Hydrogen Tank Discharge Timing from Reinforcing Layer Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas control systems for high pressure tanks in fuel cell systems limit hydrogen gas discharge based on assumed high ambient temperatures, leading to unnecessary power reduction and potential liner deformation due to inaccurate hydrogen gas concentration monitoring, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A gas control system that uses temperature sensors to detect the temperature of the reinforcing layer or ambient temperature around the high pressure tank, in conjunction with pressure sensors, to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen gas discharge, thereby preventing liner deformation and ensuring continuous high-power operation of the fuel cell stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If limiting control is performed based on assumed high ambient temperature, then liner deformation is prevented, but fuel cell power output is unnecessarily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system changes the parameter for determining limiting control activation from a fixed assumed temperature to a dynamically detected temperature of the reinforcing layer. This allows the system to adapt the flow rate limitation decision based on actual temperature conditions, preventing unnecessary power reduction when permeation risk is low while maintaining protection when risk is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously detecting the temperature of the reinforcing layer and using this information to dynamically adjust the flow rate limitation control. This closed-loop approach ensures that limiting control is activated only when actual conditions warrant it, optimizing both liner protection and power output.
2Measurement precision
If temperature inside the liner is detected, then hydrogen gas concentration monitoring is attempted, but adiabatic expansion during discharge causes inaccurate temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the temperature detection function from the liner interior to the reinforcing layer exterior surface. By measuring temperature outside the liner where adiabatic expansion effects do not occur, the system obtains accurate temperature data for controlling hydrogen permeation without being affected by the dynamic temperature changes inside the liner during discharge.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flow rate is limited to prevent buckling, then liner deformation is suppressed, but the amount of electric power generated decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate limitation based on real-time temperature detection of the reinforcing layer. When the detected temperature indicates low hydrogen permeation risk, the system relaxes or removes flow rate limitations, allowing maximum power generation. When temperature indicates high permeation risk, the system activates appropriate limitations to prevent buckling. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between structural stability and power productivity.
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 effectively suppresses liner deformation and maintains high-power fuel cell operation by accurately limiting hydrogen gas discharge based on temperature and pressure conditions, enhancing operational stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature inside the liner is approximately equal to the ambient temperature around the high pressure tank through the liner and the reinforcing layer
Implementation Method 2
Since the resin liner allows the hydrogen gas in the liner to permeate therethrough, the permeated hydrogen gas is accumulated between the liner and the reinforcing layer
Implementation Method 3
when the pressure of hydrogen gas inside the liner decreases as hydrogen gas is discharged so that the pressure of the hydrogen gas permeated through the liner and collecting between the liner and the reinforcing layer becomes higher than the pressure of hydrogen gas in the liner
Implementation Method 4
when the vehicle starts operating, hydrogen gas is discharged from the high pressure tank, and adiabatic expansion occurs, which changes the temperature inside the liner
Data Source
AI summary
A gas control system includes a high pressure tank, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an injector, and a gas control ECU. The high pressure tank includes a liner, a reinforcing layer, and a discharge hole for discharging hydrogen gas from the liner. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the reinforcing layer or the temperature around the outside of the high pressure tank. In the implementation of the gas control method, the gas control ECU, based on temperature information detected by the temperature sensor and pressure information detected by the pressure sensor, changes the timing of starting limiting control for limiting the discharge of hydrogen gas.