Fuel cell low-temperature startup method, device, system and fuel cell equipment

By entering the self-heating mode when the fuel cell is started at a low temperature and controlling the water pump to turn on and exit the self-heating mode according to the stack temperature, the problem of slow low-temperature start-up is solved and fast low-temperature start-up is achieved.

CN115275277BActive Publication Date: 2025-06-20WEICHAI POWER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211065666.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-09-01
Publication Date
2025-06-20
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The low-temperature starting method of existing fuel cells is slower due to the cooling liquid circulation, resulting in slower low-temperature starting speed.

Method used

When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up condition, it is controlled to enter the low-temperature start-up mode and enters the self-heating mode, obtain the coolant temperature and stack temperature in real time, determine the water pump opening time based on the stack temperature, and control the stack to exit the self-heating mode when the preset conditions are met.

Benefits of technology

By reducing the cooling liquid circulation time, the speed of low-temperature start is improved, ensuring rapid low-temperature start of the fuel cell.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application provides a fuel cell low-temperature startup method, device, system and fuel cell equipment. The method includes: when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup conditions, controlling the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode; acquiring the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; determining the pump start time according to the stack temperature, and determining whether a preset condition is met after controlling the pump to start. When the preset condition is met, controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode, where the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature startup of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature. The present application solves the problem that in the prior art, the low-temperature startup method of fuel cells often has the phenomenon of slow temperature rise due to coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature startup, resulting in a slow low-temperature startup speed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular, to a fuel cell low-temperature startup method, device, system, computer-readable storage medium, and fuel cell device. Background Art

[0002] In the application of fuel cells, low-temperature startup and low-temperature operation become inevitable topics. Vehicle-mounted fuel cells must have good cold-start (i.e., low-temperature startup) characteristics.

[0003] In the existing low-temperature startup methods of fuel cells, there is often a phenomenon that the temperature rise is slow due to the coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature startup. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a fuel cell low-temperature startup method, device, system, computer-readable storage medium, and fuel cell device, so as to solve the problem that in the existing low-temperature startup methods of fuel cells, there is often a phenomenon that the temperature rise is slow due to the coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature startup, resulting in a slow low-temperature startup speed.

[0005] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a fuel cell low-temperature startup method, the method including: when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, controlling the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode, and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode; obtaining the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; determining the water pump start time according to the stack temperature, and determining whether a preset condition is met after controlling the water pump to start, and controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode when the preset condition is met, where the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature startup of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0006] Optionally, determining the water pump start time according to the stack temperature includes: determining whether the stack temperature obtained at the current moment is greater than or equal to a temperature set value; when the stack temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, controlling the water pump to start at the current moment.

[0007] Optionally, after controlling the water pump to start, determine whether a preset condition is met, and in the case where the preset condition is met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode, including: obtaining the absolute value of the difference between the stack temperature and the coolant temperature; in the case where the absolute value of the difference is less than a preset difference and the coolant temperature is greater than a preset temperature, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode, where the preset temperature refers to the coolant temperature when the fuel cell is operating at normal temperature.

[0008] Optionally, in the case where the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode, including: in the case where the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, determine whether the water pump can start normally; after determining that the water pump can start normally, control the water pump to close, and after controlling the water pump to close, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode.

[0009] Optionally, the method further includes: when the water pump is in the on state, control the water pump to operate at the lowest speed.

[0010] Optionally, the coolant temperature is the coolant outlet temperature, or the coolant temperature is the average of the coolant outlet temperature and the coolant inlet temperature.

[0011] Optionally, the stack is formed by stacking a plurality of single cells. When the stack temperature is the temperature of the stack surface, obtaining the stack temperature in real time includes: obtaining a first surface temperature, a second surface temperature, and a third surface temperature, where the first surface temperature is obtained through a first temperature sensor, the second surface temperature is obtained through a second temperature sensor, and the third surface temperature is obtained through a third temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is installed on the outer surface of the stack and close to the first single cell, the second temperature sensor is installed in the middle of the outer surface of the stack, and the third surface temperature is installed on the outer surface of the stack and close to the last single cell; determine the average value of the first surface temperature, the second surface temperature, and the third surface temperature as the stack temperature.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present application, a fuel cell low-temperature startup device is provided. The device includes a first control unit, an acquisition unit, and a second control unit. Among them, the first control unit is used to control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup conditions; the acquisition unit is used to acquire the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, and the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; the second control unit is used to determine the water pump start time according to the stack temperature, and determine whether a preset condition is met after controlling the water pump to start. When the preset condition is met, the second control unit controls the stack to exit the self-heating mode. Among them, the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature startup of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present application, a fuel cell low-temperature startup system is provided. The system includes a first temperature sensing unit, a second temperature sensing unit, and a third control unit. The first temperature sensing unit is used to detect the coolant temperature, the second temperature sensing unit is used to detect the stack temperature, the third control unit communicates with the first temperature sensing unit and the second temperature sensing unit respectively, and the third control unit is used to execute any one of the above methods.

