Hydrogen Supply Line Bypass Valve Layout for Leak-Resistant Fuel Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face challenges in maintaining air tightness and durability due to high pressure leaks in gas charging and supplying lines, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design incorporating a regulator, solenoid valve, and check valve configuration that removes high pressure from gas charging and supplying lines, using a check valve to equalize pressures and minimize leak points, with a pressure sensor to detect and measure pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high pressure is applied to the gas charging line and gas supplying line to enable hydrogen storage and supply, then the fuel cell system can operate with sufficient hydrogen pressure, but leak points are generated at fitting connections and air tightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas charging line and gas supplying line. This check valve selectively opens to equalize pressure between the two lines, eliminating the high pressure differential that causes leaks at fitting connections, while still allowing the system to maintain sufficient hydrogen pressure for operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter in the gas supplying line by controlling the check valve opening/closing based on pressure differential. When pressure difference exceeds a threshold, the check valve opens to equalize pressure, reducing the pressure parameter to prevent leaks, while allowing high pressure to be restored when needed for hydrogen supply
2Productivity
If high pressure is continuously maintained in the gas charging line connected to the gas charging station, then hydrogen can be efficiently charged, but durability of the hydrogen supplying system deteriorates due to continuous high pressure stress
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve serves as a protective mechanism that activates beforehand to cushion the system from excessive pressure stress. During charging, when pressure differential becomes too high, the check valve opens to relieve pressure, preventing continuous high pressure stress that would degrade system durability, while still allowing efficient charging to proceed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fittings and connections are used in the high pressure line to route hydrogen from the vessel to the stack, then the system layout is flexible, but the number of leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as an intermediary pressure equalization point that eliminates the need for additional fittings and connections. By providing a direct pressure equalization path between the gas charging line and gas supplying line, the system can maintain flexible layout with fewer connection points, thereby reducing leak points
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 effectively reduces high pressure leaks, improves the stability and durability of the solenoid valve, and allows for the diagnosis of internal leaks in the hydrogen supplying system.
Implementation Method 1
When a pressure difference between the gas charging line and the gas supplying line occurs, the check valve 50 is opened
Implementation Method 2
a check valve provided in a bypass line connecting one point of the gas supplying line between the regulator and the solenoid valve and one point of the gas charging line
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system without a high pressure line of a hydrogen supplying system, including a gas charging line formed between a gas charging station and a high pressure vessel charged with gas by the gas charging station, and a gas supplying line formed between the high pressure vessel and a stack, includes: a regulator provided in the gas supplying line; a solenoid valve provided in the gas supplying line between the regulator and the high pressure vessel; and a check valve provided in a bypass line connecting one point of the gas supplying line between the regulator and the solenoid valve and one point of the gas charging line.