Hydrogen Supply Valve Learning for Fuel Cell Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems do not accurately learn the dynamic characteristics of solenoid valves used in hydrogen gas supply systems, which can vary due to manufacturing errors and aging, leading to inaccurate control of hydrogen gas pressure.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit in the fuel cell system performs learning processes by detecting and storing electric current and pressure at different sweep speeds to accurately measure the dynamic characteristics of solenoid valves, allowing precise control of hydrogen gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sweep speed is used for learning, then the learning process is simple, but the characteristics at different sweep speeds cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the learning process into multiple segments, each corresponding to a different sweep speed. The control circuit performs separate learning operations at various sweep speeds (e.g., fast sweep, medium sweep, slow sweep), storing the characteristic data for each speed independently. This segmented approach allows the system to capture sweep speed-dependent characteristics while keeping each individual learning operation relatively simple, and enables selection of appropriate characteristics based on actual operating conditions.
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 approach enables accurate control of hydrogen gas pressure in fuel cell systems, compensating for variations due to manufacturing errors and aging, ensuring efficient power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve configured to change an opening degree of the hydrogen gas supply passage
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in a downstream supply passage which is a part of the hydrogen supply gas passage from the solenoid valve to the fuel cell
Implementation Method 3
detecting and storing a conducted electric current conducted in the solenoid valve and the pressure at plural points while changing the conducted electric current at a first sweep speed
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system may include a fuel cell; a hydrogen gas supply passage configured to supply hydrogen gas to the fuel cell; a solenoid valve configured to change an opening degree of the hydrogen gas supply passage; a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in a downstream supply passage which is a part of the hydrogen gas supply passage from the solenoid valve to the fuel cell; and a control circuit configured to control the solenoid valve. The control circuit may be configured to perform: detecting and storing a conducted electric current conducted in the solenoid valve and the pressure at plural points while changing the conducted electric current at a first sweep speed; and detecting and storing the conducted electric current and the pressure at plural points while changing the conducted electric current at a second sweep speed different from the first speed.