A Dual-Ion Filter Hybrid Fuel Cell Thermal Management System and Method

Abstract

The present invention provides a hybrid fuel cell thermal management system and method with a dual-ion filter. The system includes a circulation component, a deionization component, and a switching component. The circulation component is constituted by a first return channel, a second return channel, and a main circulation channel. A first deionizer is installed in the first return channel through a first return bypass, and a second deionizer is installed in the second return channel through a second return bypass. A first return switching valve is installed between the first return channel and the first return bypass, and a second return switching valve is installed between the second return channel and the second return bypass. By controlling the first switching valve and the second switching valve, the first return channel and the second return channel can operate independently or all together, and the first deionizer and the second deionizer can operate independently or all together. The operation mode is flexible and changeable, and it can also be adjusted in real time according to the conductivity test data obtained by the first tester and the second tester, which is beneficial to improving the management efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fuel cell technology, and in particular to a dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system and method. Background Art

[0002] The conductivity of the fuel cell heat exchange fluid is a key issue related to the safety of the fuel cell system and the entire vehicle. During the operation of the fuel cell, a high voltage will be generated on the bipolar plate. At the same time, it is required that this high voltage does not pass through the heat exchange fluid in the middle of the bipolar plate to the entire cooling circulation channel. Therefore, it is required that the heat exchange fluid cannot conduct electricity. At present, the deionization filter of the commonly used fuel cell cooling system is designed as one, and is installed in parallel or in series with the radiator. When installed in series, the water resistance is large and the energy loss of the system is large, resulting in low system efficiency. When installed in parallel, the filtration efficiency is relatively low. Whether in series or parallel structure, there are problems of uncontrollability and low filtration efficiency, which makes the fuel cell need to be frequently maintained or the heat exchange fluid needs to be replaced, resulting in high costs and reduced service life of the fuel cell. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the thermal management system and method of this fuel cell to overcome the above defects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system and method to facilitate flexible and convenient thermal management of the fuel cell.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is:

[0005] A dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system, comprising:

[0006] A circulation component, which has a main circulation channel, a first return channel and a second return channel. The main circulation channel is connected to the stack, and the first return channel and the second return channel are respectively connected to the main circulation channel to form a circulation channel for the heat exchange fluid to flow. The heat exchange fluid can circulate in the main circulation channel, the first return channel and the second return channel to perform heat exchange treatment on the stack;

[0007] A deionization component, which includes a first deionizer and a second deionizer. The first deionizer is installed in the first return channel through a first return bypass, and the first deionizer performs deionization treatment on the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The second deionizer is installed in the second return channel through a second return bypass, and the second deionizer performs deionization treatment on the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel;

[0008] A switching component, which includes a first return flow switching valve and a second return flow switching valve. The first return flow switching valve is installed between the first return flow channel and the first return flow bypass, and the first return flow bypass is switched by the first return flow switching valve. The second return flow switching valve is installed between the second return flow channel and the second return flow bypass, and the second return flow bypass is switched by the second return flow switching valve.

[0009] The system further includes:

[0010] A power component, which is installed in the main circulation channel, and drives the heat exchange fluid to flow by the power component.

[0011] The system further includes:

[0012] A conductivity testing component, which includes a first tester and a second tester. The first tester is installed in the first return flow channel, and the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid in the first return flow channel is tested by the first tester. The second tester is installed in the second return flow channel, and the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid in the second return flow channel is tested by the second tester.

[0013] The system further includes:

[0014] A temperature control component, which includes a heater and a radiator. The heater is arranged in the first return flow channel, and the heat exchange fluid in the first return flow channel is heated by the heater. The radiator is arranged in the second return flow channel, and the heat exchange fluid in the second return flow channel is cooled by the radiator.

[0015] The system further includes:

[0016] A main circulation bypass, which is arranged in the main circulation channel and is connected in parallel with the fuel cell stack. A main circulation switching valve is provided between the main circulation bypass and the main circulation channel, and the main circulation bypass is switched by the main circulation switching valve.

[0017] The system further includes:

[0018] A control component, which is electrically connected to the first tester and the second tester through wires to obtain conductivity data, and is also electrically connected to the main circulation switching valve, the first switching valve, and the second switching valve through wires to control the flow state of the heat exchange fluid in the main circulation bypass, the first return flow bypass, and the second return flow bypass. It is also electrically connected to the power component through wires to control the operating state of the power component.

