Power Transistor Fuel Cell Stack Diagnostic System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell stack diagnostic systems face challenges with high cost and large size due to the need for large decoupling capacitors, which also lead to signal distortion during diagnosis, compromising precision.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power transistor into the diagnostic system, where an AC signal is applied to the transistor's gate to generate a sine wave current, allowing for precise diagnosis without distortion, and utilizing the transistor for regenerative braking discharge, preheating, and heating functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large decoupling capacitors are used in conventional diagnostic systems, then the system can prevent collision of diagnostic AC current and DC current, but the cost increases and the size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decoupling function from large capacitors and transfers it to the power transistor. The power transistor is configured to block the diagnostic AC current from reaching the DC/DC converter, thereby preventing current collision without requiring large decoupling capacitors. This resolves the contradiction by removing the problematic component while maintaining the essential function.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transistor serves multiple functions: it acts as a switch for diagnostic current control, a decoupling element to prevent AC-DC current collision, and a component for regenerative braking energy recovery. By making the power transistor multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate large decoupling capacitors, thereby reducing system size and cost while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If large decoupling capacitors are used in conventional diagnostic systems, then current collision is prevented, but signal distortion occurs during diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the decoupling capacitor from the signal path by using the power transistor to block AC current before it reaches the DC/DC converter. This eliminates the source of signal distortion while maintaining current collision prevention, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transistor acts as an intermediary element between the diagnostic AC current source and the DC/DC converter. It selectively blocks the AC current while allowing the diagnostic signal to pass through unaffected, preventing both current collision and signal distortion simultaneously.
3Loss of energy
If power transistor is used for regenerative braking discharge, then system efficiency improves, but additional control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power transistor is configured to perform both diagnostic current control and regenerative braking energy recovery functions. By integrating these functions into a single component with unified control logic, the patent improves energy efficiency while minimizing additional control complexity. The control system monitors operating conditions and switches the transistor's function accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the diagnostic function and regenerative braking function into a single integrated system controlled by the same power transistor and control unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control circuits, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing control complexity.
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
The power transistor-based system enables economical and precise fuel cell stack diagnosis, reduces costs, and provides additional functionality such as using heat for preheating and acting as a heater in winter, improving overall system efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the transistor for regenerative braking discharge, preheating, and heating functions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus using a power transistor in a fuel cell stack diagnostic system provides an apparatus using a power transistor in a fuel cell stack diagnostic system. The apparatus includes a regenerative braking detector that detects regenerative braking of a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell stack diagnostic system; a voltage rise determiner that determines whether a voltage rise due to regenerative braking of a fuel cell vehicle is a predetermined value or more; and a power transistor controller that controls an AC signal generator so that the voltage due to the regenerative braking is discharged by the power transistor, when the voltage rise due to regenerative braking determined by the voltage rise determiner is a predetermined value or more.