Fuel Cell Vehicle Thermal Bypass for Stationary Power Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for fuel cell vehicles are inefficient in cooling power electronic parts when the vehicle is stationary, leading to decreased coolant flow, increased power consumption, and compromised cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a bypass line that allows coolant to selectively bypass driving components when the vehicle is stationary, concentrating cooling effects on power electronic parts and optimizing coolant flow, including the use of valves to switch flow paths and a heat exchanger for oil cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is supplied to driving components when the vehicle is stationary, then the driving components can be cooled, but the coolant flow rate decreases due to pressure loss and cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two separate circulation paths: a first circulation path for cooling power electronic parts and a second circulation path for cooling driving components. This segmentation allows the coolant to be directed to only the components that require cooling at any given time, preventing flow rate reduction and maintaining optimal cooling performance for the active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different circulation paths based on the operational state of the vehicle. When the vehicle is stationary, the coolant circulates through the first path to cool power electronic parts. When the vehicle is moving, the coolant circulates through the second path to cool driving components. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal coolant flow and cooling performance under varying operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If coolant flow is reduced to match stationary operation needs, then power consumption decreases, but cooling performance of power electronic parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cooling system into separate circulation paths, the pump only needs to circulate coolant through the active cooling path at any given time. This eliminates the need to maintain high flow rates through inactive components, reducing pressure loss and allowing the pump to operate at lower power consumption while maintaining optimal cooling performance for the active components.
3Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for both driving components and power electronic parts, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot effectively cool power electronic parts when the vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into a first circulation path for power electronic parts and a second circulation path for driving components, with switching mechanisms that allow selective activation. This segmentation enables effective cooling of power electronic parts when the vehicle is stationary by directing coolant flow exclusively through the first path, while maintaining relatively simple system structure through the use of switching valves and separate but integrated circulation loops.
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
Improves cooling efficiency and performance for power electronic parts, reduces power consumption, and simplifies the system structure while enhancing design freedom and spatial utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit provided in the cooling line and configured to cool the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger configured to allow the coolant and the oil to exchange heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle, the thermal management system including a cooling line configured to pass through power electronic parts of a vehicle and allow a coolant to circulate therethrough, a cooling unit provided in the cooling line and configured to cool the coolant, driving components provided in the cooling line and configured to drive the vehicle, and a bypass line having a first end connected to the cooling line at a first point positioned between the driving components and an outlet of the cooling unit, and a second end connected to the cooling line at a second point positioned between the driving components and an inlet of the cooling unit, such that it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of improving cooling efficiency and cooling performance and improving safety and reliability.