Humidification system, control method thereof, storage medium, and fuel cell system

Abstract

The present application provides a humidification system for a fuel cell system and a control method thereof. During operation of the fuel cell system, an air supply channel and an exhaust channel are controlled to perform a humidification cycle on the air supply. In each humidification cycle, after the air supply channel is brought to a first air supply state and the exhaust channel is brought to a second exhaust state to at least partially fill an accumulator with exhaust, the exhaust channel is switched from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the air supply channel is switched from the first air supply state to the second air supply state, thereby causing the air supply to be humidified by mixing with the exhaust in the accumulator. The present application also provides a machine-readable non-volatile storage medium storing program instructions implementing the foregoing method, and a fuel cell system including the foregoing humidification system. The humidification system according to the present application is self-humidifying, capable of saving space by eliminating a conventional water tank design, and capable of operating with relatively low energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to fuel cell technology, and more particularly to a humidification system for a fuel cell system and a control method thereof. This application also relates to a machine-readable non-volatile storage medium and a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cell systems, which generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction of fuel and oxidant, are increasingly used to provide power, especially in the field of electric vehicles. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are a widely used type of fuel cell, using hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as an oxidant. During operation, hydrogen and air are supplied to the anode and cathode of the PEM fuel cell, respectively. Hydrogen atoms entering the anode are adsorbed by the catalyst and ionized into hydrogen ions and electrons. Hydrogen ions are transferred to the cathode via the proton exchange membrane, while electrons flow to the cathode through an external circuit to form an electric current. Oxygen in the air combines with hydrogen ions and electrons at the cathode to form water molecules. However, good proton conductivity can only be ensured when the water content on the proton exchange membrane is at an appropriate level. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the water content of the air before supplying it to the cathode to maintain the water content on the proton exchange membrane at a suitable level.

[0003] Currently, various humidification systems are known for increasing the moisture content of air, such as bubble humidification systems, liquid water jet humidification systems, and exhaust gas recirculation humidification systems. However, each of these humidification systems has certain drawbacks: bubble humidification systems require a water tank, which needs to be replenished, creating a burden for electric vehicle applications, and the water tank occupies a large space, reducing the volumetric energy density of the fuel cell system; liquid water jet humidification systems also require a water tank, which also needs to be replenished, creating a burden for electric vehicle applications, and the water tank occupies a large space, reducing the volumetric energy density of the fuel cell system; exhaust gas recirculation humidification systems use a fan to recirculate a portion of the cathode exhaust gas to mix with the supplied air, thereby increasing the moisture content of the supplied air, but the fan has high energy consumption, resulting in a decrease in the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0004] Therefore, traditional humidification systems need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to provide a humidification system for a fuel cell system to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned defects.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a humidification system for a fuel cell system is provided, comprising:

[0007] An air intake passage is configured to supply air to the input end of the cathode side of the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, and includes a first main passage and a first bypass passage.

[0008] An exhaust passage configured to receive exhaust gas from the output terminal on the cathode side, and including a second main passage and a second bypass passage; and

[0009] An accumulator that defines an accumulator chamber, the accumulator chamber being configured to communicate with a first bypass channel and a second bypass channel, such that gas passes through the accumulator chamber as it passes through the first bypass channel and the second bypass channel;

[0010] The air intake channel can selectively switch between a first air intake state and a second air intake state. In the first air intake state, the first main channel is turned on and the first bypass channel is turned off, so that the supplied air passes through the first main channel but not through the first bypass channel and the air storage chamber. In the second air intake state, the first bypass channel is turned on and the first main channel is turned off, so that the supplied air passes through the first bypass channel and the air storage chamber but not through the first main channel.

[0011] The exhaust passage can selectively switch between a first exhaust state and a second exhaust state. In the first exhaust state, the second main passage is opened and the second bypass passage is closed, so that the exhaust passes through the second main passage without passing through the second bypass passage and the gas storage chamber. In the second exhaust state, the second bypass passage is opened and the second main passage is closed, so that the exhaust passes through the second bypass passage and the gas storage chamber without passing through the second main passage.

[0012] The humidification system further includes a humidification controller configured to control the intake passage and the exhaust passage during operation of the fuel cell system to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. In each humidification cycle, after setting the intake passage to a first intake state and the exhaust passage to a second exhaust state to at least partially fill the gas storage chamber with exhaust gas, the humidification controller switches the exhaust passage from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the intake passage from the first intake state to the second intake state, thereby humidifying the supplied air by mixing with the exhaust gas in the gas storage chamber.

