Fuel Cell Valve Control Sequence for Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with fuel cell systems experience noise issues due to vibrations from compressed fuel gas discharge, which can degrade the passenger's mental image of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a controller that manages the opening of valves based on total length, prioritizing the longest valve at start-up to minimize pressure loss and reduce noise perception, and strategically opening valves during operation to counteract noise from hydrogen gas discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the opening/closing valve of a tank is opened during start-up, then fuel gas supply to the fuel cell is enabled, but vibrations due to discharge of compressed fuel gas are transferred via the merging flow path to the vehicle body causing noise perception
Solution Approach 1:
The controller opens the longest valve first before opening other valves during start-up. This preliminary action allows the fuel cell system to begin operation with the valve that experiences the least pressure differential and vibration, preventing noise from being transferred to the vehicle body while still enabling fuel gas supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by selectively opening valves based on their length characteristics. The controller identifies and opens the longest valve first, utilizing its physical characteristic (length) to minimize pressure loss and vibration during the critical start-up phase, thereby reducing noise perception.
2Productivity
If multiple opening/closing valves are opened simultaneously during start-up, then fuel gas supply is maximized, but pressure loss and vibrations increase causing noise and potential valve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller opens the longest valve first as a preliminary action before opening other valves. This staged approach allows the fuel cell system to start up with controlled pressure differentials, preventing excessive pressure loss and vibrations that could damage valves, while still enabling adequate fuel gas supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls valve opening sequence based on operational conditions. During start-up, the controller selectively opens valves in a specific sequence (longest first) rather than simultaneously, adapting the valve operation dynamics to minimize stress and vibrations on the valve mechanisms.
3Loss of energy
If the shortest opening/closing valve is opened during start-up, then pressure loss is minimized locally, but vibrations are amplified and transferred more effectively to the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes the operational parameter by selecting the longest valve for initial opening based on its physical characteristic (length). This parameter-based selection ensures that the valve with the most favorable characteristics for minimizing both pressure loss and vibration transfer is opened first during start-up.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary assessment of valve characteristics and opens the longest valve first. This preliminary action establishes optimal flow conditions with minimal pressure loss and reduced vibration generation at the source, preventing effective vibration transfer to the vehicle body.
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
Effectively suppresses noise caused by fuel gas vibrations, enhancing passenger comfort by reducing noise perception and preventing damage to valves during high-pressure start-ups.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell; a plurality of tanks for storing therein fuel gas to be used for power generation of the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
vibrations due to discharge of the fuel gas compressed in the tank would be transferred via the merging flow path to the vehicle body so as to be perceived as noise
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vehicle with a fuel cell system mounted thereon, the fuel cell system including: a fuel cell; a plurality of tanks for storing therein fuel gas to be used for power generation of the fuel cell, each tank having an opening/closing valve for switching over between execution and halt of supply of the fuel gas; a plurality of supply flow paths connected to the opening/closing valves in the plurality of tanks to feed the fuel gas supplied from the plurality of tanks, respectively; a merging flow path for merging together the plurality of supply flow paths to feed the fuel gas to the fuel cell; and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the opening/closing valves. The merging flow path is fastened to a vehicle body of the vehicle, and at a start-up of the fuel cell system, the controller exerts such control as to open an opening/closing valve that is longest in total length out of the opening/closing valves in the plurality of tanks, the total length being a total sum of lengths of the merging flow path and the relevant supply flow path located within a range from a fastening position, at which the merging flow path is fastened to the vehicle body, to each opening/closing valve. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress the possibility that noise caused by vibrations due to discharge of hydrogen gas may be recognized by a passenger of the vehicle.