Segmented Coolant Tank Heaters for Fuel Cell Thawing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face challenges in maintaining coolant hydration and temperature control, particularly in sub-zero conditions where frozen water can cause blockages, preventing the system from restarting or operating at full power until thawed.
Innovation Solution
A coolant storage tank equipped with individually controllable heater elements, including base, upward, and side heaters, which are activated sequentially or in response to melting coolant levels, to efficiently thaw frozen coolant and ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single heater element is used in the coolant storage tank, then the device complexity is reduced, but the thawing efficiency and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is divided into multiple independently controllable segments positioned at different locations (base, side walls, upper portion) within the coolant storage tank. Each segment can be activated separately based on the freezing conditions and coolant level, enabling targeted and efficient thawing without requiring a single complex high-power heater.
2Speed
If heater elements are continuously activated at high power, then the thawing speed increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater elements are equipped with individual controls that allow dynamic adjustment of power levels and activation sequences based on real-time conditions. The system can activate only the necessary heater segments at appropriate power levels, reducing energy waste while maintaining effective thawing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater elements can be activated in periodic cycles or sequences rather than continuously at full power. This allows for energy-efficient operation by alternating between heating phases and cooling phases, or activating different segments in sequence as the coolant thaws.
3Reliability
If the fuel cell system uses stored battery energy to maintain above-zero temperatures, then the freezing prevention is achieved, but the system reliability decreases when battery fails or becomes discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is designed to generate its own electrical power during normal operation, which can be used to operate the heater elements and prevent freezing. This eliminates dependence on external battery storage, allowing the system to maintain temperature control reliably regardless of battery charge state.
4Power
If multiple heater elements are provided at different locations, then the thawing coverage and efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent elements positioned at strategic locations within the coolant storage tank. Each segment can be controlled independently, allowing the system to address freezing at different locations optimally while keeping the control logic manageable through modular design.
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
Enables quick and efficient thawing of frozen coolant, allowing the fuel cell system to operate at full power by providing pure coolant and maintaining hydration and cooling functions.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant storage tank for storing coolant in a fuel cell system, the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements
Implementation Method 2
quickly and efficiently frozen coolant in the coolant storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant storage tank (1) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system (2), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements (7, 8a, 8b). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element (7) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element (8a) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment (50) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment (51), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element (54) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.