Fuel Cell Layout Using Low-Voltage Rear Placement in Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell vehicles, mounting the fuel cell in the lower rear seat area necessitates raising the floor, which narrows the occupant space and poses electrical safety concerns, particularly in collision scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell is positioned in the rear portion of the vehicle with a DC voltage of less than 60 V, allowing it to be disposed in a crushable zone without requiring protective measures, while the battery is placed in the front, maintaining occupant space and ensuring electrical safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fuel cell is mounted in the lower portion of the rear seat arrangement portion, then the fuel cell can be installed in the vehicle, but the floor surface must be raised which narrows the occupant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal mounting (under the floor) to vertical mounting (on the rear side of the front seat). This dimensional change allows the fuel cell to be installed in the lateral space between the front and rear seats rather than requiring floor elevation, thereby preserving occupant space while accommodating the fuel cell.
2Volume of moving object
If the fuel cell is mounted in the lower portion of the rear seat arrangement portion, then the fuel cell can be installed, but additional protective measures are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fuel cell from the high-voltage category by selecting a low-voltage model (less than 60V). This extraction from the high-voltage system eliminates the requirement for complex protective measures such as reinforced collision zones and specialized safety structures, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Power
If a high voltage fuel cell is used, then power generation capability is improved, but electrical safety risks increase requiring additional protective measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the fuel cell from high voltage to low voltage (less than 60V). This parameter change maintains sufficient power generation capability for the vehicle while dramatically reducing electrical safety risks, thereby eliminating the need for additional protective measures and improving overall system reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
In the fuel cell vehicle provided with the motor and configured to drive the motor with power of at least one of the fuel cell 1 and the battery, the fuel cell having a DC voltage of less than 60 V is disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle and the battery is disposed in the front relative to the fuel cell.