Fuel Cell Thermal Management via Integrated Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles with solid-state hydrogen storage containers face inefficiencies in heat supply, leading to poor cold start performance and reduced fuel efficiency due to the need for additional balance of plant (BOP) and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that includes a solid-state hydrogen storage device with a thermochemical thermal energy storage material and a heat transfer medium, allowing for continuous heat supply without additional power, utilizing catalysts like water or oxygen to enhance heat storage and dissipation, and an auxiliary heater for initial starts or emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional balance of plant (BOP) components like hydrogen heat combustors or battery power systems are added to heat the solid hydrogen storage container, then cold start performance is improved, but system volume increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell stack and solid-state hydrogen storage container into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate heating systems. The fuel cell generates both electricity and heat simultaneously, with the heat directly warming the hydrogen storage material through thermal conduction within the integrated structure, thereby improving cold start performance without increasing system volume
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack serves dual functions: generating electrical power for vehicle propulsion and providing thermal energy for hydrogen storage container heating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating components like hydrogen heat combustors or battery power systems, reducing overall system complexity and volume while maintaining reliable cold start performance
2Reliability
If additional balance of plant (BOP) components are added to heat the solid hydrogen storage container, then cold start performance is improved, but fuel efficiency decreases due to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the fuel cell into a useful resource for heating the hydrogen storage container during cold start conditions. By utilizing the thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, the system achieves reliable cold start performance without requiring additional energy input, thereby maintaining high fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows direct thermal coupling between the fuel cell stack and hydrogen storage container, enabling efficient heat transfer from the fuel cell to the storage material. This eliminates intermediate heating components that would introduce energy losses, ensuring that nearly all thermal energy generated by the fuel cell is effectively utilized for hydrogen release
3Productivity
If the heat supply efficiency of a heat exchanger is increased by improving inner structure, then hydrogen discharge capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate heat exchanger component entirely by enabling direct thermal conduction from the fuel cell stack to the hydrogen storage container through their integrated structure. This extraction of the heat exchanger eliminates its complex internal structure while maintaining effective heat transfer, as the thermal coupling is achieved through direct contact in the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the shared thermal mass and direct structural coupling between the fuel cell stack and hydrogen storage container as an intermediary heat transfer path. This eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger with complex internal structures, while still achieving efficient thermal energy transfer to support high hydrogen discharge rates
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 system improves fuel efficiency by fully utilizing power generated in the fuel cell stack, reduces heat loss, and ensures safe, environmentally friendly operation by leveraging reversible chemical reactions and controlled heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer medium may transfer heat of the first container to the second container while occluding the hydrogen of the solid-state hydrogen storage material, and may transfer heat of the second container to the first container while the catalyst is supplied to the thermochemical thermal energy storage material.
Implementation Method 2
pipes connected to the first container, the second container, and the third container to circulate the heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 3
The solid-state hydrogen storage material may include a material that generates heat while occluding hydrogen and discharges hydrogen while receiving heat.
Implementation Method 4
The thermochemical thermal energy storage material may include a material that generates heat while a catalyst is supplied, and is separated into a metal oxide and a catalyst and stores heat energy while receiving heat.
Implementation Method 5
The thermochemical thermal energy storage material may include a material that generates heat while a catalyst is supplied, and is separated into a metal oxide and a catalyst and stores heat energy while receiving heat.
Implementation Method 6
The fuel cell stack may receive hydrogen and air configured to generate electricity and discharge water.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle may include a fuel cell stack, a solid-state hydrogen storage device, and a hydrogen supply pipe, wherein the fuel cell stack receives hydrogen and air configured to generate electricity and discharge water, wherein the solid-state hydrogen storage device includes a first container accommodating a solid-state hydrogen storage material, a second container accommodating a thermochemical thermal energy storage material, a third container accommodating a heat transfer medium, and pipes connected to the first container, the second container, and the third container to circulate the heat transfer medium, and wherein the hydrogen supply pipe is connected to the first container and the fuel cell stack.