[0014] According to still another aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program. When the program runs, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute any one of the above methods.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application, a fuel cell device is provided. The device includes: one or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs. Among them, the one or more programs are stored in the memory and are configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or more programs include those for executing any one of the above methods.

[0016] Applying the technical solution of the present application, the present application provides a fuel cell low-temperature start-up method, device, system, storage medium and equipment. The method includes: when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up condition, controlling the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode; acquiring the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; determining the pump start-up moment according to the stack temperature, and determining whether the preset condition is met after controlling the pump to start. When the preset condition is met, controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode, where the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature start-up of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature. The present application determines the timing of pump start-up according to the stack temperature, and jointly determines the timing of exiting the self-heating mode based on the coolant temperature and the stack temperature. During the low-temperature cold start-up process, the pump is not started for a period of time to reduce the circulation of the coolant, and the entire control logic speeds up the low-temperature start-up speed. Description of the Drawings

[0017] The specification drawings forming a part of the present application are used to provide a further understanding of the present application. The schematic embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present application. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of a fuel cell low-temperature start-up method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 Shows a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of a method for acquiring the stack temperature in real time according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 Shows a schematic diagram of the layout of temperature sensors distributed on the stack according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 Shows another schematic diagram of the layout of temperature sensors distributed on the stack according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 Shows a schematic diagram of a method for determining the pump start-up moment according to the stack temperature according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 Shows a schematic diagram of a method for controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 8 Shows a schematic flow chart of a fuel cell low-temperature startup method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of a fuel cell low-temperature startup device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 10 Shows a schematic diagram of a fuel cell low-temperature startup system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 11 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a fuel cell device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Among them, the above-mentioned drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0030] 101, the first temperature sensor; 102, the second temperature sensor; 103, the third temperature sensor; 104, the fuel cell stack; 201, the first temperature sensing unit; 2011, the coolant inlet temperature sensor; 2012, the coolant outlet temperature sensor; 202, the second temperature sensing unit; 203, the third control unit; 2031, the water pump; 2032, the radiator assembly; 2033, the electric three-way ball valve. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0032] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description, claims and the above-mentioned drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so as to implement the embodiments of this application described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device including a series of steps or units does not necessarily limit to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0034] It should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is described as "on" another element, the element can be directly on the other element, or there may also be an intermediate element. Moreover, in the description and claims of the specification, when an element is described as "connected" to another element, the element can be "directly connected" to the other element, or "connected" to the other element through a third element.

[0035] As introduced in the background art, in the low-temperature startup method of fuel cells in the prior art, there is often a phenomenon that the temperature rise is slow due to the coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature startup, resulting in a slow low-temperature startup speed. To solve the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a fuel cell low-temperature startup method, device, system, storage medium and equipment.

[0036] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Embodiment 1

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment of a fuel cell low-temperature startup method is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order than here.

[0039] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a fuel cell low-temperature startup method according to an embodiment of this application. As Figure 1 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0040] Step S101, when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, control the above fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode, and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode;

[0041] Specifically, the fuel cell in the present application has multiple temperature sensors. According to the temperatures detected by the multiple temperature sensors, it can be determined whether the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition. When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, the fuel cell is controlled to enter the low-temperature startup model, and the stack is controlled to enter the self-heating mode, thereby increasing the low-temperature startup speed. Of course, when controlling the above fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode, it is generally also necessary to determine whether other conditions are met, for example, whether the engine can start normally, whether the circulation pump can start normally, etc.

