A wind-cooled fuel cell container and its opening method

Abstract

This invention discloses an air-cooled fuel cell cabin and its opening method. The cabin includes a cabin body, a hydrogen storage module, an air-cooled fuel cell system, a cooling fan, an energy storage module, and a ventilation device. During the low-temperature startup of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin, the ventilation device is controlled to be open, so that the gas from the outlet of the cooling fan flows through the ventilation device to the energy storage module and back to the inlet of the air-cooled fuel cell system, thereby raising the temperature of the air-cooled fuel cell system to the target temperature. This invention can effectively improve the low-temperature startup efficiency of the air-cooled fuel cell by utilizing hot air circulation during the low-temperature startup process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to an air-cooled fuel cell container and its opening method. Background Technology

[0002] The fuel cell container mainly consists of fuel cell modules, hydrogen storage modules, energy storage modules, power output modules, and control and management modules, all integrated within a standard military container. It features independent external power supply, mains power input, and DC grid connection with other container units.

[0003] A fuel cell is a power generation device that uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as an oxidant, where hydrogen and oxygen undergo an electrochemical reaction to produce electricity. Low-temperature start-up of a fuel cell refers to its successful startup from below zero degrees Celsius and operation to its normal operating temperature. When the internal temperature of the cell is below the freezing point, there is a risk of blockage in the catalyst layer due to water freezing, which reduces or even stops the reaction rate, severely impacting cell performance. Currently, a common low-temperature start-up strategy is to use external energy-consuming heating to melt the ice inside the fuel cell stack. In air-cooled fuel cells, an electric heater is often installed at the fuel cell inlet. During low-temperature start-up, the air is heated to raise the fuel cell to the required start-up temperature, and the heated air is then discharged into the environment. While this low-temperature start-up method is effective and simple to operate, it increases the power consumption of the auxiliary systems in the fuel cell module and reduces system efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an air-cooled fuel cell cabin and its opening method.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an air-cooled fuel cell container, the air-cooled fuel cell container comprising: a container body, a hydrogen storage module, an air-cooled fuel cell system, a cooling fan, an energy storage module, and a ventilation device, wherein...

[0007] The hydrogen storage module, the air-cooled fuel cell system, the cooling fan, and the ventilation device are disposed inside the cabin.

[0008] The hydrogen storage module is installed at the bottom of the air-cooled fuel cell container;

[0009] The air-cooled fuel cell system is installed on the upper cabin support frame of the hydrogen storage module, and the cooling fan is installed at the lower part of the air-cooled fuel cell system.

[0010] The ventilation device is fixed to the internal support frame of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin, and one side of the ventilation device is connected to the cooling fan, while the side opposite to the cooling fan is connected to the energy storage module.

[0011] The energy storage module is installed on the internal support frame of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin and is connected to the ventilation device and the air-cooled fuel cell system.

[0012] When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at low temperature, the ventilation device is controlled to be turned on so that the gas from the outlet of the cooling fan flows through the ventilation device to the energy storage module and back to the inlet of the air-cooled fuel cell system, so that the air-cooled fuel cell system is heated to the target temperature.

[0013] Optionally, the air-cooled fuel cell container further includes: a power output device.

[0014] The power output device is installed on the upper part of the energy storage module to enable the air-cooled fuel cell cabin to provide external power supply, mains power input, and DC grid connection with other cabin units.

[0015] Optionally, the air-cooled fuel cell container further includes a control and management module.

[0016] The control and management module is installed on the top inside the air-cooled fuel cell cabin to control the start-up, operation and shutdown of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin in independent power supply and parallel power supply modes.

[0017] Optionally, the air-cooled fuel cell container further includes: air intake louvers and exhaust louvers.

[0018] The air intake louvers are installed on the first inner wall of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin to supply air to the air-cooled fuel cell system and the cooling fan.

