A multi-stack parallel fuel cell system

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-fuel cell system connected in parallel, including a hydrogen source interface for connecting to a hydrogen source, several fuel power supply components and a hub arranged in parallel, with each fuel power supply component connected in parallel between the hydrogen source interface and the hub; one of the fuel power supply components serves as the main fuel power supply component, and the output current of each fuel power supply component is determined according to the load output power, and the hub combines the output currents of each fuel power supply component and outputs them to the load; the other fuel power supply components feed back their actual output current values ​​to the main fuel power supply component, and adjust their output currents accordingly according to the current adjustment commands sent by the main fuel power supply component, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the power of the fuel cell power generation system; moreover, according to the power of the load, the main fuel power supply component can adjust the current of other fuel power supply components according to the load requirements, so as to adapt to the power demand under various conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the structure of fuel cell power systems, and particularly to a fuel cell system with multiple stacks connected in parallel. Background Technology

[0002] Existing power generation systems mostly use fossil fuels as fuel to generate electricity, which often involves noise and carbon emissions. Reducing the use of such systems would effectively implement a low-carbon strategy. Hydrogen fuel cell power generation systems use hydrogen as fuel, converting the energy in hydrogen into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. This process is noiseless and pollution-free, making it an ideal power generation system. However, in high-power applications, hydrogen fuel cell power generation systems suffer from the small size of individual fuel cell stacks. Therefore, multiple fuel cell stacks need to be used simultaneously to increase the overall power output of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, which achieves the demand for high-power fuel cell power generation by connecting multiple fuel power supply components in parallel.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A multi-stack parallel fuel cell system includes a hydrogen source interface for connecting to a hydrogen source, several fuel power supply components and a hub arranged in parallel, with each fuel power supply component connected in parallel between the hydrogen source interface and the hub; one of the fuel power supply components serves as the main fuel power supply component, and the output current of each fuel power supply component is determined according to the load output power, and the hub combines the output currents of each fuel power supply component and outputs them to the load; the other fuel power supply components feed back their actual output current values ​​to the main fuel power supply component, and adjust their output current accordingly according to the current adjustment command sent by the main fuel power supply component.

[0006] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, the fuel power supply component includes a controller, a fuel cell, a DC-DC converter, a diode, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. The fuel cell, the DC-DC converter, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are all connected to the controller. The first solenoid valve is located between the hydrogen source interface and the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell, and the second solenoid valve is located between the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell and the main outlet. The anode of the diode is connected to the DC-DC converter, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the hub.

[0007] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, the controller is connected to the temperature monitoring point of the fuel cell, and the fuel power supply component further includes a heat dissipation module for cooling the fuel cell. The heat dissipation module is disposed on at least one side of the fuel cell and connected to the controller; the controller is also used to control the output power of the heat dissipation module according to the temperature of the fuel cell.

[0008] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, the heat dissipation module is either an air-cooled heat dissipation module or a water-cooled heat dissipation module.

[0009] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, the fuel power supply component further includes at least one lithium battery, which is disposed between the controller and the hub.

[0010] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, the fuel power supply component further includes at least one supercapacitor, which is disposed between the controller and the hub.

[0011] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, there are 2 to 10 fuel power supply components.

[0012] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, each fuel power supply component enumerates one fuel power supply component as the main fuel power supply component. The main fuel power supply component calculates the total power supply output current based on the load power demand, determines the output current of each fuel power supply component based on the number of fuel power supply components, monitors the actual output current fed back by each fuel power supply group, and adjusts the output current of the corresponding fuel power supply component.

[0013] In the aforementioned multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, the controller is used to control the opening degree of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve according to the output current.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, the multi-stack parallel fuel cell system provided by this invention uses one fuel power supply component as the main fuel power supply component. The main fuel power supply component determines the output current of each fuel power supply component based on the load output power, and a hub combines the output currents of each fuel power supply component and outputs them to the load. Other fuel power supply components feed back their actual output current values ​​to the main fuel power supply component and adjust their output current accordingly based on the current adjustment command sent by the main fuel power supply component, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the power of the fuel cell power generation system. Moreover, the main fuel power supply component can adjust the current of other fuel power supply components according to the load power requirements to adapt to the power demand under various conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The structural block diagram of the multi-stack parallel fuel cell system provided by the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 The structural block diagram of the fuel power supply component in a multi-stack parallel fuel cell system provided by the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of an optional embodiment of the fuel power supply component in a multi-stack parallel fuel cell system provided by the present invention.

