Fuel Outlet Malfunction Detection by Pressure Gradient in Multi-Tank Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in detecting malfunctions in complex tank systems, particularly due to mechanical and thermal stresses, and the need for early detection of malfunctions in multiple tank containers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transition from increased to reduced fuel mass flow operation to determine a pressure build-up gradient, comparing it with a target gradient, and detecting malfunctions in the fuel outlet arrangement, such as clogged extraction filters, by analyzing pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tank containers are used in the tank system, then the fuel storage capacity and flexibility are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring malfunctions increases due to the complex pressure dynamics and refilling effects between tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring continues across different operational phases (increased operation, reduced operation, refilling phase) to capture the complete pressure dynamics. By continuously tracking pressure build-up gradients through all phases, the system maintains detection capability despite the complex interactions between multiple tanks, ensuring no malfunction goes undetected due to transient refilling effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic operational cycles (switching between increased and reduced operation) to create detectable pressure patterns. By intentionally creating alternating phases of high and low fuel mass flow, the system generates periodic pressure variations that make malfunctions detectable against the background of normal multi-tank refilling dynamics
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring is performed continuously to detect malfunctions early, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy and computing resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs pressure gradient calculations at specific periodic intervals corresponding to operational phase transitions. Pressure build-up gradients are determined at defined times after transitions from increased to reduced operation, and comparisons with target gradients are made periodically, reducing computational load while maintaining detection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and stores target pressure build-up gradients for different operational conditions. By having reference values prepared in advance, the actual monitoring requires only simple comparisons rather than complex real-time calculations, significantly reducing energy and computing resource requirements during operation
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 early detection of malfunctions, preventing undesired fuel tank emptying and enabling timely countermeasures, with efficient computing resources and energy use.
Implementation Method 1
determining a pressure build-up gradient in the fuel line arrangement during the reduced operation after a defined time has elapsed since the determined transition to reduced operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a malfunction of a fuel outlet arrangement (16) in a tank system (11) for a fuel cell system (10), comprising the steps of: determining a transition from increased operation to reduced operation of the tank system (11) with a reduced fuel mass flow from the fuel tanks (12, 13, 14) of the tank system (11), determining a pressure build-up gradient in a fuel line arrangement (15) during the reduced operation after a defined time has elapsed after the determined transition to the reduced operation, providing a target pressure build-up gradient, performing a comparison between the determined pressure build-up gradient during reduced operation and the provided target pressure build-up gradient, and detecting a malfunction of the fuel outlet arrangement (16) based on the comparison. The invention also relates to a tank system (11) and a computer program product (23) for carrying out the method, as well as a computer-readable storage medium (24) on which such a computer program product (23) is stored.