Multi-Voltage Fuel Cell Stack for UAV Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) typically supply electricity at a single voltage, necessitating additional power supplies to meet the varied voltage requirements of different electrical systems, which increases weight, volume, and power conversion losses.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack with multiple fuel cells connected in series and an internal current collecting plate allows for the simultaneous provision of multiple voltage levels to different loads, eliminating the need for power conversion devices by distributing the stack voltage across end plates and internal current collecting plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional power supplies are used to change the cell voltage to other voltage levels required by the system, then the voltage requirements of different electrical systems are met, but the weight, volume, and power conversion losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack is segmented into multiple series-connected cells with intermediate current collecting plates positioned between end plates. These intermediate plates serve as additional output terminals, enabling the stack to provide multiple voltage levels (full stack voltage between end plates, and partial voltages between end plates and intermediate plates) without requiring external power conversion devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical energy and provides multiple voltage levels through its internal structure. The intermediate current collecting plates enable the same stack to serve both as a power source and as a multi-voltage distribution system, eliminating the need for separate power supply units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power supplies are used to change the cell voltage to other voltage levels required by the system, then the voltage requirements of different electrical systems are met, but the volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation function and voltage transformation function into a single integrated structure. The intermediate current collecting plates are embedded within the fuel cell stack itself, combining what would traditionally be separate components (fuel cell stack + external power converters) into one unified device, thereby reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical energy and provides multiple voltage levels through its internal structure. The intermediate current collecting plates enable the same stack to serve both as a power source and as a multi-voltage distribution system, eliminating the need for separate power supply units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional power supplies are used to change the cell voltage to other voltage levels required by the system, then the voltage requirements of different electrical systems are met, but the power conversion losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate current collecting plates are pre-positioned within the fuel cell stack during manufacturing, establishing multiple voltage output points in advance. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for real-time voltage conversion during operation, thereby avoiding power conversion losses that would occur with active power supply devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic voltage conversion system (power supplies and converters) with an electrical architecture solution (series-connected cells with intermediate tapping points). This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts, switching devices, and control circuits associated with voltage conversion, thereby reducing energy losses.
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
This configuration enhances system efficiency, reduces weight, and extends mission duration by providing multiple voltage levels without the need for additional hardware, thereby optimizing power distribution in UAVs.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy, typically by oxidizing the fuel
Implementation Method 2
When fuel is supplied to the anode and oxidant is supplied to the cathode, the membrane assembly generates a useable electric current
Implementation Method 3
the electrolyte combines the oxygen and hydrogen to form water and to release electrons
Implementation Method 4
In a multi-cell stack, multiple cells are connected together in series. The number of single cells within a multi-cell assembly are adjusted to increase the overall power output of the fuel cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A system comprising an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a first load (24), a second load (26), and a fuel cell stack (20) mounted in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, the fuel stack comprising: a first end plate (44), a second end plate (46), and an internal current collecting plate (48) arranged in the fuel cell stack (20) between the first end plate (44) and the second end plate (46), wherein the first load (24) is connected to the first end plate (44) and the second end plate (46), and the second load (26) is connected to the first end plate (44) and the internal current collecting plate (48); wherein the first load (24) and the second load (26) are components of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.