[0019] The management method of the above-mentioned dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system includes:

[0020] When the test data of the first tester is higher than the standard while the test data of the second tester is lower than the standard, the interfaces of the first switching valve to the first return channel and to the first return bypass are both opened, the first deionizer works, the opening degree of the first switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the first tester, the interface of the second valve to the second return channel is opened, and the interface to the second return bypass is closed, and the second deionizer stops working;

[0021] When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are higher than the standard, the interfaces of the first switching valve to the first return channel and to the first return bypass are both opened, the first deionizer works, the opening degree of the first switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the first tester, the interfaces of the second switching valve to the second return channel and to the second return bypass are both opened, the second deionizer works, and the opening degree of the second switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the second tester;

[0022] When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are significantly higher than the standard, the stack stops working, the main circulation switching valve is opened, the main circulation bypass is connected, the interface of the first switching valve to the first return channel is closed, and the interface to the first return bypass is opened, the first deionizer works, the interface of the second switching valve to the second return channel is closed, and the interface to the second return bypass is opened, the second deionizer works, the power of the power component is increased, the flow rate of the heat exchange fluid in the entire circulation component is increased, and the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid is rapidly reduced in a short time;

[0023] When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are lower than the standard, the interface of the first switching valve to the first return channel is opened, and the interface to the first return bypass is closed, the first deionizer stops working, the interface of the second valve to the second return channel is opened, and the interface to the second return bypass is closed, the second deionizer stops working. At this time, the circulation resistance of the entire circulation component is the smallest and the circulation efficiency is the highest.

[0024] The advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] The thermal management system uses a first return channel and a second return channel to jointly form a circulation component with the main circulation channel. A first deionizer is installed in the first return channel through a first return bypass, and a second deionizer is installed in the second return channel through a second return bypass. At the same time, a first return switching valve is installed between the first return channel and the first return bypass, and a second return switching valve is installed between the second return channel and the second return bypass. The first return channel and the second return channel can be controlled to operate separately or all together, and the first deionizer and the second return channel can be controlled to operate separately or all together. The operation mode is flexible and changeable, and it can also be adjusted in real time according to the conductivity test data obtained by the first tester and the second tester, achieving precise control, which is beneficial to improving the management efficiency. When the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid is significantly higher than that of the coolant, there is no need to replace the coolant. Instead, the first deionizer and the second deionizer are used in series and work simultaneously to quickly reduce the conductivity, with a relatively low maintenance cost, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the fuel cell. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fuel cell thermal management system proposed by the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0027] In order to make the technical means, creative features, achieved purposes and effects of the present invention easy to understand, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, the fuel cell thermal management system involved in the present invention includes a circulation component, a deionization component, and a switching component. The circulation component has a main circulation channel 110, a first return channel 120, and a second return channel 130. The main circulation channel is connected to the fuel cell stack A. The first return channel and the second return channel are respectively connected to the main circulation channel to form a circulation channel for the heat exchange fluid to flow. The heat exchange fluid can circulate in the main circulation channel, the first return channel, and the second return channel to perform heat exchange treatment on the fuel cell stack. The deionization component includes a first deionizer 210 and a second deionizer 220. The first deionizer is installed in the first return channel through a first return bypass 211, and the first deionizer is used to deionize the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The second deionizer is installed in the second return channel through a second return bypass 221, and the second deionizer is used to deionize the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel. The switching component includes a first return switching valve member 310 and a second return switching valve member 320. The first return switching valve member is installed between the first return channel and the first return bypass, and the first return switching valve member is used to switch the first return bypass. The second return switching valve member is installed between the second return channel and the second return bypass, and the second return switching valve member is used to switch the second return bypass. It further includes a power component 400, and the power component is installed in the main circulation channel to drive the heat exchange fluid to flow. It also includes a conductivity testing component, and the conductivity testing component includes a first tester 510 and a second tester 520. The first tester is installed in the first return channel to test the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The second tester is installed in the second return channel to test the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel. It also includes a temperature control component, and the temperature control component includes a heater 610 and a radiator 620. The heater is arranged in the first return channel to heat the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The radiator is arranged in the second return channel to dissipate heat from the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel. It also includes a main circulation bypass 710, and the main circulation bypass is arranged in the main circulation channel and is connected in parallel with the fuel cell stack. A main circulation switching valve member 711 is provided between the main circulation bypass and the main circulation channel to switch the main circulation bypass. In this embodiment, the first return switching valve member and the second return switching valve member are served by three-way proportional valves; the power component is served by a high-pressure pump.

[0029] The system further includes a control component B. The control component is electrically connected to the first tester and the second tester through lines to obtain conductivity data, and is also electrically connected to the main circulation switching valve member, the first switching valve member, and the second switching valve member through lines to control the flow state of the heat exchange fluid in the main circulation bypass, the first return bypass, and the second return bypass. It is also electrically connected to the power component through a line to control the operating state of the power component.

[0030] On this basis, the dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management method proposed by the present invention includes:

[0031] When the test data of the first tester is higher than the standard and the test data of the second tester is lower than the standard, the interfaces of the first switching valve in the directions of the first return channel and the first return bypass are both opened, the first deionizer works, and the opening degree of the first switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the first tester. The interface of the second valve in the direction of the second return channel is opened, and the interface in the direction of the second return bypass is closed, and the second deionizer stops working;

[0032] When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are higher than the standard, the interfaces of the first switching valve in the directions of the first return channel and the first return bypass are both opened, the first deionizer works, and the opening degree of the first switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the first tester. The interfaces of the second switching valve in the directions of the second return channel and the second return bypass are both opened, the second deionizer works, and the opening degree of the second switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the second tester;

