Hydrogen Gas Supply Apparatus Impurity Diffusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrogen gas supply systems for fuel cell vehicles, impurities such as sulfur and halogen adsorbed by adsorbents in the system can desorb and diffuse back to the compressor side when the compressor stops, leading to reduced hydrogen gas quality and waste of hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen gas supply apparatus and method that includes a compressor, a pressure accumulator, a first adsorption column with a first adsorbent, and a second adsorption column with a second adsorbent. The system uses valves to control the flow of hydrogen gas and impurities, ensuring that impurities adsorbed by the first adsorbent are absorbed by the second adsorbent, even when the compressor is stopped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the compressor stops after charging hydrogen into the pressure accumulator, then the compressor can be rested and maintenance intervals extended, but the impurities adsorbed by the adsorbent desorb and diffuse toward the compressor side, reducing hydrogen gas quality
Solution Approach 1:
A third adsorption column is introduced as an intermediary component between the first adsorption column and the compressor. When the compressor stops, impurities that desorb from the first adsorbent are captured by the second adsorbent in the third adsorption column, preventing them from reaching the compressor and contaminating the hydrogen gas supply line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary purification by using the third adsorption column to capture impurities before they can diffuse to the compressor side. The control unit switches valve configurations to activate the third adsorption column in advance during compressor stop periods, preventing impurity contamination before it occurs.
2Device complexity
If a single adsorption column is used to remove impurities, then the system structure is simple, but the adsorbent becomes saturated and impurities are not effectively removed during compressor stop periods
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption system is segmented into three separate adsorption columns, each containing adsorbent. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different columns based on operational needs. During compressor operation, the first adsorption column removes impurities. During compressor stop, the third adsorption column captures desorbing impurities, while the second adsorption column remains as backup or undergoes regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the saturated first adsorbent by switching flow paths to bypass it when the compressor is running. During compressor stop, the system recovers by using the third adsorption column to capture impurities, and the first adsorption column can be regenerated or replaced while the system continues to operate with the other columns.
3Reliability
If the system continuously operates the compressor to maintain hydrogen supply, then hydrogen gas quality is maintained, but hydrogen gas is wasted and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors hydrogen levels in the pressure accumulator and activates the compressor only when needed to maintain pressure within specified ranges. During stop periods, the three-adsorption-column system ensures impurities are still captured, allowing quality maintenance without continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption system serves itself by automatically switching between different valve configurations based on compressor operation state. The control unit monitors system conditions and autonomously switches between purification modes (first adsorption column during operation, third adsorption column during stop), eliminating the need for continuous compressor operation while maintaining hydrogen quality.
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 solution efficiently uses hydrogen gas remaining in the adsorption columns while preventing impurities from diffusing back to the compressor side, thus maintaining hydrogen gas quality and reducing hydrogen waste.
Implementation Method 1
a first adsorption column disposed between the compressor and the pressure accumulator, and configured to include a first adsorbent which adsorbs impurities mixed in the hydrogen gas discharged from the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a second adsorption column disposed at the return pipe and configured to include a second adsorbent which adsorbs the impurities
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for controlling a gas purification apparatus includes a circuit configured to control to depressurize a pressure inside a compressor configured to compress a gas. The gas purification apparatus includes the compressor, a first adsorption part configured to include a first adsorbent which adsorbs impurities mixed in the gas, a second adsorption part configured to include a second adsorbent which adsorbs the impurities, and a valve provided on a pipe connecting the compressor, the first adsorption part, and the second adsorption part. The circuit is further configured to control the valve so that the second adsorbent adsorbs the impurities desorbed from the first adsorbent in a case that a pressure inside the compressor is depressurized, to regenerate the first adsorption part.