Apparatus for thermal management of combat vehicle, method for thermal management of combat vehicle, and medium for storing a program performing thermal management of combat vehicle

Abstract

A disclosed embodiment provides a method for thermal management of a combat vehicle, comprising: a step of detecting a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle; a step of determining the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material based on a cooling mode for the combat vehicle according to the temperature; and a step of cooling the fuel cell based on the activation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a combat vehicle thermal management device, a combat vehicle thermal management method, and a storage medium storing a program for performing combat vehicle thermal management. Background Technology

[0003] Next-generation ground combat vehicles are increasing the proportion of high-power electronic equipment, such as electric turrets, electro-optical tracking systems (EOTS), fire control systems, and communication and electronic warfare equipment. Consequently, existing internal combustion engine-based generators or auxiliary power units (APUs) face the problem of reduced tactical stealth due to noise and high-temperature emissions.

[0004] Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cells are being suggested as a potential application for next-generation combat vehicles as a power source characterized by low noise and relatively low heat generation. However, noise and infrared signatures generated by cooling systems, heat dissipation structures, and power converters—rather than the fuel cell itself—remain major factors that increase the vehicle's detectability.

[0005] In particular, existing fuel cell vehicle technology has been developed primarily for civilian vehicles, and there are problems in that it fails to adequately consider the Silent Watch operation, infrared detection avoidance, and survivability in environments involving rapid power load changes and attacks required for tanks and armored vehicles. The problem to be solved

[0007] The purpose of the embodiments disclosed below is to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a combat vehicle thermal management device, a combat vehicle thermal management method, and a storage medium storing a program for performing combat vehicle thermal management.

[0008] Another objective of the embodiment is to provide a combat vehicle thermal management device that operates by classifying the cooling mode into a dual mode of passive cooling mode and active cooling mode, a combat vehicle thermal management method, and a storage medium that stores a program for performing combat vehicle thermal management.

[0009] Another objective of the embodiment is to provide a combat vehicle thermal management device, a combat vehicle thermal management method, and a storage medium storing a program for performing combat vehicle thermal management. means of solving the problem

[0011] A disclosed embodiment provides a method for thermal management of a combat vehicle, comprising: a step of detecting a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle; a step of determining the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material based on a cooling mode for the combat vehicle according to the temperature; and a step of cooling the fuel cell based on the activation.

[0012] The above-mentioned determining step comprises: determining one of a passive cooling mode and an active cooling mode included in the cooling mode based on at least one of the vehicle operating state, load power, or tactical operating conditions for the combat vehicle; determining the activation of a heat transfer device for the phase change material when the passive cooling mode is determined; and determining the activation of a cooling drive device when the active cooling mode is determined.

[0013] The cooling step is characterized by comprising: a step of transferring heat generated by the fuel cell to the phase change material using the activated heat transfer device based on the temperature when the passive cooling mode is determined; and a step of cooling the fuel cell using the activated cooling drive device based on the temperature when the active cooling mode is determined.

[0014] The heat generated by the fuel cell is characterized by being released to at least one of the vehicle armor structure of the combat vehicle or a low-temperature heat dissipation path.

[0015] The power output by the above fuel cell is characterized by being supplied to at least one load included in the combat vehicle.

[0016] The heat generated by the above fuel cell is transferred to a hydrogen storage body that supplies hydrogen to the above fuel cell.

[0017] A disclosed embodiment provides a combat vehicle thermal management device comprising: a database for storing data; and a processor for processing said data, wherein the processor detects a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle, determines the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material based on a cooling mode for the combat vehicle according to said temperature, and cools the fuel cell based on said activation.

[0018] The processor determines one of a passive cooling mode and an active cooling mode included in the cooling mode based on at least one of the vehicle operating state, load power, or tactical operating conditions for the combat vehicle, determines the activation of a heat transfer device for the phase change material when the passive cooling mode is determined, and determines the activation of a cooling drive device when the active cooling mode is determined.

[0019] The processor is characterized by transferring heat generated by the fuel cell to the phase change material using the activated heat transfer device based on the temperature when the passive cooling mode is determined, and cooling the fuel cell using the activated cooling drive device based on the temperature when the active cooling mode is determined.