[0013] According to another aspect of this application, a method for controlling a humidification system for a fuel cell system is provided. The humidification system includes an intake passage, an exhaust passage, and an accumulator defining a gas storage chamber. The intake passage is configured to supply air to an input terminal on the cathode side of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and includes a first main passage and a first bypass passage. The exhaust passage is configured to receive exhaust gas from an output terminal on the cathode side and includes a second main passage and a second bypass passage. The gas storage chamber is configured to communicate with the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage such that gas passes through the gas storage chamber while passing through the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage. The intake passage is selectively switchable between a first intake state and a second intake state, in which the first main passage is activated and the first bypass passage is activated. The air intake channel is closed, allowing supplied air to pass through the first main channel but not through the first bypass channel and the gas storage chamber. In the second intake state, the first bypass channel is opened and the first main channel is closed, allowing supplied air to pass through the first bypass channel and the gas storage chamber but not through the first main channel. The exhaust channel is selectively switchable between a first exhaust state and a second exhaust state. In the first exhaust state, the second main channel is opened and the second bypass channel is closed, allowing exhaust to pass through the second main channel but not through the second bypass channel and the gas storage chamber. In the second exhaust state, the second bypass channel is opened and the second main channel is closed, allowing exhaust to pass through the second bypass channel and the gas storage chamber but not through the second main channel. The method includes:

[0014] During operation of the fuel cell system, the intake passage and the exhaust passage are controlled to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. In each humidification cycle, after the intake passage is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage is in the second exhaust state to at least partially fill the gas storage chamber with exhaust gas, the exhaust passage is switched from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the intake passage is switched from the first intake state to the second intake state, thereby humidifying the supplied air by mixing with the exhaust gas in the gas storage chamber.

[0015] According to another aspect of this application, a machine-readable non-volatile storage medium is provided, on which program instructions for implementing the aforementioned method are stored.

[0016] According to another aspect of this application, a fuel cell system is provided, the fuel cell system including the aforementioned humidification system.

[0017] The humidification system according to this application is self-humidifying, which eliminates the need for a traditional water tank design to save space and can operate with relatively low energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other aspects of this application will now be understood and appreciated more thoroughly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A humidification system according to a preferred embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically;

[0020] Figures 2A to 2D schematically shown in sequence Figure 1 The operation of a humidification cycle in the first humidification mode of the humidification system shown;

[0021] Figure 3 The schematic diagram illustrates the method for execution. Figures 2A to 2D The flowchart shown is a control method flowchart for the first humidification mode;

[0022] Figures 4A to 4C schematically shown in sequence Figure 1 The operation of a humidification cycle in the second humidification mode of the humidification system shown; and

[0023] Figure 5 The schematic diagram illustrates the method for execution. Figures 4A to 4C The flowchart shows the control method for the second humidification mode.

[0024] List of reference numerals

[0025] 1. Fuel Cell Stacking

[0026] 3. Anode side

[0027] 5. Cathode side

[0028] 7 Input terminals

[0029] 9 Output terminal

[0030] 100 Humidification System

[0031] 200 intake channel

[0032] 201 Entrance Passage

[0033] 203 Exit Channel

[0034] 205 First Main Passage

[0035] 207 First Bypass Channel

[0036] 207a Part 1

[0037] 207b Part Two

[0038] 209 First Three-Way Valve

[0039] 209a First Port

[0040] 209b Second Port

[0041] 209c Third Port

[0042] 211 Second Three-Way Valve

[0043] 211a First Port

[0044] 211b Second Port

[0045] 211c third port

[0046] 300 Exhaust Channel

[0047] 301 Entrance Passage

[0048] 303 Exit Channel

[0049] 305 Second Main Channel

[0050] 307 Second Bypass Channel

[0051] 307a Part 1

[0052] 307b Part Two

[0053] 309 Third Three-Way Valve

[0054] 309a First Port

[0055] 309b Second Port

[0056] 309c Third Port

[0057] 311 Fourth three-way valve

[0058] 311a First Port

[0059] 311b Second Port

[0060] 311c Third Port

[0061] 400 Accumulator

[0062] 401 Gas Storage Chamber

[0063] 500 Humidifier Controller

[0064] 600 Humidity Sensor Detailed Implementation

[0065] The following describes some preferred embodiments of this application in detail with reference to examples. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely exemplary and do not imply any limitation on this application. Furthermore, features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified. In the accompanying drawings, other components are omitted for brevity, but this does not mean that the humidification system and fuel cell system of this application cannot include other components. It should be understood that the dimensions, proportions, and number of components in the drawings are not intended to limit this application.