[0042] When the present application determines that the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, the fuel cell is controlled to enter the low-temperature startup mode, and the stack is controlled to enter the self-heating mode. The specific control process is as Figure 2 shown and is specifically described as follows:

[0043] Step S1011, when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, determine whether the water pump can start normally;

[0044] When the present application determines that the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition, it first confirms the state of the water pump. If the water pump cannot start normally, the entire fuel cell cannot enter the low-temperature startup mode normally, nor can the stack be controlled to enter the self-heating mode. By determining that the water pump can start normally, it is ensured that the subsequent fuel cell can start at low temperature.

[0045] Step S1012, after determining that the above water pump can start normally, control the above water pump to close, and after controlling the above water pump to close, control the above fuel cell to enter the above low-temperature startup mode, and control the stack to enter the above self-heating mode.

[0046] When the present application determines whether the above water pump can start normally, it first needs to perform self-check on the water pump. The specific process is as follows: after the water pump is started a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the water pump can start normally, and then the water pump is controlled to close. Among them, the predetermined number of times can be flexibly set according to actual needs. Specifically, for example, the predetermined number of times is set to 5 times, the water pump is started for detection, the water pump is continuously started 5 times, and it is determined that the water pump can start normally. When it is determined that the water pump can start normally, the water pump is closed, the fuel cell is controlled to enter the low-temperature startup mode, and the stack is controlled to enter the self-heating mode, further ensuring that the fuel cell can enter the low-temperature startup mode normally.

[0047] It should be noted that the present application controls the air excess ratio, adopts a constant-pressure loading mode, controls the single-cell voltage to be lower than the normal operating voltage, and determines that the stack is in the self-heating state.

[0048] Specifically, the loading method for controlling the stack to be in the self-heating state is constant-pressure loading.

[0049] Step S102, obtaining the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack;

[0050] The status of the fuel cell is monitored in real time by acquiring the coolant temperature and the temperature of the stack surface or the temperature inside the stack in real time.

[0051] Step S1021, the coolant temperature is the coolant outlet temperature, or the coolant temperature is the average of the coolant outlet temperature and the coolant inlet temperature;

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, since the coolant outlet temperature mainly reflects the temperature of the coolant, it is also a feasible solution to directly determine the coolant outlet temperature as the coolant temperature;

[0053] The above-mentioned coolant outlet temperature and coolant inlet temperature in the present application are both temperature data obtained under actual conditions. By calculating the coolant outlet temperature or the average of the coolant outlet temperature and the coolant inlet temperature, the actual coolant temperature can be more accurately obtained, thereby determining the current temperature of the fuel cell, further ensuring that if the fuel cell is in a low temperature state, the fuel cell can enter the low temperature start-up mode more quickly.

[0054] Specifically, when the fuel cell enters the low-temperature start mode, the present application pays more attention to the outlet temperature of the coolant, reduces the coolant operation, ensures that the heat generated by the stack in the self-heating state quickly heats the stack, and speeds up the low-temperature start. At the same time, the stack surface temperature and the coolant temperature are used as signs of a successful cold start to avoid sudden changes in the stack temperature after prematurely exiting the self-heating state.

[0055] Wherein, the battery stack is formed by stacking a plurality of single cells. When the battery stack temperature is the temperature of the battery stack surface, the specific process of obtaining the battery stack temperature in real time is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the specific process is as follows:

[0056] Step S1022, as Figure 4 As shown, a first surface temperature, a second surface temperature and a third surface temperature are obtained, the first surface temperature is obtained by a first temperature sensor 101, the second surface temperature is obtained by a second temperature sensor 102, and the third surface temperature is obtained by a third temperature sensor 103. The first temperature sensor 101 is installed on the outer surface of the battery stack 104 and is close to the first single cell, the second temperature sensor 102 is installed in the middle of the outer surface of the battery stack 104, and the third temperature sensor 103 is installed on the outer surface of the battery stack 104 and is close to the last single cell.

[0057] It should be noted that the first surface temperature, the second surface temperature, and the third surface temperature in the present application are obtained through temperature sensors on the outer surface of the stack. Uniformly and dispersedly arranging the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor can better obtain the actual temperature data of the stack. If the three temperature sensors are all concentrated at the center position of the stack, the obtained stack temperature may be higher than the actual stack temperature. If the three temperature sensors are all dispersedly arranged at the edge of the stack, the obtained stack temperature is not equal to the actual stack temperature of the stack either. Therefore, uniformly and dispersedly arranging the three temperature sensors at the front, middle, and rear positions of the stack can relatively accurately obtain the actual temperature of the stack.