[0020] The above processor is characterized in that the heat generated by the fuel cell is released to at least one of the vehicle armor structure of the combat vehicle or a low-temperature heat dissipation path.

[0021] The above processor is characterized in that the power output by the fuel cell is supplied to at least one load included in the combat vehicle.

[0022] The above processor is characterized in that the heat generated by the fuel cell is transferred to a hydrogen storage body that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell.

[0023] One disclosed embodiment provides a storage medium that stores a computer-executable program for detecting a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle, determining the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material based on a cooling mode for the combat vehicle according to the temperature, and cooling the fuel cell based on the activation. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the disclosed embodiment, the operating temperature of the fuel cell can be stably maintained even when the operation of the cooling fan or water pump is minimized through the phase change material.

[0026] According to the disclosed embodiment, when operating the Silent Watch, noise generation of the cooling drive unit (140) is suppressed, and a rapid rise in the external surface temperature of the combat vehicle is prevented, thereby reducing infrared signatures.

[0027] According to the disclosed embodiments, the survivability of tanks, armored vehicles, and unmanned ground vehicles can be improved.

[0028] According to the disclosed embodiment, tactical effectiveness of a fuel cell-based power system can be secured. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 discloses embodiments of a combat vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 discloses other embodiments of a combat vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 discloses another embodiment of a combat vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 discloses an embodiment of a thermal management method for a combat vehicle according to an embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] FIG. 1 discloses embodiments of a combat vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment.

[0032] A combat vehicle thermal management device (100) according to the present disclosure may be included in a combat vehicle and may manage heat generated from the fuel cell of the combat vehicle. For example, the combat vehicle may include a tank, an armored vehicle, or an unmanned ground vehicle. In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may perform power supply and thermal management to secure low noise and low infrared (IR) signature characteristics in a combat vehicle using a fuel cell as a power source.

[0033] In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may include a fuel cell (110), a heat transfer unit (120), a heat buffer unit (130), a cooling drive unit (140), a heat dissipation unit (150), and a control unit (160).

[0034] The fuel cell (110) can supply power to the combat vehicle as a power source for the combat vehicle. In one embodiment, the fuel cell (110) may include a hydrogen fuel cell, but is not limited thereto and may be composed of various fuel cells.

[0035] The heat transfer unit (120) can transfer heat (e.g., waste heat) from the fuel cell (110) to the heat buffer unit (130). In one embodiment, the heat transfer unit (120) may include a valve installed in a cooling channel (e.g., pipe, flow path, heat sink) that moves cooling water to transfer heat generated from the fuel cell. For example, the valve may include a bypass valve (3-way valve). In one embodiment, the valve may divert the cooling channel toward the heat buffer unit (130) or the cooling drive unit (140). The heat transfer unit (120) may be referred to as a heat exchanger that conducts heat or a term having an equivalent technical meaning.

[0036] The thermal buffer (130) receives heat from the fuel cell (110) from the heat transfer unit (120) and can absorb and store it. In one embodiment, the thermal buffer (130) may include a phase change material (PCM). In one embodiment, the phase change material may absorb and store waste heat generated during the operation of the fuel cell (110) in the form of latent heat. In one embodiment, the phase change material may refer to a material that absorbs or releases latent heat through a phase change between a solid and a liquid. In one embodiment, the phase change material may absorb heat in the form of latent heat by undergoing a phase change from solid to liquid when the ambient temperature rises above the melting point according to the law of thermodynamic equilibrium, without separate power or active control (operation of a pump / fan). In one embodiment, the phase change material may include a paraffin-based material, a hydrate-based material, and an expanded graphite composite.

[0037] That is, according to the present disclosure, the operating temperature of the fuel cell (110) can be stably maintained even when the operation of the cooling fan or water pump is minimized through the phase change material.

[0038] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, when Silent Watch is operated, noise generation of the cooling drive unit (140) is suppressed, and a rapid rise in the external surface temperature of the combat vehicle is prevented, thereby reducing infrared signatures. In one embodiment, Low Signature may refer to a state in which acoustic signatures and infrared (IR) signatures generated during the operation of a vehicle or equipment are reduced, making it difficult to identify by enemy surveillance, detection, and reconnaissance means. Silent Watch may refer to a tactical operation state in which electro-optical equipment, communication equipment, and electronic warfare equipment are continuously operated while the vehicle's main propulsion system is stopped.

