Hydrogen Tank Temperature Control for Accurate Fuel State Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell systems, there is no component to maintain the hydrogen tank at a constant temperature, leading to inaccurate fuel state calculations, especially in environments like flight vehicles where temperature changes affect hydrogen tank state calculations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a heater and cooler configuration, controlled by a processor, to maintain the hydrogen tank at a constant temperature by adjusting the heater and cooler based on temperature measurements, external air temperature, and pressure, using a positive temperature coefficient heater and a branching valve to circulate cooling water through the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no temperature control component is used for the hydrogen tank, then the system structure remains simple, but the hydrogen tank temperature cannot be maintained at a constant value, leading to inaccurate fuel state calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple cooling lines (first cooling line for electrical components and second cooling line for the hydrogen tank) with a branching valve to selectively direct cooling water. This segmentation allows independent temperature control of the hydrogen tank while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling water circulation system serves multiple functions: it cools electrical components through the first cooling line and cools the hydrogen tank through the second cooling line. The same cooling water and pump infrastructure is used for both purposes, reducing the need for separate cooling systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a heater and cooler system is added to maintain hydrogen tank temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the hydrogen tank temperature and adjusts the heater and cooler operations accordingly. When the temperature exceeds the preset range, the cooling water circulation is activated; when the temperature is too low, the heater is activated. This feedback mechanism maintains temperature stability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (heater power, cooling water flow rate) based on the measured temperature to maintain the hydrogen tank within the optimal temperature range, thereby achieving temperature stability without excessive energy use.
3Temperature
If cooling water is circulated through the hydrogen tank, then the tank temperature can be controlled, but the system requires additional components such as cooling lines and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system for the hydrogen tank is merged with the existing cooling water circulation infrastructure used for electrical components. The same pump and cooling water source are utilized, and the branching valve integrates both cooling paths into a unified system, reducing the need for entirely separate cooling components.
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 allows for accurate determination of the hydrogen tank state and prevents inaccurate control by maintaining the tank at a stable temperature, ensuring efficient operation of the fuel cell system.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the hydrogen tank
Implementation Method 2
a cooler configured to cool the hydrogen tank by circulating cooling water
Implementation Method 3
a first cooling line through which the cooling water circulates to pass through an electrical component and a second cooling line connected to the first cooling line and configured to circulate the cooling water through the hydrogen tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system including a hydrogen tank configured to store hydrogen supplied to a fuel cell stack, a heater configured to heat the hydrogen tank, a cooler configured to cool the hydrogen tank by circulating cooling water, and a controller configured to adjust a temperature of the hydrogen tank by controlling the heater and the cooler responsive to a measured temperature of the hydrogen tank.