A fuel cell air management device, system, and method

Abstract

The application discloses a fuel cell air management device, system and method, the device comprising a device body and heat storage particles arranged in the device body, the device body further comprising a device body input port and a device body output port, water is absorbed and heat is generated by the fuel cell air management device, the fuel cell stack is preheated, so as to facilitate the start of the fuel cell stack at a lower temperature, the temperature of the fuel cell stack is detected and the flow direction of the air flow is controlled, the state control of the cold start, the normal start of the fuel cell stack and the heat exchange of the fuel cell air management device is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of new energy technology, and specifically relates to a fuel cell air management device, system and method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the large-scale commercialization of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), a key solution for vehicle electrification, faces challenges such as high costs, short lifespans, and a weak hydrogen infrastructure. The cold start issue is a key technical bottleneck hindering commercialization and poses the greatest challenge to FCV operation in winter.

[0003] When a fuel cell is cold-started in a low-temperature environment below 0°C without any protective measures, the water produced by the reaction will first freeze inside the catalyst layer, covering the active reaction sites of the catalyst layer and hindering oxygen transmission, resulting in a sudden drop in voltage. When the catalyst layer is completely covered with ice and the temperature of the fuel cell stack has not yet risen above 0°C, ice will form in the diffusion layer and flow channel, causing cold start failure. On the other hand, the freezing process of the catalyst layer will cause gaps to appear between the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane. At the same time, the freezing / thawing cycle will cause the collapse and densification of the microporous structure of the catalyst layer and the coarsening of the platinum particles in the catalyst layer, resulting in a reduction in the electrochemically active surface area and difficulty in recovery, thereby causing permanent damage to the fuel cell's power generation performance. Moreover, the more cycles and the lower the cold start temperature, the greater the damage to the battery.

[0004] Currently, there are two solutions to low-temperature startup of fuel cells: one is to use gas purge to reduce the water content of the fuel cell membrane electrode when the stack is shut down, thereby reducing the formation of solid ice. However, if the stack temperature does not rise above 0°C, as long as the stack is started and water is generated, it will freeze, and ice will first be generated at the contact area between the surface of the platinum particles and the Nafion resin. Once the temperature rises to room temperature, the ice at the interface between platinum and Nafion will melt, causing the interface to detach, resulting in irreversible loss of electrochemical active area; the other is to preheat the stack and its internal plates and membrane electrodes through electric heating of the on-board power battery or catalytic combustion of on-board hydrogen to release heat. The former will consume part of the power of the on-board power battery, and in a low-temperature environment, the power battery will also have difficulty in cold starting and a significant reduction in discharge capacity. The latter will consume part of the on-board hydrogen. Both will shorten the cruising range of fuel cell vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell air management device, system and method to solve the problem of inconvenience in cold start of existing fuel cells.

[0006] The present invention provides a fuel cell air management device, comprising: a device body and heat storage particles arranged in the device body, wherein the device body further comprises a device body input port and a device body output port.

[0007] Optionally, the heat storage particles include at least one material selected from the group consisting of silica gel, activated carbon, activated alumina, metal organic framework and zeolite.

[0008] Optionally, the device body includes a storage cavity for loading heat storage particles and a shell for heat preservation.

[0009] Optionally, filters are provided at positions matching the input port of the device body and the output port of the device body.

[0010] A fuel cell air management system comprises: an air supply unit, the air supply unit including a humidifier for humidifying air and a fuel cell air management device for preheating air, wherein the humidified air can be preheated after passing through the fuel cell air management device; a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack being connected to the air supply unit; and a fuel cell controller for controlling the air input and output of the air supply unit and the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell controller being respectively connected to the air supply unit and the fuel cell stack signals.

[0011] Optionally, the air supply unit further includes an air compressor, which is used to compress and heat air, and the air compressor is connected to the humidifier.

[0012] Optionally, the output port of the compressor is connected to the input port of the humidifier and the input port of the fuel cell stack respectively through a first valve, the output port of the compressor is also connected to the input port of the fuel cell air management device and the input port of the humidifier respectively through a second valve, the output port of the humidifier is connected to the input port of the fuel cell stack and the input port of the fuel cell air management device respectively through a third valve, the output port of the fuel cell stack is connected to the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack and the input port of the humidifier respectively through a fourth valve, and the output port of the fuel cell air management device is connected to the input port of the air compressor and the input port of the humidifier respectively through a fifth valve.

