Deterioration detection apparatus for vehicle-used fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention provides a deterioration detection apparatus for a vehicle-used fuel cell. When a fuel cell carried on a vehicle deteriorates, the apparatus can judge the deterioration reasons detailedly, so as to perform recovery of the deterioration with a suitable condition. A target value of an output current of the fuel cell is enabled to change in a step way. An indicial response of an output voltage of the fuel cell, driven in the manner of tracking the target value, is measured, and the indicial response is divided into a quick respond element and a slow respond element. A time constant T1 of the quick respond element and a time constant T2 of the slow respond element are calculated. A difference value deltaT1 between a time constant of the quick respond element during normal and the time constant T1 is calculated, and a difference value deltaT2 between a time constant of the slow respond element during normal and the time constant T2 is calculated. Deterioration of response state of a platinum catalyst of the fuel cell and deterioration of internal impedence change of a monocell are judged according to the difference value deltaT1, and deterioration of supply state change of hydrogen and oxygen of the fuel cell is judged according to the difference value deltaT2.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a degradation detection device for a fuel cell mounted on a vehicle. Background technique [0002] In recent years, in the field of vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled vehicles, vehicles equipped with, for example, a solid polymer fuel cell having a polymer membrane as a power source are known in consideration of the global environment. A solid polymer fuel cell constitutes a cell stack in which a plurality of single cells (cells) as basic units are stacked and connected in series. In a single cell, an anode (fuel electrode) and a cathode (air electrode) are pasted together with a polymer membrane (proton exchange membrane) interposed therebetween, and a supporting current collector made of carbon paper is arranged on the outside. In addition, a partition plate having a pipe through which cooling water flows is arranged on the outer side. The anode and cathode consist of an electrolyte and a catalys...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the fuel cell may experience temporary or permanent performance degradation (deterioration) such as surface oxidation and leaching of the platinum catalyst, drying of the proton exchange membrane, opening of pores, excessive moisture in the cell, freezing of moisture, oxidation of the separator surface, etc.

Among these deteriorations, surface oxidation of the platinum catalyst, drying of the proton exchange membrane, excessive moisture inside the cell, and freezing of moisture are temporary deterioration of the fuel cell.

Images