A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system and method based on waste heat recovery

Abstract

The present invention proposes a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system and method based on waste heat recovery, relating to the field of fuel cells. The system comprises a hydrogen storage device connected to a first cold source input of a first heat exchange device via an anode hydrogen main line, an air storage device connected to a second cold source input of the first heat exchange device via an air main line; the output of the first cold source input is connected to an anode hydrogen branch, and the output of the second cold source input is connected to a cathode air branch; the first heat exchange device is connected to the input of a second heat exchange device via a hydrogen branch control valve, and the output of the second heat exchange device is connected to the anode of the fuel cell; the anode hydrogen branch is connected to a hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor via a hydrogen branch control valve, and the cathode air branch is connected to the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor via an air branch control valve; the fuel cell is driven during a cold start, improving battery performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system and method based on waste heat recovery. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell system generates electricity and water through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. In existing technologies, when a fuel cell needs to be cold-started at low temperatures, multiple heaters are typically used to locally heat the fuel cell's gas lines (hydrogen and air). This not only complicates the heating system and results in significant heat loss, but also fails to uniformly heat the interior of the fuel cell and the gas lines, resulting in low heating efficiency and poor battery performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery, which can drive the fuel cell through catalytic combustion under cold start and improve heating efficiency and battery performance.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start method based on waste heat recovery, which can drive the fuel cell through catalytic combustion under cold start and improve heating efficiency and battery performance.

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery, which includes a hydrogen storage device, an air storage device, an anode hydrogen main line, a cathode air main line, a fuel cell, a cathode air branch, an anode hydrogen branch, a hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, an air branch control valve, a first heat exchange device, a second heat exchange device, and a hydrogen branch control valve;

[0007] The hydrogen storage device is connected to the first cold source input of the first heat exchange device through the anode hydrogen main line, and the air storage device is connected to the second cold source input of the first heat exchange device through the cathode air main line; the output of the first cold source input is connected to the anode hydrogen branch, and the output of the second cold source input is connected to the cathode air branch; the first heat exchange device is connected to the input of the second heat exchange device through the hydrogen branch control valve, and the output of the second heat exchange device is connected to the anode of the fuel cell;

[0008] The anode hydrogen branch is connected to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor through the hydrogen branch control valve, the cathode air branch is connected to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor through the air branch control valve, and the cathode air main line is connected to the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor through the air branch control valve; the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell; the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor is connected to the heat source input end of the second heat exchange device; and the heat output end of the fuel cell is connected to the heat source input end of the first heat exchange device.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes a third heat exchange device, the exhaust channel at the tail of the above-mentioned fuel cell is connected to the heat source input end of the above-mentioned second heat exchange device, and the heat output end of the above-mentioned second heat exchange device is connected to the heat source input end of the above-mentioned first heat exchange device.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery further includes a heat-conducting structure, and the above-mentioned second heat exchange device is connected to the heat source input end of the above-mentioned first heat exchange device through the above-mentioned heat-conducting structure.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes an insulating outer cover, and the above-mentioned anode hydrogen main line, the above-mentioned first heat exchange equipment, the third heat exchange equipment, the above-mentioned anode hydrogen branch, the above-mentioned second heat exchange equipment, the above-mentioned hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, the above-mentioned fuel cell, the above-mentioned fuel cell outlet heat exchange equipment and the above-mentioned cathode air branch are all arranged inside the above-mentioned insulating outer cover.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes a controller, which is used to control the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, the air branch control valve, the heat exchange equipment and the hydrogen branch control valve respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery further includes a temperature sensor, and the above-mentioned temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the above-mentioned fuel cell.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes a processor, which is communicatively connected to the above-mentioned controller and the above-mentioned temperature sensor, so as to control the opening of the above-mentioned hydrogen branch control valve and the above-mentioned air branch control valve through the above-mentioned controller when the temperature is below zero degrees.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel cell is communicatively connected to the processor, and when the fuel cell is running, the controller controls the air branch control valve and the hydrogen branch control valve to close.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned cold start method of a catalytic combustion fuel cell based on waste heat recovery further includes a remote terminal, and the above-mentioned remote terminal is used to input operation instructions of the above-mentioned controller.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start method based on waste heat recovery, which is implemented based on any of the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start systems based on waste heat recovery in the first aspect.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0019] Regarding the first to second aspects: The present application shunts the anode hydrogen main line and the anode hydrogen branch line through a hydrogen branch control valve, and uses the hydrogen branch control valve to adjust the amount of hydrogen added to the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor and the unreacted hydrogen, so that the unreacted hydrogen is preheated through the heat exchanger, thereby leading to the fuel cell anode for reaction and power generation, and catalytically reacting hydrogen and oxygen through the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor; the cathode air main line and the cathode air branch line are shunted through the air branch control valve, and the air branch control valve is used to adjust the amount of air added to the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor and the amount of air to be preheated, so that the high-temperature water vapor after the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen is mixed with the unreacted air and the fresh low-temperature air flowing in, and then led to the fuel cell cathode. The first heat exchange device is used to preheat the air and hydrogen, and by adjusting the amount of hydrogen and air in the catalytic reaction, the hydrogen can be completely catalytically burned, thereby improving the heating efficiency and more accurately controlling the catalytic reaction speed and reaction amount; by adjusting the hydrogen injected into the anode of the combustion cell, and the water vapor, unreacted air and fresh low-temperature air injected into the cathode of the cell, the hydrogen can be fully reacted, thereby improving the battery performance; the waste heat of the fuel cell is used to heat the second heat exchange device, thereby preheating both the hydrogen and air added to the reaction; and the waste heat of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor is used to heat the second heat exchange device, thereby continuously preheating the air participating in the cell anode, which can improve the heating efficiency, reduce the operating cost, and improve the overall performance of the cell.