[0066] Figure 1 The illustration schematically depicts a humidification system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of this application, and a portion thereof, in which the humidification system 100 can be applied. The fuel cell system can be used in a vehicle to provide electricity, thereby driving the vehicle's electric motor to provide power or enabling onboard systems to perform various functions. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell system is, for example, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and includes a fuel cell stack 1. The fuel cell stack 1 includes an anode side 3 and a cathode side 5. During operation of the fuel cell system, hydrogen and air are supplied to the anode side 3 and cathode side 5 of the fuel cell stack 1, respectively. Hydrogen atoms entering the anode side 3 are adsorbed by a catalyst and ionized into hydrogen ions and electrons. The hydrogen ions are transferred to the cathode side 5 via a proton exchange membrane (not shown) in the fuel cell stack 1, while the electrons flow to the cathode side 5 through an external circuit (not shown) to form an electric current. Oxygen in the air combines with hydrogen ions and electrons at the cathode side 5 to form water molecules, which are then discharged from the cathode side 5 along with other gases in the air. The exhaust gas discharged from the cathode side 5 has a higher water content than the air supplied to the anode side 3.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 1 The humidification system 100 includes an air intake passage 200 and an exhaust passage 300.

[0068] The intake passage 200 is configured to supply air to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5 of the fuel cell stack 1. The intake passage 200 may include an inlet passage 201, an outlet passage 203, and a first main passage 205 and a first bypass passage 207 connecting the inlet passage 201 and the outlet passage 203. The inlet passage 201 and the outlet passage 203 are respectively connected to the first main passage 205 and the first bypass passage 207 via a first three-way valve 209 and a second three-way valve 211. Specifically, the first end of the inlet passage 201 is connected to the first port 209a of the first three-way valve 209, and the first ends of the first main passage 205 and the first bypass passage 207 are respectively connected to the second port 209b and the third port 209c of the first three-way valve 209. The first end of the outlet channel 203 is connected to the first port 211a of the second three-way valve 211, and the second ends of the first main channel 205 and the first bypass channel 207, opposite to the first end, are respectively connected to the second port 211b and the third port 211c of the second three-way valve 211. The second end of the inlet channel 201, opposite to the first end, can be configured to communicate with an air compressor of the fuel cell system for supplying air, to receive the supplied air. The second end of the outlet channel 203, opposite to the first end, can be configured to communicate with the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5, to supply air to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5. It should be understood that in other examples, the inlet channel 201 and the outlet channel 203 may also be omitted.

[0069] The first three-way valve 209 and the second three-way valve 211 are electrically operated and controllably operable, allowing the intake passage 200 to selectively switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first main passage 205 is open and the first bypass passage 207 is closed, allowing supplied air to flow from the inlet passage 201 through the first main passage 205 to the outlet passage 203, thereby flowing to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5 without passing through the first bypass passage 207. In the second state, the first bypass passage 207 is open and the first main passage 205 is closed, allowing supplied air to flow from the inlet passage 201 through the first bypass passage 207 to the outlet passage 203, thereby flowing to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5 without passing through the first main passage 205.

[0070] The exhaust passage 300 is configured to receive exhaust gas from the output terminal 9 of the cathode side 5 of the fuel cell stack 1. The exhaust passage 300 may include an inlet passage 301, an outlet passage 303, and a second main passage 305 and a second bypass passage 307 connected between the inlet passage 301 and the outlet passage 303. The inlet passage 301 and the outlet passage 303 are respectively connected to the second main passage 305 and the second bypass passage 307 via a third three-way valve 309 and a fourth three-way valve 311. Specifically, the first end of the inlet passage 301 is connected to the first port 309a of the third three-way valve 309, and the first ends of the second main passage 305 and the second bypass passage 307 are respectively connected to the second port 309b and the third port 309c of the third three-way valve 309. The first end of the outlet passage 303 is connected to the first port 311a of the fourth three-way valve 311, and the second ends of the second main passage 305 and the second bypass passage 307, opposite to the first end, are respectively connected to the second port 311b and the third port 311c of the fourth three-way valve 311. The second end of the inlet passage 301, opposite to the first end, can be configured to connect to the output end 9 of the cathode side 5 to receive exhaust gas from the output end 9. The second end of the outlet passage 303, opposite to the first end, can be configured to lead to the exhaust pipe (not shown) of the fuel cell system to discharge exhaust gas into the exhaust pipe. It should be understood that in other partial examples, the inlet passage 301 and the outlet passage 303 may also be omitted.