[0018] Attached image annotations:

[0019] 1. Hydrogen source; 2. Fuel power supply assembly; 21. Controller; 22. Fuel cell; 23. DC-DC converter; 24. Diode; 25. First solenoid valve; 26. Second solenoid valve; 27. Heat dissipation module; 28. Lithium battery; 3. Hub; 4. Load; 5. Main gas outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "mounted on," "fixed to," or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may have an intervening component present. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may have an intervening component present.

[0022] It should also be noted that the directional terms such as left, right, up, and down in the embodiments of the present invention are only relative concepts or are based on the normal use state of the product, and should not be considered as restrictive.

[0023] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The multi-fuel cell system provided by this invention includes a hydrogen source interface (not labeled in the figure) for connecting a hydrogen source 1, several fuel power supply components 2 and a hub 3 arranged in parallel. Each fuel power supply component 2 is arranged in parallel between the hydrogen source interface and the hub 3. One of the fuel power supply components 2 serves as the main fuel power supply component 2. The output current of each fuel power supply component 2 is determined according to the output power of the load 4, and the hub 3 combines the output currents of each fuel power supply component 2 and outputs them to the load 4. The other fuel power supply components 2 feed back their actual output current values ​​to the main fuel power supply component 2, and adjust their output currents accordingly according to the current adjustment commands sent by the main fuel power supply component 2, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the power of the fuel cell power generation system. Moreover, according to the power of the load 4, the main fuel power supply component 2 can adjust the current of the other fuel power supply components 2 according to the needs of the load 4 to adapt to the power demand under various conditions and ensure that the power supply of the fuel cell system meets the load requirements.

[0024] Specifically, each fuel power supply component 2 enumerates one fuel power supply component 2 as the main fuel power supply component. The main fuel power supply component calculates the total power output current according to the power demand of the load 4, determines the output current of each fuel power supply component 2 according to the number of fuel power supply components 2, monitors the actual output current fed back by each fuel power supply group, and adjusts the output current of the corresponding fuel power supply component 2. This can meet the power generation needs of the high-power fuel cell 22 to supply the load 4. Each fuel power supply component 2 has the same function, and any one fuel power supply component 2 can be set as the main fuel power supply component.

[0025] The number of fuel power supply components 2 is 2-10. The number of fuel power supply components 2 is not limited here. The number of fuel power supply components 2 can be adjusted according to the power requirements of load 4 to meet the needs of load 4.

[0026] The fuel power supply assembly 2 includes a controller 21, a fuel cell 22, a DC-DC converter 23, a diode 24, a first solenoid valve 25, and a second solenoid valve 26. The fuel cell 22, the DC-DC converter 23, the first solenoid valve 25, and the second solenoid valve 26 are all connected to the controller 21. The first solenoid valve 25 is located between the hydrogen source interface and the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell 22, and the second solenoid valve 26 is located between the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell 22 and the main outlet 5. The anode of the diode 24 is connected to the DC-DC converter 23, and the cathode of the diode 24 is connected to the hub 3. The controller 21 is used to control the opening degree of the first solenoid valve 25 and the second solenoid valve 26 according to the output current to achieve the purpose of regulating the output current of the fuel cell 22. Specifically, the output voltage of the DC-DC converter 23 is first set. The main controller 21 calculates the output power of each fuel cell 22 based on the power of the load 4 and sends signals to other controllers 21 to control the opening of the corresponding solenoid valves, thereby controlling the conversion efficiency of the fuel cells 22. The output current of each DC-DC converter 23 is set, and each sub-controller 21 adjusts the output current of its connected DC-DC converter 23. Simultaneously, the actual output current value of the DC-DC converter 23 is monitored. Then, the current output from each fuel power supply component 2 is combined through the hub 3 to output the overall power generation to meet the needs of the load 4. Furthermore, the diode 24 prevents the current output from the DC-DC converter 23 from flowing in reverse, ensuring power supply to the load 4.

