Fuel Tank Valve State Detection for Stuck-Closed FCEV Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel tank valves in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can become stuck closed, preventing fuel delivery to the fuel cell stacks, which is not detected by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a controller that selectively operates each fuel tank valve in an open state while others are closed, monitoring fuel characteristics like pressure, density, or mass to detect and identify which valve is stuck closed, and initiates corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuel tank valve becomes stuck closed, then fuel delivery is blocked, but the existing systems cannot detect this condition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by selectively opening each fuel tank valve in sequence and monitoring fuel characteristics before actual fuel delivery is needed. This allows detection of stuck-closed valves in advance, preventing fuel delivery failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring fuel characteristics (pressure, density, temperature) and comparing them against expected values. When deviations are detected, the system identifies the specific stuck-closed valve and triggers corrective actions, creating a closed-loop detection and response mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel tank valves are used, then fuel delivery redundancy is improved, but the complexity of detecting which valve is stuck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic process is segmented into individual valve tests, where each fuel tank valve is tested separately by selectively opening it while keeping others closed. This segmentation allows the system to identify which specific valve is stuck without requiring complex multi-valve coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by cycling through each fuel tank valve in sequence during diagnostic operations. Each valve is opened for a predetermined period to allow fuel flow, then closed and tested in the same manner, enabling systematic identification of stuck valves through repeated periodic testing.
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
Accurately identifies and addresses stuck closed fuel tank valves, ensuring proper fuel delivery to the fuel cell stacks, and notifies the user or service platform for corrective maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a fuel delivery system to release fuel via an injector with a selected fuel tank valve among a plurality of fuel tank valves controlled to be in an open state
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) includes a controller that is configured to control a fuel delivery system to release fuel via an injector with a selected fuel tank valve among a plurality of fuel tank valves controlled to be in an open state and with the other fuel tank valves controlled to be in a closed state. The control is further configured to cause a corrective action in response to a fuel characteristic indicating the selected fuel tank valve is stuck closed.