Fuel Cell Compressor Impeller for Thermal-Engine Sound Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles equipped with fuel cells lack the auditory feedback and pleasing sounds typically associated with thermal engines, leading to reduced driver satisfaction and awareness during operation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a centrifugal compressor with a unique impeller design and sound reproduction system that generates and amplifies sound frequencies similar to those produced by thermal engines, enhancing the auditory experience for the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fuel cell system is used for propulsion, then harmful emissions are eliminated and environmental benefits are achieved, but the driver loses auditory feedback and pleasing sounds associated with thermal engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sound reproduction system as an intermediary device that generates and transmits artificial sounds to the driver's ears. This mediator bridges the gap between the silent fuel cell operation and the driver's need for auditory feedback, allowing the driver to receive operational information through synthesized sounds without requiring a thermal engine
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the auditory characteristics of thermal engine sounds and reproduces them through speakers or audio output devices. By creating artificial sound waves that mimic the frequency, amplitude, and temporal patterns of traditional engine noises, the system provides drivers with familiar auditory feedback that enhances awareness and pleasure during operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fuel cell system is used for propulsion, then environmental benefits are maintained, but driver pleasure and awareness during acceleration and load changes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sound reproduction system implements feedback by continuously monitoring fuel cell operational parameters such as power output, current draw, and load conditions, then translating these data into corresponding sound patterns. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides the driver with real-time information about vehicle state, enabling instinctive responses to acceleration and load changes while maintaining silent electric propulsion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the fuel cell operates silently, then environmental benefits are achieved, but the sound capacity and presence indication of the vehicle are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sound output based on operational context, using sound primarily for driver feedback during operation while potentially reducing or modifying external sound output. This dynamic approach allows the vehicle to maintain environmental benefits by operating silently when possible, while still providing necessary auditory signals for driver awareness and situational indication
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 solution provides a more satisfying driving experience by mimicking the sound profile of thermal engines, improving driver awareness and pleasure, while maintaining the environmental benefits of fuel cell technology.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal compressor (4) configured to compress the reagent supplied to the fuel cell (10)
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell (10) configured to generate an electric current via an electrochemical reaction between a fuel, in particular hydrogen, and a reagent, in particular oxygen
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A motor vehicle (1) includes a fuel cell (10) and a supply assembly (11) to supply the fuel cell (10), wherein the supply assembly (11) comprises a centrifugal compressor (4) to compress a reagent and comprising an impeller (35) having in turn a shaft portion (42) extending along an inlet axis (A), a circumferential edge (43) extending ringwise around the inlet axis (A), a connecting portion (44) extending from the shaft portion (42) to the circumferential edge (43), first and second blades (45, 46) projecting from the connecting portion (44), of which each of the second blades (46) is arranged between two corresponding blades (45) to form two respective radial flow channels (47) for the reagent, wherein the first and second blades (45, 46) have respective profiles (50, 51) along respective curvilinear abscissae with shapes equal to each other and located uniformly distributed according to a period or angular step around the inlet axis (A), wherein the profiles (50, 51) of the second blades (46) are shorter than those of the first blades (45).