuse. The system acquires degradation information, calculates remaining value, and determines appropriate applications before the fuel cell is actually reused. This preliminary evaluation ensures that only fuel cells suitable for specific applications are assigned to those applications, preventing safety issues and further degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different evaluation criteria and matching rules for different fuel cell conditions and application requirements. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the system assesses each fuel cell's specific degradation characteristics and matches it with applications that appropriately match its remaining capabilities, ensuring reliability for each specific reuse case.
3Measurement precision
If detailed degradation assessment is performed for each fuel cell, then accurate remaining value determination is achieved, but the evaluation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel cell evaluation process into distinct modular units: degradation information acquisition units that measure specific parameters (electrolyte membrane resistance, electrode polarization resistance), remaining value calculation units that process these measurements, and application matching units that determine suitable reuse applications. This segmentation allows detailed assessment while maintaining systematic organization and manageability.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive information is collected from sellers and users, then accurate matching is achieved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal evaluation and matching system that handles multiple types of information (fuel cell degradation data, seller requirements, user application needs) through integrated processing units. The remaining value calculation unit and application matching unit serve multiple functions simultaneously, processing different information types through standardized algorithms, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite comprehensive data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology that makes it possible to evaluate a reuse value on the basis of the state of degradation of a fuel cell. A fuel-cell secondary-use determination system 1 is provided with: a seller-input-information accepting unit 27 that accepts seller input information from a seller, the seller input information including individual item information including a type and an identifier of a fuel cell put up for sale, usage period information thereof so far, output performance information including the current output thereof, and degradation information thereof; and a remaining-value determination unit 22 that determines the remaining value of the fuel cell put up for sale on the basis of the usage period information, the output performance information, and the degradation information.