Fuel Cell Scavenging Using Self-Generated Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel cell systems face limitations in performing a sufficient scavenging process during the stop period due to the limited amount of electricity stored in power storage units, which restricts the removal of residual water in the gas flow path, leading to inefficient performance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system that includes a control device capable of generating electricity and controlling auxiliary components to perform a scavenging process using the generated power, allowing the scavenging process to occur without relying on secondary battery charge, with temperature sensors to optimize the scavenging start conditions and warm-up operations for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scavenging process is performed using electric power stored in a power storage unit, then the fuel cell system can remove residual water in the gas flow path after operation stops, but the period during which the scavenging process can be performed is limited by the amount of electricity stored
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell performs the scavenging process using its own generated electricity rather than relying on the power storage unit. When the fuel cell operates, it generates electric power that is used to drive auxiliary components for the scavenging process, enabling the system to service itself without being constrained by stored energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell is operated in advance to generate the electricity needed for the scavenging process before the actual scavenging begins. By running the fuel cell temporarily to produce power, the system prepares the necessary energy resource upfront, allowing the subsequent scavenging process to proceed without interruption or time limitation.
2Ease of operation
If the scavenging process is performed using limited stored electricity, then the system can operate without external power, but liquid water in the flow path and auxiliary components cannot be sufficiently discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell generates its own electricity to power the scavenging process, making the system self-sufficient while achieving sufficient water discharge. The fuel cell's power generation capability is harnessed to drive auxiliary components, ensuring both autonomous operation and effective water removal from the system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the scavenging process is performed at lower temperatures to preserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the startability of auxiliary components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter by operating the fuel cell to generate heat, raising the temperature of auxiliary components to their starting temperature. This parameter change enables auxiliary components to start reliably while the fuel cell simultaneously provides the electricity needed for the scavenging process.
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 approach enables a more effective scavenging process during the stop period by ensuring sufficient discharge of liquid water and improving the performance of the fuel cell system, as the scavenging process can be performed in a higher temperature environment, reducing power consumption and enhancing startability.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell that is supplied with a reaction gas to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
By raising the temperature of the auxiliary components with the heat generated by the warm-up operation of the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that is supplied with a reaction gas to generate electricity; a plurality of auxiliary components used for power generation of the fuel cell; and a control device that causes the fuel cell to generate electricity when a predetermined scavenging start condition is satisfied and controls the auxiliary components using electric power generated by the fuel cell to perform a scavenging process of removing water in a flow path of the reaction gas using the reaction gas, during a stop period in which electric power is not supplied to a load from the fuel cell system.