[0039] The cooling drive unit (140) can cool the fuel cell (110) by generating air flow or liquid circulation. In one embodiment, the cooling drive unit (140) may be an active cooling method using external power. In one embodiment, the cooling drive unit (140) may include at least one of a cooling fan, a radiator, or a pump.

[0040] The distributed heat dissipation unit (150) may include a distributed heat dissipation structure that disperses heat through the internal structure of the vehicle armor structure of the combat vehicle or through a plurality of low-temperature heat dissipation paths. Through such a distributed heat dissipation structure, the waste heat of the fuel cell (110) can be dispersed rather than being released to a single heat dissipation point outside the combat vehicle. In addition, the infrared signature of the vehicle can be reduced by suppressing the formation of local heat concentrations (hot spots) identified by external infrared surveillance equipment.

[0041] In one embodiment, the internal structure of the vehicle armor structure included in the distributed heat dissipation section (150) may include at least one of a double hull armor structure or a conductive cooling structure. In one embodiment, the double hull armor structure may use the space armor between the vehicle side armor and the inner liner as a heat exchange duct. The conductive cooling structure may include a structure that generates heat by widely conducting it across the entire surface of the vehicle by making thermal contact between the heat buffer section (130) and the radiator with the inner surface of the vehicle body metal armor plate (i.e., removal of localized high-temperature points).

[0042] In one embodiment, a plurality of low-temperature heat dissipation paths may include at least one of a downward diffusion path or a mixed exhaust path. In one embodiment, the downward diffusion path includes a path that discharges lukewarm air passing through a radiator so that it spreads widely toward the underbody surface of the vehicle, thereby diluting the ground effect. In one embodiment, the mixed exhaust path may include a path that forcibly mixes separate outside air below a specific temperature (e.g., low temperature) with air above a specific temperature (e.g., high temperature) being discharged at a specific ratio (e.g., 1:3 ratio) to lower the exhaust temperature to a level similar to the ambient temperature and then discharges it through a side louver.

[0043] The control unit (160) can detect the temperature of the heat generated by the fuel cell included in the combat vehicle. In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can detect the temperature of the heat generated by the fuel cell through a sensor unit (not shown).

[0044] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can determine the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for the phase change material based on a cooling mode for the combat vehicle according to the temperature.

[0045] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can cool the fuel cell (110) based on activation. In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can control the heat transfer unit (120) to activate the heat transfer unit (120) to transfer heat generated by the fuel cell (110) to the heat buffer unit (130). In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can control the cooling drive unit (140) to activate the fuel cell (110) to cool it. In one embodiment, activation may indicate whether the configuration or device is operating. For example, activating the device may include operating the device (On), and deactivating the device may include not operating the device (Off).

[0046] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can determine one of a passive cooling mode and an active cooling mode included in the cooling mode based on at least one of the vehicle operating state, load power, or tactical operating conditions for the combat vehicle.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may determine the cooling mode to be a passive cooling mode when the vehicle operation state is a stop watch or low-speed creep state, and determine the cooling mode to be an active cooling mode when the vehicle operation state is a high-speed maneuver or combat state.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can determine the cooling mode to be passive cooling mode when the power load included in the combat vehicle is smaller than the threshold value, and determine the cooling mode to be active cooling mode when the power load is larger than the threshold value.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may determine the cooling mode to be passive cooling mode when the tactical operation conditions are ambush or reconnaissance operation conditions, and the cooling mode to be active cooling mode when the tactical operation conditions are combat situation conditions. That is, it may be determined to be passive cooling mode when the noise is below a certain decibel (e.g., 40 dB) or when minimization of infrared exposure is required, and to be determined to be active cooling mode when output maintenance and heat dissipation are prioritized over detection.

[0050] That is, according to the present disclosure, the cooling mode can be operated by dividing it into a dual mode of passive cooling mode and active cooling mode. In one embodiment, the passive cooling mode may be referred to as a stealth mode or a term having an equivalent technical meaning. In one embodiment, the active cooling mode may be referred to as a high-power mode or a term having an equivalent technical meaning.

