Fuel cell refrigerant cooling device and fuel cell electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuel cell refrigerant cooling device and a fuel cell electric vehicle, belonging to the field of fuel cell technology, and solving the problem that the existing technology cannot achieve rapid heat dissipation and does not take into account the cold start preheating requirements. The device includes a first / second pressure regulating valve, a four-way reversing valve, a variable frequency compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve. Among them, the first port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell via the first pressure regulating valve, the second port is connected to its fourth port via the variable frequency compressor, and the third port is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell via the condenser, the expansion valve, and the second pressure regulating valve in sequence, together forming a circulation branch of the refrigerant circulation. The four-way reversing valve is provided with a cooling / heating function drive end. The cooling function drive end can drive the branch from the first port to the fourth port and the branch from the second port to the third port to be respectively connected. The heating function drive end can drive the branch from the second port to the first port and the branch from the third port to the fourth port to be respectively connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a fuel cell refrigerant cooling device and a fuel cell electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells generate a much greater heat load than traditional internal combustion engines. Under extreme operating conditions, approximately 50% to 60% of the heat must be removed by cooling devices, while traditional internal combustion engines only require approximately 20%. Therefore, fuel cells require far greater heat dissipation than traditional internal combustion engines. Furthermore, fuel cells operate within a narrow temperature range and place high demands on the cooling device, requiring rapid heat dissipation.

[0003] Existing fuel cell cooling systems are unable to meet the rapid heat dissipation requirements, resulting in significant heat loss and a poor user experience. Furthermore, fuel cells require preheating during cold starts, and there is currently a lack of suitable cooling systems for fuel cells that can quickly dissipate heat while also taking into account low-temperature cold start preheating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above analysis, the embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a fuel cell refrigerant cooling device and a fuel cell electric vehicle to solve the problem that the existing technology cannot achieve rapid heat dissipation and does not take into account the cold start preheating requirements.

[0005] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell refrigerant cooling device, comprising a first pressure regulating valve (4), a second pressure regulating valve (11), a four-way reversing valve (5), a variable frequency compressor (6), a condenser (8) and an expansion valve (10); wherein,

[0006] The first port of the four-way reversing valve (5) is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1) via the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second port is connected to the fourth port via the variable frequency compressor (6), and the third port is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell (1) via the condenser (8), the expansion valve (10), and the second pressure regulating valve (11) in sequence, together forming a circulation branch of the refrigerant circulation;

[0007] The four-way reversing valve (5) is provided with a cooling function driving end and a heating function driving end; the cooling function driving end is used to drive the branch from the first port to the fourth port and the branch from the second port to the third port to be respectively conducted, and the heating function driving end is used to drive the branch from the second port to the first port and the branch from the third port to the fourth port to be respectively conducted.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: a cooling device based on direct cooling of a refrigerant is provided, wherein when the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is activated, the temperature of the fuel cell (1) can be directly and accurately controlled by adjusting the variable frequency compressor (6), the condenser (8), and the expansion valve (10); when the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is activated, the refrigerant is reversely heated inside the fuel cell (1), thereby realizing a preheating function during a low-temperature cold start. At the same time, a pressure regulating valve is provided at the coolant inlet and outlet of the fuel cell (1), ensuring that the fuel cell (1) will not be damaged during either forward cooling or reverse heating.

[0009] Based on the further improvement of the above device, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device further includes a proportional regulating valve (9); wherein,

[0010] The proportional regulating valve (9) is provided between the expansion valve (10) and the condenser (8); and

[0011] The refrigerant circulating in the circulation branch adopts an electrically insulating refrigerant.

[0012] Furthermore, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device also includes a thermal management controller (14); wherein,

[0013] A thermal management controller (14) is used to start the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) when the fuel cell (1) is cold-started at a low temperature and control the frequency conversion compressor (6), the condenser (8), and the expansion valve (10) to start heating until the fuel cell (1) is successfully cold-started and then close the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5); and, during the operation of the fuel cell (1), start the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve (5), identify whether the stack refrigerant temperature is higher or lower than a set normal operating value, if higher, increase the frequency of the frequency conversion compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8); if lower, reduce the frequency of the frequency conversion compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8);

[0014] The output end of the thermal management controller (14) is respectively connected to the control ends of the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the four-way reversing valve (5), the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the condenser (8), and the expansion valve (10).