[0071] The third three-way valve 309 and the fourth three-way valve 311 are electrically operated and controllably operable to selectively switch the exhaust passage 300 between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the second main passage 305 is opened and the second bypass passage 307 is closed, allowing exhaust gas received from the output terminal 9 to flow from the inlet passage 301 through the second main passage 305 to the outlet passage 303, thus flowing towards the exhaust pipe without passing through the second bypass passage 307. In the second state, the second bypass passage 307 is opened and the second main passage 305 is closed, allowing exhaust gas received from the output terminal 9 to flow from the inlet passage 301 through the second bypass passage 307 to the outlet passage 303, thus flowing towards the exhaust pipe without passing through the second main passage 305.

[0072] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 The humidification system 100 also includes an accumulator 400 defining an accumulator chamber 401. The accumulator chamber 401 is configured to communicate with a first bypass passage 207 and a second bypass passage 307, such that gas passes through the accumulator chamber 401 as it passes through the first bypass passage 207 and the second bypass passage 307. Figure 1As shown, the first bypass channel 207 includes a first section 207a and a second section 207b. A first end of the first section 207a is connected to the third port 209c of the first three-way valve 209, and a first end of the second section 207b is connected to the third port 211c of the second three-way valve 211. The second ends of the first section 207a and the second section 207b, opposite to their first ends, are respectively connected to the air storage chamber 401, such that the supplied air passes through the air storage chamber 401 when passing through the first bypass channel 207. That is, when the supplied air passes through the first bypass channel 207, the supplied air flows from the first section 207a through the air storage chamber 401 to the second section 207b. Similarly, the second bypass channel 307 includes a first section 307a and a second section 307b. The first end of the first section 307a is connected to the third port 309c of the third three-way valve 309, and the first end of the second section 307b is connected to the third port 311c of the fourth three-way valve 311. The second ends of the first section 307a and the second section 307b, opposite to the first end, are respectively connected to the gas storage chamber 401, such that exhaust gas received from the output end 9 passes through the gas storage chamber 401 when passing through the second bypass channel 307. That is, when exhaust gas passes through the second bypass channel 307, exhaust gas flows from the first section 307a through the gas storage chamber 401 to the second section 307b. It should be understood that the gas storage chamber 401 may also be connected to the first bypass channel 207 and the second bypass channel 307 in other suitable ways, such that gas passes through the gas storage chamber 401 when passing through the first bypass channel 207 and the second bypass channel 307.

[0073] As described above, the intake passage 200 can selectively switch between a first state and a second state, the exhaust passage 300 can selectively switch between a first state and a second state, and the accumulator chamber 401 is configured to communicate with the first bypass passage 207 and the second bypass passage 307. Thus, the intake passage 200 can selectively switch between a first intake state and a second intake state, and the exhaust passage 300 can selectively switch between a first exhaust state and a second exhaust state. In the first intake state, the first main passage 205 is opened and the first bypass passage 207 is closed, so that the supplied air passes through the first main passage 205, but not through the first bypass passage 207 and the accumulator chamber 401. In the second intake state, the first bypass passage 207 is opened and the first main passage 205 is closed, so that the supplied air passes through the first bypass passage 207 and the accumulator chamber 401, but not through the first main passage 205. In the first exhaust state, the second main channel 305 is opened and the second bypass channel 307 is closed, so that the exhaust received from the output terminal 9 of the cathode side 5 passes through the second main channel 305, but not through the second bypass channel 307 and the gas storage chamber 401. In the second exhaust state, the second bypass channel 307 is opened and the second main channel 305 is closed, so that the exhaust passes through the second bypass channel 307 and through the gas storage chamber 401, but not through the second main channel 305.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the humidification system 100 also includes a humidification controller 500. The humidification controller 500 is configured to communicate with the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311, respectively (e.g., Figure 1 (Indicated by the dashed lines in the diagram) to control the operation of the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311, thereby performing a humidification cycle on the supplied air. Specifically, the humidification controller 500 is configured to control the intake passage 200 and the exhaust passage 300 during operation of the fuel cell system to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. In each humidification cycle, after setting the intake passage 200 to a first intake state and the exhaust passage 300 to a second exhaust state so that the gas storage chamber 401 is at least partially filled with exhaust gas from the output terminal 9 on the cathode side 5, the humidification controller 500 switches the exhaust passage 300 from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the intake passage 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state, thereby humidifying the supplied air by mixing with the exhaust gas in the gas storage chamber 401. This will be discussed in conjunction with the following. Figures 2A to 5 Detailed description.

[0075] The humidification system 100 may include a humidity sensor configured to detect the moisture content (relative humidity) of the supplied air. The humidification controller 500 may communicate with the humidity sensor to receive the sensed data. In some examples, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the humidity sensor 600 can be located downstream of the second three-way valve 211, on the outlet channel 203. The humidification controller 500 can communicate with the humidity sensor 600 (e.g., Figure 1 (As indicated by the dashed line in the diagram) to receive sensing data indicating the moisture content of the supplied air. It should be understood that the humidity sensor may also be located at the input terminal 7 on the cathode side 5, or at other suitable locations.

