Fuel Cell Valve Power Control via Differential Pressure Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems require significant electric power to open on-off valves during power generation, leading to high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a controller that supplies different levels of electric power to on-off valves based on differential pressures, allowing for the efficient opening of valves with reduced power consumption by using a second electric power for valves with lower differential pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all on-off valves are opened simultaneously at power generation startup, then all tanks can supply fuel gas to the fuel cell, but the electric power consumption for opening the valves becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve opening operation into two distinct phases: a first phase where a first on-off valve is opened with first electric power to establish initial fuel gas flow, and a second phase where remaining on-off valves are opened with smaller second electric power. This segmentation allows the system to reduce total power consumption by utilizing the pressure differential created by the first opened valve to assist in opening subsequent valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by opening one on-off valve beforehand (the first on-off valve) to establish fuel gas flow and create a pressure differential in the supply channel. This preliminary action reduces the differential pressure opposing the opening of remaining valves, thereby reducing the electric power needed for subsequent valve openings.
2Reliability
If on-off valves are designed to seal with high differential pressure, then sealing performance is improved, but the electric power needed to open the valves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve opening strategy where the electric power supplied to on-off valves changes over time. The first on-off valve receives higher first electric power initially, then subsequent valves receive progressively smaller second electric power as the pressure differential in the supply channel decreases. This dynamic approach maintains reliable sealing while adapting power consumption to actual opening needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of electric power supply from a constant high value to a variable value that decreases as valves are opened. By monitoring the pressure differential and adjusting the electric power accordingly, the system maintains adequate sealing performance while minimizing the energy required for valve operation.
3Reliability
If multiple on-off valves are used for multiple tanks, then fuel gas supply reliability is improved, but the total electric power consumption for opening all valves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining fuel gas flow through the supply channel throughout the valve opening process. The first opened valve establishes continuous flow that persists while subsequent valves are opened, creating an ongoing pressure differential that continuously assists in reducing the power needed for opening remaining valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multiple on-off valves into a first on-off valve that opens with higher power and remaining on-off valves that open with lower power. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable multi-tank fuel gas supply while reducing total power consumption by leveraging the sequential opening strategy.
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
Reduces the overall electric power required to open all on-off valves, lowering energy consumption and potentially decreasing the cost of the system by using less expensive valves with smaller upper limit differential pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the first on-off valves being configured to seal the first channels with a differential pressure between a first side and a second side of the valve body
Implementation Method 2
the controller supplies, in response to a start-up command for starting up the fuel cell system, first electric power to at least one first on-off valve out of the first on-off valves, the first electric power being used for opening the first on-off valve against a first differential pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes a supply channel having first channels respectively connected with tanks, and a second channel merged with each of the first channels; first on-off valves of the first channels; a second on-off valve of the second channel; and a controller configured to control opening and closing of the first on-off valves and the second on-off valve. In a state where the second on-off valve is closed, the controller supplies first electric power used for opening the first on-off valve against a first differential pressure to at least one first on-off valve, and supplies second electric power, smaller than the first electric power and used for opening the first on-off valves against a second differential pressure smaller than the first differential pressure, to the first on-off valves other than the at least one first on-off valve.