Hydrogen Fuel Distribution Thermal Management for Redundant Fuel Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen fuel distribution systems in vehicles lack efficient thermal management and redundancy, which can compromise system reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a thermal management system with hydrogen fuel distribution systems, incorporating coolant and compressed air distributors, and redundant components such as duplicate hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, along with thermosiphon apparatus and buffer tanks to regulate pressure and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen fuel is stored in high-pressure tanks for fuel cell vehicles, then the energy density and driving range are improved, but the risk of hydrogen leakage and the need for complex safety management systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel distribution system with thermal management functions by integrating coolant flow regulation and temperature control capabilities into the existing high-pressure hydrogen delivery infrastructure. This allows the same system to handle both fuel distribution and thermal regulation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of hydrogen delivery parameters and temperature conditions with feedback control mechanisms. Sensors detect pressure, flow rate, and temperature variations, and the control system automatically adjusts coolant flow and hydrogen delivery to maintain safe operating conditions, preventing leakage risks
2Power
If hydrogen fuel is delivered at high flow rates to meet peak power demands, then the power output is improved, but the temperature variations and thermal management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools hydrogen fuel before delivery to the fuel cell stack and预先 prepares coolant flow paths to handle anticipated thermal loads. By anticipating high flow rate demands and pre-positioning cooling capacity, the system can deliver high power without experiencing excessive temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal management system that acts as a buffer between the high-pressure hydrogen delivery and the fuel cell stack. This intermediary system includes heat exchangers and coolant flow regulators that mediate thermal interactions, allowing high flow rates to be maintained while temperature variations are controlled
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple fuel tanks are used to extend driving range, then the duration of action is improved, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrogen storage into multiple separate tanks rather than using a single large tank. This segmentation allows for more flexible spatial arrangement, optimizing the use of available vehicle space while extending total driving range through multiple smaller storage units
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel distribution system is designed to serve multiple tanks simultaneously, with a single distribution manifold and control system that can draw from any or all tanks as needed. This multi-functional design extends driving range without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same infrastructure serves multiple storage units
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
Enhances system reliability and efficiency by maintaining optimal operating conditions and allowing continued functionality in case of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
A coolant distributor (702) includes a heat exchanger (416). The coolant distributor (702) regulates a temperature of the fuel distribution system (100).
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a hydrogen fuel distribution system (100) with integrated thermal management. An example fuel distribution system (100) with integrated thermal management comprises a hydrogen fuel distributor (402) including a first tank (406) and a second tank (408). The hydrogen fuel distributor (402) circulates hydrogen fuel to a first fuel cell (606) and a second fuel cell (608). A coolant distributor (702) includes a heat exchanger (416). The coolant distributor (702) regulates a temperature of the fuel distribution system (100). A compressed air distributor (706) provides compressed air from a propulsor (730) to the first fuel cell (606) and the second fuel cell (608). An electrical distributor (602) transports electricity from the first fuel cell (606) and the second fuel cell (608) to an electric motor (726). The electric motor (726) drives the propulsor (730).