[0076] The humidification system 100 may further include a moisture content sensor (not shown) configured to detect the moisture content on the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack 1, and the humidification controller 500 may communicate with the moisture content sensor to receive sensing data. Alternatively, the humidification controller 500 of the humidification system 100 may communicate with a moisture content sensor (not shown) on the fuel cell stack 1 itself for detecting the moisture content on the proton exchange membrane (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (represented by the dashed line in the image) to receive sensing data.

[0077] The humidification controller 500 can control the humidification system 100 based on sensing data received from a humidity sensor and / or a moisture content sensor. For example, when sensing data received from the humidity sensor indicates that the supplied air is relatively dry and will adversely reduce the moisture content on the proton exchange membrane, the humidification controller 500 can control the humidification system 100 to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. Similarly, when sensing data received from the moisture content sensor indicates that the moisture content on the proton exchange membrane is below a predetermined threshold or has a decreasing trend and will fall below the predetermined threshold, the humidification controller 500 can control the humidification system 100 to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. Furthermore, the fuel cell controller of the fuel cell system can send a humidification request to the humidification controller 500 based on the operating status of the fuel cell system, and the humidification controller 500 can control the humidification system 100 to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air based on the humidification request.

[0078] The following will combine Figures 2A to 2D and Figure 3 as well as Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5 The two preferred humidification modes of the humidification system 100 are described in detail.

[0079] Figures 2A to 2D The operation of one humidification cycle of the first humidification mode of the humidification system 100 is schematically shown in sequence, and Figure 3 The schematic diagram illustrates the method for execution. Figures 2A to 2DThe flowchart shows the control method for the first humidification mode.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, during the operation of the fuel cell system, in step S100, the humidification controller 500 controls the humidification system 100 to start the humidification cycle.

[0081] Next, in step S101, the humidifier controller 500 determines whether the air intake channel 200 is in the first air intake state and whether the exhaust channel 300 is in the first exhaust state based on the states of the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311. Figure 2A As indicated by the dashed lines, when the intake passage 200 is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage 300 is in the first exhaust state, the supplied air flows through the first main passage 205 to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5, without passing through the first bypass passage 207 and the accumulator 401, and the exhaust gas received from the output terminal 9 flows through the second main passage 305 to, for example, the exhaust pipe, without passing through the second bypass passage 307 and the accumulator 401. This can be referred to as the "initial stage" of the first humidification mode of the humidification system 100.

[0082] If it is determined in step S101 that the intake passage 200 is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage 300 is in the first exhaust state, then proceed to step S102.

[0083] In step S102, the humidifier controller 500 controls the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311 to maintain the air intake channel 200 in the first air intake state and switch the exhaust channel 300 from the first exhaust state to the second exhaust state. Figure 2B As indicated by the dashed lines, in this configuration, the supplied air still flows through the first main channel 205 to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5, without passing through the first bypass channel 207 and the storage chamber 401. However, the exhaust gas received from the output terminal 9 flows through the second bypass channel 307 and through the storage chamber 401, without passing through the second main channel 305. This allows the storage chamber 401 to be at least partially filled with exhaust gas from the output terminal 9 of the cathode side 5. This can be referred to as the "storage stage" of the first humidification mode of the humidification system 100.

[0084] Next, in step S103, after the exhaust passage 300 has been in the second exhaust state for a first time, the humidifier controller 500 controls the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311 to switch the exhaust passage 300 from the second exhaust state back to the first exhaust state, and switches the intake passage 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state. Figure 2CAs indicated by the dashed lines, in this case, the exhaust gas received from the output terminal 9 no longer passes through the second bypass channel 307 and the accumulator chamber 401, but instead passes through the second main channel 305. The second bypass channel 307 and the accumulator chamber 401 are isolated from the second main channel 305. The supplied air flows through the first bypass channel 207 and through the accumulator chamber 401 to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5, without passing through the first main channel 205. This allows the supplied air to be humidified by mixing with the exhaust gas in the accumulator chamber 401. This can be referred to as the "humidification stage" of the first humidification mode of the humidification system 100. It should be understood that switching the exhaust channel 300 from the second exhaust state back to the first exhaust state can be performed substantially simultaneously with switching the intake channel 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state, or before switching the intake channel 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state, i.e., "cut off before opening".

