Apparatus and method for managing condensate in a fuel cell

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for managing condensate in a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a first heater for applying heat to coolant in a fuel cell stack; a second heater for applying heat to condensate generated in the fuel cell stack; and a controller for controlling the operation of the second heater using excess power based on whether at least some functions of the first heater are activated.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0139487 filed on October 19, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for managing condensate in a fuel cell. Background Art

[0004] Typically, in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), condensate forms in the hydrogen supply system (FPS). Specifically, water is generated at the air electrode due to the movement of hydrogen ions. However, due to back diffusion, some of this water flows back from the air electrode to the hydrogen electrode. This water, which leaves the electrode and cannot reenter the air electrode, falls into the fuel water trap (FWT). This water is called condensate.

[0005] When a certain amount of condensate is collected in the water trap, the fuel drain valve (FDV) water level sensor detects the water level, opens the solenoid valve, and discharges the condensate to the outside.

[0006] In fuel cell passenger vehicles, the vents are located lower than the fuel cell, allowing for smooth condensate drainage with minimal risk of water discharge during parking / stopping.

[0007] In one example, industrial vehicles (such as construction machinery) often stop and park in indoor workspaces, often in enclosed spaces without drainage facilities. Consequently, when the fuel cell is shut down, water can accumulate on the surrounding floor. Therefore, a solution is needed to prevent water-related accidents in industrial vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for managing condensate of a fuel cell, which are capable of drying condensate generated in the fuel cell.

[0010] The objects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects. Other objects and advantages according to the present disclosure that are not mentioned can be understood based on the following description and can be more clearly understood based on the embodiments according to the present disclosure. In addition, it will be easily understood that the objects and advantages according to the present disclosure can be achieved using the methods shown in the claims and their combinations.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell, the apparatus comprising: a first heater for applying heat to a coolant of a fuel cell stack; a second heater for applying heat to condensate generated in the fuel cell stack; and a controller for controlling operation of the second heater using surplus power based on whether at least some functions of the first heater are activated.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second heater may further include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater disposed within a liquid storage tank for storing the condensate therein.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second heater may further include a cylindrical PTC heater disposed within a pipe in which the condensate flows.

[0014] In one embodiment, while the fuel cell stack is operating, when an external temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the controller may operate the first heater to perform a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function.

[0015] In one embodiment, while the fuel cell stack is operating, when the external temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the controller may operate the second heater to perform a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function.

[0016] In one embodiment, when a state of charge (SOC) of the battery exceeds a predetermined limit while the battery is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking, the controller may operate the second heater with excess power.

[0017] In one embodiment, the controller may selectively enable different types of relays connected to the first heater based on the function of the first heater, thereby performing the function of the first heater corresponding to the selected type of relay among the different types of relays. When the controller controls the operation of the second heater using the remaining power based on whether at least some functions of the first heater are activated, the controller may disable the first heater and then enable the second heater.

[0018] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for managing condensate of a fuel cell, the method comprising: operating a first heater to apply heat to coolant of a fuel cell stack; controlling operation of a second heater using surplus power based on whether at least some functions of the first heater are activated; and operating the second heater to apply heat to condensate generated in the fuel cell stack.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method may further include operating the first heater to perform a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function when an external temperature is below a predetermined temperature while the fuel cell stack is operating.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method may further include operating the second heater to perform a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function when an external temperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature while the fuel cell stack is operating.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method may further include operating the second heater with surplus power when a state of charge (SOC) of the battery exceeds a predetermined limit while the battery is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method may further include selectively activating different types of relays connected to the first heater based on the function of the first heater, thereby performing the function of the first heater corresponding to the selected type of relay among the different types of relays. Controlling the operation of the second heater using the remaining power based on whether at least some of the functions of the first heater are activated may also include: disabling the first heater and then activating the second heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a diagram for illustrating the operation of the apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a diagram for illustrating a condensate heater constituting an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the present disclosure includes various modifications, equivalents and / or replacements of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the present disclosure includes various changes, equivalents or replacements to the embodiments.

[0032] In conjunction with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like or related components.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] As used herein, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A and B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B and C" may include any one of the items listed with the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0034] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second" and "third" can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer or part described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part. When a component (e.g., first component) is "functionally" or "communicatively" "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., second component), or when a component (e.g., first component) is "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., second component), this means that the first component can be directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly or connected to the second component via a third component.