[0027] The controller 21 is connected to the temperature monitoring point of the fuel cell 22 (not labeled in the figure). The fuel power supply assembly 2 also includes a heat dissipation module 27 for cooling the fuel cell 22. The heat dissipation module 27 is disposed on at least one side of the fuel cell 22 and connected to the controller 21. The controller 21 is also used to control the output power of the heat dissipation module 27 according to the temperature of the fuel cell 22. The controller 21 monitors the operating temperature of the fuel cell 22 in real time. When the temperature of the fuel cell 22 reaches the preset temperature, the controller 21 controls the heat dissipation module 27 to start to dissipate heat from the fuel cell 22. The controller 21 can also control the output power of the heat dissipation module 27 according to the temperature to meet the heat dissipation requirements and avoid energy waste.

[0028] The heat dissipation module 27 can be either an air-cooled heat dissipation module or a water-cooled heat dissipation module. Both types of heat dissipation modules 27 are applicable and are not limited here.

[0029] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 In an optional embodiment, the fuel power supply component 2 further includes at least one lithium battery 28, which is disposed between the controller 21 and the hub 3 to realize a hybrid power generation system. The lithium battery 28 may be selected or not used as needed, and there is no limitation here.

[0030] In another optional embodiment, the fuel power supply component 2 further includes at least one supercapacitor (not shown in the figure), which is disposed between the controller 21 and the hub 3, enabling the lithium battery 28 to be charged quickly. The supercapacitor has the characteristics of strong discharge capability, high energy conversion efficiency, and low process loss.

[0031] In summary, the multi-fuel cell system connected in parallel provided by this invention uses one fuel power supply component as the main fuel power supply component. The output current of each fuel power supply component is determined according to the load output power, and the output current of each fuel power supply component is combined and output to the load by a hub. Other fuel power supply components feed back their actual output current value to the main fuel power supply component and adjust their output current accordingly according to the current adjustment command sent by the main fuel power supply component, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the power of the fuel cell power generation system. Moreover, according to the power of the load, the main fuel power supply component can adjust the current of other fuel power supply components according to the load requirements to adapt to the power demand under various conditions.

[0032] It is understood that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or modifications to the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, and all such substitutions or modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-stack parallel fuel cell system, characterized in that, It includes a hydrogen source interface for connecting to a hydrogen source, several fuel power supply components and a hub connected in parallel, with each fuel power supply component connected in parallel between the hydrogen source interface and the hub; one of the fuel power supply components serves as the main fuel power supply component, and the output current of each fuel power supply component is determined according to the load output power, and the hub combines the output currents of each fuel power supply component and outputs them to the load; the other fuel power supply components feed back their actual output current values ​​to the main fuel power supply component, and adjust their output current accordingly according to the current adjustment command sent by the main fuel power supply component; The fuel supply assembly includes a controller, a fuel cell, a DC-DC converter, a diode, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. The fuel cell, DC-DC converter, first solenoid valve, and second solenoid valve are all connected to the controller. The first solenoid valve is located between the hydrogen source interface and the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell, and the second solenoid valve is located between the hydrogen outlet and the main outlet of the fuel cell. The anode of the diode is connected to the DC-DC converter, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the hub. The output voltage of the DC-DC converter is first set, and then the main controller calculates the voltage based on the load power. The output power of each fuel cell is sent to other controllers to control the opening of the corresponding solenoid valves, thereby controlling the conversion efficiency of the fuel cells. The output current of each DC-DC converter is set, and each sub-controller adjusts the output current of the DC-DC converter connected to it. At the same time, the actual output current value of the DC-DC converter is monitored. Then, the current output of each fuel power supply component is combined through a hub to output the overall power generation to meet the load requirements.

2. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is connected to the temperature monitoring point of the fuel cell. The fuel power supply assembly also includes a heat dissipation module for cooling the fuel cell. The heat dissipation module is disposed on at least one side of the fuel cell and connected to the controller. The controller is also used to control the output power of the heat dissipation module according to the temperature of the fuel cell.

3. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module can be either air-cooled or water-cooled.

4. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fuel-powered assembly also includes at least one lithium battery, which is disposed between the controller and the hub.

5. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fuel-powered assembly also includes at least one supercapacitor, which is located between the controller and the hub.

6. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of fuel-powered components is 2-10.

7. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each fuel power supply component enumerates one fuel power supply component as the main fuel power supply component. The main fuel power supply component calculates the total power output current based on the load power demand, determines the output current of each fuel power supply component based on the number of fuel power supply components, monitors the actual output current fed back by each fuel power supply group, and adjusts the output current of the corresponding fuel power supply component.

8. The multi-stack parallel fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is used to control the opening degree of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve according to the output current.

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