[0085] Next, in step S104, after the air intake channel 200 has been in the second air intake state for a second period of time, the humidifier controller 500 controls the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311 to maintain the exhaust channel 300 in the first exhaust state and switch the air intake channel 200 back from the second air intake state to the first air intake state. Figure 2D As indicated by the dotted line, in this case, the humidification system 100 returns to the initial stage of its first humidification mode, ready for the next humidification cycle.

[0086] Next, in step S105, the humidification cycle is exited.

[0087] If it is determined in step S101 that the air intake channel 200 is not in the first air intake state and / or the exhaust channel 300 is not in the first exhaust state, then proceed directly to step S105. In step S105, the humidification cycle is exited, and an alarm is issued to remind the user to check.

[0088] The humidification controller 500 can be configured to control the humidification of the supplied air by adjusting the aforementioned first and second times. The longer either the first or second time, the greater the increase in humidity of the supplied air by the humidification system 100. Specifically, the longer the first time, the more exhaust gas is injected into the air storage chamber 401, and the higher the moisture content of the gas in the air storage chamber 401. The longer the second time, the more thoroughly the supplied air mixes with the exhaust gas in the air storage chamber 401.

[0089] Figures 4A to 4C The operation of one humidification cycle of the second humidification mode of the humidification system 100 is schematically shown in sequence, and Figure 5 The schematic diagram illustrates the method for execution. Figures 4A to 4CThe flowchart shows the control method for the second humidification mode.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, during the operation of the fuel cell system, in step S200, the humidification controller 500 controls the humidification system 100 to start the humidification cycle.

[0091] Next, in step S201, the humidifier controller 500 determines, based on the states of the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311, whether the intake channel 200 has been in the first intake state and the exhaust channel 300 in the second exhaust state for at least a third period of time. Figure 4A As indicated by the dashed lines, when the intake passage 200 is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage 300 is in the second exhaust state, the supplied air flows through the first main passage 205 to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5, without passing through the first bypass passage 207 and the storage chamber 401. However, the exhaust received from the output terminal 9 flows through the second bypass passage 307 and through the storage chamber 401, without passing through the second main passage 305. The intake passage 200 is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage 300 is in the second exhaust state for at least a third time (e.g., 1 minute, or longer or shorter), so that the storage chamber 401 can be at least partially filled with exhaust from the output terminal 9 of the cathode side 5. This can be referred to as the "initial stage" of the second humidification mode of the humidification system 100. It can be seen that the humidification system 100 is in a "storage" state throughout the initial stage of the second humidification mode. The third time determines the length of the initial stage, thereby controlling the amount of exhaust filling the storage chamber 401.

[0092] If it is determined in step S201 that the intake passage 200 has been in the first intake state and the exhaust passage 300 has been in the second exhaust state for at least a third time, then proceed to step S202.

[0093] In step S202, the humidifier controller 500 switches the exhaust passage 300 from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the intake passage 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state by controlling the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311. Figure 4BAs indicated by the dashed lines, in this case, the exhaust gas received from the output terminal 9 no longer passes through the second bypass channel 307 and the accumulator chamber 401, but instead passes through the second main channel 305. The second bypass channel 307 and the accumulator chamber 401 are isolated from the second main channel 305. The supplied air flows through the first bypass channel 207 and through the accumulator chamber 401 to the input terminal 7 of the cathode side 5, without passing through the first main channel 205. This allows the supplied air to be humidified by mixing with the exhaust gas in the accumulator chamber 401. This can be referred to as the "humidification stage" of the second humidification mode of the humidification system 100. It should be understood that switching the exhaust channel 300 from the second exhaust state back to the first exhaust state can be performed substantially simultaneously with switching the intake channel 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state, or before switching the intake channel 200 from the first intake state to the second intake state, i.e., "cut off before opening".

[0094] Next, in step S203, after the air intake channel 200 has been in the second air intake state for a fourth time, the humidifier controller 500 switches the air intake channel 200 from the second air intake state back to the first air intake state by controlling the first three-way valve 209, the second three-way valve 211, the third three-way valve 309, and the fourth three-way valve 311, and switches the exhaust channel 300 from the first exhaust state back to the second exhaust state. Figure 4C As indicated by the dotted line, in this case, the humidification system 100 returns to the initial stage of its second humidification mode, ready for the next humidification cycle.

[0095] The humidification controller 500 can be configured to control the humidification of the supplied air by adjusting the aforementioned third and fourth times. The longer at least one of the third and fourth times, the greater the increase in humidity of the supplied air by the humidification system 100. Specifically, the longer the third time, the more exhaust gas is injected into the air storage chamber 401, and the higher the moisture content of the gas in the air storage chamber 401. The longer the fourth time, the more thoroughly the supplied air mixes with the exhaust gas in the air storage chamber 401.

