Fuel Cell Vehicle Battery SOC Control by Road Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles face inefficiencies in battery charging and discharging due to the need for maximum rechargeable battery capacity to sustain fuel cell durability, leading to increased weight and costs, and existing systems do not effectively adjust battery state based on driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a sensor to detect the driving state of a vehicle, such as road gradient or inclination, and a controller to adjust the battery's state of charge accordingly, increasing it during uphill driving and decreasing it during downhill driving, thereby optimizing battery usage and reducing fuel cell generation stop events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the maximum rechargeable amount of the high-voltage battery is increased to assist the fuel cell stack and sustain FC stop mode, then the fuel cell durability is improved, but the vehicle weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of battery state of charge based on real-time driving conditions (uphill, downhill, flat road detection). The controller dynamically modifies charging/discharging strategies to maximize fuel cell durability during FC stop mode while avoiding the need for oversized battery capacity, thereby reducing vehicle weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the battery by adjusting the state of charge thresholds dynamically. During uphill driving, the battery maintains higher charge levels to provide additional power assistance, while during downhill driving, it allows lower charge levels to enable regenerative braking energy recovery, optimizing the balance between durability and weight
2Reliability
If the maximum rechargeable amount of the high-voltage battery is increased to assist the fuel cell stack and sustain FC stop mode, then the fuel cell durability is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic control strategy allows the system to achieve fuel cell durability goals through intelligent power management rather than simply increasing battery capacity. The controller adapts charging/discharging behavior to driving conditions, maximizing the utility of the existing battery capacity and avoiding unnecessary manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial charging/discharging actions based on actual driving needs rather than maintaining maximum charge capacity continuously. This partial action approach optimizes fuel cell durability during FC stop mode without requiring the battery to be oversized, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
3Productivity
If the fuel cell enters FC stop mode to maximize battery rechargeable amount, then battery efficiency is improved, but the power generation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driving conditions through sensors (accelerometer, GPS, vehicle speed sensor) and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the battery state of charge and fuel cell operation mode, ensuring that FC stop mode is entered only when appropriate, thus balancing battery recharging with power generation needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between FC stop mode and power generation mode based on real-time driving conditions. During downhill driving or when additional power is needed, the system exits FC stop mode to restore power generation capability, while during suitable conditions, it enters FC stop mode to maximize battery recharging
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 enhances battery efficiency, reduces the frequency of fuel cell generation stop events, and improves fuel efficiency while maintaining fuel cell durability by adjusting the battery's state of charge based on driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell configured to generate electric energy by receiving fuel and oxidizing gas
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy through a chemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
a battery configured to receive the electric energy of the fuel cell, such that the battery is charged or discharged for supplying the electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling electric power of a vehicle having a fuel cell is provided. The system includes a fuel cell that generates electric energy by receiving fuel and oxidizing gas and a battery that receives the electric energy of the fuel cell to charge or discharge the battery for supplying the electric energy. A sensor sense a driving state of the vehicle. A controller controls charging or discharging of the battery based on the driving state sensed by the sensor.