[0058] Step S1023: Determine the average value of the above-mentioned first surface temperature, the above-mentioned second surface temperature, and the above-mentioned third surface temperature as the above-mentioned stack temperature.

[0059] The stack temperature of the present application is determined by the average value of the first surface temperature, the second surface temperature, and the third surface temperature, which ensures the relatively accurate stack temperature and further ensures that the stack can quickly enter or exit the self-heating mode according to the stack temperature.

[0060] Of course, six temperature sensors can be used to measure six surface temperatures and calculate the average value of the six temperatures. As Figure 5 shown, the above six temperature sensors are respectively and pairwise uniformly arranged on the outer surface of the stack 104 and close to the position of the first single cell, the middle part of the outer surface of the stack 104, and the outer surface of the stack 104 and close to the position of the last single cell.

[0061] Step S103: Determine the opening time of the water pump according to the above-mentioned stack temperature, and determine whether the preset condition is satisfied after controlling the opening of the water pump. When the preset condition is satisfied, control the stack to exit the above-mentioned self-heating mode, where the stack exiting the above-mentioned self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature start of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0062] In the present application, the opening of the water pump is controlled by the stack temperature. After determining the opening of the water pump, the stack is controlled to exit the self-heating mode according to the coolant temperature and the stack temperature. The specific determination process is as Figure 6 shown and is specifically described as follows:

[0063] Step 1031: Determine whether the above-mentioned stack temperature obtained at the current moment is greater than or equal to the temperature set value.

[0064] Both the stack temperature and the temperature set value in the present application are specific temperature values. The stack temperature is the actual temperature value of the stack obtained at the current moment, and those skilled in the art can flexibly set the temperature set value according to the actual situation.

[0065] Step 1032, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, control the water pump to start at the current moment.

[0066] In this application, the obtained temperature of the fuel cell stack is compared with the temperature set value. When the actual temperature of the fuel cell stack at the current moment is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, control the water pump to start at the current moment. That is, after the temperature of the fuel cell stack rises to a certain temperature value, then start the water pump to circulate the coolant, avoiding the slow temperature rise caused by starting the coolant circulation too early.

[0067] After obtaining the temperature of the fuel cell stack at the current moment in this application, based on the magnitude relationship between the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the temperature set value, when the temperature value of the fuel cell stack at the current moment is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, control the water pump to start at the current moment, further ensuring that it can be more accurately determined whether the preset conditions are met after the water pump is started subsequently.

[0068] After controlling the water pump to start in this application, determine whether the preset conditions are met. When the preset conditions are met, control the fuel cell stack to exit the self-heating mode. The specific determination process is as Figure 7 shown, and the specific process is as follows:

[0069] Step 1033, obtain the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the temperature of the coolant.

[0070] In this application, both the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the temperature of the coolant are the actually obtained temperature values. Subtract the obtained temperature of the fuel cell stack from the temperature of the coolant and obtain the absolute value of the difference.

[0071] Step 1034, when the absolute value of the difference is less than the preset difference and the temperature of the coolant is greater than the preset temperature, control the fuel cell stack to exit the self-heating mode. The preset temperature refers to the temperature of the coolant when the fuel cell operates at normal temperature.

[0072] Specifically, the preset difference can be set to 50. Of course, the preset difference in this application is not limited to 50, and those skilled in the art can flexibly set it according to actual needs.

[0073] Compare the absolute value of the difference between the obtained temperature of the fuel cell stack and the temperature of the coolant with the preset difference set in this application. When the absolute value of the difference is less than the preset difference and the obtained temperature of the coolant is greater than the temperature of the coolant when the fuel cell operates at normal temperature, control the fuel cell stack to exit the self-heating mode. That is, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack is close to the temperature of the coolant and the temperature of the coolant is greater than the temperature of the coolant when the fuel cell operates at normal temperature, it indicates that the cold start condition can be met, that is, the fuel cell stack can exit the self-heating mode.

[0074] The above fuel cell low-temperature startup method further includes:

[0075] Step 104, when the above water pump is in the on state, control the above water pump to run at the lowest speed.