[0013] Optionally, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, the fourth valve and the fifth valve all include three-way solenoid valves.

[0014] Optionally, the fuel cell air management system further includes an air filter for filtering and a sixth valve for controlling air flow, and the air filter is connected to the sixth valve.

[0015] Optionally, the fuel cell air management system also includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor and a third temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the output port of the fuel cell air management device, the second temperature sensor is used to detect the internal temperature of the fuel cell air management device, and the third temperature sensor is used to detect the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack.

[0016] A fuel cell air management method comprises: detecting the current temperature inside a fuel cell stack, and when the current temperature is lower than a normal operating temperature threshold; inputting air into the fuel cell stack; humidifying the air after passing through an output port of the fuel cell stack; inputting the humidified air into a fuel cell air management device, and preheating the air in the fuel cell air management device; inputting the preheated air into the fuel cell stack, preheating the fuel cell stack, and cold starting the fuel cell stack.

[0017] Optionally, after the step of starting the air supply unit and before the step of inputting air into the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell air management method further includes the step of: providing an air compressor for compressing and heating air, and inputting the air compressed and heated by the air compressor into the fuel cell stack.

[0018] Optionally, after the step of cold starting the fuel cell stack, when T C ≤T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack operates normally, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T C is the cold start temperature threshold, T S This is the normal operating temperature threshold.

[0019] Optional, T C and T S The mathematical relationship is expressed as: -5℃≤T C ≤0℃<T S .

[0020] A fuel cell air management method, comprising: detecting the T F , when T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack is in normal working state, T Fis the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T S is the normal operating temperature threshold; when the fuel cell stack enters the normal operating state from the cold start state, the air is heated and input to the fuel cell air management device, the fuel cell air management device performs heat exchange, and then the air is humidified and input to the fuel cell stack.

[0021] Optionally, when the fuel cell stack enters the normal working state from the cold start state, the air is heated and input into the fuel cell air management device, the fuel cell air management device performs heat exchange, and then the air is humidified and input into the fuel cell stack. The steps include: turning on the air supply unit, and inputting the air into the air compressor for compression and heating; the air is input into the fuel cell air management device through the input port of the air compressor, and the fuel cell air management device is heated; the air is input into the humidifier through the input port of the fuel cell air management device, and the air is humidified in the humidifier; the air is input into the fuel cell stack through the output port of the humidifier, the fuel cell stack works, and the air is discharged from the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack.

[0022] Optionally, also include: Detection T o and T i , where T o is the temperature of the fuel cell air management device output port, T i is the temperature inside the fuel cell air management device; when T i -T o ≤ΔT, air is input into the fuel cell stack, and the input and output ports of the fuel cell air management device are closed, wherein ΔT is the temperature difference threshold of the fuel cell air management device, 0°C≤ΔT≤10°C.

[0023] A fuel cell air management method, characterized by comprising: detecting T F When T F <T C When T C ≤T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack operates normally, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T C is the cold start temperature threshold, T S This is the normal operating temperature threshold.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, when the present invention is used, the fuel cell stack is preheated by absorbing moisture through the fuel cell air management device, so that the fuel cell stack can be started at a lower temperature. By detecting the temperature of the fuel cell stack and controlling the direction of the air flow, the cold start and normal start of the fuel cell stack and the state control of the heat exchange of the fuel cell air management device are completed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fuel cell air management device provided in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the fuel cell air management device provided in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the fuel cell air management system provided in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the working status of the fuel cell air management method provided in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the fuel cell air management method provided in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange state of the fuel cell air management device in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the normal working state of the fuel cell air management device in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a flow chart of the fuel cell air management method in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 It is a flow chart of the fuel cell air management method in Example 5 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 It is a flow chart of the fuel cell air management method in Example 6 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a fuel cell air management device, such as Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell air management device includes: a device body 1090 and heat storage particles 1094 arranged in the device body, and the device body also includes a device body input port 1096 and a device body output port 1097. The heat storage particles 1094 can be physically adsorbed with moisture, thereby reducing the degree of freedom of water molecules and releasing a large amount of adsorption heat. The heat storage particles 1094 after physical adsorption will absorb heat and desorb moisture when heated, and can be reused. By applying the fuel cell air management device to the startup of the fuel cell and providing preheating for the fuel cell when cold-starting at a lower ambient temperature (such as below -20°C), the problem that the fuel cell is not convenient for cold-starting is solved.