[0096] Next, in step S204, the humidification cycle is exited.

[0097] If, in step S201, it is determined that the intake channel 200 is not in the first intake state, the exhaust channel 300 is not in the second exhaust state, and / or the intake channel 200 is in the first intake state but the exhaust channel 300 is in the second exhaust state for a duration shorter than the third time, then proceed directly to step S204. In step S204, the humidification cycle is exited, and an alarm is issued to remind the user to check, or the start of the humidification cycle is delayed.

[0098] It should be understood that, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5The control method shown can be an executable program instruction, which is stored on a machine-readable non-volatile storage medium.

[0099] It should be understood that the gas storage chamber 401 can be in any suitable chamber form to provide a certain gas storage volume. The gas storage chamber 401 can be constructed into any suitable shape to adapt to the layout of the fuel cell system and improve space utilization efficiency. It should also be understood that suitable mechanisms or structures to promote gas mixing can also be provided in the gas storage chamber 401.

[0100] It should also be understood that the humidifier controller 500 may integrate a counter to realize a timing function, thereby measuring the aforementioned first time, second time, third time and fourth time.

[0101] The humidification system 100 according to the preferred embodiment of this application has the following advantages: 1) The humidification system 100 is a self-humidification system, which eliminates the need for a water tank compared to traditional bubble humidification systems and liquid water jet humidification systems, thereby improving space utilization efficiency and increasing the volumetric energy density of the fuel cell system; 2) The air storage chamber 401 of the humidification system 100 can be constructed into any suitable shape to adapt to the layout of the fuel cell system, improving space utilization efficiency and facilitating the compactness and miniaturization of the fuel cell system; 3) Compared to traditional exhaust return humidification systems, the humidification system 100 eliminates the need for a fan, and can humidify the supplied air simply by controlling the operation of a three-way valve, reducing energy consumption and improving the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell system; 4) The humidification system 100 can achieve precise control of each humidification cycle by controlling the first time and the second time or controlling the third time and the fourth time, making the increase in humidity of the supplied air more precise.

[0102] It should be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used only to distinguish one element or component from another, but these elements and / or components should not be limited by such terms.

[0103] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and not as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A humidification system (100) for a fuel cell system, comprising: An air intake passage (200) is configured to supply air to the input end of the cathode side of the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, and includes a first main passage (205) and a first bypass passage (207). An exhaust passage (300) configured to receive exhaust gas from the output terminal on the cathode side, and including a second main passage (305) and a second bypass passage (307); and An accumulator (400) defining an accumulator chamber (401), the accumulator chamber (401) being configured to communicate with a first bypass channel (207) and a second bypass channel (307) such that gas passes through the accumulator chamber (401) while passing through the first bypass channel (207) and the second bypass channel (307); The air intake channel (200) can selectively switch between a first air intake state and a second air intake state. In the first air intake state, the first main channel (205) is turned on and the first bypass channel (207) is turned off, so that the supplied air passes through the first main channel (205) but not through the first bypass channel (207) and the air storage chamber (401). In the second air intake state, the first bypass channel (207) is turned on and the first main channel (205) is turned off, so that the supplied air passes through the first bypass channel (207) and the air storage chamber (401) but not through the first main channel (205). The exhaust passage (300) can selectively switch between a first exhaust state and a second exhaust state. In the first exhaust state, the second main passage (305) is opened and the second bypass passage (307) is closed, so that exhaust passes through the second main passage (305) but not through the second bypass passage (307) and the gas storage chamber (401). In the second exhaust state, the second bypass passage (307) is opened and the second main passage (305) is closed, so that exhaust passes through the second bypass passage (307) and through the gas storage chamber (401) but not through the second main passage (305). The humidification system (100) further includes a humidification controller (500) configured to control the intake passage (200) and the exhaust passage (300) during operation of the fuel cell system to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. In each humidification cycle, after setting the intake passage (200) to a first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) to a second exhaust state to at least partially fill the gas storage chamber (401) with exhaust gas, the humidification controller (500) switches the exhaust passage (300) from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the intake passage (200) from the first intake state to the second intake state, thereby humidifying the supplied air by mixing with the exhaust gas in the gas storage chamber (401).

2. The humidification system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidification controller (500) is configured to perform the following steps in each humidification cycle: In step S101, it is determined whether the air intake passage (200) is in the first air intake state and whether the exhaust passage (300) is in the first exhaust state. When the intake passage (200) is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) is in the first exhaust state, in step S102, the intake passage (200) is kept in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the first exhaust state to the second exhaust state. In step S103, after the exhaust passage (300) has been in the second exhaust state for a first time, the exhaust passage (300) is switched back from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state, and the intake passage (200) is switched from the first intake state to the second intake state. In step S104, after the intake passage (200) has been in the second intake state for a second time, the exhaust passage (300) is kept in the first exhaust state, and the intake passage (200) is switched from the second intake state back to the first intake state.