[0076] In this application, when it is determined that the water pump can be started normally, when the water pump is turned on, control the water pump to run at the lowest speed to ensure that the coolant flows at the minimum speed, ensure that the coolant can fully cool the fuel cell stack, and for subsequent control of the fuel cell stack to exit the self-heating mode according to the absolute value of the difference between the fuel cell stack temperature and the coolant temperature being less than a preset difference and the coolant temperature being greater than a preset temperature.

[0077] In one embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, first determine whether the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup conditions, determine whether the water pump can be started normally, perform a self-check on the water pump status. If the water pump can be started normally, then turn off the water pump, control it to enter the low-temperature startup mode, and control the fuel cell stack to enter the self-heating mode. Among them, when the fuel cell stack temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, control the water pump to run at the lowest speed. At this time, the water pump is in the on state. When the absolute value of the difference between the fuel cell stack temperature and the coolant temperature is less than a preset difference and the coolant temperature is greater than a preset temperature, control the fuel cell stack to exit the self-heating mode. At this time, it is determined that the fuel cell is in the normal temperature operation state.

[0078] Embodiment 2

[0079] Corresponding to Figure 1 the method shown, the embodiment of this application also provides a fuel cell low-temperature startup device. It should be noted that the fuel cell low-temperature startup device of the embodiment of this application can be used to execute the fuel cell low-temperature startup method provided by the embodiment of this application. The following introduces the fuel cell low-temperature startup device provided by the embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell low-temperature startup device according to the embodiment of this application. As Figure 9 shown, the specific description is as follows:

[0081] The first control unit 10 is used to control the above fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and control the fuel cell stack to enter the self-heating mode when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup conditions;

[0082] The acquisition unit 20 is used to acquire the coolant temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature in real time. The above fuel cell stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the fuel cell stack or the temperature inside the fuel cell stack;

[0083] A second control unit 30 is configured to determine the water pump start time according to the above-mentioned stack temperature, and determine whether a preset condition is satisfied after controlling the water pump to start. When the preset condition is satisfied, the stack is controlled to exit the self-heating mode. Wherein, the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature start of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0084] In the low-temperature start-up device of the fuel cell according to the present application, through the first control unit, when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up conditions, the fuel cell is controlled to enter the low-temperature start-up mode, and the stack is controlled to enter the self-heating mode. Through the acquisition unit, the coolant temperature and the stack temperature are acquired in real time. The stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; through the second control unit, the water pump start time is determined according to the stack temperature, and it is determined whether a preset condition is satisfied after controlling the water pump to start. When the preset condition is satisfied, the stack is controlled to exit the self-heating mode. Compared with the low-temperature start-up method of fuel cells in the prior art, there is often a phenomenon that the temperature rise is slow due to the coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature start-up, resulting in a slow low-temperature start-up speed. In the present application, the coolant temperature and the stack temperature are combined to determine the timing of exiting the self-heating mode. During the low-temperature cold start-up process, the water pump is not started for a period of time to reduce the coolant circulation, thereby improving the low-temperature start-up speed.

[0085] Based on the device provided in the above embodiment, the second control unit of the device includes:

[0086] A first determination module, configured to determine whether the stack temperature acquired at the current moment is greater than or equal to a temperature set value;

[0087] A first control module, configured to control the water pump to start at the current moment when the stack temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature set value;

[0088] A first acquisition module, configured to acquire the absolute value of the difference between the stack temperature and the coolant temperature;

[0089] A second control module, configured to control the stack to exit the self-heating mode when the absolute value of the difference is less than a preset difference and the coolant temperature is greater than a preset temperature. The preset temperature refers to the coolant temperature of the fuel cell in the normal temperature operation state.

[0090] When this application determines, according to the first determination module, that the stack temperature obtained at the current moment is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, the first control module controls the water pump to start at the current moment, that is, after the stack temperature rises to a certain temperature value, the water pump is started to circulate the coolant, avoiding slow temperature rise caused by premature start of coolant circulation. According to the absolute value of the difference between the stack temperature and the coolant temperature obtained by the above-mentioned first acquisition module, it is compared with the preset difference set in this application. When the absolute value of the above difference is less than the preset difference, and when the coolant temperature obtained by the second control module is greater than the coolant temperature of the fuel cell in the normal temperature operation state, the stack is controlled to exit the self-heating mode. That is, when the stack temperature is close to the coolant temperature and the coolant temperature is greater than the coolant temperature of the fuel cell in the normal temperature operation state, it indicates that the cold start condition can be met, that is, the stack can exit the self-heating mode.