[0051] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can determine the cooling mode by using at least one of the engine operating status of the combat vehicle, whether the turret is driven, and the operating status of the electro-optical target acquisition device (EOTS) as an input value.

[0052] In one embodiment, in a passive cooling mode, cooling is performed by the heat transfer unit (120) and natural convection, and the operation of the cooling drive unit (140) may be limited. In one embodiment, in an active cooling mode, the cooling drive unit (140) is operated during combat vehicle maneuvering or high-load operation so that heat from the fuel cell (110) can be actively released.

[0053] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may determine the activation of the heat transfer unit (120) (e.g., heat transfer device) for the phase change material when a passive cooling mode is determined. In one embodiment, when a passive cooling mode is determined, the control unit (160) may transfer heat generated by the fuel cell (110) to the phase change material using the activated heat transfer unit (120) (e.g., heat transfer device) based on the temperature of the fuel cell (110).

[0054] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch the cooling drive unit (140) to a deactivated state (e.g., cooling fan off, pump minimum RPM drive, grill shutter closed) when entering manual cooling mode, and control the heat transfer unit (130) (e.g., flow path valve) so that the entire amount of waste heat generated in the stack of the fuel cell (110) is entirely absorbed (buffered) by the phase change material of the heat buffer unit (130).

[0055] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may determine the activation of the cooling drive unit (140) (e.g., cooling drive device) when the active cooling mode is determined. In one embodiment, when the active cooling mode is determined, the radiator fan and the main water pump operate at a variable speed according to the load, and the grille shutter may be opened. In this case, the coolant passes through an external radiator and exchanges heat with the atmosphere. At this time, the control unit (160) may control the thermal buffer unit (130) to solidify the liquefied phase change material back into a solid, or if the phase change material is already in a solid state, bypass it to reduce flow resistance. In one embodiment, when the active cooling mode is determined, the control unit (160) may control the fuel cell (110) to be cooled using the activated cooling drive unit (140) based on the temperature of the fuel cell (110).

[0056] In one embodiment, when the control unit (160) determines that the vehicle has entered a risk of being hit or a surveillance area, it may restrict the operation of the cooling drive unit (140) and control the thermal control centered on the thermal buffer unit (130).

[0057] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can perform mode switching between a passive cooling mode and an active cooling mode. In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch from the active cooling mode to the passive cooling mode based on an input of an entry command for the passive cooling mode by a user.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch from an active cooling mode to a passive cooling mode based on the heat storage capacity of the phase change material. For example, the control unit (160) can switch from an active cooling mode to a passive cooling mode based on the case where the heat storage capacity of the phase change material is greater than a threshold value (10%). In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch from an active cooling mode to a passive cooling mode based on the temperature of the fuel cell (110). For example, the control unit (160) can switch from an active cooling mode to a passive cooling mode if the temperature of the fuel cell (110) (e.g., 75 degrees) is lower than a threshold value.

[0059] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch from a passive cooling mode to an active cooling mode based on the liquid fraction of the phase change material. For example, the control unit (160) can switch from a passive cooling mode to an active cooling mode when the liquid fraction of the phase change material is greater than a threshold value (95%). That is, it can switch to an active cooling mode when the thermal capacity of the phase change material becomes saturated.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch from a passive cooling mode to an active cooling mode based on the temperature of the fuel cell (110). For example, the control unit (160) can switch from a passive cooling mode to an active cooling mode when the temperature of the fuel cell (110) is lower than a threshold value (e.g., 90 degrees).

[0061] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can switch from a passive cooling mode to an active cooling mode based on the phase change material absorption rate of the cooling load. For example, the control unit (160) can switch from a passive cooling mode to an active cooling mode when the cooling load exceeds the phase change material absorption rate due to a sudden high-output demand (e.g., evasive maneuver).

