Fuel Cell Torque Compensation via Degradation Rate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stacks in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) degrade over time, leading to diminished output and compromised running performance, as they cannot generate the expected torque corresponding to an acceleration pedal amount.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that calculate the degradation rate of a fuel cell stack using a maximum and output voltage, and apply a correction coefficient to compensate for torque based on a look-up table, ensuring normal torque generation regardless of stack degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuel cell stack is used to generate power for driving a vehicle, then the vehicle can operate with clean energy and high efficiency, but the fuel cell stack degrades over time leading to diminished output and compromised running performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring voltage parameters (maximum voltage VP and output voltage VO) to calculate degradation rate, and adjusting torque output parameters based on degradation level. The control apparatus changes operational parameters dynamically to compensate for stack degradation and maintain reliable torque output throughout the fuel cell stack's service life.
2Power
If torque compensation is not applied, then the system structure remains simple, but the vehicle cannot generate expected torque corresponding to acceleration pedal amount due to stack degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the acceleration pedal amount and comparing expected torque with actual torque output. The control apparatus calculates degradation rate from voltage measurements and uses this feedback to adjust torque compensation dynamically, maintaining expected power output while managing control system complexity through systematic feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing torque compensation values in lookup tables based on degradation rates. Instead of calculating compensation in real-time during vehicle operation, the system prepares compensation data in advance, reducing computational complexity while maintaining accurate torque generation capability throughout the stack's operational life.
3Productivity
If degradation rate calculation and torque compensation are implemented, then normal torque can be maintained regardless of stack degradation, but additional calculation and control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control and calculation systems. Instead of physically adjusting the fuel cell stack or mechanical components to compensate for degradation, the system uses voltage measurements, degradation rate calculations, and electronic torque compensation control to maintain productivity, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving vehicle running performance.
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 solution effectively compensates for torque degradation by calculating and applying a correction coefficient, maintaining normal torque generation and vehicle performance despite fuel cell stack degradation.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell is a generation device that converts chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy through electrochemical reaction within a stack
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for compensating for torque of a fuel cell electric vehicle includes: a storage configured to store a first look-up table in which pedal amount correction coefficients corresponding to degradation rates of a fuel cell stack are recorded and a second look-up table in which torques corresponding to pedal amounts are recorded; a degradation rate calculator configured to calculate a degradation rate based on a maximum voltage and an output voltage of the fuel cell stack; a correction coefficient searcher configured to search for a correction coefficient corresponding to the calculated degradation rate using the first look-up table; a pedal amount detector configured to detect a pedal amount indicating a degree to which an acceleration pedal is pressed; and a torque compensator configured to compensate for torque by compensating for the detected pedal amount based on the searched correction coefficient using the second look-up table.