[0037] See also Figure 2 During implementation, the fuel cell air management device may adopt a sleeve-type structural design, including a solid adsorption heat storage shell 1091, a thermal insulation layer 1092 and a solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093. The solid adsorption heat storage shell 1091, the thermal insulation layer 1092 and the solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093 can constitute the shell of the device body, and the internal cavity of the solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093 is the storage cavity; wherein the space between the solid adsorption heat storage shell 1091 and the solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093 shell is filled with an insulating material to form the thermal insulation layer 1092, which matches the device body input port 1096 and the device body output port 1097. , specifically, a circular filter 1095 with sieve holes is welded at a certain distance from the air inlet and the air outlet in the solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093, and the cavity enclosed between the two circular filter screens 1095 and the inner wall of the solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093 is filled with solid adsorption heat storage particles 1094. The pores inside the solid adsorption heat storage particles 1094 and the gaps between the particles serve as air flow channels. When the air passes through the flow channel, the moisture in the air is physically adsorbed by the heat storage particles 1094 and generates heat, which is transferred to the fuel cell stack through the air flow, so that the fuel cell stack can be started at a lower temperature.

[0038] The solid adsorption heat storage particles 1094 filled in the solid adsorption heat storage tube 1093 include, but are not limited to, one or more materials such as silica gel, activated carbon, activated alumina, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), natural zeolites, and artificial zeolite molecular sieves. The heat storage particles 1094 are particles formed of porous adsorbent solid materials with abundant micropores, mesopores, and macropores, capable of absorbing water to generate heat and discharging the absorbed water when heated. For example, the heat storage particles 1094 can be artificial zeolite molecular sieves, including but not limited to 3A, 4A, 5A, 13X spherical, 13X strip-shaped artificial zeolite molecular sieves, as well as zeolite and hydrated salt composite adsorption materials such as zeolite molecular sieve / CaCl2, zeolite molecular sieve / MgCl2, and zeolite molecular sieve / MgSO4. A first temperature sensor 111 and a second temperature sensor 112 can also be set. The first temperature sensor 111 measures the temperature of the device body output port 1097, and the second temperature sensor 112 measures the internal temperature of the device body. When it is necessary to heat the heat storage particles 1094 and discharge the moisture so that the heat storage particles 1094 can be reused, the temperature of the device body output port 1097 and the internal temperature of the device body can be detected, and the temperature difference between the two can be monitored. When the temperature difference is less than a certain threshold, that is, there is not much adsorbed moisture in the pores of the heat storage particles 1094 that requires thermal energy to complete desorption, the temperature change can be regarded as heat conduction loss, and therefore it can be determined that the moisture adsorbed by the heat storage particles 1094 has basically been desorbed.

[0039] See also Figure 3 In Example 2, a fuel cell air management system is provided, which includes an air supply unit 1, a fuel cell stack 2 and a fuel cell controller 3. The air supply unit 1 is connected to the fuel cell stack 2, and the fuel cell controller 3 is signal-connected to the air supply unit 1 and the fuel cell stack 2 respectively.

[0040] During implementation, the air supply unit 1 includes a humidifier 106 for humidifying air and a fuel cell air management device 109 for preheating air. The humidified air can be preheated after passing through the fuel cell air management device 109; the fuel cell stack 2 is connected to the air supply unit 1; the fuel cell controller 3 is used to control the air input and output of the air supply unit 1 and the fuel cell stack 2, and the fuel cell controller 3 is respectively connected to the air supply unit 1 and the fuel cell stack 2 for signals.