[0062] In this case, considering thermal inertia, a soft-start algorithm is applied to gradually increase the RPM of the fan rather than immediately spinning it at maximum speed when switching from passive cooling mode to active cooling mode, thereby suppressing sudden thermal shock and noise generation.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can determine a cooling mode, power distribution priority, and heat dissipation path through a machine learning-based control algorithm using the operational status, power load information, and thermal status information of the combat vehicle as inputs. In one embodiment, the machine learning-based control algorithm may include at least one of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can control the thermal buffer unit (130) to reduce acoustic signatures and infrared signatures when operating the silent watch.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can predict the timing of waste heat storage and release by using the charge state of the phase change material, the fuel cell stack temperature, and the external environment temperature as learning data.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can control the fuel cell waste heat to be distributed to multiple heat dissipation paths rather than a single point outside the vehicle, based on an artificial intelligence-based infrared signature prediction model outside the vehicle. According to the present disclosure, the method of directly blowing high-temperature hot air through the rear exhaust port (generating an IR hot spot) as in conventional vehicles can be avoided.

[0067] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may be implemented in software or hardware and may be continuously updated using data accumulated during vehicle operation to improve performance. In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may integrate power supply control and thermal management control into a single judgment logic.

[0068] In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may use data stored in a separate storage / database under the control of a device responsible for data processing. Here, the storage mainly uses a hard disk or SSD to store data, and the database manages structured data and can perform operations such as searching and modifying. At this time, the functions performed by the combat vehicle thermal management device (1000) may be performed by the processor of the device (e.g., FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). In one embodiment, the control unit (160) may include a processor.

[0069] According to the present disclosure, low-noise operation can be achieved by minimizing the operation of the cooling device. Additionally, according to the present disclosure, detection evasion capabilities can be improved by reducing infrared signatures. Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the Silent Watch operation time can be increased. Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the survivability of tanks, armored vehicles, and unmanned ground vehicles can be improved. Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the tactical effectiveness of fuel cell-based power systems can be ensured.

[0070] In one embodiment, the phase change material included in the heat buffer (130) can release (regenerate) absorbed heat. In one embodiment, the heat buffer (130) may include a heat exchanger and a phase change material. For example, the heat buffer (130) may include a PCM module. In one embodiment, the phase change material may be impregnated inside a high-efficiency heat exchanger to overcome the low thermal conductivity of the phase change material and enable rapid heat release. In one embodiment, a highly conductive porous medium, such as aluminum foam or graphite felt, may be inserted inside the heat buffer (130). This medium forms a heat transfer network throughout the phase change material, thereby securing a heat conduction path to areas of the phase change material far from the cooling water pipe. In one embodiment, when a graphite matrix is ​​composited, the thermal conductivity can be improved by more than tens of times compared to pure paraffin, enabling immediate heat absorption and release even during rapid load fluctuations. In one embodiment, radial or longitudinal fins are densely arranged on the outer wall of a tube through which cooling water flows (e.g., heat transfer section (120), heat buffer section (130)) and can be inserted into the phase change material. This prevents the phenomenon of reduced heat transfer during the phase change process, namely, the phase change material near the tube surface solidifying first to form an insulating layer that hinders the heat release of the remaining liquid phase change material. In one embodiment, the spacing of the fins can be determined according to the thermal diffusion coefficient of the phase change material and the required regeneration time. In one embodiment, the phase change material can be designed so that no point is separated from the heat transfer surface (fin or tube) by more than a specific length (e.g., 2 to 5 mm).

[0071] In one embodiment, in addition to structural improvements within the heat buffer (130), the dispersion of a heat sink that ultimately discharges heat released from the phase change material into the atmosphere may be applied. In one embodiment, a standard vehicle may be cooled through a front radiator, but a combat vehicle with detectability may be cooled using armor cooling. In one embodiment, heat release from the phase change material may be performed when entering 'Regeneration Mode'. In the regeneration mode of the phase change material, the coolant loop may pass through micro-channels processed inside the armor of the combat vehicle or through a cooling plate attached to the back of the armor. This utilizes the large surface area of ​​the combat vehicle as a heat sink, thereby eliminating localized hot spots and dispersing heat over a wide area to blur the contours in the infrared image. In one embodiment, auxiliary heat exchangers may be distributed in locations where direct observation by the enemy is difficult, such as inside the wheelhouses of the combat vehicle or the underside of the vehicle body, to prepare for situations where heat dissipation through the front grille is restricted. By circulating coolant to these distributed heat exchangers via valve control during the regeneration of the phase change material, the concentration of heat signals can be prevented even during active cooling, and the phase change material can be rapidly cooled (solidified). In one embodiment, heat dissipation from the phase change material may be performed when entering 'Regeneration Mode'. In this case, the combat vehicle's coolant pump operates at maximum flow rate to rapidly extract heat from the phase change material undergoing solidification and transfer it to an external radiator or heating system. In one embodiment, regarding waste heat recovery, during winter operations, the heat stored in the phase change material is not immediately released into the atmosphere but can be preferentially used for heating the crew compartment or warming up the high-voltage battery.This allows for increasing fuel efficiency by reducing the use of a separate electric heater, while simultaneously cooling the phase change material. In one embodiment, in the case of active sub-cooling, when returning to base after an operation or while driving in a safe zone, the cooling water can be excessively cooled to a temperature lower than the normal operating temperature (e.g., about 65–70°C) of the fuel cell (110) (e.g., fuel cell stack) so that the phase change material can be completely reset to a solid state. This allows for maximizing thermal capacity for the next silent surveillance mission.

