Fuel Cell Voltage Detection Device Power Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage detection devices for fuel cells cannot measure cell voltage when fuel is not supplied, as the voltage detecting ICs do not operate without a power source.
Innovation Solution
A voltage detection device with converters that raise DC power to drive voltage detection sections, allowing operation even when fuel is not supplied, and switching to use cell voltage as a power source when it exceeds a threshold, ensuring continuous measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage detecting ICs operate using cell voltage as power source, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when fuel is not supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameter from cell voltage to converter output voltage under specific conditions (when cell voltage is below threshold). This allows the voltage detecting IC to operate reliably even when fuel is not supplied, while still achieving accurate measurements when the fuel cell is operating normally.
2Reliability
If converters are provided for all blocks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blocks into two categories: those equipped with converters and those without. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable operation where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in blocks where cell voltage is sufficient to power the detection ICs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the voltage detecting ICs capable of operating with two different power sources (cell voltage or converter output voltage). This multi-functionality allows the same IC to adapt to different operating conditions, reducing the need for converters in all blocks.
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
Enables reliable measurement of cell voltage across all blocks, preventing malfunctions and false detections due to low power, and simplifies the circuit configuration.
Implementation Method 1
converters that raise the voltage supplied from a DC power source to a voltage of a driving power source for the voltage detection section
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage detection device includes voltage detection sections that measure cell voltages in the blocks, a control section, and (N−1) or less converters that raise the voltage, which is supplied from a DC power source, to a voltage of a driving power source for the voltage detection section. In a case where a voltage detected by at least one voltage detection section among the voltage detection sections which operate by the power supplied from the respective converters, exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control section controls at least one voltage detection section among the voltage detection sections to operate using the cell voltage of each of the blocks as a driving power source and acquires the cell voltage in each of the blocks.