[0019] The exhaust louvers are installed on the second inner wall of the air-cooled fuel cell container, with the first and second walls facing each other, to exhaust the exhaust gas generated during the operation of the air-cooled fuel cell system and the exhaust gas emitted by the cooling fan.

[0020] Optionally, when starting the air-cooled fuel cell cabin at room temperature, the ventilation device is controlled to be in the closed state, and the air intake louvers are opened.

[0021] Optionally, the air intake louvers are closed when the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at low temperatures.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for opening an air-cooled fuel cell container, applicable to any of the air-cooled fuel cell containers described above, the method comprising:

[0023] When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at low temperature, the ventilation device is kept on.

[0024] The cooling fan is activated so that the exhaust gas from the cooling fan flows through the ventilation device to the energy storage module, and is then fed back to the air-cooled fuel cell system through the energy storage module, so that the air-cooled fuel cell system is heated to the target temperature.

[0025] Start the air-cooled fuel cell cabin.

[0026] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0027] When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at room temperature, the ventilation device is kept in the off state.

[0028] Start the air-cooled fuel cell cabin.

[0029] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0030] The solution provided in this invention enables both ambient temperature and low temperature startup by setting a switch for a controllable ventilation device. During ambient temperature startup, the controllable ventilation device is turned off, and the intake and exhaust louvers are opened to ensure the normal operation of the fuel cell cabin. During low temperature startup, the controllable ventilation device is turned on, and the intake and exhaust louvers are closed, using hot air circulation to quickly heat the fuel cell to the required temperature. This method results in faster heating and lower electric heating consumption compared to traditional solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air-cooled fuel cell container provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the airflow direction during ambient temperature startup of a fuel cell container, provided as an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the airflow direction during low-temperature startup of a fuel cell container, provided as an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the steps of an air-cooled fuel cell container opening method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Reference Figure 1The diagram shows a structural schematic of an air-cooled fuel cell container provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the air-cooled fuel cell container may include: a control and management module 1, a container body 2, a power output module 3, an energy storage module 4, a ventilation device 5, an exhaust louver 6, a hydrogen storage module 7, a cooling fan 8, an air-cooled fuel cell system 9, and an air intake louver 10.

[0037] Among them, cabin 2 can be made of standard military containers to carry various components, and is also equipped with hoisting interfaces.

[0038] The hydrogen storage module 7 can be installed at the bottom of the air-cooled fuel cell container to store hydrogen and provide it with hydrogen at appropriate pressure and flow rate when the air-cooled fuel cell system 9 is working.

[0039] The air-cooled fuel cell system 9 can be installed on the upper cabin support frame of the hydrogen storage module 7 and can be used in a workplace that converts hydrogen energy into electrical energy.

[0040] The ventilation device 5 can be fixed to the support frame inside the cabin to enable the switching between the normal temperature start-up scheme and the low temperature start-up scheme of the fuel cell cabin.

[0041] The air-cooled fuel cell system 9 is equipped with a heating device at its inlet to heat the inlet air of the fuel cell when the fuel cell cabin is started at low temperatures.

[0042] The control and management module 1 is installed on the top of the inside of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin. It can be used to control the start-up, operation, and shutdown functions of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin in both independent power supply and parallel power supply modes.

[0043] The power output module 3 can be installed on the upper part of the energy storage module 4 and is used for functions such as independent external power supply, mains power input, and DC grid connection with other cabin units.

[0044] The cooling fan 8 is installed at the bottom of the air-cooled fuel cell system 9 to draw air from the outside environment and provide heat dissipation for the air-cooled fuel cell system 9.

[0045] The air intake louvers 10 are used for the air supply of the air-cooled fuel cell system 9 and the air intake of the cooling fan 8.

[0046] The exhaust louvers 6 can be used to exhaust reaction waste gas and heat dissipation hot air during the operation of an air-cooled fuel cell system.