[0020] It also has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. This cold start system does not involve auxiliary equipment such as air compressors or coolant circulation systems, and the system complexity, system parasitic power, system mass and volume are significantly reduced;

[0022] 2. In terms of energy utilization, the system has no external power supply and fully recovers waste heat, significantly improving the system's energy efficiency;

[0023] 3. The catalytic combustion products are not directly introduced into the fuel cell. Instead, the high-temperature products are mixed with low-temperature air before being introduced. The temperature of the reactants at the battery inlet is controllable, reducing the risk of heating and damaging the fuel cell stack. Moreover, the temperature distribution of the air after mixing high and low temperature air is more uniform than that of directly heated air, which is beneficial to improving battery performance.

[0024] 4. In terms of preheating, preheating the cathode air and anode hydrogen at the same time can significantly increase the reactant temperature while increasing the energy of the hydrogen reactant itself, thereby improving the performance of the fuel cell stack, compared to simply heating the incoming air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to Example 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery principle of the first heat exchange device in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the principle of temperature-controlled startup of the branch control valve in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cold start process of a catalytic combustion fuel cell based on waste heat recovery according to embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the thermal insulation cover according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] The reference numerals include: 1-cathode air main line, 2-anode hydrogen main line, 3-first heat exchange device, 4-air branch control valve, 5-hydrogen branch control valve, 6-anode hydrogen branch, 7-second heat exchange device, 8-hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, 9-fuel cell, 10-third heat exchange device, 11-heat-conducting structure, 12-cathode air branch, 13-thermal insulation cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present application for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, or electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] The following describes some embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features thereof may be combined with each other.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] See also Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 1 to 5The figure shows a schematic diagram of the principle of the catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery provided by an embodiment of the present application. The catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery includes a hydrogen storage device, an air storage device, an anode hydrogen main line 2, a cathode air main line 1, a fuel cell 9, a cathode air branch 12, an anode hydrogen branch 6, a hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, an air branch control valve 4, a first heat exchange device 3, a second heat exchange device 7 and a hydrogen branch control valve 5; the hydrogen storage device is connected to the first cold source input of the first heat exchange device 3 through the anode hydrogen main line 2, and the air storage device is connected to the second cold source input of the first heat exchange device 3 through the cathode air main line; the output of the first cold source input is connected to the anode hydrogen branch 6, and the output of the second cold source input is connected to the cathode air branch 12; the first heat exchange device 3 The input of the second heat exchange device 7 is connected through the hydrogen branch control valve 5, and the output of the second heat exchange device 7 is connected to the anode of the fuel cell 9; the anode hydrogen branch 6 is connected to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 through the hydrogen branch control valve 5, the cathode air branch 12 is connected to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 through the air branch control valve 4, and the cathode air main line 1 is connected to the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 through the air branch control valve 4; the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell 9; the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 is connected to the heat source input end of the first heat exchange device; and the heat output end of the fuel cell 9 is connected to the heat source input end of the first heat exchange device.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes a third heat exchange device 10, the exhaust channel at the tail of the above-mentioned fuel cell 9 is connected to the heat source input end of the above-mentioned second heat exchange device, and the heat output end of the above-mentioned second heat exchange device is connected to the heat source input end of the above-mentioned first heat exchange device.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery further includes a heat-conducting structure 11, and the above-mentioned second heat exchange device is connected to the heat source input end of the above-mentioned first heat exchange device through the above-mentioned heat-conducting structure 11.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes an insulating outer cover 13, and the above-mentioned anode hydrogen main line 2, the above-mentioned first heat exchange device 3, the third heat exchange device 10, the above-mentioned anode hydrogen branch 6, the above-mentioned second heat exchange device, the above-mentioned hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, the above-mentioned fuel cell 9, the above-mentioned fuel cell 9 outlet heat exchange device and the above-mentioned cathode air branch 12 are all arranged inside the above-mentioned insulating outer cover 13.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery also includes a controller, which is used to control the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, the air branch control valve 4, the heat exchange equipment and the hydrogen branch control valve 5 respectively.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery further includes a temperature sensor, and the above-mentioned temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the above-mentioned fuel cell 9.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the waste heat recovery-based catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system further includes a processor, which is communicatively connected to the controller and the temperature sensor, respectively, to control the hydrogen branch control valve 5 and the air branch control valve 4 to open via the controller when the temperature is below zero degrees Celsius. The hydrogen branch control valve 5 and the air branch control valve 4 are controlled to allow an excess of air to flow, thereby fully consuming the hydrogen in the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel cell 9 is communicatively connected to the processor, and when the fuel cell 9 is running, the controller controls the air branch control valve 4 and the hydrogen branch control valve 5 to close.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned cold start method of a catalytic combustion fuel cell 9 based on waste heat recovery further includes a remote terminal, and the above-mentioned remote terminal is used to input operation instructions of the above-mentioned controller.