[0015] Furthermore, the thermal management controller (14) further comprises a data acquisition unit and a data processing and control unit connected in sequence; wherein,

[0016] A data acquisition unit, used for acquiring the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the fuel cell (1) and sending it to the data processing and control unit;

[0017] The data processing and control unit is used to identify whether the fuel cell (1) is cold started at a low temperature after startup; if not, directly start the fuel cell (1); otherwise, first control the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) to start, and the variable frequency compressor (6), condenser (8), proportional control valve (9), and expansion valve (10) to start heating, until the outlet refrigerant temperature reaches the set starting temperature, then start the fuel cell (1), continue to monitor the outlet refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell (1) until it rises to the set normal operating temperature, and then turn off the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5); and, when the fuel During the operation of the battery (1), the refrigeration function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is controlled to start, and the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) are controlled to start for refrigeration. When it is detected that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell (1) is higher than the set normal operating temperature, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional regulating valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8) are increased. When it is detected that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell (1) is lower than the set normal operating temperature, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional regulating valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8) are reduced.

[0018] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit further comprises:

[0019] A first temperature sensor (3) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at a coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack;

[0020] A second temperature sensor (13) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant entering the stack;

[0021] A first pressure sensor (2) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at a coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the pressure of the refrigerant leaving the stack;

[0022] A second pressure sensor (12) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the pressure of the refrigerant entering the stack;

[0023] The third pressure sensor (7) is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the port of the condenser (8) facing the four-way reversing valve (5) and is used to obtain the refrigerant pressure at the arrangement position.

[0024] Furthermore, the data processing and control unit executes the following procedures:

[0025] S1. After starting, identify whether the fuel cell (1) is cold started at low temperature; if not, directly start the fuel cell (1); and execute step S4; otherwise, execute step S2;

[0026] S2. The heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is started, and the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the variable frequency compressor (6), the condenser (8), the proportional control valve (9), and the expansion valve (10) are started to heat;

[0027] S3. During the heating process, monitor whether the refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell (1) reaches the set start-up temperature. If not, continue monitoring. Otherwise, start the fuel cell (1) and continue to monitor the refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell (1) until it rises to the set normal operating temperature, and then close the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5);

[0028] S4. During the operation of the fuel cell (1), the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is controlled to start, and the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) are controlled to start for cooling;

[0029] S5. Monitor whether the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell (1) is higher than the set normal operating temperature. If so, increase the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), the fan speed of the condenser (8), and adjust the expansion valve (10) to throttle and reduce the pressure. Otherwise, execute step S6;

[0030] S6. Monitor whether the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell (1) is lower than the set normal operating temperature. If so, reduce the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), the fan speed of the condenser (8), and adjust the expansion valve (10) to throttle and reduce the pressure. Otherwise, execute step S7;

[0031] S7. Keep the states of the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) unchanged, and record the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the openings of the proportional regulating valve (9), the first pressure regulating valve (4), and the second pressure regulating valve (11), and the fan speed of the condenser (8) as the initial state values when the cooling system is started next time.

[0032] Furthermore, in steps S5 and S6, the data processing and control unit adjusts the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6) in real time according to the pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor (2) and the third pressure sensor (7), and corrects and adjusts the opening of the proportional control valve (9), the fan speed of the condenser (8), and the respective adjustment speeds and adjustment sequence of the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional control valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) in real time according to the temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor (3) and the second temperature sensor (13); and

[0033] The data processing and control unit has a memory and call module for storing the initial value of the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell (1) in steps S5 and S6, as well as the corresponding adjustment amount, adjustment speed, and adjustment sequence of the variable frequency compressor (6), proportional control valve (9), expansion valve (10), and condenser (8) that are adjusted to the set normal operating temperature the fastest, for calling during the next temperature control during the operation of the fuel cell (1);

[0034] The data processing and control unit has a display module, and the display screen of the display module displays temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor (3) and the second temperature sensor (13), and pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor (2), the second pressure sensor (12) and the third pressure sensor (7).