[0035] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 A fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hydrogen supplier H2, a hydrogen shut-off valve 110, a hydrogen supply valve 120, an injector 130, a fuel cell stack 140, a hydrogen purge valve 150, a water collector 160, a condensate valve 170, an air supplier 180, a humidifier 190, an air shut-off valve 200, a pressure regulating valve 210, and a condensate management device 300.

[0037] The hydrogen supplier H2 may be configured to supply hydrogen as fuel to the fuel cell stack 140 and may include a hydrogen tank (not shown) storing hydrogen therein and a regulator (not shown). The hydrogen may flow into the fuel cell stack 140 along a pipe of a hydrogen supply system extending from the hydrogen tank.

[0038] The hydrogen tank may store therein high-pressure hydrogen at approximately 700 bar.

[0039] The regulator may reduce the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank to about 17 bar, and may supply the decompressed hydrogen to the rear end of the regulator.

[0040] A hydrogen shutoff valve 110 and a hydrogen supply valve 120 may be provided at the rear end of the regulator along a pipeline of the hydrogen supply system.

[0041] The hydrogen shutoff valve 110 may be a normally closed (NC) type valve. The hydrogen shutoff valve 110 may be a valve for shutting off hydrogen that may be discharged from a hydrogen tank in an emergency.

[0042] The hydrogen supply valve 120 may control the pressure of hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell stack 140. The hydrogen supply valve 120 may be implemented as a solenoid-type valve that can be driven by an electromagnet. The hydrogen supply valve 120 may be connected to the fuel cell stack 140 via a pipe formed at the rear end of the hydrogen supply valve 120.

[0043] The injector 130 may supply low-pressure hydrogen gas supplied by the hydrogen gas supplier H2 to the fuel cell stack 140 .

[0044] The injector 130 may mix the wet and hot hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen electrode of the fuel cell stack 140 with the dry hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supplier H2 and then supply the mixture to the hydrogen electrode of the fuel cell stack 140 .

[0045] The fuel cell stack 140 is capable of generating electricity using a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell stack 140 may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in which a catalyst electrode layer, where an electrochemical reaction occurs, is attached to each of two opposing surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, and a hydrogen electrode (anode) is stacked on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly and receives hydrogen as fuel, and an air electrode (cathode) is stacked on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly and receives oxygen as an oxidant.

[0046] Condensate generated according to the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack 140 is generated inside the fuel cell stack 140 and should be smoothly discharged to the vent holes through a condensate discharge path outside the fuel cell stack 140 .

[0047] When the condensate is not properly discharged from the interior of the fuel cell stack 140 (ie, in a flooded state), this may interfere with the supply of hydrogen gas as fuel, thereby reducing the power generation performance of the fuel cell stack 140. In severe cases, the fuel cell stack 140 may be damaged.

[0048] In order to discharge the condensed liquid on the hydrogen electrode, the flow rate of hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 140 should be increased to increase the flow rate of the fluid (mixed gas containing water) in the fuel cell stack 140 .

[0049] In this regard, the most widely used method is periodic hydrogen purge, that is, when moisture in the fuel cell stack 140 needs to be removed, moisture can be purged through the condensation valve 170 to temporarily increase the flow rate of hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 140 .

[0050] The hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the hydrogen electrode may be recycled back to the hydrogen electrode through the ejector 130 , and the remainder may be discharged to the outside through the water collector 160 and the condensation valve 170 .

[0051] The hydrogen purge valve 150 may discharge a portion of hydrogen that is not required for the reaction in the fuel cell stack 140 into the atmosphere.

[0052] The sump 160 may store the condensed liquid therein.

[0053] The condensate valve 170 is a valve for discharging the condensate stored in the sump 160 to the outside. The condensate valve 170 may be implemented as an electromagnetic type valve that may be driven by an electromagnet.

[0054] The air supply unit 180 can generate compressed air by rotating an air supply motor 191 as a brushless direct current (BLDC) three-phase motor using high voltage, and the BLDC motor can be controlled by a blower pump control unit (BPCU) to a speed of up to 100,000 RPM (revolutions per minute). The compressed air generated by the air supply unit 180 can be supplied to the humidifier 190.

[0055] The humidifier 190 may be provided between the air supply line and the air discharge line connected to the air electrode of the fuel cell stack 140 to humidify air supplied to the air electrode along the air supply line.