[0046] Optionally, air directly enters the negative electrode of the fuel cell 9 from the cathode air main line 1, and hydrogen flows out from the anode hydrogen main line 2 and directly enters the negative electrode of the fuel cell 9 to participate in the reaction. The hydrogen branch control valve 5 and the air branch control valve 4 are both three-way control valves to connect and control the gases introduced into their respective main lines and branches. The hydrogen branch control valve 5 is connected to the second heat exchanger 7 and the first heat exchange device 3 through the anode hydrogen main line 2 to obtain hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and is preheated again through the second heat exchanger 7 and then introduced into the anode of the fuel cell 9 to participate in the reaction; the hydrogen branch control valve 5 is also connected to the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 and the first heat exchange device 3 through the anode hydrogen branch line 6 to obtain hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device. The air branch control valve 4 is connected to the first heat exchange device 3 through the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 to obtain air from the air storage device; the air branch control valve 4 is also connected to the first heat exchange device 3 and the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 through the cathode air branch 12 to mix with the water vapor and unreacted air that have reacted with the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, and introduce them into the cathode of the fuel cell 9 to participate in the reaction.

[0047] A certain amount of air and hydrogen is preheated using the first heat exchange device 3 and then passed into the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, thereby achieving hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion. A control valve controls the flow rate of the hydrogen-oxygen branch, completely consuming the hydrogen during the catalytic combustion reaction. This allows the high-temperature water vapor and unreacted air from the catalytic reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to mix, and fresh low-temperature air is continuously added to mix, before passing to the cathode of the fuel cell 9 for reaction and power generation. The fuel cell 9 may be a proton exchange membrane fuel cell 9.

[0048] On the other hand, the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 and the exhaust passage at the tail of the fuel cell 9 directly exchange heat with fresh low-temperature air as the high-temperature heat source of the first heat exchange device 3, thereby realizing heat source recovery and utilization. A third heat exchange device 10 is provided at the exhaust passage at the tail of the fuel cell 9 to collect heat, and is then connected to the first heat exchange device 3 via a heat-conducting structure 11 to realize preheating of the incoming air and hydrogen. The above-mentioned hydrogen storage device and air storage device are both prior art and are not included in the invention improvement points of this application. Optionally, the above-mentioned hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 can be connected to the fuel cell 9 via a hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion branch, and a corresponding catalytic combustion control valve can be provided to further ensure that the next node is triggered after sufficient combustion. The heat-conducting structure 11 is not limited and can be of any shape and heat-conducting material, such as a steel pipe, to facilitate the introduction of high-temperature gas as a heat source to achieve energy saving. The first heat exchange device 3, the second heat exchange device 7 and the third heat exchange device 10 are also not limited and can be implemented using any heat exchanger.