[0035] Furthermore, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device also includes a heat dissipation fan; wherein,

[0036] The cooling fan is arranged outside the coolant outlet pipe of the fuel cell (1), and the control end of the cooling fan is connected to the output end of the thermal management controller (14).

[0037] Furthermore, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device also includes a heat dissipation housing; wherein,

[0038] A first pressure regulating valve (4), a second pressure regulating valve (11), a four-way reversing valve (5), a variable frequency compressor (6), a condenser (8) and an expansion valve (10) are arranged in the heat dissipation housing, and a connection port is integrated on one side of the housing for respectively fixedly connecting the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet of the fuel cell.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0040] 1. When the fuel cell (1) is cold-started in a low-temperature environment, the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is turned on to reverse the flow direction of the refrigerant circulation loop to heat it in the reverse direction and increase the temperature of the fuel cell (1).

[0041] 2. When the fuel cell (1) is in operation, the refrigeration function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is turned on. When the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the stack is higher than the set normal operating value, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6) is increased to increase the refrigerant pressure and flow of the refrigerant circulation circuit, the opening of the proportional control valve (9) is increased to increase the flow of the refrigerant circulation circuit, and the fan speed of the condenser (8) is increased to increase the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circulation circuit. When the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the stack is lower than the set normal operating value, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6) is reduced to reduce the refrigerant pressure and flow of the refrigerant circulation circuit, the opening of the proportional control valve (9) is reduced to reduce the flow of the refrigerant circulation circuit, and the fan speed of the condenser (8) is reduced to reduce the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circulation circuit.

[0042] 3. Real-time monitoring of the cooling state of the fuel cell (1) is performed through various temperature sensors and pressure sensors.

[0043] 4. At the same time, pressure regulating valves (4, 11) are provided at the coolant inlet and outlet of the fuel cell (1) to ensure that no sudden temperature change occurs during forward cooling or reverse heating, thereby preventing damage to the fuel cell (1).

[0044] 5. The cooling device reduces the energy consumption of fuel cell electric vehicles while improving the comfort and work efficiency of fuel cell electric vehicles.

[0045] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel cell electric vehicle, comprising the above-mentioned fuel cell refrigerant cooling device.

[0046] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally represent like components throughout the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition of the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device of Example 1 is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the composition and refrigeration principle of the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device of Example 2 is shown;

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the composition and heating principle of the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device of Example 2 is shown.

[0051] Reference numerals:

[0052] 1- fuel cell; 2- first pressure sensor; 3- first temperature sensor;

[0053] 4-first pressure regulating valve; 5-four-way reversing valve; 6-variable frequency compressor; 7-third pressure sensor; 8-condenser; 9-proportional control valve; 10-expansion valve; 11-second pressure regulating valve; 12-second pressure sensor; 13-second temperature sensor; 14-thermal management controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0055] As used herein, the term "including" and its variations represent open inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to." Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or." The term "based on" means "based at least in part on." The terms "an example embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment." The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment." The terms "first," "second," etc. may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] One embodiment of the present invention discloses a fuel cell refrigerant cooling device, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a first pressure regulating valve 4, a second pressure regulating valve 11, a four-way reversing valve 5, a variable frequency compressor 6, a condenser 8 and an expansion valve 10.

[0058] The first port of the four-way reversing valve 5 is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell 1 via the first pressure regulating valve 4, the second port is connected to the fourth port via the variable frequency compressor 6, and the third port is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell 1 via the condenser 8, the expansion valve 10, and the second pressure regulating valve 11 in sequence, together forming a circulation branch of the refrigerant circulation (also called a refrigerant circulation branch). Refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circulation branch.

[0059] The four-way reversing valve 5 is provided with a cooling function driving end and a heating function driving end.

[0060] The cooling function driver is configured to drive the branch from the first port to the fourth port and the branch from the second port to the third port to conduct. Upon receiving a start signal, the cooling function driver drives the branch from the first port to the fourth port and the branch from the second port to the third port to conduct. Upon receiving a shutdown command, the cooling function driver drives the branch from the first port to the fourth port and the branch from the second port to the third port to conduct.