[0041] The air supply unit 1 also includes an air compressor 103 for compressing and heating air. The air compressor 103 is connected to the humidifier 106. The fuel cell air management system has three operating states: cold start, normal start, and heat exchange with the fuel cell air management device. In the cold start state, by controlling the air input and output of each unit and device, the air flow direction is: air compressor 103 → fuel cell stack 2 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell air management device 109 → air compressor 103. The heat generated by the air compressor 103 when compressing the air is absorbed by the fuel cell stack 2. The fuel cell air management device 109 absorbs moisture to complete the air reheating. The reheated air is then transferred to the fuel cell stack 2 via the air compressor 103, raising the fuel cell stack 2 to its normal operating temperature, completing the cold start. In the normal start state, by controlling the air input and output of each unit and device, the air flow direction is: air compressor 103 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell stack 2. The fuel cell stack 2 starts at its normal operating temperature and starts normally. When the fuel cell stack enters normal start-up from cold start and is in a stable operating state, in order to discharge the moisture absorbed by the fuel cell air management device 109 and facilitate the reuse of the fuel cell air management device 109, by controlling the air input and output of each unit and device, the air flow direction is: air compressor 103 → fuel cell air management device 109 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell stack 109. The air is continuously compressed and heated by the air compressor 103 and input into the fuel cell air management device 109. The heat storage particles are heated to discharge moisture, thereby completing the heat exchange of the fuel cell air management device.

[0042] In order to facilitate the air input and output of the control unit and devices, the output port of the compressor 103 is connected to the input port of the humidifier 106 and the input port of the fuel cell stack 2 respectively through the first valve 104, and the output port of the compressor 103 is also connected to the input port of the fuel cell air management device 109 and the input port of the humidifier 106 respectively through the second valve 105. The output port of the humidifier 106 is connected to the input port of the fuel cell stack 2 and the input port of the fuel cell air management device 109 respectively through the third valve 107. The output port of the fuel cell stack 2 is connected to the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack 2 and the input port of the humidifier 106 respectively through the fourth valve 108. The output port of the fuel cell air management device 109 is connected to the input port of the air compressor 103 and the input port of the humidifier 106 respectively through the fifth valve 110. During implementation, the first valve 104, the second valve 105, the third valve 107, the fourth valve 108, and the fifth valve 110 all include three-way solenoid valves. The fuel cell controller 3 controls the interface switches of each path in the three-way solenoid valves to achieve the switching of the working state of the fuel cell stack 2. The control signal can adopt various forms of signals or encoding methods. The control signal can adopt digital signals. Accordingly, the fuel cell controller 3 can adopt various units that can implement adjustable digital signals, such as various single-chip microcomputers, microcontrollers, DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), host computers, or central processing units (CPUs). In this embodiment, the controller can adopt a single-chip microcomputer. Various control functions can be implemented by programming the single-chip microcomputer. For example, in this embodiment, the temperature signal acquisition, processing, and adjustment functions are implemented, and the switching of each three-way solenoid valve can be implemented. The single-chip microcomputer has the advantages of convenient interface calling and easy control.

[0043] The fuel cell air management system also includes an air filter 101 for filtering and a sixth valve 102 for controlling air flow. The air filter 101 is connected to the sixth valve 102. The air filter 101 is arranged at the input port of the air supply unit 1 to filter floating matter, dust and impurity gases in the air that can easily poison the fuel cell catalyst. The sixth valve 102 can be a proportional valve to facilitate controlling its opening, thereby controlling the air flow of the air supply unit 1. The fuel cell air management system also includes a first temperature sensor 111, a second temperature sensor 112 and a third temperature sensor 21. The first temperature sensor 111 is used to detect the temperature of the output port of the fuel cell air management device 109, and the second temperature sensor 112 is used to detect the internal temperature of the fuel cell air management device 109. By collecting the temperature difference between the two, it is determined whether the fuel cell air management device still needs energy to discharge moisture, and then it is determined whether the fuel cell air management device is still needed for heat exchange. The third temperature sensor 21 is used to detect the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack 2. The internal temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 is detected by the third temperature sensor 21, and the signal is transmitted to the fuel cell controller 3, so that the fuel cell controller 3 can switch the working states of cold start, normal start and fuel cell air management device heat exchange.

