Fuel Supply Valve Fault Detection Using Pressure Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems, such as JP 7135986 B2, face inefficiencies in detecting abnormalities in on-off valves, as they require fuel consumption to determine valve functionality, leading to potential errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that utilize pressure changes in the fuel supply system to detect abnormalities in on-off valves by monitoring pressure changes in the second fuel flow path during fuel supply, eliminating the need for fuel consumption and reducing erroneous detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel consumption is used to determine on-off valve functionality, then valve abnormality detection is achieved, but fuel is wasted and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/fuel-based detection method with a pressure-based detection system. A pressure sensor monitors pressure changes in the fuel supply system during normal operation to detect valve abnormalities, eliminating the need to consume fuel for diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pressure changes in the fuel supply system as the detection mechanism. By monitoring pressure variations during fuel supply operations, the system can identify valve sticking or failure conditions without requiring additional fuel consumption or mechanical test cycles.
2Reliability
If traditional valve detection methods are used, then valve functionality is determined, but erroneous detections increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes during normal fuel supply operations and uses this feedback to determine valve functionality. The pressure sensor provides real-time data that is analyzed to detect abnormal conditions, enabling accurate detection without additional test cycles or fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel supply system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own pressure characteristics during normal operation. The system uses its operational data to detect valve abnormalities, eliminating the need for separate detection systems or test procedures that would increase complexity and potential for erroneous detections.
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 effectively detects on-off valve abnormalities without fuel consumption, suppressing erroneous detections and reducing operational costs by using pressure changes to determine valve functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of an abnormality of the on-off valve based on a change in pressure of the fuel in the second fuel flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A control device according to the present disclosure includes: an on-off valve control unit that executes control for closing an on-off valve provided between a fuel tank and a second fuel flow path in a case where a fuel is supplied from a first fuel flow path to the fuel tank; and a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality of the on-off valve based on a change in pressure of the fuel in the second fuel flow path, the change in the pressure being obtained when the fuel is being supplied from the first fuel flow path to the fuel tank and the control for closing the on-off valve is being executed.