Hydrogen Hybrid Propulsion Control for Heavy-Duty Power Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsion systems for medium and heavy duty vehicles face challenges in providing adequate power while meeting reduced carbon emission goals, with hydrogen fuel cell stacks struggling to meet power demands and requiring significant packaging space, and electrified vehicles facing space constraints for battery accommodation.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid propulsion system combining an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell, both fueled by hydrogen, with a controller optimizing the efficiency and emissions by selectively using the ICE and fuel cell to charge a battery pack based on vehicle operating conditions, utilizing a hydrogen storage tank to supply hydrogen to both engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the hydrogen fuel cell stack power output is increased to meet heavy duty vehicle power demand, then the power output is improved, but the packaging space required to accommodate hydrogen storage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fuel cell stack with an internal combustion engine (ICE) into a hybrid propulsion system. The fuel cell generates electricity to power the vehicle, while the ICE serves as a supplemental power source and auxiliary generator. This merging allows the system to meet high power demands without proportionally increasing hydrogen storage capacity, as the ICE can supplement power output when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: it acts as a supplemental propulsion source during high power demand, functions as an auxiliary generator to charge the battery when the fuel cell cannot meet demand, and can operate independently if needed. This multi-functionality allows the fuel cell stack to be sized for efficient electric operation while the ICE handles peak power requirements, reducing overall hydrogen storage needs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional gasoline and diesel engines are replaced with alternative propulsion systems to reduce carbon emissions, then carbon emissions are reduced, but power output adequacy for medium and heavy duty vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a fuel cell electric propulsion system with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. The fuel cell provides clean electric power with zero tailpipe emissions, while the hydrogen ICE provides supplemental mechanical power when high output is needed. This combination maintains low emissions while ensuring adequate power for medium and heavy duty applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between fuel cell electric mode and hydrogen ICE mode based on power demand. During normal operation, the fuel cell provides efficient zero-emission power. During high power demand situations, the hydrogen ICE activates to supplement or replace fuel cell output, ensuring adequate power while maintaining lower overall emissions compared to conventional diesel engines.
3Force
If electrified vehicles use batteries to provide required torque for medium and heavy duty operation, then torque is improved, but packaging space to accommodate batteries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fuel cell electric system with a hydrogen internal combustion engine in a hybrid configuration. The fuel cell provides electric torque with a compact battery, while the hydrogen ICE provides supplemental mechanical power. This merging allows the battery to be smaller than in pure electric vehicles, as the hydrogen ICE assists during high torque demands, reducing overall packaging space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen internal combustion engine acts as an intermediary between the fuel cell electric system and the wheels. When high torque is needed, the hydrogen ICE provides mechanical power assistance, allowing the battery and fuel cell to be sized smaller than in pure electric vehicles while still meeting torque requirements for medium and heavy duty operations.
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 system achieves efficient power output with reduced emissions by optimizing the operation of both engines based on real-time vehicle inputs, ensuring adequate power while minimizing carbon footprint and packaging requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel cell has a second output providing a second output voltage
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine (ICE), both fueled by hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
The ICE has a first output that drives a generator, the generator providing a first output voltage
Implementation Method 4
The battery pack selectively and alternatively receives the first and second output voltage to charge the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (ICE), a fuel cell, a hydrogen storage tank, a battery pack, an electric drive motor and a controller. The ICE has a first output that drives a generator, the generator providing a first output voltage. The fuel cell has a second output providing a second output voltage. The hydrogen storage tank is configured to store hydrogen and selectively and alternatively supply the hydrogen to both of the ICE and the fuel cell. The battery pack selectively and alternatively receives the first and second output voltage to charge the battery pack. The controller receives vehicle inputs and determines operational set points of the ICE and the fuel cell representative of an amount of the first and second output voltage to direct to the battery pack based on operating conditions.