[0056] The humidifier 190 may exchange moisture between air introduced thereto in a dry state by the air supplier 180 and flowing along the air supply line and air discharged from the air electrode in a wet state and flowing along the air discharge line, thereby humidifying the air flowing in the air supply line.

[0057] The air blocking valve 200 may perform an opening and closing operation or a closing operation so that the air supplied from the humidifier 190 flows toward the fuel cell stack 140 or is blocked.

[0058] When the air blocking valve 200 is opened (IGN ON) during vehicle startup, the air blocking valve 200 may supply air supplied from the humidifier 190 to the air electrode of the fuel cell stack 140 or may discharge air used in the fuel cell stack 140 to the humidifier 190 .

[0059] When vehicle startup is completed (IGN Off), the air blocking valve 200 enters a closed state. Therefore, the air blocking valve 200 blocks the flow of air to prevent air from being supplied to the fuel cell stack 140. The movable range of the air blocking valve 200 from the closed state to the open state may be 0 to 90 degrees.

[0060] The pressure regulating valve 210 may be provided in a discharge path of the condensate and may regulate the pressure of air discharged from the air electrode.

[0061] The device 300 for managing condensed liquid may be provided in the condensed liquid discharge path at the rear end of the pressure regulating valve 210 and may dry the condensed liquid that has passed through the condensed liquid discharge path. According to various embodiments, the device 300 for managing condensed liquid may be provided at the front end of the pressure regulating valve 210. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The device 300 for managing condensed liquid may be provided at various locations along the condensed liquid discharge path.

[0062] Figure 2 FIG2 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a temperature sensor 310 , a high voltage battery 320 , a motor manager 330 , a battery manager 340 , a COD heater 350 , a condensate heater 360 , and a controller 370 .

[0064] The temperature sensor 310 may measure the outside air temperature.

[0065] The high-voltage battery 320 can be charged with energy regenerated during braking of the fuel cell vehicle. That is, when the fuel cell vehicle is driving, power is recovered from the motor via regenerative braking, and thus energy can be charged in the high-voltage battery 320.

[0066] In one example, while driving the fuel cell vehicle, the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 320 reaches a predetermined limit (e.g., 85% or greater) due to regenerative braking. In this case, it can be determined that charging is complete. When the SOC of the high-voltage battery exceeds the predetermined limit, the battery cannot be recharged, thus making regenerative braking impossible.

[0067] For reference, the combination of the fuel cell stack 140 and the high-voltage battery 320 serves as the main power source for driving the electric motor in a typical fuel cell vehicle. This means there are two main power sources. Therefore, if a fault occurs in one of the power sources for some reason, the fuel cell vehicle can perform emergency maneuvers using only the fuel cell stack 140 or only the high-voltage battery 320 to move to a safe location. This is known as a fail-safe feature.

[0068] Motor manager 330 consumes the power required by the high-voltage system and drives the fuel cell vehicle motor (not shown). Motor manager 330 supplies current generated by the fuel cell vehicle motor to the high-voltage system during regenerative braking to charge high-voltage battery 320. Motor manager 330 may include a motor control unit (MCU) or a vehicle control unit (VCU).

[0069] The battery manager 340 provides SOC information as charge state information about the high voltage battery 320. The battery manager 340 may include a battery management system (BMS).

[0070] The COD heater 350 may have four functions: a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function, a cold start function, a regenerative braking function, and a rapid high voltage depletion function.

[0071] According to an embodiment, when the fuel cell vehicle is turned off and the fuel cell stack 140 is turned off, residual hydrogen and oxygen may exist in the fuel cell stack 140. The remaining hydrogen and oxygen may reduce the durability of the fuel cell stack 140. In this regard, the remaining hydrogen and oxygen may react with each other in the fuel cell stack 140, and the electricity generated thereby may be consumed by the COD heater 350, thereby increasing the durability of the fuel cell stack 140. This function of the COD heater 350 may be defined as a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function.

[0072] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, in order to smoothly generate power in the fuel cell stack 140 after starting the fuel cell vehicle at a sub-zero ambient temperature, the temperature of the fuel cell stack 140 may be increased by heating the coolant using the heating element of the COD heater 350, thereby normalizing the output performance of the fuel cell stack 140. This function of the COD heater 350 may be defined as a cold start function.

