Fuel Cell Architecture for Balanced Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell vehicle architectures face challenges in weight distribution and trunk space utilization due to the placement of hydrogen vessels, batteries, and super capacitors, which affect balance and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with two hydrogen vessels, one in the rear and one in the front, connected by a hydrogen control unit for pressure equalization, along with a battery and DC/DC converter located at the bottom of the vehicle, allowing for improved weight distribution and increased trunk space by integrating the super capacitor into the vehicle's frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the battery and super capacitor are located in the front to compensate weight balance when hydrogen vessel is full, then weight distribution is improved, but trunk space is reduced due to cumbersome components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the battery and super capacitor from the traditional horizontal placement in the trunk room to a vertical placement at the bottom of the vehicle frame. This dimensional change allows heavy components to be positioned low for weight balance while freeing up trunk space for cargo storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heavy energy storage components into separate units (battery and super capacitor) and positions them independently at the bottom of the vehicle, allowing optimized weight distribution and flexible spatial arrangement that improves both stability and trunk accessibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hydrogen vessel is located in the rear to provide energy to the motor, then energy supply is ensured, but weight balance is offset towards the rear when vessel is full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the heavy battery and super capacitor positioned at the bottom of the vehicle as counterweights to balance the weight distribution. These components compensate for the rearward weight bias caused by the hydrogen vessel, achieving optimal weight balance through strategic placement of opposing mass elements.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery and super capacitor are mounted in the trunk room, then energy storage is provided, but available space in trunk room is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves energy storage components from the horizontal trunk room space to the vertical bottom frame area, utilizing unused vertical space. This allows full trunk room availability for cargo while maintaining adequate energy storage capacity in the repositioned components.
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 configuration provides a balanced weight distribution, enhances trunk space, and improves vehicle stability and safety by optimizing the placement of heavy components, ensuring effective energy exchange and efficient use of vehicle space.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrogen control unit being provided with first means for equalizing the pressure between the first rear vessel and the front vessel
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogen control unit being provided with second means for transferring hydrogen at a predetermined pressure level to the hydrogen dosing unit from the two vessels
Implementation Method 3
a fuel cell connected to the hydrogen dosing unit and the air supply, the air supply being provided with means for providing the fuel cell with air
Implementation Method 4
the fuel cell being connected to the battery so as to provide the battery with energy, the battery and the DC/DC-converter being interconnected so as to exchange energy
Implementation Method 5
the fuel cell is connected to the DC/DC-converter in order to provide the DC/DC converter with energy. An advantage of using a DC/DC converter is that it decreases the voltage of direct current power from the fuel cell
Implementation Method 6
the fuel cell being connected to the super capacitor so as to provide the super capacitor with energy, the super capacitor being interconnected to the battery so as to exchange energy
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the invention is a fuel cell system architecture provides a good weight distribution, improved trunk space without reducing the security against front-end and rear end collision. The above objective is accomplished by a fuel cell vehicle comprising:—A rear vessel for hydrogen gas located in the rear part of the vehicle,—A front vessel for hydrogen gas located in the front part of the vehicle,—A hydrogen dosing unit,—A hydrogen control unit connected to the hydrogen dosing unit, to the rear vessel and to the front vessel, the hydrogen control unit being provided with first means for equalizing the pressure between the first rear vessel and the front vessel, the hydrogen control unit being provided with second means for transferring hydrogen at a predetermined pressure level to the hydrogen dosing unit from the two vessels,—An air supply,—A fuel cell connected to the hydrogen dosing unit and the air supply, the air supply being provided with means for providing the fuel cell with air, the hydrogen dosing unit providing the fuel cell with hydrogen,—A battery,—A DC/DC-converter,—The fuel cell being connected to the battery so as to provide the battery with energy, the battery and the DC/DC-converter being interconnected so as to exchange energy, the fuel cell and the battery, being located at the bottom of the vehicle.