17851535. APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM simplified abstract (KIA CORPORATION)
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17851535 titled 'APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an apparatus and method for controlling a fuel cell system. The system includes a fuel cell stack, a balance of plant (BOP) for operating the stack, and a fuel cell controller.
- The system includes a first power converter with a bidirectional low voltage DC/DC converter, located between the fuel cell stack and a first voltage battery.
- There is also a second power converter with a single bidirectional DC/DC converter module, located between the fuel cell stack and a second voltage battery.
- The controller is configured to operate either the first power converter or the single bidirectional DC/DC converter module of the second power converter when the fuel cell system is started or stopped.
- The controller also controls the first power converter or the second power converter to supply driving power to the BOP using electrical energy from the first voltage battery or the second voltage battery.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Automotive industry - This technology can be used in fuel cell vehicles to efficiently control the fuel cell system and provide power to the balance of plant.
- Renewable energy systems - The technology can be applied in renewable energy systems that utilize fuel cells, such as off-grid power systems or backup power systems.
- Industrial applications - Fuel cell systems can be used in various industrial applications, and this technology can enhance their control and power management capabilities.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Efficient power management - The technology allows for efficient control and utilization of electrical energy from multiple voltage batteries, optimizing the operation of the fuel cell system.
- Smooth start and stop of the fuel cell system - The controller can smoothly operate the power converters during the start-up and shut-down processes, ensuring a reliable and controlled operation of the system.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved energy efficiency - By effectively managing the power converters and utilizing electrical energy from multiple batteries, the fuel cell system can operate with higher energy efficiency.
- Enhanced system reliability - The controlled start-up and shut-down processes ensure a reliable operation of the fuel cell system, reducing the risk of system failures or malfunctions.
- Flexibility in power supply - The ability to switch between different power converters and voltage batteries provides flexibility in supplying driving power to the balance of plant, adapting to different operational requirements.
Original Abstract Submitted
An apparatus and a method for controlling a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, a balance of plant for operating the fuel cell stack, and a fuel cell controller configured for controlling the BOP, a first power converter located between the fuel cell stack and a first voltage battery and including a bidirectional low voltage DC/DC converter, a second power located between the fuel cell stack and a second voltage battery to include a single bidirectional DC/DC converter module, and a controller configured for operating the first power converter or the single bidirectional DC/DC converter module of the second power converter, when the fuel cell system is started or stopped, and controlling the first power converter or the second power converter to supply driving power to the BOP using electrical energy of the first voltage battery or the second voltage battery.
