Fuel Cell Vehicle Thermal Management via Switching Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel-cell vehicles face challenges in maintaining the optimal temperature of secondary batteries, which affects their performance, as existing cooling systems either fail to prevent temperature decrease or cause overheating, especially when the ignition is turned on.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system configuration that includes a radiator, circulation and bypass flow passages, a switching valve, and temperature sensors, controlled by a controller to direct coolant flow between the fuel cell and secondary battery based on temperature thresholds, ensuring the battery is heated when necessary and cooled when not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling system of the fuel cell is used to control the temperature of the secondary battery, then the temperature of the secondary battery can be maintained, but the system complexity increases due to additional flow passages and switching valves
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system of the fuel cell is designed to serve dual purposes: cooling the fuel cell and controlling the temperature of the secondary battery. By making the cooling system universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate battery temperature control system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective temperature control of the secondary battery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If coolant circulation is stopped when the secondary battery temperature exceeds a threshold, then overheating is prevented, but temperature control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic temperature control by continuously monitoring the secondary battery temperature and adjusting coolant circulation accordingly. The switching valve dynamically redirects coolant flow between the fuel cell and secondary battery based on real-time temperature readings, enabling precise temperature control rather than simple on/off circulation control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the secondary battery temperature and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the control unit to make real-time adjustments to the switching valve, ensuring precise temperature control and preventing overheating through continuous regulation rather than passive circulation stopping
3Temperature
If the switching valve directs coolant to the bypass flow passage, then the secondary battery is heated, but the fuel cell cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching valve dynamically adjusts coolant flow distribution between the fuel cell and secondary battery based on real-time temperature requirements. When the secondary battery requires heating, the valve directs coolant to the bypass flow passage; when the fuel cell requires cooling, the valve redirects coolant to the fuel cell. This dynamic adjustment minimizes energy loss by ensuring the cooling system responds to the immediate thermal needs of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically monitors temperatures of both the fuel cell and secondary battery, and the switching valve periodically adjusts coolant flow distribution accordingly. This periodic action ensures that both components receive appropriate thermal management over time, balancing the heating needs of the secondary battery with the cooling needs of the fuel cell to minimize overall energy loss
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 configuration effectively maintains the secondary battery within an optimal temperature range, enhancing its performance by heating it when low and preventing overheating, thus improving the overall power delivery in fuel-cell vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator (15) that cools the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a radiator (15) that cools the coolant
Implementation Method 3
a circulation flow passage (12) that causes a coolant to circulate between the fuel cell (2) and the radiator (15)
Implementation Method 4
a switching valve (14) that switches a flow direction of the coolant between a radiator side and a bypass flow passage side
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel-cell vehicle includes a fuel cell (2) and a secondary battery (3). A circulation flow passage (12) causes a coolant to circulate between the fuel cell (2) and a radiator (15). A bypass flow passage (16) passes through the secondary battery (3). One end of the bypass flow passage (16) is connected to an upstream side of the radiator (15) and the other end thereof is connected to a downstream side of the radiator (15) of the circulation flow passage (12). A controller (30) switches a switching valve (14) such that the coolant flows to the radiator side when a coolant temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature threshold value, and switches the switching valve (14) such that the coolant flows to the bypass flow passage side when the coolant temperature is lower than the temperature threshold value.