Fuel Cell System Thermal Management via Secondary Cell Load Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cells experience reduced power generation efficiency and durability due to overheating, which increases electrical resistance and heat generation, particularly during high-power demands or in environments with inadequate cooling and low outside pressure.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system that includes a controller to increase the power output from a secondary cell when the fuel cell temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, combined with sufficient state-of-charge and outside conditions, to manage and maintain optimal operating temperatures and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fuel cell operates at high power output, then the productivity increases, but the temperature increases causing durability to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary cell acts as an intermediary power source between the fuel cell and the load. When the fuel cell temperature exceeds the threshold, the secondary cell supplements the power output, thereby reducing the power generation load on the fuel cell and preventing overheating while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters by monitoring fuel cell temperature and adjusting the power distribution between the fuel cell and secondary cell. When temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit changes the power output parameter of the fuel cell by supplementing with the secondary cell
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell temperature increases, then the power generation efficiency decreases, but the heat generation increases causing durability to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the fuel cell temperature and adjusts the power distribution accordingly. When the temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit increases the power output of the secondary cell to reduce the load on the fuel cell, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overheating and maintains 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
The system effectively increases the durability of the fuel cell at high temperatures by reducing the power generation load, thereby maintaining efficiency and extending the fuel cell's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell (FC) is a power generation device that generates electrical energy by electrochemical reaction between hydrogen (H2), which serves as fuel gas, and oxygen (O2), which serves as oxidant gas
Implementation Method 2
a solid polymer electrolyte membrane having proton (H+) conductivity
Implementation Method 3
the hydrogen supplied from the gas flow path and the gas diffusion layer is protonated by the catalytic activity of the catalyst layer
Implementation Method 4
a cooling system that cools the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system installed in a vehicle, the system comprising: a fuel cell, a secondary cell, a temperature acquirer for acquiring a temperature of the fuel cell, a state-of-charge value acquirer for acquiring a state-of-charge-value of the secondary cell, an outside temperature acquirer for acquiring an outside temperature, an outside pressure acquirer for acquiring an outside pressure, and a controller for controlling power of the secondary cell, wherein, when the temperature of the fuel cell exceeds a predetermined temperature, when the state-of-charge value of the secondary cell is a predetermined threshold value or more, when the outside temperature is a predetermined temperature or more, and when the outside pressure is a predetermined pressure or less, the controller increases the power of the secondary cell larger than power required of the secondary cell for normal running of the vehicle.