Fuel Cell Vehicle Wading Control Using Battery-Only Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles are vulnerable to flooding due to their air supply system being open to the outside, which can lead to damage of the fuel cell stack during water crossings or flooded roads.
Innovation Solution
A wading control method for fuel cell vehicles that determines the need for a wading operation based on battery state of charge (SOC) and driving route, closes air valves to protect the fuel cell stack, and uses the battery to power through flooded conditions, followed by moisture removal from the air supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air supply system is kept open to the outside for normal operation, then the fuel cell stack can function properly, but the fuel cell stack becomes vulnerable to flooding when crossing water or driving on flooded roads
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting water levels in advance through sensors and proactively closing air supply valves before the vehicle enters flooded areas or when water levels exceed safe thresholds. This preventive measure blocks water from entering the fuel cell stack before flooding can occur, while maintaining normal open operation during safe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging the battery with excess energy before wading operations. The controller calculates the required energy for the anticipated wading distance and ensures sufficient charge is stored in advance, allowing the vehicle to operate on battery power alone during the wading operation without risking fuel cell water contamination.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle uses the fuel cell stack for power during normal operation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the fuel cell stack is at risk of damage during wading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between fuel cell operation and battery-only operation based on real-time conditions. During wading operations, it transitions to battery power to protect the fuel cell stack, while maintaining fuel cell operation during normal dry conditions for optimal energy efficiency. The controller continuously monitors water level sensors and automatically adjusts the power source configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle closes air valves to protect the fuel cell stack during wading, then flood protection is improved, but moisture removal capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary moisture removal by activating heating elements and air circulation systems immediately after the vehicle exits flooded areas, before significant moisture accumulation can occur. This proactive approach prevents moisture buildup that would otherwise require more intensive removal operations later, balancing protection with ease of moisture management.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a wading control method of a fuel cell vehicle. The wading control method includes determining, by a controller, whether a fuel cell vehicle requires a wading function, when it is determined that the wading function is required, determining, by the controller, a driving available distance based on a battery state of charge (SOC), determining, by the controller, whether wading is possible, and closing, by the controller, one or more of an air cut-off valve and an air pressure control valve in preparation for performing the wading function.