Throttle Flap Actuator Geometry for Fuel Cell Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems require two throttle flap actuators with contradictory demands, one for precise pressure control and the other for minimal pressure loss and tight sealing, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single throttle flap actuator unit with an electric-motor-adjustable throttle flap and a fluid channel featuring a variable first section and a second section with geometry that creates a pressure drop, allowing for precise pressure control and minimal pressure loss in the open position while ensuring tight sealing in the closed position, by eliminating the need for a separate actuator at the air outlet side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second throttle flap actuator is arranged at the air outlet side to control pressure exactly, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the second throttle flap actuator (pressure control) and the third throttle flap actuator (flow channel closing/opening) into a single integrated actuator unit. This single actuator controls both the throttle flap angle for pressure regulation and the flow channel opening/closing, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing system complexity while maintaining precise pressure control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single throttle flap actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the throttle flap angle for precise pressure regulation, opens/closes the second flow channel, and integrates both control mechanisms into one device. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require two separate actuators, reducing cost and complexity
2Measurement precision
If a third throttle flap actuator is arranged in series to set desired pressure in the second fluid channel, then pressure control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the third throttle flap actuator's pressure setting function with the second throttle flap actuator's pressure control function into a single integrated actuator. The actuator controls both the throttle flap angle and the flow channel opening/closing through unified control mechanisms, eliminating the need for a separate third actuator while maintaining full pressure control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated throttle flap actuator performs the functions of both the second and third actuators: it regulates pressure through throttle flap angle control and sets desired pressure levels through flow channel opening/closing control. This multi-functional single actuator replaces two separate actuators, reducing system complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If the second fluid channel section has geometry that gives rise to pressure drop, then pressure control precision is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different sections of the fluid channel: the first fluid channel section has a geometry optimized for minimal pressure loss, while the second fluid channel section has a geometry that creates controlled pressure drop for precise pressure control. This local differentiation allows each section to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other
4Reliability
If the throttle flap is designed to close the second fluid channel tightly, then sealing performance is improved, but pressure loss in open position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes different sections of the fluid channel for different functions: the first fluid channel section is designed with geometry that minimizes pressure loss when the throttle flap is open, while the second fluid channel section is designed with geometry that ensures tight sealing when the throttle flap is closed. This localized optimization allows the single actuator to achieve both excellent sealing performance and minimal pressure loss
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 enables cost savings and improved performance by allowing the same throttle flap actuator to be used at both the air inlet and outlet sides of the fuel cell stack, achieving precise pressure control and minimal pressure loss while maintaining tight sealing, thus optimizing the throttle flap actuator unit for fuel cell systems.
Implementation Method 1
the second fluid channel section having a geometry which gives rise to a pressure drop in a fluid flowing through the fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
A throttle flap actuator unit having a throttle flap actuator having an electric-motor-adjustable throttle flap, and a fluid channel, the fluid channel having a first and a second fluid channel section, the first fluid channel section having a flow cross section which is variable by the throttle flap. The second fluid channel section has a geometry which gives rise to a pressure drop in a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A fuel cell system has a throttle flap actuator unit of this type and motor vehicle has a fuel cell system of this type.