Fuel Cell Output Voltage Corrector for Load Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel cell systems fail to match the output current/voltage characteristic with the maximum output characteristic of a load, leading to insufficient power supply, excessive power generation, heat generation, and overcharge of secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A fuel cell system with an output voltage/current corrector that estimates the intersection point of the load's maximum power characteristic and the fuel cell's output voltage/current characteristic to determine the optimal operating point, using interpolation calculations for accurate power estimation and storage efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the output voltage is set to obtain maximum power from the fuel cell characteristic, then the fuel cell output power is improved, but the load receives excessive power causing heat generation and overcharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel cell output powerVSAvoidheat generation and overcharge

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual output characteristic of the fuel cell and compares it with the maximum power characteristic of the load. Based on this feedback, the output voltage corrector dynamically adjusts the fuel cell output voltage to match the load requirements, preventing both power deficiency and excessive power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters (output voltage) of the fuel cell based on the intersection point calculation between the fuel cell characteristic curve and load maximum power curve. This parameter adjustment ensures the fuel cell operates at the optimal point that satisfies both maximum power delivery and load safety requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach ensures proper operating points are set, preventing power imbalances and overcharge, while accurately estimating maximum power delivery to the load, thus enhancing the fuel cell system's efficiency and preventing failures.

Implementation Method 1

A fuel cell is adapted to take out an electromotive force by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas, such as hydrogen, and an oxidizing gas which contains oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS8153315B2Fuel cell system having output voltage corrector

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A system voltage indicated by an intersection of a graph of an FC maximum output characteristic of the output voltage/output power characteristic of a fuel cell and a graph of a load device maximum output characteristic is output so as to obtain optimal output power, thereby matching an output current-output voltage characteristic of a fuel cell and a maximum output characteristic of a load. Thus, a fuel cell system which has high operating efficiency and which is free of physical failures is provided.