Fuel Cell Muffler Deicing Agent Injection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell electric vehicles face challenges in maintaining fuel economy and preventing road icing due to water freezing in the muffler at low ambient temperatures, leading to safety issues and increased fuel cell load.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for injecting a deicing agent into the muffler, mixing it with condensed water vapor, and discharging the mixture to prevent freezing, using a deicing agent tank, pump, injector, and controller to adjust the injection amount based on ambient temperature and hydrogen consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating rate of the fuel cell is increased to prevent water freezing in the muffler, then the water freezing prevention is improved, but the fuel economy deteriorates due to increased fuel cell load
Solution Approach 1:
A deicing agent is introduced as an intermediary substance to prevent water freezing in the muffler. The deicing agent mixes with condensed water vapor to lower the freezing point, preventing ice formation without requiring increased fuel cell heating, thus maintaining fuel economy while ensuring reliable freezing prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The freezing point parameter of water is changed by adding a deicing agent. This chemical parameter modification allows water to remain liquid at lower temperatures, eliminating the need for thermal energy input and preserving fuel economy while achieving freezing prevention
2Use of energy by moving object
If the load of the fuel cell is reduced to maintain fuel economy, then the fuel economy is improved, but the water production amount increases due to condensation at low temperature, causing road icing
Solution Approach 1:
The deicing agent serves as a mediator between the condensed water vapor and the road surface. By mixing with the water, it prevents the water from freezing into ice on the road, allowing the fuel cell to operate at reduced load while still preventing harmful road icing
Solution Approach 2:
The condensed water vapor, which would normally freeze and create harmful road ice, is converted into a beneficial deiced liquid mixture. The deicing agent transforms the harmful freezing water into a liquid that can be safely discharged, converting a potential hazard into a benign output
3Reliability
If the fuel cell operates at increased load to prevent road icing, then the road safety is improved, but the fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deicing agent acts as a mediator that enables road safety without requiring increased fuel cell load. By chemically preventing freezing in the muffler, it eliminates the need for thermal management through increased heating, thus maintaining fuel economy while ensuring road safety
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
Prevents freezing in the muffler, reduces the risk of road icing, improves fuel economy by optimizing deicing agent use, and extends the vehicle's functionality for snow removal, enhancing safety and maintenance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
mixing water produced by water vapor condensation in the muffler with the deicing agent
Implementation Method 2
water vapor condensation in the muffler
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell electric vehicle includes a muffler deicing agent injection system composed of a deicing agent injector injecting a deicing agent, which is pumped by a deicing agent injection pump, from a deicing agent tank and is supplied to a deicing agent pipe. The muffler deicing agent injection system performs a muffler deicing agent injection logic to inject the deicing agent through operations of the deicing agent injection pump and the deicing agent injector by a controller under an ambient temperature satisfaction condition and a deicing agent injection satisfaction condition.