[0073] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the electricity generated during regenerative braking of the fuel cell vehicle is charged to the high-voltage battery 320. When the SOC of the high-voltage battery 320 is high, the COD heater 350 may be forced to consume regenerative energy due to its heating. This function of the COD heater 350 can be defined as a regenerative braking function.

[0074] In addition, according to this embodiment, when the fuel cell vehicle collides with the high-voltage battery 320 due to an accident or the like, resulting in insulation breakdown of the high-voltage battery 320, high voltage flows through the chassis or frame of the fuel cell vehicle. Therefore, there is a risk of electric shock. In this regard, after the high-voltage system is turned off, the remaining power of the high-voltage battery 320 is consumed by the COD heater 350 to prevent electric shock. This function of the COD heater 350 can be defined as a rapid high-voltage depletion function. For example, this function can reduce the remaining power in the high-voltage battery 320 to a level below DC 60V or AC 30V within 60 seconds after the fuel cell vehicle collides.

[0075] The condensate heater 360 can dry the condensate generated in the fuel cell stack 140 by heating the fuel cell stack 140. For example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater can be used as the condensate heater 360. When a PTC heater is used as the condensate heater 360, heat can be generated without using an additional power device or consuming the output of the fuel cell stack 140. Therefore, the advantages are that costs can be reduced and control can be easily performed.

[0076] The condensate heater 360 may be operated using power obtained based on functions other than the cold start function (i.e., the COD function, the regenerative braking function, and the rapid high voltage drain function) of the COD heater 350. For example, the condensate heater 360 may be operated using surplus power that is not consumed when functions other than the cold start function are not used.

[0077] Specifically, when the fuel cell vehicle is off and the fuel cell stack 140 is off, the condensate heater 360 can be activated while receiving electricity generated by the reaction of residual hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell stack 140. Furthermore, when the SOC of the high-voltage battery 320 is high, the condensate heater 360 can be activated while receiving electricity generated during regenerative braking of the fuel cell vehicle. Furthermore, if an accident involving the fuel cell vehicle causes an impact on the high-voltage battery 320 and the high-voltage battery 320 experiences insulation breakdown, the condensate heater 360 can be activated while receiving residual electricity from the high-voltage battery 320.

[0078] The controller 370 of the device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be a processor (e.g., a computer, a microprocessor, a CPU, an ASIC, a circuit, a logic circuit, etc.). The controller 370 can be implemented by a non-transitory memory and a processor, the non-transitory memory storing, for example, a program, a software instruction reproduction algorithm, etc. (which performs the various functions described below when executed), and the processor is configured to execute the program, the software instruction reproduction algorithm, etc. Here, the memory and the processor can be implemented as separate semiconductor circuits. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be implemented as a single integrated semiconductor circuit. The processor can include one or more processors.

[0079] Controller 370 can process signals transmitted between components of the fuel cell control device. Controller 370 may include a fuel cell control unit (FCU). Controller 370 may receive status information of the fuel cell vehicle via motor manager 330 and the charge status of high-voltage battery 320 via battery manager 340. Controller 370 may control condensate heater 360 to operate using excess power that is not consumed when functions other than the cold start function of COD heater 350 are not in use.

[0080] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a diagram for illustrating the operation of the apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The COD heater 350 in the high voltage circuit can be connected to a relay circuit, which can be selectively implemented as a normally connected (NC) type circuit or a normally disconnected (NO) type circuit. Figure 4 The NC type COD heater 350 in the embodiment operates to perform the COD function, and Figure 5 The NO type COD heater 350 in the embodiment may be operated to perform a cold start function, a regenerative braking function, and a rapid high voltage depletion function.

[0082] The condensate heater 360 may be connected in parallel with the COD heater 350. That is, the condensate heater 360 may operate regardless of whether the COD heater is connected to the NC type relay circuit or the NO type relay circuit.

[0083] The controller 370 may control the selector 375 to select whether to operate the COD heater 350 or the condensate heater 360. Therefore, when the COD heater 350 is selected for operation, the condensate is not dried. Otherwise, when the condensate heater 360 is selected for operation, the condensate may be dried.

[0084] When there is no surplus power, the controller 370 allows the NC type relay circuit to be connected to the condensate heater 360. When surplus power is generated, the controller 370 allows the NO type relay circuit to be connected to the condensate heater 360. That is, when a large amount of condensate is generated without surplus power, the controller 370 may allow the NC type relay circuit to be connected to the condensate heater 360 so that the condensate heater 360 generates heat.