[0061] The heating function driver is configured to drive the branch circuit from the second port to the first port and the branch circuit from the third port to the fourth port to conduct. Upon receiving a start signal, the heating function driver drives the branch circuit from the second port to the first port and the branch circuit from the third port to the fourth port to conduct. Upon receiving a shutdown command, the heating function driver drives the branch circuit from the second port to the first port and the branch circuit from the third port to the fourth port to conduct.

[0062] The refrigerant circulation branch includes two refrigerant circulation loops: a cooling loop and a heating loop. The cooling loop's path is as follows: fuel cell 1 - first pressure regulating valve 4 - from the first to the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 5 - variable-frequency compressor 6 - from the second to the third port of the four-way reversing valve 5 - condenser 8 - expansion valve 10 - second pressure regulating valve 11 - fuel cell 1. The heating loop's path is as follows: fuel cell 1 - second pressure regulating valve 11 - expansion valve 10 - condenser 8 - from the third to the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 5 - variable-frequency compressor 6 - from the second to the first port of the four-way reversing valve 5 - first pressure regulating valve 4 - fuel cell 1.

[0063] Refrigerant is a substance that easily absorbs heat to form a gas and releases heat to form a liquid. When pressurized, the refrigerant releases heat to form a liquid, and when the liquid is decompressed and returns to form a gas, it absorbs heat. Compared to conventional fuel cell coolant cooling, replacing fuel cell coolant with refrigerant allows for rapid cooling. Furthermore, when combined with the four-way reversing valve 5, it also provides a rapid preheating effect.

[0064] During implementation, when the fuel cell 1 is cold-started, the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is activated (the heating function driver receives a start command), the variable frequency compressor 6 and the expansion valve 10 are started, and the refrigerant, pressurized by the compressor, enters the fuel cell 1, where it condenses and liquefies, releasing heat, thereby increasing the temperature of the fuel cell 1. During operation of the fuel cell 1, the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is activated (the cooling function driver receives a start command), and the cooling capacity is adjusted by adjusting the variable frequency compressor 6, condenser 8, and expansion valve 10.

[0065] The fuel cell cooling system is suitable for fuel cell electric vehicles, fuel cell aircraft, fuel cell industrial equipment, etc.

[0066] Compared to the existing technology, this embodiment provides a cooling device based on direct refrigerant cooling. When the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is activated, the variable frequency compressor 6, condenser 8, and expansion valve 10 are adjusted to achieve rapid and precise temperature control of the fuel cell 1. When the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is activated, the refrigerant is reversely heated within the fuel cell 1, enabling preheating during low-temperature cold starts. At the same time, a pressure regulating valve is installed at the coolant inlet and outlet of the fuel cell 1 to ensure that the fuel cell 1 is not damaged during both forward cooling and reverse heating.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] Based on the improvement of Example 1, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device further includes a proportional regulating valve 9, such as Figures 2-3 shown.

[0069] The proportional regulating valve 9 is provided between the expansion valve 10 and the condenser 8 and is used to increase or decrease the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circulation branch.

[0070] Preferably, the refrigerant circulating in the circulation branch adopts an electrically insulating refrigerant. The "electrically insulating refrigerant" mentioned here refers to a refrigerant with a certain degree of insulation (for example, greater than 1.0×10 13 A refrigerant (liquid) having a volume resistivity of 100 Ω·m), for example, a fluorine-based refrigerant such as Fluorinert (registered trademark).

[0071] Preferably, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device further comprises a thermal management controller 14. The thermal management controller 14 has two functions: cold start preheating function and operation process temperature adjustment function.

[0072] When the thermal management controller 14 is used as a cold start controller, it is used to control the heating function key of the four-way reversing valve 5 to start when the fuel cell 1 is cold started at a low temperature (the heating function driving end receives a start instruction), and control the variable frequency compressor 6, condenser 8, and expansion valve 10 to start for heating, until the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is turned off after the fuel cell 1 is successfully cold started (the heating function driving end receives a shut-down instruction).

[0073] When the thermal management controller 14 serves as an operation controller, it is used to start the refrigeration function of the four-way reversing valve 5 during the operation of the fuel cell 1 (the refrigeration function driving end receives a start instruction), and when it is identified that the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack is higher than the set normal operating value, increase the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, and the fan speed of the condenser 8, and at the same time adjust the expansion valve 10 to throttle and reduce the pressure and adjust the flow; and, when it is identified that the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack is lower than the set normal operating value, reduce the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, and the fan speed of the condenser 8, and at the same time adjust the expansion valve 10 to throttle and reduce the pressure and adjust the flow; and, when it is identified that the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack is equal to the set normal operating value, maintain the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, and the fan speed of the condenser 8 unchanged.