[0091] Based on the device provided in the above embodiment, the first control unit of the device includes:

[0092] A second determination module, configured to determine whether the water pump can start normally when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start condition;

[0093] A third determination module, configured to control the water pump to close after determining that the water pump can start normally, and after controlling the water pump to close, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start mode and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode.

[0094] When this application meets the low-temperature start condition of the fuel cell, it confirms the state of the water pump through the second determination module. If the water pump cannot start normally, the entire fuel cell cannot enter the low-temperature start mode normally, nor can it control the stack to enter the self-heating mode. If the water pump can start normally, the third determination module controls the water pump to close, and after controlling the water pump to close, controls the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start mode and controls the stack to enter the self-heating mode, further ensuring that the subsequent fuel cell can start at low temperature.

[0095] Based on the device provided in the above embodiment, the device further includes:

[0096] A fourth control unit, configured to control the water pump to run at the lowest speed when the water pump is in the on state.

[0097] When this application determines that the water pump can start normally, the fourth control unit controls the water pump to run at the lowest speed when the water pump is turned on, so as to ensure that the coolant flows at the minimum speed, ensuring that the coolant can fully cool the stack, so that the stack can be controlled to exit the self-heating mode according to the absolute value of the difference between the stack temperature and the coolant temperature being less than the preset difference and the coolant temperature being greater than the preset temperature.

[0098] The above-mentioned stack is formed by stacking multiple single cells. When the temperature of the above-mentioned stack is the temperature of the stack surface, based on the device provided in the above-mentioned embodiment, the above-mentioned acquisition unit includes:

[0099] A second acquisition module, configured to acquire a first surface temperature, a second surface temperature, and a third surface temperature. The above-mentioned first surface temperature is acquired by a first temperature sensor, the above-mentioned second surface temperature is acquired by a second temperature sensor, and the above-mentioned third surface temperature is acquired by a third temperature sensor. The above-mentioned first temperature sensor is installed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned stack and close to the first single cell, the above-mentioned second temperature sensor is installed in the middle of the outer surface of the above-mentioned stack, and the above-mentioned third surface temperature is installed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned stack and close to the last single cell;

[0100] A fourth determination module, configured to determine the average value of the above-mentioned first surface temperature, the above-mentioned second surface temperature, and the above-mentioned third surface temperature as the above-mentioned stack temperature.

[0101] In this application, the second acquisition module acquires the first surface temperature, the second surface temperature, and the third surface temperature. The above-mentioned surface temperature is acquired by uniformly dispersing and arranging the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor on the outer surface of the stack. The sensors arranged in this way can acquire the actual temperature of the stack more accurately.

[0102] The above-mentioned fuel cell low-temperature startup device includes a processor and a memory. The above-mentioned first control unit, the above-mentioned acquisition unit, and the above-mentioned second control unit, etc. are all stored in the memory as program units, and the processor executes the above-mentioned program units stored in the memory to implement corresponding functions.

[0103] The processor includes a kernel, and the kernel retrieves the corresponding program unit from the memory. One or more kernels can be set. By adjusting the kernel parameters, the problem that in the prior art, the low-temperature startup method of fuel cells often has a slow temperature rise due to coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature startup, resulting in a slow low-temperature startup speed, can be solved.

[0104] The memory may include non-permanent memory in a computer-readable medium, forms such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory (flash RAM), and the memory includes at least one storage chip.

[0105] Embodiment 3

[0106] According to the embodiment of the present application, as Figure 10As shown in the figure, a fuel cell low-temperature start-up system is provided, including: a first temperature sensing unit 201, a second temperature sensing unit 202, and a third control unit 203. The first temperature sensing unit 201 is used to detect the coolant temperature, the second temperature sensing unit 202 is used to detect the temperature of the fuel cell stack 104, the third control unit 203 communicates with the first temperature sensing unit 201 and the second temperature sensing unit 202 respectively, and the third control unit 203 is used to execute any of the above methods. Among them, the first temperature sensing unit 201 includes: a coolant inlet temperature sensor 2011 and a coolant outlet temperature sensor 2012, the second temperature sensing unit 202 includes: a surface temperature sensor of the fuel cell stack 104, and the third control unit 203 includes: a water pump 2031, a radiator assembly 2032, and an electric three-way ball valve 2033.

