Fuel Cell Truck-Trailer Power Control Using Trailer Energy Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems in commercial vehicle combinations face limitations in dynamic load capacity due to space constraints, leading to inefficient operation and reduced service life, as larger compressor systems are required for air demand but are less dynamic than smaller ones, and existing methods do not optimally integrate trailer electric components into fuel cell system control.
Innovation Solution
The method integrates the trailer's electric motor and storage system into the control of the tractor unit's fuel cell system, adjusting power output based on the combined operating parameters of both units, allowing the trailer to provide additional drive or recuperation power, and predicts future load demands to reduce dynamic stress on the fuel cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If larger compressor systems are used to meet air demand, then the fuel cell system can provide sufficient power, but the dynamics and response speed to changing load requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor assembly variable in its operating characteristics. The compressor is designed to operate in different modes (first and second operating ranges) with different performance characteristics, allowing it to adapt dynamically to changing load requirements rather than being fixed at a single operating point optimized for maximum power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the compressor assembly by defining different operating ranges with different pressure ratios, flow rates, and power consumption characteristics. This allows the system to optimize performance across varying load conditions rather than being constrained to a single parameter set
2Power
If larger compressor systems are used to meet air demand, then the fuel cell system can provide sufficient power, but the service life of the fuel cell system deteriorates due to increased dynamic stress
Solution Approach 1:
The variable operating characteristics of the compressor assembly reduce dynamic stress on the fuel cell system by allowing smoother transitions between different power levels, preventing the harsh load changes that would otherwise occur with a fixed-compressor system
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against dynamic stress by using the compressor's variable characteristics to pre-adjust and smooth out load transitions, protecting the fuel cell system from abrupt changes before they occur
3Productivity
If the trailer's electric components are integrated into the fuel cell control system, then power adjustment efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trailer's electric motor and storage system into the tractor's fuel cell control system, creating a unified control architecture that manages all power sources (fuel cell, trailer battery, trailer motor) through a single controller rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse operational scenarios: the trailer's electric motor can provide auxiliary propulsion, the storage system can supply power during high-demand periods, and the system can operate in various modes (traction, recuperation, charging) depending on conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a utility vehicle combination (100) comprising a tractor unit (200), which has a first electric machine (5), a first electric store (3) operatively connected thereto, and a fuel cell system (1) which is operatively connected to the first electrical store (3) and is designed to provide electrical energy at a generation power (PE), and having a trailer (300), which comprises a second electric machine (11) and a second electric store (9) operatively connected thereto. The invention proposes that the method comprises the steps of: determining operating parameters (B) of the first and/or second electric machines (5, 11) and/or operating parameters (B) of the first and/or second electric store (3, 9); and adapting the generation power (PE) of the fuel cell system (1) as a function of one, a plurality or all of the determined operating parameters (B). The invention also relates to a utility vehicle combination which applies such a method when in operation.