[0074] The output end of the thermal management controller 14 is connected to the control end of the first pressure regulating valve 4, the second pressure regulating valve 11, the four-way reversing valve 5, the variable frequency compressor 6, the proportional control valve 9, the condenser 8, and the expansion valve 10, respectively. Figures 2-3 shown.

[0075] Preferably, the thermal management controller 14 further includes a data acquisition unit and a data processing and control unit which are connected in sequence.

[0076] The data acquisition unit is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the fuel cell 1 and send it to the data processing and control unit.

[0077] The data processing and control unit is used to identify whether the fuel cell 1 is cold-started at a low temperature after startup; if not, the fuel cell 1 is started directly; otherwise, the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is first controlled to start, and the variable frequency compressor 6, proportional control valve 9, and expansion valve 10 are started for heating, until the outlet refrigerant temperature reaches the set starting temperature, and then the fuel cell 1 is started, and the outlet refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell 1 is continuously monitored until it rises to the set normal operating temperature and then the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is turned off; and, during the operation of the fuel cell 1, the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is controlled to start, and the variable frequency compressor 6, proportional control valve 9, expansion valve 10, and condenser 8 are controlled to start for cooling. When it is detected that the outlet refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell 1 is higher than the set normal operating temperature, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, and the fan speed of the condenser 8 are increased; when it is detected that the outlet refrigerant temperature is lower than the set normal operating temperature, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, and the fan speed of the condenser 8 are reduced.

[0078] During cooling, the condenser 8 dissipates heat to the environment, and during heating, the condenser 8 absorbs heat from the environment.

[0079] The data acquisition unit further includes a first temperature sensor 3 , a second temperature sensor 13 , a first pressure sensor 2 , a second pressure sensor 12 , and a third pressure sensor 7 .

[0080] The first temperature sensor 3 is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the coolant outlet of the fuel cell 1 and is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack of the fuel cell 1 .

[0081] The second temperature sensor 13 is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell 1 and is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant entering the fuel cell 1 .

[0082] The first pressure sensor 2 is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the coolant outlet of the fuel cell 1 and is used to obtain the refrigerant pressure out of the fuel cell 1 .

[0083] The second pressure sensor 12 is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell 1 and is used to obtain the refrigerant pressure entering the fuel cell 1 .

[0084] The third pressure sensor 7 is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the port of the condenser 8 facing the four-way reversing valve 5, and is used to obtain the refrigerant pressure at the arrangement position.

[0085] Preferably, the data processing and control unit has a display module, the display screen of which displays the temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor 3 and the second temperature sensor 13, and the pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor 2, the second pressure sensor 12, and the third pressure sensor 7.

[0086] Preferably, the data processing and control unit executes the following program:

[0087] S1. After starting, identify whether the fuel cell 1 is cold started at low temperature; if not, directly start the fuel cell 1; and execute step S4; otherwise, execute step S2;

[0088] S2. Control the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 to start, and the first pressure regulating valve 4, the second pressure regulating valve 11, the variable frequency compressor 6, the proportional control valve 9, the expansion valve 10 starts to heat;

[0089] S3. During the heating process, the refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell stack 1 is monitored to see if it reaches the set start temperature. If not, the monitoring is continued. Otherwise, the fuel cell 1 is started and the refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell stack 1 is continuously monitored until it reaches the set normal operating temperature, after which the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is closed.