[0085] When the external temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the COD function may be performed by the condensate heater 360. For example, when the external temperature exceeds 15°C, the controller 370 may select the NC type relay circuit and then control the selector 375 to select the condensate heater 360, so that the condensate heater 360 performs the COD function.

[0086] On the contrary, when the external temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the COD function may be performed by the COD heater 350. For example, when the external temperature is lower than 15°C, the controller 370 may select the NC type relay circuit and then control the selector 375 to select the COD heater 350, so that the COD heater 350 performs the COD function.

[0087] When the cold start condition is met, the controller 370 can disable the COD function but enable the cold start function. For example, when the external temperature is below zero degrees, the controller 370 can select the NO type relay circuit and then control the selector 375 to select the COD heater 350, so that the COD heater 350 performs the cold start function.

[0088] When the SOC of the high-voltage battery 320 exceeds a predetermined limit while the high-voltage battery 320 is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking, the controller 370 may use the remaining power to operate the condensate heater 360. For example, when the SOC of the high-voltage battery 320 exceeds 85% while the high-voltage battery 320 is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking, the controller 370 may select the NO-type relay circuit and then control the selector 375 to select the condensate heater 360, so that the condensate heater 360 operates using the remaining power.

[0089] Therefore, when the external temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature so that the condensate heater 360 performs the COD function, and when the SOC of the high-voltage battery 320 exceeds a predetermined limit, the condensate heater 360 is operated using surplus power while the high-voltage battery 320 is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking, the condensate heater 360 can be heated to dry the condensate.

[0090] Furthermore, the controller 370 may control at least one additional component (eg, a hardware or software component) of the apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell, and may perform various data processing or calculations.

[0091] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the data processing or computing may include: storing, by the controller 370, commands or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor) in a volatile memory; processing, by the controller, the commands or data stored in the volatile memory; and storing, by the controller, the resulting data in a non-volatile memory).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the controller 370 may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main processor. For example, when the controller 370 includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may use less power than the main processor or may be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented independently of the main processor or as part of the main processor.

[0093] Although not shown in the drawings, according to an embodiment, the apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell may further include a memory.

[0094] The memory may store therein instructions for controlling the apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell, control command codes, control data, or user data. For example, the memory may store therein at least one of an application program, an operating system (OS), middleware, and a device driver.

[0095] The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0096] Volatile memories may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and the like.

[0097] Nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, and the like.

[0098] The memory may also include non-volatile media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), or universal flash storage (UFS).

[0099] Figure 6 and Figure 7 1 is a diagram for illustrating a condensate heater constituting the apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 The condensate heater 360 may be implemented as a plate-shaped PTC heater for storing the condensate in the liquid storage tank 361. Therefore, when the condensate is stored in the liquid storage tank 361, the heat from the plate-shaped PTC heater may be used to dry the condensate.

[0101] Reference Figure 7 Condensate heater 360 can be implemented as a cylindrical PTC heater inside pipe 362, through which the condensate flows. In this case, the exhaust pipe is as long as the excavator or forklift. Due to the heat from the cylindrical PTC heater, the condensate passing through the pipe may be dried upon contact with the PTC heater.

[0102] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 8 A method for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0103] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for managing condensate of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] In the following, it is assumed that Figure 2 The device for managing condensate of a fuel cell is implemented Figure 8 processing.

[0105] First, in S110, the high voltage system is turned on. In S120, when the external temperature is higher than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the controller 370 selects the NC type relay circuit, and then in S130, the control selector 375 selects the condensate heater 360 so that the condensate heater 360 performs the COD function.

[0106] Otherwise, in S120 , when the external temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, in S140 , the fuel cell system is turned on and the controller 370 selects the NC type relay circuit, and then in S150 , the control selector 375 selects the COD heater 350 so that the COD heater 350 performs the COD function.

[0107] In S160 , when the cold start condition is satisfied, the controller 370 selects the NO type relay circuit, and then in S170 , controls the selector 375 to select the COD heater 350 so that the COD heater 350 performs a cold start function.

[0108] In S180, when the high voltage battery 320 is charged with power generated during regenerative braking, in S190, when the SOC of the high voltage battery 320 exceeds a predetermined limit, in S200, the controller 370 selects the NO type relay circuit and controls the selector 375 to select the condensate heater 360 so that the condensate heater 360 operates using the remaining power.