[0073] FIG. 2 discloses other embodiments of a combat vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment.

[0074] The combat vehicle thermal management device (100) according to the present disclosure can stably supply power output from a fuel cell to a load.

[0075] In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may include a fuel cell (110), a control unit (160), a power interface unit (170), and a load (180).

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can control the power interface unit (170) to reduce acoustic signatures and infrared signatures when operating the silent watch. In one embodiment, the power interface unit (170) can distribute power output from the fuel cell (110) to loads (180) (e.g., a plurality of electronic devices).

[0077] In one embodiment, the power interface unit (170) can mitigate output voltage fluctuations of power output from the fuel cell (110).

[0078] In one embodiment, to compensate in real time for the output voltage drop caused by the soft source characteristics of the fuel cell (110), the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may include a DC / DC-based hybrid power conversion structure. This provides the effect of maintaining the DC link voltage constant even under rapid load changes in the battlefield environment.

[0079] In one embodiment, the interleaved boost converter included in the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) can drive multiple switching phases at different phase angles to offset current ripple and reduce current stress of the fuel cell (110). In addition, in one embodiment, by applying SiC-based high-speed switching to the combat vehicle thermal management device (100), excellent dynamic responsiveness can be secured through voltage compensation in microsecond units.

[0080] In one embodiment, a supercapacitor for a fuel cell (110) included in a combat vehicle thermal management device (100) can be connected in parallel to a high-voltage bus via a bidirectional DC / DC converter to provide instantaneous high-output requirements and regenerative energy absorption functions. In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) can improve the stability of the bus voltage by controlling the distribution so that the supercapacitor handles the high-frequency component and the fuel cell handles the low-frequency component.

[0081] In one embodiment, the power interface unit (170) can block electromagnetic interference (EMI) based on power output from the fuel cell (110).

[0082] In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may be equipped with a multi-stage shielding structure consisting of conductive noise filtering and radiated noise shielding to satisfy military standards.

[0083] In one embodiment, the conductive noise filtering includes a multi-stage filter composed of a differential mode (DM) filter and a common mode (CM) filter, which can effectively suppress switching ripple and line-to-line noise.

[0084] In one embodiment, in one embodiment, by appropriately placing a common mode choke and an X / Y capacitor for the fuel cell (110) in the combat vehicle thermal management device (100), high-frequency noise can be diverted to the chassis and the stability of the DC bus can be maintained.

[0085] In one embodiment, the radiation noise shielding structure included in the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may use a metal sealed housing to prevent electromagnetic waves generated inside the power converter from being radiated to the outside. In one embodiment, cable shielding, a conductive gasket, and a 360-degree shield connection structure may be introduced into the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) to block radiation paths from connectors and openings.

[0086] In one embodiment, the power interface unit (170) can supply power preferentially to a tactically important load (180) (e.g., equipment).

[0087] In one embodiment, the load (180) may include a configuration or device that is mounted on or connected to a combat vehicle and consumes power. For example, the load (180) may include an electro-optical target acquisition device, a fire control device, electronic warfare equipment, and communication equipment.

[0088] In one embodiment, power output by the fuel cell (110) can be supplied to at least one load (180) included in the combat vehicle.