[0090] S4. During the operation of the fuel cell 1, the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is started, and the first pressure regulating valve 4, the second pressure regulating valve 11, the variable frequency compressor 6, the proportional control valve 9, the expansion valve 10, and the condenser 8 are started to cool;

[0091] S5. Monitor whether the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell 1 is higher than the set normal operating temperature. If so, increase the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, the fan speed of the condenser 8, and adjust the expansion valve 10 to throttle and reduce the pressure. Otherwise, execute step S6;

[0092] S6. Monitor whether the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell stack 1 is lower than the set normal operating temperature. If so, reduce the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the opening of the proportional control valve 9, the fan speed of the condenser 8, and adjust the expansion valve 10 to throttle and reduce the pressure. Otherwise, execute step S7;

[0093] S7. Keep the states of the first pressure regulating valve 4, the second pressure regulating valve 11, the variable frequency compressor 6, the proportional control valve 9, the expansion valve 10, and the condenser 8 unchanged, and record the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6, the openings of the proportional control valve 9, the first pressure regulating valve 4, and the second pressure regulating valve 11, and the fan speed of the condenser 8 at this time as the initial state values when the cooling system is started next time.

[0094] Preferably, in steps S5 and S6, the data processing and control unit adjusts the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6 in real time based on the pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor 2 and the third pressure sensor 7 (this can be obtained using an artificial neural network, so that the result is that the outlet refrigerant temperature is adjusted from the initial value to the optimal frequency for the set normal operating temperature as quickly as possible), and makes correction adjustments to the opening of the proportional control valve 9, the fan speed of the condenser 8, and the adjustment speeds and adjustment time points of the variable frequency compressor 6, the proportional control valve 9, the expansion valve 10, and the condenser 8 in real time based on the temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor 3 and the second temperature sensor 13 (this can be obtained using an artificial neural network, so that the result is that the outlet refrigerant temperature is adjusted from the initial value to the optimal setting point for the set normal operating temperature as quickly as possible). The training data can be obtained through laboratory calibration, which can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0095] Preferably, the data processing and control unit has a memory and call module for storing the initial value of the refrigerant outlet temperature of the fuel cell 1 in steps S5 and S6, as well as the corresponding adjustment amount, adjustment speed, and adjustment time points of the variable frequency compressor 6, proportional control valve 9, expansion valve 10, and condenser 8 that are adjusted to the set normal operating temperature the fastest, for call during the next temperature control during the operation of the fuel cell 1.

[0096] At each temperature point of the fuel cell 1 , the thermal management controller 19 memorizes the above adjustment values. When the temperature changes to a certain temperature point again, it quickly responds to the memorized adjustment values and makes corrections again.

[0097] Preferably, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device further includes a cooling fan for dissipating heat from the refrigerant leaving the stack.

[0098] The cooling fan is arranged outside the coolant outlet pipe of the fuel cell 1 , and a control end thereof is connected to an output end of the thermal management controller 14 .

[0099] Preferably, the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device further comprises a heat dissipation housing. The first pressure regulating valve 4, the second pressure regulating valve 11, the four-way reversing valve 5, the variable frequency compressor 6, the condenser 8, and the expansion valve 10 are disposed within the heat dissipation housing. One side of the housing is integrated with coupling ports for fixedly connecting the coolant inlet and coolant outlet of the fuel cell 1.

[0100] When implementing, if Figure 3 As described above, when the fuel cell 1 is cold-started in a low-temperature environment, the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is turned on to reverse the flow direction of the refrigerant circulation loop to heat it in the reverse direction and increase the temperature of the fuel cell 1.

[0101] After the fuel cell 1 is started, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack rises. When the temperature reaches a normal value, the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is turned on, the reverse heating is stopped, and the system enters a normal temperature control state.

[0102] When the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack exceeds the set normal operating value, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6 is reduced to reduce the refrigerant pressure and flow in the refrigerant circulation loop; the opening of the proportional control valve 9 is reduced to reduce the flow of the refrigerant circulation loop; the fan speed of the condenser 8 is reduced to reduce the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circulation loop; at the same time, the expansion valve 10 is adjusted to throttle and reduce the pressure and adjust the flow.

[0103] When the outlet refrigerant temperature is lower than the set normal operating value, increase the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6 to increase the refrigerant pressure and flow of the refrigerant circulation loop; increase the opening of the proportional control valve 9 to increase the flow of the refrigerant circulation loop; increase the fan speed of the condenser 8 to increase the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circulation loop; at the same time, adjust the expansion valve 10 to throttle and reduce the pressure and adjust the flow.