[0044] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In embodiment 3, a fuel cell air management method is provided, comprising:

[0045] S10: detecting the current temperature inside the fuel cell stack 2, and when the current temperature is lower than the normal operating temperature threshold, turning on the air supply unit 1 to input air into the fuel cell stack 2;

[0046] S20: The air is input to the humidifier 106 through the output port of the fuel cell stack 2, and the air is humidified in the humidifier 106;

[0047] S30: The air is input to the fuel cell air management device 109 through the output port of the humidifier 106, and the air is supplemented with heat in the fuel cell air management device 109;

[0048] S40: The pre-heated air is heated again via the air compressor 103 and input into the fuel cell stack 2 to preheat the fuel cell stack 2, and the fuel cell stack 2 is cold-started.

[0049] After the step of starting the air supply unit and before the step of inputting air into the fuel cell stack 2, the fuel cell air management method further includes the step of providing an air compressor 103 for compressing and heating air, and the air compressed and heated by the air compressor 103 is input into the fuel cell stack 2.

[0050] After the fuel cell stack 2 performs a cold start, when T C ≤T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack 2 operates normally, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T C is the cold start temperature threshold, T S is the normal operating temperature threshold, T C and T S The mathematical relationship is expressed as: -5℃≤T C ≤0℃<T S .

[0051] During the specific implementation process, the fuel cell controller 3 controls the opening of the first valve 104, the third valve 107, the fourth valve 108 and the fifth valve 110 respectively, and closes the second valve 105, then starts the air compressor 103 and appropriately adjusts the opening of the air proportional valve 102. The air in the environment purified by the air filter 101 is adiabatically compressed by the air compressor 103 to achieve the initial temperature rise of the air, and then the air carrying heat is sent into the fuel cell stack 2 and the heat is directly transferred to the membrane electrode and bipolar plate of the fuel cell stack 2. The air flowing out of the fuel cell stack 2 is humidified by the humidifier 106 and enters the fuel cell air management device 109 with a large amount of water vapor. The heat storage particles 1094 begin to physically adsorb the water vapor, thereby reducing the freedom of water molecules and releasing a large amount of water vapor. The amount of adsorption heat is absorbed, and the air flow is heated to achieve secondary temperature increase. The heated air flow returns to the air compressor 103 to be heated again, and more heat is transferred to the fuel cell stack 2 to accelerate the preheating, so as to meet the temperature requirements for the normal operation of the fuel cell stack 2. During this period, the fuel cell controller 3 can completely close the air proportional valve 102, so that the air circulation path is air compressor 103 → first valve 104 → fuel cell stack 2 → fourth valve 108 → humidifier 106 → third valve 107 → fuel cell air management device 109 → first temperature sensor 111 → fifth valve 110 → air compressor 103, thereby continuously and progressively preheating the membrane electrode and bipolar plate of the fuel cell stack 2. When the fuel cell controller 3 detects that the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 meets T C ≤T F ≤T S When the fuel cell stack 2 is started with low power and high current (i.e. low power operation) and performs self-heating, the fuel cell stack 2 generates electrical energy in the form of ohmic polarization heat to heat the fuel cell stack temperature until T F >T S , the cold start operation of the fuel cell stack is completed; in order to better heat it, the opening of the air proportional valve 102 can be appropriately adjusted during this process, and the channel of the fourth valve 108 connected to the air tail exhaust pipe can be opened intermittently to allow part of the air to flow in to replenish the oxygen consumed by the fuel cell stack 2 during its self-heating process.

[0052] See also Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In embodiment 4, a fuel cell air management method is provided, the method comprising:

[0053] S11: Detect the T of the fuel cell stack F ,

[0054] S21: Judge TF Is it greater than T S , when T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack is in normal working state, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T S is the normal operating temperature threshold;

[0055] S31: Determine T again F Is it greater than T S , when T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack is in normal working state;

[0056] S41: heating the air and inputting it into the fuel cell air management device, wherein the fuel cell air management device performs heat exchange, and then the air is humidified and inputted into the fuel cell stack.

