Single Coolant Loop for Fuel Cell and Electronics Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling systems for fuel cell systems and their related electronic components on aircraft require two separate cooling loops, which increase weight and complexity, and are inefficient due to energy consumption and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A single coolant loop is used to cool both the fuel cell system and electronic components, utilizing a coolant pump, distributor, and mixer to route and mix coolant at different temperatures, reducing the need for separate cooling systems and harnessing heat for storage or reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two separate cooling loops are used for fuel cell system and electronic components, then each system can be cooled at its optimal temperature, but weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate cooling loops into a single integrated cooling system that serves both the fuel cell system and electronic components. The single loop uses a coolant pump, distributor with temperature sensors, and mixer to route coolant to different systems, reducing the number of pumps, heat exchangers, and control systems while maintaining appropriate cooling for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The single coolant loop is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the fuel cell system, cooling electronic components, and providing heated coolant to the cabin. The distributor and mixer enable the system to dynamically allocate coolant to different destinations based on temperature requirements, making the cooling system multi-functional and adaptable
2Temperature
If two separate cooling loops are used for fuel cell system and electronic components, then each system can be cooled independently, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate cooling loops into one unified system, eliminating duplicate components such as second coolant pumps, additional heat exchangers, and redundant control systems. This consolidation directly reduces the overall weight of the cooling system while maintaining the capability to cool both the fuel cell system and electronic components at their respective optimal temperatures
3Productivity
If thermal power from fuel cell is not utilized, then system operation is simplified, but energy efficiency decreases and waste heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted thermal power (heat) from the fuel cell system into a useful resource by routing heated coolant from the fuel cell to the cabin heating system. This transforms waste heat into a beneficial output, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing the need for separate heating systems, while the system remains operationally manageable through integrated control
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 solution reduces weight and complexity by using a single coolant loop, improves energy efficiency by reusing heat, and decreases emissions by integrating cooling systems for fuel cell and electronic components, while maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger to cool the coolant fluid
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pump to move the coolant fluid through the loop
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a single coolant loop (40) that can be used for cooling at least two systems (100, 26) that are generally operable at two different temperatures. Rather than providing two separate cooling loops that can provide the two different cooling temperatures, there is provided a single cooling loop (40) that can route, harness, and mix heated coolant so that the two system can be served by a single loop.