Fuel Cell Work Vehicle Thermal Module for Easy Unit Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles require temperature control to maintain optimal operation, and existing designs do not allow for easy detachment and attachment of the fuel cell and tank units.
Innovation Solution
A working vehicle design that includes a first and second heat exchanger to regulate fuel cell temperature, with a detachable fuel cell and tank unit, and a vehicle body structure that supports easy attachment and detachment of the fuel cell unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel cell is integrated with the vehicle body structure, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is segmented into a detachable fuel cell unit and a vehicle body. The fuel cell unit includes the fuel cell, tank, and heat exchanger as an integrated sub-assembly that can be removed and replaced as a single module, resolving the contradiction between integrated temperature control and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel cell and the vehicle body's thermal management system. This heat exchanger maintains reliable thermal coupling for temperature control while being part of a modular unit that can be easily detached, mediating between the conflicting requirements of integration and modularity.
2Ease of repair
If the fuel cell and tank are provided as a separate detachable unit, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell, tank, and heat exchanger are merged into a single integrated fuel cell unit that functions as one modular assembly. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate connections and mounting structures while improving maintenance ease by allowing the entire unit to be replaced in one operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the heat exchanger is integrated with the fuel cell unit, then the temperature adjustment precision is improved, but the ease of attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is integrated with the fuel cell and tank to form a self-contained fuel cell unit module. This segmentation allows the heat exchanger to be precisely positioned and thermally coupled to the fuel cell within the module, achieving temperature precision while keeping the entire module as a detachable unit for easy attachment and removal.
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
The design allows for precise temperature adjustment of the fuel cell to enhance efficiency and enables easy maintenance and replacement of the fuel cell and tank unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger, in which the drive device includes a fuel cell to generate electric power to drive the drive device, and the first heat exchanger is operable to supply air cooled by heat exchange with a refrigerant into the cabin and supply heat of the refrigerant heated by the heat exchange to the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
the first heat exchanger is operable to supply air cooled by heat exchange with a refrigerant into the cabin
Data Source
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AI summary
To adjust a temperature of a fuel cell (8) to an appropriate temperature in a working vehicle (1). The working vehicle (1) includes a vehicle body (2) to which a working device (49) is connectable, a cabin (3) to store an operator's seat (10) provided on the vehicle body (2), a traveling device (4) to support the vehicle body (2) and allow the vehicle body (2) to travel, a drive device (5) to drive the traveling device (4), and a first heat exchanger (80). The drive device (5) includes a fuel cell (8) to generate electric power to drive the drive device (5). The first heat exchanger (80) is operable to supply air cooled by heat exchange with a refrigerant into the cabin (3) and supply heat of the refrigerant heated by the heat exchange to the fuel cell (8).