[0057] During the specific implementation process, the implementation process in normal working state is: the fuel cell controller 3 controls the opening of the first to fourth valves respectively, and controls the opening of the air proportional valve 102, and closes the fifth valve 110, and then starts the air compressor 103 to make the air delivery path: air filter 101 → air proportional valve 102 → air compressor 103 → first valve 104 → second valve 105 → humidifier 106 → third valve 107 → fuel cell stack 2 → fourth valve 108 → exhaust port of fuel cell stack 2; in this process, the high-pressure air generated by the air compressor 103 is humidified by the humidifier 106 and directly enters the fuel cell stack 2 for subsequent electrochemical catalytic reaction or other operations, so that the fuel cell stack 2 is in normal working state.

[0058] The specific implementation process of S41 is: the fuel cell controller 3 controls the first to fifth valves and the air proportional valve 102 respectively, and then starts the air compressor 103, so that the air in the environment is adiabatically compressed under the action of the air compressor 103 to generate a high-temperature air flow, and the high-temperature air flow is input into the fuel cell air management device 109. The moisture adsorbed by the heat storage particles 1094 in the fuel cell air management device 109 is desorbed from the adsorbent when heated, and then carried out by the high-speed air flow and completes the pre-humidification of the air. The pre-humidified air flow enters the humidifier 106 for humidification, and then enters the fuel cell stack 2 for electrocatalytic reduction reaction to output electrical energy. The air delivery path is: air compressor 103 → first valve 104 → second valve 105 → fuel cell air management device 109 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell stack 2.

[0059] During this process, the fuel cell controller 3 monitors the temperature T displayed by the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112 in real time. o and T i The first temperature sensor 111 measures the temperature of the device body output port, and the second temperature sensor 112 measures the internal temperature of the device body. When the heat storage particles need to be heated and the moisture is discharged so that the heat storage particles can be reused, the temperature of the device body output port and the internal temperature of the device body can be detected, and the temperature difference between the two can be monitored. When the temperature difference is less than a certain threshold, that is, there is not much adsorbed moisture in the pores of the heat storage particles 1094 that requires thermal energy to complete desorption, the temperature change can be considered as heat conduction loss, so it can be determined that the moisture adsorbed by the heat storage particles has been basically desorbed. For example, when T i -T o ≤ΔT, air is input to the fuel cell stack, and the input and output ports of the fuel cell air management device are closed, wherein T o is the temperature of the fuel cell air management device output port, T i is the temperature inside the fuel cell air management device, ΔT is the temperature difference threshold of the fuel cell air management device, 0℃≤ΔT≤10℃.

[0060] See also Figure 3 and Figure 9 , Example 5 provides a fuel cell air management method, comprising:

[0061] S12: Detect T F ;

[0062] S22: When T F <T C When , the fuel cell stack is in cold start state;

[0063] S23: When TC ≤T F ≤T S When the fuel cell stack is in a low power state;

[0064] S24: When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack operates normally, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T C is the cold start temperature threshold, T S This is the normal operating temperature threshold.

[0065] During implementation, refer to the air flow direction in the cold start state. Figure 4 , specifically: air compressor 103 → fuel cell stack 2 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell air management device 109 → air compressor 103 → fuel cell stack 2;

[0066] For normal startup air flow, please refer to Figure 7 , specifically: air compressor 103 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell stack 2 → exhaust port of fuel cell stack 2.

[0067] After cold start, the fuel cell air management device also includes heat exchange. For the air flow direction of the fuel cell air management device heat exchange, please refer to Figure 6 , specifically: air compressor 103 → fuel cell air management device 109 → humidifier 106 → fuel cell stack 2 → exhaust port of fuel cell stack 2.

[0068] See also Figure 3 and 10 , Example 6 provides a fuel cell air management method, comprising:

[0069] S600: The fuel cell controller 3 reads the current temperature T of the fuel cell stack 2 F , then compare T F With T C and T S The size between and enter S601, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T C is the cold start temperature threshold, T S is the normal operating temperature threshold;

[0070] S601: If the fuel cell controller 3 detects T F <T C Then go to step 602, if T is detected C ≤T F ≤T S Then go to step 603, if T is detectedF >T S Then proceed to step 604;