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can set at least one of the electro-optical target acquisition device, fire control device, electronic warfare equipment and communication equipment as a priority power supply target, and control the supply of power to the equipment in priority even in a power shortage situation.

[0090] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) learns vehicle operation history data to predict power consumption and heat generation characteristics in a specific tactical operation pattern and can perform power supply and heat management based on the prediction results.

[0091] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) predicts the possibility of electromagnetic interference occurring due to fluctuations in fuel cell output, and if it is determined that the value corresponding to the possibility of electromagnetic interference occurring will exceed a threshold value, it can control the output waveform to be corrected through the power interface unit (170).

[0092] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can update power supply and thermal management control parameters in real time using at least one of in-vehicle sensor data and external tactical information.

[0094] FIG. 3 discloses another embodiment of a combat vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment.

[0095] The combat vehicle thermal management device (100) according to the present disclosure can supply heat generated from a fuel cell to a hydrogen storage body and supply hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage body according to the heat to the fuel cell.

[0096] In one embodiment, the combat vehicle thermal management device (100) may include a fuel cell (110), a control unit (160), and a hydrogen storage body (190).

[0097] In one embodiment, heat generated by the fuel cell (110) can be transferred to a hydrogen storage body (190) that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell (110). For example, the fuel cell (110) may include a hydrogen fuel cell.

[0098] In one embodiment, waste heat generated from the fuel cell (110) may be transferred to the outer wall or internal heat transfer path of the hydrogen storage body (190) through a cooling water circulation system or a heat exchanger. However, the method of heat transfer is not limited thereto and may be configured in various ways. In one embodiment, the heat transferred to the hydrogen storage body (190) may be absorbed by the material of the hydrogen storage body (190) (e.g., metal hydride, etc.) by conduction or convection, thereby raising the temperature of the hydrogen storage body (190).

[0099] In one embodiment, the control unit (160) can control hydrogen release by controlling the heating of the metal hydride-based hydrogen storage body (190) using the waste heat of the fuel cell (110). In one embodiment, when the hydrogen storage body (190) is heated by heat, the hydrogen absorbed inside the metal hydride can be desorbed and discharged through the outlet valve of the hydrogen storage body (190). In one embodiment, the released hydrogen can be delivered to the fuel cell (110) via a pressure regulator and a supply line to drive and charge the fuel cell (110). In one embodiment, the method of releasing and delivering hydrogen is not limited thereto and can be configured in various ways.

[0100] Thus, according to the present disclosure, the cooling of the fuel cell and the supply of hydrogen can be integrated into a single thermal control loop to improve system efficiency. In one embodiment, the control unit (160) receives the hydrogen storage state and the fuel cell load state and can control the timing of hydrogen release through a thermal-hydrogen interlocking control structure.

[0101] The configurations illustrated in the drawings presented in this specification are merely examples to aid in understanding the invention and do not imply that all configurations are essential elements of the invention. Accordingly, some configurations illustrated in the drawings may be omitted, and other configurations not illustrated may be added or replaced. Furthermore, configurations disclosed in various embodiments according to this disclosure may be selectively combined or interconnected with one another, and such variations and applications should be considered to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0103] FIG. 4 discloses an embodiment of a thermal management method for a combat vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0104] The temperature of the heat generated by the fuel cell included in the combat vehicle is detected (S1010). In one embodiment, the temperature of the waste heat generated from the fuel cell can be detected. For a detailed explanation of this, refer to the details described in FIG. 1.

[0105] Based on the cooling mode for the combat vehicle according to the temperature, the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for the phase change material is determined (S1020). In one embodiment, one of a passive cooling mode and an active cooling mode included in the cooling mode is determined based on at least one of the vehicle operating state, load power, or tactical operating conditions for the combat vehicle, and if a passive cooling mode is determined, the activation of a heat transfer device for the phase change material is determined, and if an active cooling mode is determined, the activation of a cooling drive device is determined. For a detailed explanation of this, refer to the details described in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0106] The fuel cell is cooled based on activation (S1030). In one embodiment, when a passive cooling mode is determined, the heat generated by the fuel cell is transferred to the phase change material using the activated heat transfer device based on temperature, and when an active cooling mode is determined, the fuel cell can be cooled using the cooling drive device activated based on temperature.

