Modular Fuel Cell System With Integration Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell power systems lack modular flexibility and redundancy, making them inflexible for varying power demands and prone to failures, as they are typically fixed in configuration and lack integrated management of multiple technologies.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel cell system architecture with an integration plane that includes a fluid bus, electrical bus, power management bus, and module bays with standardized interfaces, allowing for the connection of various technology modules such as fuel cell stacks, hydrogen storage, and power management units, along with a resident processor for control and redundancy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration is used for fuel cell power systems, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility for varying power demands
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell power system is divided into multiple independent module bays, each capable of being individually configured and connected to the integration plane. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled and configured flexibly according to power demands while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration plane provides universal fluid bus, electrical bus, and power management bus interfaces that can accommodate various types of technology modules (fuel cell stacks, hydrogen storage, power management units). This multi-functionality enables a single system architecture to serve multiple purposes and adapt to different power requirements.
2Reliability
If a fixed configuration is used for fuel cell power systems, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the system lacks redundancy and is prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent module bays with standardized interfaces, the patent enables redundant configurations where multiple modules can perform similar functions. If one module fails, others can continue operation, improving reliability without requiring a completely new system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture with standardized interfaces allows for pre-configured redundancy where backup modules can be readily installed and integrated. The system is designed in advance to accommodate failure scenarios through the ability to quickly swap or add modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized interfaces are implemented for module bays, then the system achieves modular flexibility, but the interface design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integration plane implements universal fluid bus, electrical bus, and power management bus interfaces that work with all module bay types. This universality achieves modular flexibility while managing interface complexity through standardized, multi-functional connection protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple interface functions (fluid connection, electrical connection, power management) are merged into the standardized module bay interface design. This consolidation achieves flexibility while reducing overall complexity by having a single standardized interface handle multiple functions rather than separate specialized interfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple technology modules are integrated, then the system can adapt to changing power demands, but the control and management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integration plane acts as an intermediary between multiple technology modules and the control system. It provides standardized interfaces and buses that simplify the control and management of diverse modules, allowing the system to adapt to changing power demands without increasing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management bus and other standardized interfaces provide universal control mechanisms that work across all module types. This universality enables efficient management of multiple technology modules while adapting to changing power demands through a single integrated control architecture.
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
Enables flexible configuration, redundancy, and efficient power management, allowing the system to adapt to changing power demands and maintain operation even if individual modules fail, through standardized interfaces and integrated control.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell stack having an anode end for splitting hydrogen atoms into electrons and protons, a current bearing portion providing a pathway for the electrons, a medium such as a proton exchange membrane providing a pathway for the protons
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventions relate to power systems (for example, fuel cell power systems) and architectures having an integration plane to incorporate various technology modules therein including, for example, one or more fuel cell stacks, fuel storage containers/tanks (for example, hydrogen, methanol and/or hydrogen containing compounds or substances from which hydrogen can be extracted on demand (e.g., a hydride)), power unit having a power management unit to provide a conditioned and/or regulated electrical power using electrical power provided by a fuel cell, fuel cartridge having one or more fuel storage containers/tanks and electrical circuitry to monitor and/or store one or more parameters of the fuel storage container(s)/tank(s), super-capacitors, batteries, and/or electrical or electronic devices such as mobile communications (for example, phones and/or modems), data processor circuitry, and/or monitoring or surveillance device (for example, a imaging sensing device (for example, camera) and/or audio sensing device).