[0071] S602: Entering cold start, the fuel cell controller 3 controls the opening of the first valve 104, the third valve 107, the fourth valve 108 and the fifth valve 110 respectively, and closes the second valve 105, then starts the air compressor 103 and appropriately adjusts the opening of the air proportional valve 102; after a certain time interval, the fuel cell controller 3 closes the air proportional valve 102 to form a closed circulation loop between the air compressor 103, the fuel cell stack 2, the humidifier 106 and the fuel cell air management device 109 to continuously and progressively preheat the membrane electrode and bipolar plate of the fuel cell stack; then returns to S601 to monitor and compare T in real time F With T C 、T S Size changes between

[0072] S603: The fuel cell controller 3 controls the opening of the first valve 104, the third valve 107, the fourth valve 108 and the fifth valve 110 respectively, and closes the second valve 105, then starts the air compressor 103 and appropriately adjusts the opening of the air proportional valve 102, and then starts the fuel cell stack 2 with low power and high current (low power operation) so that the electricity generated by it accelerates the warm-up in the form of ohmic polarization heat; in this process, the opening of the air proportional valve 102 is appropriately adjusted and the channel of the fourth valve 108 connected to the air tail pipe is intermittently opened to replenish the oxygen consumed in the self-heating process, and then returns to S601 to monitor and compare T in real time. F With T C 、T S Size changes between

[0073] S604: Entering normal operation, the fuel cell controller 3 controls the opening of the first to fourth valves and the air proportional valve 102, respectively, and closes the fifth valve 110, and then starts the air compressor 103 to complete the low-temperature startup of the fuel cell and perform subsequent fuel cell power output or other operations; then receives the real-time driving status of the fuel cell vehicle transmitted by the vehicle controller and enters S610;

[0074] S610: Determine whether heat exchange is required. The fuel cell controller 3 starts to detect whether the fuel cell vehicle is in a stable driving state and the fuel cell air management device 109 needs desorption and regeneration. If so, the process proceeds to S611; otherwise, the process returns to S604.

[0075] S611: Perform heat exchange of the fuel cell air management device. The fuel cell controller 3 controls the first valve to the fifth valve respectively, and controls the air proportional valve 102 to be opened, and then starts the air compressor 103 so that the air in the environment is adiabatically compressed under the action of the air compressor 103 to generate a high-temperature air flow. When the high-temperature air flow flows through the fuel cell air management device 109, the moisture adsorbed by the heat storage particles is desorbed from the adsorbent when heated and is carried out by the high-speed air flow. At this time, the fuel cell air management device 109 completes the pre-humidification of the air, and the pre-humidified air flow enters the humidifier 106 for humidification, and is then input into the fuel cell stack 2 for electrocatalytic reduction reaction to output electrical energy. During this process, the fuel cell controller 3 monitors the temperature T displayed by the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112 in real time. o and T i The size of the data changes, and then the process goes to S612.

[0076] In S612, the fuel cell controller 3 detects whether there is T i -T o ≤ΔT, T o is the temperature of the fuel cell air management device output port, T i is the temperature inside the fuel cell air management device, ΔT is the temperature difference threshold of the fuel cell air management device, 0°C ≤ ΔT ≤ 10°C: if yes, proceed to S613; otherwise, return to S611.

[0077] In S613 , the fuel cell controller 3 controls the second valve 105 to open the passage to the humidifier 106 and closes the fifth valve 110 , thereby completing the desorption and regeneration of the heat storage particles to prepare for the next low-temperature start-up of the fuel cell.

[0078] In summary, this application has the following features:

[0079] (1) The heat storage density is high, which is much higher than the sensible heat and latent heat storage methods, thereby reducing the amount and volume of materials. In particular, the zeolite / water working fluid has relatively high energy storage density and energy density, strong absorption capacity, large adsorption calorific value, and fast adsorption speed.