[0107] Embodiment 4

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program. When the program runs, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute the fuel cell low-temperature start-up method.

[0109] When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up conditions, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode, and control the fuel cell stack to enter the self-heating mode;

[0110] Obtain the coolant temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature in real time. The fuel cell stack temperature is the surface temperature or the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack;

[0111] Determine the opening time of the water pump according to the fuel cell stack temperature, and determine whether the preset conditions are met after controlling the water pump to start. When the preset conditions are met, control the fuel cell stack to exit the self-heating mode. Among them, the fuel cell stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature start-up of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset conditions are related to the magnitudes of the coolant temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature.

[0112] Embodiment 5

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present application, a processor is provided. The processor is used to run a program. When the program runs, it executes the fuel cell low-temperature start-up method.

[0114] When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up conditions, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode, and control the fuel cell stack to enter the self-heating mode;

[0115] Obtain the coolant temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature in real time. The fuel cell stack temperature is the surface temperature or the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack;

[0116] Determine the starting moment of the water pump according to the above-mentioned stack temperature, and determine whether the preset conditions are met after controlling the start of the water pump. If the preset conditions are met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode. Wherein, the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature start of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset conditions are related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0117] Embodiment 6

[0118] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell device, as Figure 11 shown, the fuel cell device includes a processor 301, a memory 302, and a program stored on the memory 302 and executable on the processor 301. When the processor 301 executes the program, at least the following steps are implemented:

[0119] When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start condition, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start mode, and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode;

[0120] Obtain the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time. The stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack;

[0121] Determine the starting moment of the water pump according to the above-mentioned stack temperature, and determine whether the preset conditions are met after controlling the start of the water pump. If the preset conditions are met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode. Wherein, the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature start of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset conditions are related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0122] The device herein can be a server, a PC, a PAD, a mobile phone, etc.

[0123] Embodiment 7

[0124] The present application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a data processing device, is adapted to execute a program initialized with at least the following method steps:

[0125] When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start condition, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start mode, and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode;

[0126] Obtain the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time. The stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack;

[0127] Determine the starting moment of the water pump according to the above-mentioned stack temperature, and determine whether a preset condition is met after controlling the start of the water pump. When the preset condition is met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode. Among them, the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates the completion of the low-temperature start of the fuel cell, and the preset condition is related to the magnitude of the coolant temperature and the magnitude of the stack temperature.

[0128] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0129] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate for implementing in the process Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 a device for the functions specified in one block or multiple blocks.

[0130] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured product including an instruction device, and the instruction device implements in the process Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 a device for the functions specified in one block or multiple blocks.

[0131] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, so that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process. Thus, the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 a device for the functions specified in one block or multiple blocks.

[0132] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPUs), an input / output interface, a network interface, and memory.

[0133] The memory may include non-permanent memory in the form of computer-readable media, random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. The memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0134] Computer-readable media includes permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information by any method or technology. The information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitory computer-readable media such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0135] It should also be noted that the term "comprising", "including", or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including a..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0136] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present application achieve the following technical effects:

[0137] 1) In a fuel cell low-temperature startup method provided by the present application, first, when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup conditions, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode. Then, obtain the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack. Finally, determine the water pump startup time according to the stack temperature, and determine whether the preset conditions are met after controlling the water pump to start. When the preset conditions are met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode. Here, the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates the completion of the low-temperature startup of the fuel cell, and the preset conditions are related to the magnitudes of the coolant temperature and the stack temperature. The present application determines the timing of starting the water pump according to the stack temperature, and jointly determines the timing of exiting the self-heating mode based on the coolant temperature and the stack temperature. During the low-temperature cold startup process, the water pump is not started for a period of time to reduce the coolant circulation, and the entire control logic speeds up the low-temperature startup speed.

[0138] 2) In the fuel cell low-temperature startup device of the present application, through the first control unit, when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup conditions, control the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature startup mode and control the stack to enter the self-heating mode. Through the acquisition unit, obtain the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack. Through the second control unit, determine the water pump startup time according to the stack temperature, and determine whether the preset conditions are met after controlling the water pump to start. When the preset conditions are met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode. Compared with the low-temperature startup methods of fuel cells in the prior art, there is often a phenomenon that the temperature rise is slow due to the coolant circulation in the initial stage of low-temperature startup, resulting in a slow low-temperature startup speed. The present application jointly determines the timing of exiting the self-heating mode based on the coolant temperature and the stack temperature. During the low-temperature cold startup process, the water pump is not started for a period of time to reduce the coolant circulation, and the low-temperature startup speed is improved.

