Fuel Cell Valve Timing Control for Pipe Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems experience noise due to amplified vibration from the opening and closing of on/off valves, particularly during intermittent operations, which affects user comfort.
Innovation Solution
Implementing control means to set the required time for the opening and closing of on/off valves in fuel cell systems, ensuring the vibration level on both the upstream and downstream sides of the valve remains at or below a predetermined reference level, using feedback from vibration sensors if necessary, and employing a surge tank to manage gas pulsation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the on/off valve opens and closes quickly to improve response speed, then the productivity is improved, but the vibration level of the pipe increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The control means introduces a periodic timing control mechanism where the valve opening/closing operations are scheduled at specific intervals. By setting the required time between consecutive operations, the system ensures that vibration from one operation completes before the next operation begins, preventing vibration amplification while maintaining efficient periodic valve actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The control means dynamically adjusts the timing parameters of valve operations based on system state. By changing the temporal parameter (required time between operations) rather than modifying the valve mechanical structure, the system suppresses vibration while maintaining productivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the required time between valve operations is extended to suppress vibration, then the harmful factors are reduced, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means incorporates feedback by monitoring the vibration state of the pipe and adjusting the timing of subsequent valve operations accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to use the minimum necessary time between operations to suppress vibration, avoiding excessive delays that would reduce productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a pipe forming a fuel supply passage through which a fuel gas supplied from a fuel supply source flows to the fuel cell, an on/off valve which regulates a gas state on the upstream side of the fuel supply passage to supply the gas to the downstream side, and control means for controlling the opening/closing operation of the on/off valve. The control means sets a required time from the opening time of the on/off valve to the closing time of the valve so that the vibration level of the pipe on the upstream side of the on/off valve is a predetermined reference level or less.