[0080] (2) The heating speed is fast, and the adsorption heat is used to heat the air at the inlet of the air compressor;

[0081] (3) Strong environmental adaptability. When the fuel cell air management device is closed, that is, no airflow passes through, the heat storage particles will always be in the energy storage state, not limited by time and ambient temperature, and do not require long-term insulation, thereby reducing the cost of the device;

[0082] (4) High energy utilization rate. The preheating process does not require external power supply heating or hydrogen combustion heating. The regeneration process fully utilizes the heat energy generated by the air compressor working on the air to realize the heat exchange process of the heat storage particles, thereby storing the heat energy generated by the air compressor when it is working in the heat storage particles. This not only reduces the temperature of the air flowing out of the air compressor but also greatly reduces the additional energy consumption. In addition, it realizes the pre-humidification of the air, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the humidifier, thereby extending the cruising range of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0083] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell air management system, characterized in that: include: An air supply unit, the air supply unit comprising an air compressor, a humidifier for humidifying air, and a fuel cell air management device for preheating air, the air compressor for compressing and heating air, the air compressor being in communication with the humidifier so that the humidified air can be preheated after passing through the fuel cell air management device; the fuel cell air management device comprising: a device body and heat storage particles disposed within the device body, the device body comprising a storage cavity for loading the heat storage particles, a housing for heat preservation, a device body input port, and a device body output port, with filters respectively provided at matching positions of the device body input port and the device body output port; a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack being in communication with the air supply unit; A fuel cell controller, configured to control the air supply unit and the air input and output of the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell controller being signal-connected to the air supply unit and the fuel cell stack, respectively; The output port of the air compressor is connected to the input port of the humidifier and the input port of the fuel cell stack respectively through a first valve, and the output port of the air compressor is also connected to the input port of the fuel cell air management device and the input port of the humidifier respectively through a second valve, the output port of the humidifier is connected to the input port of the fuel cell stack and the input port of the fuel cell air management device respectively through a third valve, the output port of the fuel cell stack is connected to the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack and the input port of the humidifier respectively through a fourth valve, and the output port of the fuel cell air management device is connected to the input port of the air compressor and the input port of the humidifier respectively through a fifth valve.

2. The fuel cell air management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat storage particles include at least one material selected from the group consisting of silica gel, activated carbon, activated alumina, metal organic framework and zeolite.

3. The fuel cell air management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve, the second valve, the third valve, the fourth valve, and the fifth valve all include three-way solenoid valves.

4. The fuel cell air management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel cell air management system further includes an air filter for filtering and a sixth valve for controlling air flow, wherein the air filter is in communication with the sixth valve.

5. The fuel cell air management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel cell air management system also includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor and a third temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the output port of the fuel cell air management device, the second temperature sensor is used to detect the internal temperature of the fuel cell air management device, and the third temperature sensor is used to detect the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack.

6. The fuel cell air management system management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: include: Detect the current temperature T inside the fuel cell stack F , when the current temperature T F When the temperature is lower than or equal to the normal operating temperature threshold, T S , the fuel cell stack is in a cold start state. When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack is in normal working state; When the fuel cell stack is in a cold start state, an air compressor is provided for compressing and heating air, and the air compressed and heated by the air compressor is input into the fuel cell stack; The air is humidified after passing through the output port of the fuel cell stack; The humidified air is input to the fuel cell air management device, and the air is preheated in the fuel cell air management device; The preheated air is inputted into the fuel cell stack to preheat the fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell stack is cold started; When the fuel cell stack enters the normal working state from the cold start state, the air supply unit is turned on, and air is input to the air compressor for compression and heating; Air is input into the fuel cell air management device through the input port of the air compressor, and heats the fuel cell air management device; The air is input into the humidifier through the input port of the fuel cell air management device, and the air is humidified in the humidifier; Air is input into the fuel cell stack through the output port of the humidifier. The fuel cell stack is operated and the air is discharged from the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack.

7. The fuel cell air management system management method according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the fuel cell stack is cold started, when T C ≤T F ≤T S When T S <T F When the fuel cell stack operates normally, T F is the current temperature of the fuel cell stack, T C is the cold start temperature threshold, T S This is the normal operating temperature threshold.

8. The fuel cell air management system management method according to claim 7, characterized in that: T C and T S The mathematical relationship is expressed as: -5℃≤T C ≤0℃<T S .

9. The fuel cell air management system management method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Detection T o and T i , where T o is the temperature of the fuel cell air management device output port, T i The temperature inside the fuel cell air management device; When T i -T o ≤ΔT, air is input into the fuel cell stack, and the input and output ports of the fuel cell air management device are closed, wherein ΔT is the temperature difference threshold of the fuel cell air management device, 0°C≤ΔT≤10°C.

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