[0139] The foregoing are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and changes. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for low-temperature startup of a fuel cell, characterized in that, Including: When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up condition, controlling the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode; Obtaining the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; Determining the pump start-up time according to the stack temperature, and determining whether a preset condition is met after controlling the pump to start. When the preset condition is met, controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode, where the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates the completion of the low-temperature start-up of the fuel cell, and the preset condition is related to the magnitudes of the coolant temperature and the stack temperature; Wherein, when the pump is in the on state, controlling the pump to operate at the lowest speed; Determining whether a preset condition is met after controlling the pump to start. When the preset condition is met, controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode, including: Obtaining the absolute value of the difference between the stack temperature and the coolant temperature; When the absolute value of the difference is less than a preset difference and the coolant temperature is greater than a preset temperature, controlling the stack to exit the self-heating mode, where the preset temperature refers to the coolant temperature of the fuel cell in the normal-temperature operation state; 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the pump start-up time according to the stack temperature, including: Determining whether the stack temperature obtained at the current moment is greater than or equal to a temperature set value; When the stack temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature set value, controlling the pump to start at the current moment.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up condition, controlling the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode, including: When the fuel cell meets the low-temperature start-up condition, determining whether the pump can start normally; After determining that the pump can start normally, controlling the pump to close, and after controlling the pump to close, controlling the fuel cell to enter the low-temperature start-up mode and controlling the stack to enter the self-heating mode.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coolant temperature is the coolant outlet temperature, or the coolant temperature is the average of the coolant outlet temperature and the coolant inlet temperature.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The stack is formed by stacking multiple single cells. When the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack, obtaining the stack temperature in real time includes: Obtaining a first surface temperature, a second surface temperature, and a third surface temperature. The first surface temperature is obtained by a first temperature sensor, the second surface temperature is obtained by a second temperature sensor, and the third surface temperature is obtained by a third temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is installed on the outer surface of the stack and close to the first single cell, the second temperature sensor is installed in the middle of the outer surface of the stack, and the third surface temperature is installed on the outer surface of the stack and close to the last single cell; Determining the average value of the first surface temperature, the second surface temperature, and the third surface temperature as the stack temperature.

6. A device for low-temperature startup of a fuel cell, characterized in that, Including: A first control unit, configured to control the fuel cell to enter a low-temperature startup mode and control the stack to enter a self-heating mode when the fuel cell meets the low-temperature startup condition; An acquisition unit, configured to acquire the coolant temperature and the stack temperature in real time, where the stack temperature is the temperature on the surface of the stack or the temperature inside the stack; A second control unit, configured to determine the pump start time according to the stack temperature, and determine whether a preset condition is met after controlling the pump to start. When the preset condition is met, control the stack to exit the self-heating mode, where the stack exiting the self-heating mode indicates that the low-temperature startup of the fuel cell is completed, and the preset condition is related to the magnitudes of the coolant temperature and the stack temperature; Wherein, the device further includes a fourth control unit, configured to control the pump to operate at the lowest speed when the pump is in the on state; The second control unit includes a first acquisition module and a second control module. The first acquisition module is configured to acquire the absolute value of the difference between the stack temperature and the coolant temperature; the second control module is configured to control the stack to exit the self-heating mode when the absolute value of the difference is less than a preset difference and the coolant temperature is greater than a preset temperature, and the preset temperature refers to the coolant temperature of the fuel cell in the normal-temperature operation state.

7. A system for low-temperature startup of a fuel cell, characterized in that, Comprising: A first temperature sensing unit, a second temperature sensing unit and a third control unit. The first temperature sensing unit is configured to detect the coolant temperature, the second temperature sensing unit is configured to detect the stack temperature, the third control unit communicates with the first temperature sensing unit and the second temperature sensing unit respectively, and the third control unit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein when the program runs, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A fuel cell device, characterized in that, Comprising: One or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and are configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more programs include those for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Citation Information

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