[0033] When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are significantly higher than the standard, the fuel cell stack stops working, the main circulation switching valve is opened, the main circulation bypass is connected, the interface of the first switching valve in the direction of the first return channel is closed, and the interface in the direction of the first return bypass is opened, the first deionizer works, the interface of the second switching valve in the direction of the second return channel is closed, and the interface in the direction of the second return bypass is opened, the second deionizer works, the power of the power component is increased, the flow rate of the heat exchange fluid in the entire circulation component is increased, and the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid is rapidly reduced in a short time;

[0034] When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are lower than the standard, the interface of the first switching valve in the direction of the first return channel is opened, and the interface in the direction of the first return bypass is closed, the first deionizer stops working, the interface of the second valve in the direction of the second return channel is opened, and the interface in the direction of the second return bypass is closed, the second deionizer stops working. At this time, the circulation resistance of the entire circulation component is the smallest and the circulation efficiency is the highest.

[0035] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it. It should not be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell, characterized in that Comprising: A circulation component, which has a main circulation channel, a first return channel and a second return channel. The main circulation channel is connected to the fuel cell stack. The first return channel and the second return channel are respectively connected to the main circulation channel to form a circulation channel for the heat exchange fluid to flow. The heat exchange fluid can circulate in the main circulation channel, the first return channel and the second return channel to perform heat exchange treatment on the fuel cell stack; A deionization component, which includes a first deionizer and a second deionizer. The first deionizer is installed in the first return channel through a first return bypass, and the first deionizer is used to perform deionization treatment on the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The second deionizer is installed in the second return channel through a second return bypass, and the second deionizer is used to perform deionization treatment on the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel; A switching component, which includes a first return switching valve and a second return switching valve. The first return switching valve is installed between the first return channel and the first return bypass, and the first return switching valve is used to switch the first return bypass. The second return switching valve is installed between the second return channel and the second return bypass, and the second return switching valve is used to switch the second return bypass.

2. The hybrid fuel cell thermal management system of a dual-ion filter according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: A power component, which is installed in the main circulation channel, and the power component drives the heat exchange fluid to flow.

3. A dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Further comprising: A conductivity testing component, which includes a first tester and a second tester. The first tester is installed in the first return channel, and the first tester is used to test the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The second tester is installed in the second return channel, and the second tester is used to test the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel.

4. A dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: A temperature control component, which includes a heater and a radiator. The heater is arranged in the first return channel, and the heater is used to heat the heat exchange fluid in the first return channel. The radiator is arranged in the second return channel, and the radiator is used to dissipate heat from the heat exchange fluid in the second return channel.

5. The dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that Further comprising: A main circulation bypass, which is arranged in the main circulation channel and is connected in parallel with the fuel cell stack. A main circulation switching valve is provided between the main circulation bypass and the main circulation channel, and the main circulation switching valve is used to switch the main circulation bypass.

6. A dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Further comprising: A control component, which is electrically connected to the first tester and the second tester through wires to obtain conductivity data, and is also electrically connected to the main circulation switching valve, the first return switching valve and the second return switching valve through wires to control the flow state of the heat exchange fluid in the main circulation bypass, the first return bypass and the second return bypass. It is also electrically connected to the power component through wires to control the operating state of the power component.

7. The management method of a dual-ion filter hybrid fuel cell thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Comprising: When the test data of the first tester is higher than the standard and the test data of the second tester is lower than the standard, the interfaces of the first reflux switching valve to the first reflux channel and to the first reflux bypass direction are both opened, the first deionizer works, the opening degree of the first reflux switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the first tester, the interface of the second reflux switching valve to the second reflux channel direction is opened, and the interface to the second reflux bypass direction is closed, and the second deionizer stops working; When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are higher than the standard, the interfaces of the first reflux switching valve to the first reflux channel and to the first reflux bypass direction are both opened, the first deionizer works, the opening degree of the first reflux switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the first tester, the interfaces of the second reflux switching valve to the second reflux channel and to the second reflux bypass direction are both opened, the second deionizer works, and the opening degree of the second reflux switching valve is adjusted according to the test data of the second tester; When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are significantly higher than the standard, the stack stops working, the main circulation switching valve is opened, the main circulation bypass is connected, the interface of the first reflux switching valve to the first reflux channel direction is closed, and the interface to the first reflux bypass direction is opened, the first deionizer works, the interface of the second reflux switching valve to the second reflux channel direction is closed, and the interface to the second reflux bypass direction is opened, the second deionizer works, the power of the power component is increased, the flow rate of the heat exchange fluid in the entire circulation component is increased, and the conductivity of the heat exchange fluid is rapidly reduced in a short time; When the test data of both the first tester and the second tester are lower than the standard, the interface of the first reflux switching valve to the first reflux channel direction is opened, and the interface to the first reflux bypass direction is closed, the first deionizer stops working, the interface of the second reflux switching valve to the second reflux channel direction is opened, and the interface to the second reflux bypass direction is closed, the second deionizer stops working. At this time, the circulation resistance of the entire circulation component is the smallest and the circulation efficiency is the highest.

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