[0049] During system operation, when the temperature sensor detects that the interior of the fuel cell 9 is below zero, the hydrogen branch control valve 4 and the air branch control valve 4 are controlled to open, allowing the branch gases to undergo catalytic combustion in the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, generating a large amount of heat. During this catalytic combustion process, the branch control valves can be used to control the time, rate, or amount of air and hydrogen added, respectively, to ensure that the hydrogen reacts completely, subsequently producing high-temperature air and some water vapor. Similarly, the hydrogen output to the second heat exchange device 7 is controlled by the hydrogen branch control valve 5 and, after preheating, is output to the anode of the fuel cell 9 to participate in the reaction. The low-temperature / normal-temperature air mixed with the high-temperature air and water vapor is controlled by the air branch control valve 4 and, after mixing, is output to the cathode of the fuel cell 9 to participate in the reaction. In addition, the single-chip microcomputer can detect the internal temperature of the battery through a sensor and, based on this internal temperature, regulate the branch airflow rate to control the intensity of the reaction in the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8.

[0050] The processes involved in the catalytic combustion reactor include:

[0051] 1. The high-temperature mixed gas generated during the catalytic combustion process is mixed with unreacted cold air and then introduced into the fuel cell 9. This process can significantly increase the reactant temperature at the cathode inlet of the fuel cell 9. The mixing ratio is controlled by the control valves of each branch, achieving precise control of the inlet reactant temperature, thereby improving the performance of the fuel cell 9.

[0052] 2. The heat of catalytic combustion directly heats the temperature inside the heat-insulating outer cover 13 through the outer wall of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, thereby increasing the overall temperature of the environment in which the fuel cell 9 is located and improving the waste heat recovery efficiency;

[0053] 3. A second heat exchanger 7 is arranged between the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 and the anode hydrogen main line 2. Part of the heat from the catalytic combustion is directly used to preheat the reactants. The fuel cell 9 provides heat to the first heat exchange device 3. Part of the heat generated by the fuel cell 9 is directly used to preheat the reactants, which can reduce energy consumption costs and improve the performance of the fuel cell 9.

[0054] When the battery is running stably, the air branch control valve 4 and the hydrogen branch control valve 5 are closed, the catalytic combustion stops, and the heat of the exhaust gas is collected by the third heat exchange device 10 at the outlet of the fuel cell 9, and is transferred to the first heat exchange device 3 at the hydrogen and air inlet end through the heat-conducting structure 11, so that the first heat exchange device 3 preheats the incoming gas to ensure the stable operation of the stack in a low-temperature environment. Other exhaust gases form a local high-temperature zone around the stack to prevent internal freezing, and the exhaust gases are finally discharged from the exhaust port of the thermal insulation cover 13. Among them, the first heat exchange device 3 inside the thermal insulation cover 13 is connected to the main pipeline to the air storage device and hydrogen storage device outside the thermal insulation cover 13 through the above-mentioned exhaust port.

[0055] Compared with traditional cold start and low-temperature operation fuel cell 9 equipment, this equipment has the following advantages: 1. This cold start system does not involve auxiliary working fluid equipment such as air compressor or coolant circulation system, and the system complexity, system parasitic power, system mass and volume are significantly reduced; 2. In terms of energy utilization, the system has no external power supply, and fully recovers waste heat, which significantly improves the system energy efficiency; 3. The catalytic combustion products are not directly introduced into the fuel cell 9. The high-temperature products are mixed with low-temperature air and then introduced. The temperature of the reactants at the battery inlet is controllable, reducing the risk of heating and damaging the stack. Moreover, the air temperature distribution after the high and low temperature air are mixed is more uniform than that of directly heated air, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery; 4. In terms of preheating, the cathode air and anode hydrogen are preheated at the same time. Compared with the single heating of the incoming air, it can significantly increase the reactant temperature while increasing the energy of the hydrogen reactant itself, thereby improving the performance of the stack.

[0056] Air flow: During a cold start, air first flows through the first heat exchange device 3 at the inlet end of the flow channel, and then is diverted by the air control valve. The air in the cathode air branch 12 flows into the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, where it catalytically burns with hydrogen to produce water vapor and high-temperature air. There is excess air, and the high-temperature air and water vapor are mixed with the cold air in the cathode air main line 1 to obtain a cathode air flow of suitable temperature, which then flows to the cathode inlet of the fuel cell 9. After the air flows through the fuel cell 9 and reacts, it becomes high-temperature gas and is discharged from the tail of the fuel cell 9. The heat exchange device at the outlet of the fuel cell 9 is used to collect the exhaust heat and conduct it to the heat exchange device at the inlet end through a high thermal conductivity structure. When the fuel cell 9 is started, the catalytic burner is no longer turned on, and the heat there is used to preheat the inlet cold air.

