Fuel Cell Short Circuit Detection Using Existing Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face challenges in effectively detecting short circuit events due to the unique characteristics of short circuits, which passive protection devices like fuses and circuit breakers cannot address, necessitating active detection methods to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple sensors (current and voltage sensors) coupled with a controller executing an algorithm to detect short circuits by crossing threshold values, eliminating the need for a dedicated short circuit sensor and providing redundancy to prevent system failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive protection devices like fuses and circuit breakers are used, then the system structure is simple, but they cannot effectively detect and respond to short circuit events in fuel cell systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using existing current and voltage sensors that serve dual purposes: their primary function for normal fuel cell operation monitoring and a secondary function for short circuit detection. The controller executes an algorithm that repurposes these sensors to detect short circuit conditions by analyzing current and voltage relationships, eliminating the need for dedicated short circuit sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If dedicated short circuit sensors are added, then short circuit detection reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing current and voltage sensors for dual purposes: normal operation monitoring and short circuit detection. The controller executes an algorithm that analyzes the relationship between current and voltage measurements to identify short circuit conditions, eliminating the need for dedicated short circuit sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensors and control algorithms to detect short circuits, making the system self-diagnostic. The controller executes an algorithm that leverages measurements already being taken for normal operation, allowing the system to monitor itself for fault conditions without requiring additional external sensing hardware.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for detection, then detection reliability and redundancy are improved, but hardware cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing current and voltage sensors that serve dual purposes: normal operation monitoring and short circuit detection. By repurposing these sensors rather than adding dedicated detection sensors, the system achieves functional redundancy through software algorithms while avoiding additional hardware complexity and cost.
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 detects short circuits, allowing for timely remedial action to prevent damage, reducing the risk of overheating and component damage, and avoiding the additional complexity and cost of redundant sensing hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor electrically coupled to a power output of the fuel cell and configured to sense a first current
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor electrically coupled to the power output of the fuel cell and configured to sense a second current
Implementation Method 3
a third sensor electrically coupled to the power output of the fuel cell and configured to sense a voltage
Implementation Method 4
Electrochemical conversion cells, commonly referred to as fuel cells, produce electrical energy by processing reactants, for example, through the oxidation and reduction of hydrogen and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method to detect a short circuit event in a fuel cell system of a vehicle. The detection relies on three existing sensors within the fuel cell system, two current sensors and a voltage sensor. A controller executes an algorithm with a set of thresholds stored in a computer readable medium to monitor the sensors to sense if any of the threshold values are crossed. If crossed, the controller may take remedial action to stop the short circuit and/or prevent damage to the fuel cell system. A mode manager may work with the controller to determine when the operating conditions of the fuel cell system are ideal for sensing for a low voltage condition indicative of a short circuit event. A pair of integrators may be electrically coupled to an alternating current sensor to differentiate a short circuit event from a high frequency resistance current.