[0109] Therefore, when the external temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature so that the condensate heater 360 performs the COD function, and when the condensate heater 360 operates using surplus power while the high-voltage battery 320 is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking when the SOC of the high-voltage battery 320 exceeds a predetermined limit, the condensate heater 360 can be heated to dry the condensate.

[0110] According to the present disclosure, condensate generated in a fuel cell can be dried and discharged to the outside, thereby improving output stability and fuel cell life due to a stable hydrogen supply, and improving driving stability of an industrial vehicle through condensate management.

[0111] Various embodiments of this document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) that includes one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an internal memory or an external memory). For example, the machine may call and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium. This enables the machine to operate according to the called at least one instruction to perform at least one function. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter.

[0112] The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. In this regard, the term "non-transitory" means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (such as electromagnetic waves). The term does not distinguish between situations where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and situations where the data is temporarily stored.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided to be included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server, or may be temporarily created.

[0114] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (eg, modules or programs) may include a single entity or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be arranged in other components.

[0115] According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) can be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component can perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding components in the multiple components previously performed the same way for the integration.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the operations performed by modules, programs or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically. One or more operations may be performed in a different order, or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0118] As described above, according to the present disclosure, condensate generated from the fuel cell is dried and discharged externally, thereby improving output stability and fuel cell lifespan due to a stable hydrogen supply. Condensate management also enhances the driving stability of industrial vehicles. Furthermore, SOC management of the high-voltage battery prevents insulation breakdown. When a fluid storage tank is present, the excavator forcibly lowers the ambient temperature and pressurizes the air to increase ventilation. Therefore, there is no need to discharge condensate, thus reducing unnecessary control power waste.

[0119] The above description is merely an illustration of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the basic features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical ideas of the present disclosure, but to illustrate the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical ideas of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted as being covered by the scope of the appended claims, and all technical ideas falling within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously modified and changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for managing condensate in a fuel cell, the device comprising: a first heater for applying heat to a coolant of the fuel cell stack; a second heater for applying heat to condensate generated in the fuel cell stack; as well as a controller configured to control the operation of the second heater using the remaining power based on whether at least one function of the first heater is activated, The remaining power includes power generated by the reaction of remaining hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell stack, and the remaining power is consumed by the first heater based on the at least one function of the first heater being activated, and is consumed by the second heater based on the at least one function of the first heater not being activated.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The second heater includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater disposed in a liquid storage tank configured to store the condensate therein.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The second heater includes a cylindrical PTC heater disposed in a pipe in which the condensate flows.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to operate the first heater to perform a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function when an external temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature while the fuel cell stack is operating.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The controller is configured to operate the second heater to perform the cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function when the external temperature is higher than or equal to the predetermined temperature while the fuel cell stack is operating.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to operate the second heater with the excess power when a state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery exceeds a predetermined limit while the high-voltage battery is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to selectively enable at least one type of relay among different types of relays connected to the first heater based on the function of the first heater, thereby performing the function of the first heater corresponding to the selected type of relay among the different types of relays, Wherein, when the controller controls the operation of the second heater using the remaining power based on whether at least one of the functions of the first heater is activated, the controller is configured to disable the first heater and then enable the second heater.

8. A method for managing condensate in a fuel cell, the method comprising: operating a first heater to apply heat to a coolant of the fuel cell stack; controlling operation of a second heater using the remaining power based on whether at least one function of the first heater is activated; and operating the second heater to apply heat to condensate generated in the fuel cell stack, The remaining power includes power generated by the reaction of remaining hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell stack, and the remaining power is consumed by the first heater based on the at least one function of the first heater being activated, and is consumed by the second heater based on the at least one function of the first heater not being activated.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes operating the first heater to perform a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function when an external temperature is below a predetermined temperature while the fuel cell stack is operating.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The method further includes operating the second heater to perform the cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function when the external temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature while the fuel cell stack is operating.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes operating the second heater with the excess power when a state of charge (SOC) of the high voltage battery exceeds a predetermined limit while the high voltage battery is being charged with power generated during regenerative braking.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes selectively activating at least one type of relay among different types of relays connected to the first heater based on the function of the first heater, thereby performing the function of the first heater corresponding to the selected type of relay among the different types of relays, Wherein, controlling the operation of the second heater using the remaining power based on whether at least one of the functions of the first heater is activated includes: disabling the first heater and then activating the second heater.

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