[0057] Hydrogen process: After the hydrogen pipe comes out of the hydrogen storage device, the anode hydrogen branch 6 is connected to the catalytic combustion reactor, and the anode hydrogen main line 2 directly leads to the anode of the fuel cell 9. In particular, a heat exchanger is set between the anode hydrogen main line 2 and the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, so that the hydrogen is fully preheated before entering the fuel cell 9.

[0058] Exhaust gas reflux insulation: The exhaust gas of the fuel cell 9 is collected by the third heat exchange device 10 and then transmitted to the first heat exchange device 3, and the heat-conducting structural member 11 is used to make the heat circulate between the fuel cell 9 and the insulation cover 13 and flow out from the exhaust outlet of the insulation cover 13. The long-term circulation can provide a high-temperature environment around the fuel cell stack and maintain its operation in a low-temperature environment.

[0059] I understand. Figures 1 to 4 The structure shown is for illustration only. The catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery may also include Figures 1 to 4 More or fewer components than shown, or with Figures 1 to 4 Different configurations shown. Figures 1 to 4 Each component shown in the figure can be implemented by hardware, software or a combination thereof.

[0060] The processor can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), etc.; it can also be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The above processors can use different controllers to control the corresponding devices.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4The figure shows a flow chart of a cold start method of a catalytic combustion fuel cell 9 based on waste heat recovery provided in an embodiment of the present application. It includes a hydrogen storage device, an air storage device, an anode hydrogen main line 2, a cathode air main line 1, a fuel cell 9, a cathode air branch 12, an anode hydrogen branch 6, a hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, an air branch control valve 4, a first heat exchange device 3, a second heat exchange device 7 and a hydrogen branch control valve 5; the hydrogen storage device is connected to the first cold source input of the first heat exchange device 3 through the anode hydrogen main line 2, and the air storage device is connected to the second cold source input of the first heat exchange device 3 through the cathode air main line 1; the output of the first cold source input is connected to the anode hydrogen branch 6, and the output of the second cold source input is connected to the cathode air branch 12; the first heat exchange device 3 is connected to the second heat exchange device 7 through the hydrogen branch control valve 5. Valve 5 connects to the input of the second heat exchanger 7, and the output of the second heat exchanger 7 connects to the anode of the fuel cell 9. The anode hydrogen branch 6 connects to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 via the hydrogen branch control valve 5. The cathode air branch 12 connects to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 via the air branch control valve 4. The cathode air main line 1 connects to the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 via the air branch control valve 4. The output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell 9. The hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 connects to the heat source input of the second heat exchanger. The heat output of the fuel cell 9 connects to the heat source input of the first heat exchanger. A third heat exchanger 10 is also included. The exhaust passage at the rear of the fuel cell 9 connects to the heat source input of the second heat exchanger 7, and the heat output of the second heat exchanger 7 connects to the heat source input of the first heat exchanger.

[0063] The system also includes an insulating outer housing 13, within which the anode hydrogen main line 2, the first heat exchanger 3, the third heat exchanger 10, the anode hydrogen branch line 6, the second heat exchanger 7, the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, the fuel cell 9, the heat exchanger at the fuel cell 9 outlet, and the cathode air branch line 12 are all located. The system also includes a controller for controlling the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8, the air branch control valve 4, the heat exchanger, and the hydrogen branch control valve 5. A temperature sensor is also included for detecting the temperature within the fuel cell 9. A processor is also included, which is communicatively connected to the controller and the temperature sensor, so that when the temperature is below zero degrees Celsius, the controller controls the hydrogen branch control valve 5 and the air branch control valve 4 to open. The fuel cell 9 is communicatively connected to the processor, and when the fuel cell 9 is operating, the controller controls the air branch control valve 4 and the hydrogen branch control valve 5 to close.

[0064] The principles of the above embodiment are the same as those of embodiment 1, and are not described again here.