[0104] Compared with the prior art, the fuel cell refrigeration device provided in this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0105] 1. When the fuel cell 1 is cold-started in a low-temperature environment, the heating function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is turned on to reverse the flow direction of the refrigerant circulation loop to heat it in the reverse direction and increase the temperature of the fuel cell 1.

[0106] 2. When the fuel cell 1 is in operation, the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve 5 is activated. When the refrigerant temperature exiting the stack is higher than the set normal operating value, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6 is increased to increase the refrigerant pressure and flow rate in the refrigerant circulation circuit, the opening of the proportional control valve 9 is increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation circuit, and the fan speed of the condenser 8 is increased to increase the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circulation circuit. When the refrigerant temperature exiting the stack is lower than the set normal operating value, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 6 is decreased to reduce the refrigerant pressure and flow rate in the refrigerant circulation circuit, the opening of the proportional control valve 9 is decreased to reduce the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation circuit, and the fan speed of the condenser 8 is decreased to reduce the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circulation circuit.

[0107] 3. Monitor the cooling status of the fuel cell 1 in real time through various temperature sensors and pressure sensors.

[0108] 4. At the same time, pressure regulating valves 4 and 11 are provided at the coolant inlet and outlet of the fuel cell 1 to ensure that no sudden temperature change occurs during forward cooling or reverse heating, thereby preventing damage to the fuel cell 1.

[0109] 5. The cooling device reduces the energy consumption of fuel cell electric vehicles while improving the comfort and work efficiency of fuel cell electric vehicles.

[0110] Example 3

[0111] The present invention also provides a fuel cell electric vehicle, comprising the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 or embodiment 3, which is used as a cooling device for the fuel cell.