[0047] The airflow direction for room temperature start-up in the structure provided by the embodiments of the present invention can be as follows: Figure 2As shown, during normal temperature startup, the controllable ventilation device is in the closed state. The gas from the cooling fan outlet cannot return to the energy storage module and the air-cooled fuel cell system through the controllable ventilation device. Instead, it is directly discharged to the external environment through the hydrogen storage system and the exhaust louvers.

[0048] During normal temperature startup, the normal temperature startup mode is activated: the controllable ventilation device is closed, thus blocking airflow between the fuel cell system, energy storage module, and hydrogen storage module. The air intake and exhaust louvers required for normal temperature startup are opened to meet the system's air intake and cooling needs. At this time, normal temperature air enters the cabin through the intake louvers of the cabin door. Part of it enters the fuel cell air supply subsystem for fuel cell power generation; the other part enters the fuel cell stack for cooling. Subsequently, it is exhausted by the fuel cell system's cooling fan and dissipated into the external environment through the hydrogen storage module and the cooling louvers. Because the controllable ventilation device is closed, the exhaust gas from the fuel cell cabin during operation does not recirculate back to the inlet, achieving unidirectional airflow and ensuring optimal system cooling efficiency.

[0049] The airflow direction during low-temperature startup can be as follows Figure 3 As shown, during low-temperature startup, the controllable ventilation device is in the open state, and the gas from the cooling fan outlet can flow through the controllable ventilation device to the energy storage module and back to the fuel cell system inlet, realizing hot air circulation and improving the low-temperature startup efficiency of the air-cooled fuel cell system.

[0050] During low-temperature startup, the system first enters low-temperature startup mode. A controllable ventilation system is activated, creating an airflow channel between the cooling fan and the energy storage module. Simultaneously, the air intake and exhaust louvers of the cabin are closed. At this time, the electric heater at the fuel cell system inlet is turned on, and the cooling fan starts. Air at the fuel cell system inlet is heated by the electric heater and then enters the fuel cell to warm the stack. Subsequently, it is exhausted circumferentially from the cooling fan at the bottom of the fuel cell system. Because the exhaust louvers at the bottom are closed, the hot air exhausted by the cooling fan passes through the controllable ventilation system, which has already created an airflow channel, and returns to the fuel cell system inlet, achieving hot air circulation. The gas flow direction is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, hot air is circulated back to the inlet of the fuel cell system, which effectively accelerates the heating of the fuel cell and reduces the power consumption of the fuel cell system's electric heater. Once the battery temperature reaches the required level, it enters the ambient temperature start-up mode.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Reference Figure 4 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an opening method for an air-cooled fuel cell container provided by an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0053] Step 401: When starting the air-cooled fuel cell cabin at low temperature, control the ventilation device to be in the open state.

[0054] In this embodiment, the air-cooled fuel cell container may include: a container body, a hydrogen storage module, an air-cooled fuel cell system, a cooling fan, an energy storage module, a power output module, a control and management module, air intake louvers, exhaust louvers, and a controllable ventilation device.

[0055] When starting the air-cooled fuel cell cabin at low temperatures, the ventilation device can be kept on.

[0056] Step 402: Start the cooling fan to direct the exhaust gas from the cooling fan to the energy storage module through the ventilation device, and then back to the air-cooled fuel cell system through the energy storage module, so that the air-cooled fuel cell system is heated to the target temperature.

[0057] After the ventilation device is turned on, the cooling fan can be started to direct the exhaust gas from the cooling fan through the ventilation device to the energy storage module, and then back to the air-cooled fuel cell system through the energy storage module, so that the air-cooled fuel cell system can be heated to the target temperature.

[0058] Step 403: Start the air-cooled fuel cell container.

