Multi-Consumer Fuel Cell Load Control for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines with multiple main drives face challenges in precisely determining the load specification of their fuel cells, leading to inefficiencies and reduced service life due to unoptimized power distribution between the fuel cell and battery.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the load specification of a fuel cell in work machines by considering the power requirements of multiple electrical consumers, including main drives, and incorporates machine data, past data, and predictive forecasting to optimize power distribution and operating strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the power requirements of multiple electrical consumers are considered when determining fuel cell load specification, then the precision of load specification determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination system is segmented into multiple independent detection units, each responsible for detecting power requirements of specific electrical consumers. The control unit processes signals from these segmented detection units to determine the total load specification, allowing precise measurement while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the fuel cell system, processes power requirement signals from multiple electrical consumers, determines load specification, and adjusts operating parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single universal controller rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell operates at maximum efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but the service life of the fuel cell deteriorates due to increased power dynamics and shutdown processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects power requirements of electrical consumers and feeds this information back to the control unit, which adjusts the fuel cell load specification in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize efficiency by matching fuel cell output to actual demand while avoiding excessive power dynamics and shutdowns that would reduce service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell load specification is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of electrical consumer power requirements. The control unit continuously modifies operating parameters to match actual load demands, enabling the system to operate efficiently without subjecting the fuel cell to unnecessary power dynamics and shutdown cycles that would harm its service life.
3Ease of operation
If the load specification is determined based on driver's desired output alone, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to unoptimized power distribution between fuel cell and battery
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects power requirements of all electrical consumers and self-adjusts the fuel cell load specification without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously optimizes power distribution between fuel cell and battery based on detected loads, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity through optimized energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or simple accelerator-pedal-based load determination is replaced with an automated electronic detection and control system. Sensors and control units electronically detect power requirements and automatically adjust fuel cell operation, replacing simplistic mechanical operation with intelligent electronic control that improves productivity while maintaining ease of use.
4Use of energy by moving object
If power loss on fuel cell and battery is minimized to achieve maximum efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functions for multiple electrical consumers are merged into a unified control system that processes all power requirement signals through a single control unit. This consolidation achieves optimized power distribution and maximum energy efficiency while managing complexity by combining multiple functions into one integrated system rather than using separate independent control mechanisms.
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
Enhances the precision of load specification determination, optimizing power distribution and extending the service life of the fuel cell and battery by minimizing power loss and adjusting operating strategies based on real-time and historical data processing.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen is fed into a fuel cell, which reacts with oxygen in a chemical process. The energy stored in the hydrogen is released as electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a working machine with a fuel cell drive, comprising a fuel cell and determining means for determining the load specification of the fuel cell, wherein the working machine has several electrical consumers which are connected to the fuel cell directly or indirectly for the purpose of obtaining electrical energy, wherein the determining means are designed such that the power requirement of at least two of the electrical consumers is taken into account in determining the load specification of the fuel cell.