Fuel Cell Standstill Power Control to Reduce Start-Up Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel cell systems in vehicles experience degradation due to frequent start-ups when power is required during long-term standstill scenarios, such as when parked or at work sites, leading to battery depletion and inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

A method using a processor device to estimate standstill average power needs, compare with idling power, and control the fuel cell system to remain on for a determined duration to meet these needs, reducing unnecessary shut-downs and start-ups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fuel cell system is turned on and off frequently to meet power demands during standstill, then the power needs are fulfilled, but the fuel cell system degrades due to repeated start-ups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel cell system healthVSAvoidpower response capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by keeping the fuel cell system running at idle power during standstill periods before power is actually needed. This anticipatory operation ensures that when power demands arise, the fuel cell system can immediately meet them without requiring frequent start-ups, thus reducing degradation while maintaining power response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel cell system maintains continuous operation at idle power during standstill periods rather than shutting down completely. This continuous useful action eliminates the need for repeated start-stop cycles, reducing mechanical stress and degradation while ensuring immediate power availability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If the fuel cell system is kept running continuously during standstill, then power needs are always met, but energy is wasted when power demand is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoididle power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the idle power generated by the fuel cell system during standstill to charge the battery, creating a self-service mechanism. The battery stores this energy for later use during driving operations, transforming what would be wasted idle power into a useful energy resource that improves overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the idle power as waste, the system recovers it by using it to charge the battery during standstill periods. This recovered energy is then available to support power demands during driving, reducing the need for the fuel cell system to operate at high power levels and improving overall energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS12522108B2Method of counteracting degradation of a fuel cell system of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of counteracting degradation of a fuel cell system of a vehicle. A processor device is used for performing the method. The processor device estimates a standstill average power needs of the vehicle by estimating the average power that the vehicle will consume during a predetermined time period during which the vehicle will be at a standstill. An idling power extractable from the fuel cell system is determined. Said idling power is compared with said estimated standstill average power needs. Based on the comparison, a duration for which the fuel cell system should be kept turned on to fulfil said estimated standstill average power needs is determined. The fuel cell system is controlled to be kept turned on for the determined duration.