[0107] In one embodiment, the heat generated by the fuel cell can be released to at least one of the vehicle armor structure of the combat vehicle or a low-temperature heat dissipation path.

[0108] In one embodiment, power output by the fuel cell may be supplied to at least one load included in the combat vehicle. In one embodiment, heat generated by the fuel cell may be transferred to a hydrogen storage body that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell. For a detailed explanation of this, refer to the details described in FIGS. 1 and 3. Explanation of the symbols

[0110] 100: Combat Vehicle Thermal Management System 110: Fuel cell 120: Heat transfer section 130: Thermal buffer 140: Cooling drive unit 150: Distributed heat dissipation section 160: Control unit 170: Power Interface Section 180: Subordinate 190: Hydrogen storage device

Claims

Claim 1 A method for thermal management of a combat vehicle, comprising: a step of detecting a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle; a step of determining a cooling mode for the fuel cell as a passive cooling mode or an active cooling mode based on the temperature and tactical operating conditions for reducing acoustic and infrared signatures of the combat vehicle; a step of determining the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material according to the determined cooling mode; and a step of cooling the fuel cell based on the activation. Claim 2 A method for thermal management of a combat vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the determining step comprises: determining the passive cooling mode or the active cooling mode included in the cooling mode based on at least one of the vehicle operating state or load power for the combat vehicle; determining the activation of the heat transfer device for the phase change material when the passive cooling mode is determined; and determining the activation of the cooling drive device when the active cooling mode is determined. Claim 3 A method for thermal management of a combat vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the cooling step comprises: a step of transferring heat generated by the fuel cell to the phase change material using the activated heat transfer device based on the temperature when the passive cooling mode is determined; and a step of cooling the fuel cell using the activated cooling drive device based on the temperature when the active cooling mode is determined. Claim 4 A method for managing thermal management of a combat vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the heat generated by the fuel cell is released to at least one of the vehicle armor structure of the combat vehicle or a low-temperature heat dissipation path. Claim 5 A combat vehicle thermal management method according to claim 1, wherein power output by the fuel cell is supplied to at least one load included in the combat vehicle. Claim 6 A method for managing thermal energy in a combat vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the heat generated by the fuel cell is transferred to a hydrogen storage body that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell. Claim 7 A combat vehicle thermal management device comprising: a database for storing data; and a processor for processing said data, wherein the processor detects a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle, determines a cooling mode as a passive cooling mode or an active cooling mode based on said temperature and tactical operating conditions for reducing acoustic and infrared signatures of said combat vehicle, determines the activation of at least one of a cooling drive device for said fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material according to said cooling mode, and cools said fuel cell based on said activation. Claim 8 A combat vehicle thermal management device according to claim 7, wherein the processor determines the passive cooling mode or the active cooling mode included in the cooling mode based on at least one of the vehicle operating state or load power for the combat vehicle, determines the activation of the heat transfer device for the phase change material when the passive cooling mode is determined, and determines the activation of the cooling drive device when the active cooling mode is determined. Claim 9 A combat vehicle thermal management device according to claim 8, wherein the processor transfers heat generated by the fuel cell to the phase change material using the activated heat transfer device based on the temperature when the passive cooling mode is determined, and cools the fuel cell using the activated cooling drive device based on the temperature when the active cooling mode is determined. Claim 10 In claim 7, the processor is a combat vehicle thermal management device in which heat generated by the fuel cell is released to at least one of the vehicle armor structure of the combat vehicle or a low-temperature heat dissipation path. Claim 11 In claim 7, the processor is a combat vehicle thermal management device in which power output by the fuel cell is supplied to at least one load included in the combat vehicle. Claim 12 In claim 7, the processor is a combat vehicle thermal management device in which heat generated by the fuel cell is transferred to a hydrogen storage body that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell. Claim 13 A storage medium storing a computer-executable program comprising: detecting a temperature for heat generated by a fuel cell included in a combat vehicle; determining a cooling mode as a passive cooling mode or an active cooling mode based on the temperature and tactical operating conditions for reducing acoustic and infrared signatures of the combat vehicle; determining the activation of at least one of a cooling driving device for the fuel cell or a heat transfer device for a phase change material according to the determined cooling mode; and a command to cool the fuel cell based on the activation.

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