Fuel Cell Vehicle Startup Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems in vehicles face reliability issues during startup when left idle for long periods, leading to potential failures and limited power supply from secondary batteries, which can cause vehicles to stop unexpectedly.
Innovation Solution
A mobile body system that includes a power accumulation device, a fuel cell, and a control device that prohibits the use of the power accumulation device for startup if there's a risk of fuel cell failure, allowing for a stable power supply from both sources after ensuring the fuel cell's stability, and includes features like timers and storage for abnormality detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the traction motor is driven by power supply from the secondary battery only at startup, then the vehicle can start quickly, but the fuel cell startup may fail and the vehicle may stop on the road
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary assessment of fuel cell startup feasibility before allowing secondary battery-only operation. If the fuel cell is judged to be unable to start normally, the control device prevents traction motor operation that would require fuel cell power, thereby avoiding vehicle stoppage while still enabling quick startup when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors fuel cell status and provides feedback to determine whether secondary battery-only operation is safe. Based on real-time fuel cell conditions, the control device dynamically adjusts whether to allow traction motor operation, balancing startup speed with operational reliability
2Ease of operation
If the fuel cell is allowed to stand in stopped state for long period, then the vehicle can be parked conveniently, but power generation of unit cells becomes abnormal and cell voltage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Before allowing the fuel cell to enter a stopped state, the control device performs preliminary assessment to determine if the fuel cell can tolerate extended idle time. If the assessment indicates potential abnormality, the control device takes preventive measures such as limiting traction motor operation or initiating fuel cell maintenance routines, thereby preserving reliability while maintaining parking convenience
3Device complexity
If the secondary battery is used as the sole power supply source, then the system is simpler, but the amount of power that can be accumulated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables the power supply system to function in multiple modes: secondary battery-only operation when fuel cell startup is not feasible, and combined operation when fuel cell is available. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplicity by using only the secondary battery when needed, while also accessing the fuel cell's additional power capacity when required, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and power capacity
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 ensures reliable startup of the mobile body by preventing power accumulation device-driven startups during potential fuel cell failures, reducing the risk of vehicle stops and enhancing fuel cell stability through controlled power management.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell capable of supplying a power to the driving force generation device
Implementation Method 2
a power accumulation device capable of supplying a power to the driving force generation device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has a theme of a mobile body capable of securing reliability of the mobile body at a time of start. The mobile body includes a driving force generation device which generates a driving force of the mobile body; a power accumulation device and a fuel cell capable of supplying a power to the driving force generation device; and a control device which controls driving of the driving force generation device. The control device prohibits to start driving the driving force generation device by the power supply of the power accumulation device, in a case where there is a possibility of failure in startup of the fuel cell when starting the mobile body.