Parallel Fuel Cell Load Allocation for Work Machine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of fuel cells mounted in parallel on work machines varies with load ratio, making it challenging to evenly output the electric power needed for operation, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control device that determines the load ratio of each fuel cell based on the needed electric power and operates them accordingly, using a load ratio determination unit and an operation instruction unit to optimize the efficiency of the fuel cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple fuel cells are mounted in parallel to power a work machine, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates because fuel cells cannot operate at optimal load ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel cell system into multiple independent fuel cell modules, each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows each fuel cell to be operated at its optimal load ratio independently, resolving the contradiction between power supply capacity and operational efficiency. The control device manages each fuel cell separately based on its individual characteristics and current load ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic load ratio adjustment for each fuel cell based on real-time operating conditions. The control device continuously monitors the load ratio of each fuel cell and adjusts their operational parameters dynamically to maintain optimal efficiency. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing power demands while keeping each fuel cell operating efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If fuel cells are operated to evenly output electric power, then the operational simplicity is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates because load ratio optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines and adjusts the load ratio for each fuel cell based on real-time monitoring of their operational parameters. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention to optimize efficiency while maintaining simple operation. The system autonomously balances the power output and optimizes the load ratio of each fuel cell without requiring complex user input or management.
3Loss of energy
If the load ratio of each fuel cell is individually controlled, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a universal system that can manage multiple fuel cells with different characteristics using a unified control strategy. It performs multiple functions including monitoring, load ratio determination, and power output optimization for each fuel cell within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each fuel cell, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining efficiency optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A load ratio determination unit determines a load ratio of each of a plurality of fuel cells based on desired electric power of a work machine. An operation instruction unit operates each of the plurality of fuel cells at the determined load ratio.