[0112] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, non-exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or improvements over the prior art, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A fuel cell refrigerant cooling device, characterized in that: It comprises a first pressure regulating valve (4), a second pressure regulating valve (11), a four-way reversing valve (5), a variable frequency compressor (6), a condenser (8) and an expansion valve (10); wherein, The first port of the four-way reversing valve (5) is connected to the coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1) via the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second port is connected to the fourth port via the variable frequency compressor (6), and the third port is connected to the coolant inlet of the fuel cell (1) via the condenser (8), the expansion valve (10), and the second pressure regulating valve (11) in sequence, together forming a circulation branch of the refrigerant circulation; The four-way reversing valve (5) is provided with a cooling function driving end and a heating function driving end; the cooling function driving end is used to drive the branch from the first port to the fourth port and the branch from the second port to the third port to be respectively conducted, and the heating function driving end is used to drive the branch from the second port to the first port and the branch from the third port to the fourth port to be respectively conducted; and further includes a proportional regulating valve (9); wherein, The proportional regulating valve (9) is arranged between the expansion valve (10) and the condenser (8); The refrigerant circulating in the circulation branch adopts an electrically insulating refrigerant; and further includes a thermal management controller (14); wherein, A thermal management controller (14) is used to start the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) when the fuel cell (1) is cold-started at a low temperature and control the frequency conversion compressor (6), the condenser (8), and the expansion valve (10) to start heating until the fuel cell (1) is successfully cold-started and then close the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5); and, during the operation of the fuel cell (1), start the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve (5), identify whether the stack refrigerant temperature is higher or lower than a set normal operating value, if higher, increase the frequency of the frequency conversion compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8); if lower, reduce the frequency of the frequency conversion compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8); The output end of the thermal management controller (14) is respectively connected to the control ends of the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the four-way reversing valve (5), the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the condenser (8), and the expansion valve (10); The thermal management controller (14) further comprises a data acquisition unit and a data processing and control unit connected in sequence; wherein, A data acquisition unit, used for acquiring the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the fuel cell (1) and sending it to the data processing and control unit; The data processing and control unit is used to identify whether the fuel cell (1) is cold started at a low temperature after startup; if not, directly start the fuel cell (1); otherwise, first control the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) to start, and the variable frequency compressor (6), condenser (8), proportional control valve (9), and expansion valve (10) to start heating, until the outlet refrigerant temperature reaches the set starting temperature, then start the fuel cell (1), continue to monitor the outlet refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell (1) until it rises to the set normal operating temperature, and then turn off the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5); and, when the fuel During the operation of the battery (1), the refrigeration function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is controlled to start, and the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) are controlled to start for refrigeration. When it is detected that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell (1) is higher than the set normal operating temperature, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional regulating valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8) are increased. When it is detected that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell (1) is lower than the set normal operating temperature, the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional regulating valve (9), and the fan speed of the condenser (8) are reduced. The data acquisition unit further comprises: A first temperature sensor (3) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at a coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the stack; A second temperature sensor (13) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the temperature of the refrigerant entering the stack; A first pressure sensor (2) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at a coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the pressure of the refrigerant leaving the stack; A second pressure sensor (12) is arranged on the inner wall of a pipe at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell (1) and is used to obtain the pressure of the refrigerant entering the stack; A third pressure sensor (7) is arranged on the inner wall of the pipe at the port of the condenser (8) facing the four-way reversing valve (5), and is used to obtain the refrigerant pressure at the arrangement position; The data processing and control unit executes the following procedures: S1. After starting, identify whether the fuel cell (1) is cold started at low temperature; if not, directly start the fuel cell (1); and execute step S4; otherwise, execute step S2; S2. The heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is started, and the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the variable frequency compressor (6), the condenser (8), the proportional control valve (9), and the expansion valve (10) are started to heat; S3. During the heating process, monitor whether the refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell (1) reaches the set start-up temperature. If not, continue monitoring. Otherwise, start the fuel cell (1) and continue to monitor the refrigerant temperature of the fuel cell (1) until it rises to the set normal operating temperature, and then close the heating function of the four-way reversing valve (5); S4. During the operation of the fuel cell (1), the cooling function of the four-way reversing valve (5) is controlled to start, and the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) are controlled to start for cooling; S5. Monitor whether the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell (1) is higher than the set normal operating temperature. If so, increase the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), the fan speed of the condenser (8), and adjust the expansion valve (10) to throttle and reduce the pressure. Otherwise, execute step S6; S6. Monitor whether the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell (1) is lower than the set normal operating temperature. If so, reduce the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the opening of the proportional control valve (9), the fan speed of the condenser (8), and adjust the expansion valve (10) to throttle and reduce the pressure. Otherwise, execute step S7; S7. Keep the states of the first pressure regulating valve (4), the second pressure regulating valve (11), the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional regulating valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) unchanged, and record the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6), the openings of the proportional regulating valve (9), the first pressure regulating valve (4), and the second pressure regulating valve (11), and the fan speed of the condenser (8) as the initial state values for the next startup of the cooling system; In steps S5 and S6, the data processing and control unit adjusts the frequency of the variable frequency compressor (6) in real time according to the pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor (2) and the third pressure sensor (7), and corrects and adjusts the opening of the proportional control valve (9), the fan speed of the condenser (8), and the respective adjustment speeds and adjustment sequence of the variable frequency compressor (6), the proportional control valve (9), the expansion valve (10), and the condenser (8) in real time according to the temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor (3) and the second temperature sensor (13); and The data processing and control unit has a memory and call module for storing the initial value of the refrigerant temperature out of the fuel cell (1) in steps S5 and S6, as well as the corresponding adjustment amount, adjustment speed, and adjustment sequence of the variable frequency compressor (6), proportional control valve (9), expansion valve (10), and condenser (8) that are adjusted to the set normal operating temperature the fastest, for calling during the next temperature control during the operation of the fuel cell (1); The data processing and control unit has a display module, and the display screen of the display module displays temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor (3) and the second temperature sensor (13), and pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor (2), the second pressure sensor (12) and the third pressure sensor (7).

2. The fuel cell refrigerant cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes a cooling fan; wherein, The cooling fan is arranged outside the coolant outlet pipe of the fuel cell (1), and the control end of the cooling fan is connected to the output end of the thermal management controller (14).

3. The fuel cell refrigerant cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes a heat dissipation housing; wherein, A first pressure regulating valve (4), a second pressure regulating valve (11), a four-way reversing valve (5), a variable frequency compressor (6), a condenser (8) and an expansion valve (10) are arranged in the heat dissipation housing, and a coupling connection port is integrated on one side of the housing to respectively fixedly connect the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet of the fuel cell (1).

4. A fuel cell electric vehicle, characterized in that: A fuel cell refrigerant cooling device comprising the fuel cell refrigerant cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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