[0065] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can also be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings show the possible architectures, functions and operations of the devices, methods and computer program products according to multiple embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment or a part of the code, and the module, program segment or a part of the code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in an order different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive boxes can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or can be implemented using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0066] In addition, the functional modules in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0067] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0068] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide a catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system and method based on waste heat recovery:

[0069] The present application shunts the anode hydrogen main line 2 and the anode hydrogen branch 6 through the hydrogen branch control valve 5, and uses the hydrogen branch control valve 5 to adjust the amount of hydrogen added to the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 and the unreacted hydrogen, so that the unreacted hydrogen is preheated through the second heat exchanger, thereby leading to the anode of the fuel cell 9 for reaction and power generation, and catalytically reacting hydrogen and oxygen through the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8; the cathode air main line 1 and the cathode air branch 12 are shunted through the air branch control valve 4, and the air branch control valve 4 is used to adjust the amount of air added to the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 and the amount of air to be preheated, so that the high-temperature water vapor after the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen is mixed with the unreacted air and the fresh low-temperature air flowing in, and then leads to the cathode of the fuel cell 9. The first heat exchange device 3 is used to preheat the air and hydrogen, and by adjusting the amount of hydrogen and air in the catalytic reaction, the hydrogen can be completely catalytically burned, thereby improving the heating efficiency and more accurately controlling the catalytic reaction speed and reaction amount; by adjusting the hydrogen injected into the anode of the combustion cell, as well as the water vapor, unreacted air and fresh low-temperature air injected into the cathode of the cell, the hydrogen can be fully reacted, thereby improving the cell performance; the waste heat of the fuel cell 9 is used to heat the second heat exchange device, thereby preheating both the hydrogen and air added to the reaction; and the waste heat of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor 8 is used to heat the second heat exchange device 7, thereby continuously preheating the air participating in the cell anode, which can improve the heating efficiency, reduce the operating cost, and improve the overall performance of the cell.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0071] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the present application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present application. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and all variations within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included therein. Any reference sign in a claim should not be construed as limiting the claim to which it relates.

Claims

1. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery, characterized in that: It includes a hydrogen storage device, an air storage device, an anode hydrogen main line, a cathode air main line, a fuel cell, a cathode air branch line, an anode hydrogen branch line, a hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, an air branch line control valve, a first heat exchange device, a second heat exchange device and a hydrogen branch line control valve; The hydrogen storage device is connected to the first cold source input of the first heat exchange device through the anode hydrogen main line, and the air storage device is connected to the second cold source input of the first heat exchange device through the cathode air main line; the output of the first cold source input is connected to the anode hydrogen branch, and the output of the second cold source input is connected to the cathode air branch; the first heat exchange device is connected to the input of the second heat exchange device through the hydrogen branch control valve, and the output of the second heat exchange device is connected to the anode of the fuel cell; The anode hydrogen branch is connected to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor through the hydrogen branch control valve, the cathode air branch is connected to the input of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor through the air branch control valve, and the cathode air main line is connected to the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor through the air branch control valve; the output of the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell; the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor is connected to the heat source input end of the second heat exchange device; and the heat output end of the fuel cell is connected to the heat source input end of the first heat exchange device.

2. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a third heat exchange device, the exhaust channel at the rear of the fuel cell is connected to the heat source input end of the third heat exchange device, and the heat output end of the third heat exchange device is connected to the heat source input end of the first heat exchange device.

3. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a heat-conducting structural component, and the third heat exchange device is connected to the heat source input end of the first heat exchange device through the heat-conducting structural component.

4. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an insulating outer cover, and the anode hydrogen main line, the first heat exchange device, the third heat exchange device, the anode hydrogen branch, the second heat exchange device, the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, the fuel cell, the heat exchange device at the outlet of the fuel cell and the cathode air branch are all arranged inside the insulating outer cover.

5. The catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, which is used to control the hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion reactor, the air branch control valve, the heat exchange device and the hydrogen branch control valve respectively.

6. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 5, characterized in that: A temperature sensor is also included, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the fuel cell.

7. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 6, characterized in that: The system further includes a processor which is communicatively connected to the controller and the temperature sensor, so as to control the hydrogen branch control valve and the air branch control valve to open through the controller when the temperature is below zero degrees.

8. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fuel cell is communicatively connected to the processor, and when the fuel cell is running, the controller controls the air branch control valve and the hydrogen branch control valve to close.

9. The catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a remote terminal, which is used to input operating instructions of the controller.

10. A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start method based on waste heat recovery, characterized in that: A catalytic combustion fuel cell cold start system based on waste heat recovery is implemented based on any one of claims 1 to 9.

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