3. The humidification system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The humidification controller (500) is configured to control the humidification of the supplied air by adjusting the first time and the second time, wherein the longer at least one of the first time and the second time, the greater the increase in humidity of the supplied air by the humidification system (100).

4. The humidification system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidification controller (500) is configured to perform the following steps in each humidification cycle: In step S201, it is determined whether the intake passage (200) has been in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) has been in the second exhaust state for at least a third time. If the intake passage (200) has been in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) has been in the second exhaust state for at least a third time, in step S202, the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state, and the intake passage (200) is switched from the first intake state to the second intake state. In step S203, after the intake passage (200) has been in the second intake state for a fourth time, the intake passage (200) is switched from the second intake state back to the first intake state, and the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the first exhaust state back to the second exhaust state.

5. The humidification system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The humidification controller (500) is configured to control the humidification of the supplied air by adjusting the third time and the fourth time, wherein the longer at least one of the third time and the fourth time, the greater the increase in humidity of the supplied air by the humidification system (100).

6. A method for controlling a humidification system (100) for a fuel cell system, the humidification system (100) including an intake passage (200), an exhaust passage (300), and an accumulator (400) defining an accumulator chamber (401), the intake passage (200) being configured to supply air to an input end on the cathode side of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, and including a first main passage (205) and a first bypass passage (207), the exhaust passage (300) being configured to receive exhaust gas from an output end on the cathode side, and including a first... Two main channels (305) and a second bypass channel (307), the gas storage chamber (401) is configured to communicate with the first bypass channel (207) and the second bypass channel (307) such that gas passes through the gas storage chamber (401) while passing through the first bypass channel (207) and the second bypass channel (307), the air intake channel (200) is selectively switchable between a first air intake state and a second air intake state, in which the first air intake state is activated and the first bypass channel (205) is activated. 7) When closed, the supplied air passes through the first main channel (205) but not through the first bypass channel (207) and the air storage chamber (401). In the second intake state, the first bypass channel (207) is opened and the first main channel (205) is closed, so that the supplied air passes through the first bypass channel (207) and the air storage chamber (401) but not through the first main channel (205). The exhaust channel (300) can selectively switch between the first exhaust state and the second exhaust state. In the first exhaust state, the second main channel (305) is opened and the second bypass channel (307) is closed, so that exhaust passes through the second main channel (305) but not through the second bypass channel (307) and the gas storage chamber (401). In the second exhaust state, the second bypass channel (307) is opened and the second main channel (305) is closed, so that exhaust passes through the second bypass channel (307) and through the gas storage chamber (401) but not through the second main channel (305). The method includes: During operation of the fuel cell system, the intake passage (200) and the exhaust passage (300) are controlled to perform a humidification cycle on the supplied air. In each humidification cycle, after the intake passage (200) is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) is in the second exhaust state to at least partially fill the gas storage chamber (401) with exhaust gas, the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state and the intake passage (200) is switched from the first intake state to the second intake state, so that the supplied air is humidified by mixing with the exhaust gas in the gas storage chamber (401).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method includes performing the following steps: In step S101, it is determined whether the air intake passage (200) is in the first air intake state and whether the exhaust passage (300) is in the first exhaust state. When the intake passage (200) is in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) is in the first exhaust state, in step S102, the intake passage (200) is kept in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the first exhaust state to the second exhaust state. In step S103, after the exhaust passage (300) has been in the second exhaust state for a first time, the exhaust passage (300) is switched back from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state, and the intake passage (200) is switched from the first intake state to the second intake state. In step S104, after the intake passage (200) has been in the second intake state for a second time, the exhaust passage (300) is kept in the first exhaust state, and the intake passage (200) is switched from the second intake state back to the first intake state.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method includes performing the following steps: In step S201, it is determined whether the intake passage (200) has been in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) has been in the second exhaust state for at least a third time. If the intake passage (200) has been in the first intake state and the exhaust passage (300) has been in the second exhaust state for at least a third time, in step S202, the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the second exhaust state to the first exhaust state, and the intake passage (200) is switched from the first intake state to the second intake state. In step S203, after the intake passage (200) has been in the second intake state for a fourth time, the intake passage (200) is switched from the second intake state back to the first intake state, and the exhaust passage (300) is switched from the first exhaust state back to the second exhaust state.

9. A machine-readable non-volatile storage medium having stored on it program instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. A fuel cell system comprising a humidification system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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