Gas Pressure Regulating Valve for Fuel Cell Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems require multiple regulators to manage high-pressure fuel gas, leading to increased system size, cost, weight, and pressure loss, with difficulty in controlling low flow rates and potential fuel gas leaks due to limited seal capacity.
Innovation Solution
A gas pressure regulating valve with a housing, valve body, return spring, and driving unit that adjusts opening degree in response to applied voltage or current, featuring a pressure return chamber, sealing members, and a buffer chamber to maintain target pressure and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple regulators are provided in series to reduce pressure in multiple stages, then pressure controllability is improved, but system size, cost, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple regulator functions into a single integrated valve body that can perform staged pressure reduction through multiple valve seats and opening degrees, eliminating the need for separate regulator components while maintaining pressure control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single regulator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both first-stage and second-stage pressure reduction, as well as flow control, through a unified valve mechanism that can operate in multiple modes depending on opening degree
2Reliability
If multiple regulators are provided to reduce pressure in multiple stages, then pressure controllability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple regulator functions are merged into a single valve assembly, consolidating what would have been separate regulator components into one integrated unit, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining staged pressure control
3Reliability
If multiple regulators are provided to reduce pressure in multiple stages, then pressure controllability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple regulator functions into a single manufacturable component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be produced, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining pressure control functionality
4Reliability
If multiple regulators are provided to reduce pressure in multiple stages, then pressure controllability is improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple regulator functions into a single compact valve body with integrated pressure reduction stages, reducing the overall volume required compared to having separate regulator components distributed throughout the system
5Stress or pressure
If upstream pressure increases, then fuel gas supply pressure is improved, but differential pressure increases making flow rate control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs dynamic control through variable opening degrees that can be adjusted in real-time to compensate for upstream pressure changes, maintaining optimal differential pressure across the valve for precise flow rate control regardless of upstream conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensors and flow measurements to dynamically adjust valve opening degree, compensating for upstream pressure variations and maintaining stable downstream pressure and flow rate control
6Stress or pressure
If upstream pressure increases, then fuel gas supply capability is improved, but the span of duty control becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The valve utilizes dynamic opening degree adjustment with multiple controllable positions that expand the duty control span, allowing the valve to operate effectively across a wide range of flow rates and pressure conditions even when upstream pressure is high
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
The valve achieves precise pressure control of high-pressure fuel gas, reduces system size and weight, and prevents fuel gas leaks by balancing forces and using a safety structure to redirect leaked gas, enhancing controllability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body driving unit configured to apply a driving force corresponding to an applied voltage or an applied current to the valve body
Implementation Method 2
a return spring configured to bias the valve body in a direction toward the closed position
Implementation Method 3
a first sealing member configured to receive pressure of a pressure return chamber in a direction against the driving force and cause the valve body to move toward the closed position in accordance with the pressure of the pressure return chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve includes a valve body and causes a valve body to move by an electromagnetic proportional solenoid to adjust an opening degree of a valve passage, thereby regulating secondary pressure to target pressure. A pressure return chamber is formed in the housing, and a diaphragm seal is provided at the valve body. The diaphragm seal receives the secondary pressure of the pressure return chamber to cause the valve body to move toward a closed position. A bearing member is provided between the valve body and the housing. In a gap between the valve body and the housing, a high-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the valve passage than the bearing member, and a low-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the bearing member than the high-pressure sealing member. A buffer chamber connected to a secondary port is formed between the sealing members.