[0059] After the air-cooled fuel cell system has been heated to the target temperature, the air-cooled fuel cell compartment can be started. Specifically, during low-temperature startup, the system first enters low-temperature startup mode. By activating the controllable ventilation device, an airflow channel is created between the cooling fan and the energy storage module. Simultaneously, the air intake and exhaust louvers of the compartment are closed. At this time, the electric heater at the fuel cell system inlet is turned on, and the cooling fan starts. The air at the fuel cell system inlet is heated by the electric heater and then enters the fuel cell to heat the stack. Subsequently, the air is exhausted circumferentially from the cooling fan at the bottom of the fuel cell system. Since the exhaust louvers at the bottom are closed, the hot air exhausted by the cooling fan will pass through the controllable ventilation device, which has now created an airflow channel, and return to the fuel cell system inlet, achieving hot air circulation. This hot air circulation method quickly heats the fuel cell to the required temperature, allowing the air-cooled fuel cell compartment to start.

[0060] The specific embodiments described in this application are intended to enable those skilled in the art to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this application, but do not limit this application in any way. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to this application; and all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and technical essence of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this patent application.

[0061] The contents not described in detail in this specification are common knowledge to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A wind-cooled fuel cell container, characterized in that, The air-cooled fuel cell container includes: a container body, a hydrogen storage module, an air-cooled fuel cell system, a cooling fan, an energy storage module, and a ventilation device. The hydrogen storage module, the air-cooled fuel cell system, the cooling fan, and the ventilation device are disposed inside the cabin. The hydrogen storage module is installed at the bottom of the air-cooled fuel cell container; The air-cooled fuel cell system is installed on the upper cabin support frame of the hydrogen storage module, and the cooling fan is installed at the lower part of the air-cooled fuel cell system. The ventilation device is fixed to the internal support frame of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin, and one side of the ventilation device is connected to the cooling fan, while the side opposite to the cooling fan is connected to the energy storage module. The energy storage module is installed on the internal support frame of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin and is connected to the ventilation device and the air-cooled fuel cell system. When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at low temperature, the ventilation device is controlled to be turned on so that the gas from the outlet of the cooling fan flows through the ventilation device to the energy storage module and back to the inlet of the air-cooled fuel cell system, so that the air-cooled fuel cell system is heated to the target temperature. When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at room temperature, the ventilation device is controlled to be in the off state, so that the gas from the cooling fan outlet is dispersed to the external environment of the cabin through the hydrogen storage module.

2. The air-cooled fuel cell container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooled fuel cell module also includes: A power output device is installed on the upper part of the energy storage module to enable the air-cooled fuel cell cabin to supply external power, receive mains power, and connect to the DC grid with other cabin units.

3. The air-cooled fuel cell container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooled fuel cell module also includes: A control and management module is installed on the top of the inner side of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin to control the start-up, operation and shutdown of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin in independent power supply and parallel power supply modes.

4. The air-cooled fuel cell container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooled fuel cell cabin also includes an air intake louver and an exhaust louver. The air intake louver is installed on the inner first cabin wall of the air-cooled fuel cell cabin to supply air to the air-cooled fuel cell system and the cooling fan. The exhaust louvers are installed on the second inner wall of the air-cooled fuel cell container, with the first and second walls facing each other, to exhaust the exhaust gas generated during the operation of the air-cooled fuel cell system and the exhaust gas emitted by the cooling fan.

5. The air-cooled fuel cell container according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at room temperature, the ventilation device is kept in the off state, and the air intake louvers are opened.

6. The air-cooled fuel cell container according to claim 4, characterized in that, When starting the air-cooled fuel cell cabin at low temperatures, close the air intake louvers.

7. A method for opening an air-cooled fuel cell container, applied to the air-cooled fuel cell container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes: When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at low temperature, the ventilation device is kept on. The cooling fan is activated so that the exhaust gas from the cooling fan flows through the ventilation device to the energy storage module, and is then fed back to the air-cooled fuel cell system through the energy storage module, so that the air-cooled fuel cell system is heated to the target temperature. Start the air-cooled fuel cell cabin.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: When the air-cooled fuel cell cabin is started at room temperature, the ventilation device is controlled to be in the closed state, so that the gas from the cooling fan outlet is dispersed to the outside environment of the cabin through the hydrogen storage module. Start the air-cooled fuel cell cabin.

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