18132139. FUEL CELL SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract (KIA CORPORATION)

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FUEL CELL SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD THEREOF

Organization Name

KIA CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Jae Gwang Lee of Seoul (KR)

FUEL CELL SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18132139 titled 'FUEL CELL SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD THEREOF

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes an apparatus for controlling a multi-module fuel cell system, along with a system and method for implementing it. The system includes two controllers: a first controller monitors the accumulated power or driving time of one or more fuel cell stacks, while a second controller controls the power of each stack based on the monitored data, depending on the required power. The aim is to ensure stack durability by controlling the distribution of fuel cell stacks.

  • The patent application introduces an apparatus for controlling a multi-module fuel cell system.
  • The system includes two controllers: a first controller and a second controller.
  • The first controller monitors the accumulated power or driving time of one or more fuel cell stacks.
  • The second controller controls the power of each fuel cell stack based on the monitored data.
  • The power control is dependent on the required power.
  • The distribution of fuel cell stacks is controlled to ensure stack durability.

Potential Applications

This technology has potential applications in various industries and sectors, including:

  • Automotive industry: The control system can be implemented in electric vehicles powered by fuel cell systems, ensuring efficient power distribution and stack durability.
  • Renewable energy systems: The technology can be utilized in renewable energy systems that utilize fuel cells, optimizing power distribution and prolonging stack lifespan.
  • Industrial power generation: The system can be applied in large-scale power generation facilities that utilize fuel cell systems, improving overall efficiency and reliability.

Problems Solved

The technology addresses several problems associated with multi-module fuel cell systems:

  • Uneven power distribution: By monitoring and controlling the power of individual fuel cell stacks, the system ensures a balanced distribution of power, preventing overloading or underutilization of specific stacks.
  • Stack durability: By controlling the distribution of fuel cell stacks based on accumulated power or driving time, the system helps to evenly distribute the workload, reducing the strain on individual stacks and prolonging their lifespan.
  • Power optimization: The second controller adjusts the power of each stack based on the required power, ensuring efficient utilization of the fuel cell system and maximizing overall performance.

Benefits

The technology offers several benefits for multi-module fuel cell systems:

  • Enhanced durability: By controlling the distribution of fuel cell stacks, the system helps to evenly distribute the workload, reducing the risk of stack failure and increasing overall system durability.
  • Improved efficiency: The power control mechanism ensures that each stack operates at an optimal power level, maximizing the efficiency of the fuel cell system.
  • Extended lifespan: By preventing overloading or underutilization of specific stacks, the technology helps to prolong the lifespan of individual fuel cell stacks, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.


Original Abstract Submitted

An apparatus of controlling a multi-module fuel cell system, a system including the same, and a method thereof are provided. A first controller individually monitors at least one of an amount of accumulated power or an accumulated driving time of one or more fuel cell stacks and a second controller is configured to control power of each of the one or more, based on the amount of monitored individual accumulated power or the monitored individual accumulated driving time of the one or more fuel cell stacks depending on required power. Stack durability is ensured by controlling distribution of the fuel cell stacks.