Fuel Cell Temperature Control via Dynamic Supply Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel supply methods for liquid fuel direct oxidation fuel cells, such as DMFC, face challenges in accurately controlling fuel concentration and temperature, leading to inefficiencies in fuel cell operation and power output due to the high cost and inaccuracy of fuel concentration measurement devices.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply control system that uses a first thermal meter to detect system temperature and adjusts the fuel supply rate by calculating a temperature variation slope, ensuring the fuel cell operates within a predetermined temperature range by delivering highly concentrated fuel from a fuel tank to maintain optimal fuel concentration and system temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fuel concentration measurement devices are used, then fuel concentration can be measured, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine fuel concentration. Instead of directly measuring fuel concentration with complex devices, the system measures temperature (which is easier and cheaper) and uses the established relationship between temperature and fuel concentration to infer the fuel concentration, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/concentration measurement systems with a thermal measurement system. By substituting the direct fuel concentration measurement approach with temperature-based indirect measurement, the system achieves comparable control accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity and cost
2Loss of energy
If fuel concentration is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency increases, but system temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors temperature and adjusts fuel supply rate accordingly. When temperature deviates from the target range, the controller modifies the fuel supply to bring temperature back to the optimal range, enabling the system to operate at lower fuel concentrations while maintaining temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the fuel supply rate dynamic rather than fixed. The fuel supply rate is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements and the calculated temperature variation slope, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal operation at varying fuel concentrations
3Temperature
If fuel supply rate is increased to maintain temperature, then temperature is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic fuel supply rate adjustment based on the calculated temperature variation slope. Instead of using a fixed high supply rate, the system dynamically adjusts the fuel supply rate according to the actual temperature change trend, providing fuel only when and where needed to maintain temperature, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed fuel concentration to variable fuel supply rate based on temperature. By adjusting the fuel supply rate as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a fixed concentration, the system can maintain temperature control while optimizing fuel consumption based on actual operational needs
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 approach allows for stable operation of the fuel cell at an acceptable lowest fuel concentration and maximum output power, improving fuel efficiency and reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional measurement methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal meter is provided to detect a system temperature of the fuel cell system
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell system... an anode of the fuel cell, a cathode and a membrane between the anode and the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a fuel supply control system to control a fuel cell system to work in a predetermined temperature range by controlling a fuel supply rate. The fuel supply control system includes a fuel supply controller and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply controller calculates a temperature variation slope to generate a first fuel supply rate by increasing or decreasing the predetermined fuel supply rate according to the relationship of system temperature and predetermined working temperature, and controls a fuel delivering rate of the fuel supply device according to the first fuel supply rate.