A fuel cell, control method, computer, and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a fuel cell, a control method, a computer and a vehicle, the fuel cell comprising an engine, a heat dissipation system of an electric pile and a voltage converter; the voltage converter is electrically connected with the engine; the engine has a cooling outlet, the heat dissipation system comprises a heat dissipation inlet; the cooling outlet and the heat dissipation inlet are communicated through a pipeline and are provided with a first valve; a heating pipeline is connected in parallel on the pipeline between the cooling outlet and the first valve, the heating pipeline passes through the voltage converter and is connected back to the cooling inlet; the voltage converter is provided with an electric heating element for heating the heating pipeline; the electrically connected voltage converter and engine make the electric energy generated by the fuel cell engine directly heat the cooling liquid in the cooling system through the electric heating element, the quick power response demand of the whole vehicle on the fuel cell system can be greatly met, the fuel utilization rate is improved, and the starting time of the fuel cell system under low temperature is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically to a fuel cell, a control method, a computer, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the accelerated development of new energy strategies worldwide, hydrogen fuel cells have seen rapid growth. In recent years, hydrogen fuel cells have experienced rapid development in the field of new energy vehicles, gradually entering a stage of large-scale production and marketization. This is particularly true in commercial vehicles, where development has been especially rapid, aligning with national new energy strategies. Vehicles have expanded from small logistics vehicles to heavy-duty trucks and tractors. Power outputs have also increased from the original 30kW to the current 120kW, 240kW, and even higher.

[0003] Due to the specific usage scenarios of automobiles, higher demands are placed on power response speed and start-up time. The ultimate goal is to approach the level of gasoline-powered vehicles. Because low winter temperatures severely impact the start-up time of fuel cell engines, this significantly extends the engine's power response speed.

[0004] Currently, there are two existing technological solutions:

[0005] The first method involves drawing power from the vehicle's power battery to supply the PTC, which heats the fuel cell coolant to the target temperature, thereby increasing the temperature of the fuel cell stack.

[0006] The second method involves operating the fuel cell at low temperatures with a small voltage and a large current. Heat is generated through the internal resistance of the fuel cell, thereby increasing the internal temperature and enabling startup.

[0007] However, existing technologies have the following problems:

[0008] The first option directly contradicts the characteristic of low-temperature discharge current of power batteries, which seriously affects the heating power of PTC and thus the engine power response time.

[0009] In the second approach, the coolant flows through an external small circulation loop to achieve a uniform temperature increase in the fuel cell stack. However, the electrical energy generated by the stack is limited by the inability of the low-temperature power battery to charge at high power. The DC-DC converter cannot operate at high power to charge the power battery, indirectly affecting the fuel cell stack's ability to operate at high power. This prolongs the engine's self-heating time and impacts the vehicle's requirement for rapid power response. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fuel cell, control method, computer and vehicle that can improve the power response speed of fuel cell engine without charging the power battery.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] A fuel cell includes an engine, a stack cooling system, and a voltage converter; the voltage converter is electrically connected to the engine.

[0013] The engine has a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet, and the heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipation inlet and a heat dissipation outlet; the cooling outlet and the heat dissipation inlet are connected by a pipe and a first valve is provided, and the cooling inlet and the heat dissipation outlet are connected by a pipe and a second valve is provided.

[0014] A heating pipe is connected in parallel on the pipeline between the cooling outlet and the first valve. The heating pipe passes through the voltage converter and is connected back to the cooling inlet.

[0015] The voltage converter has an electric heating element that heats the heating pipe through which it passes.

[0016] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the second technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0017] A control method for the above-mentioned fuel cell includes:

[0018] Start the engine;

[0019] If the engine operating temperature is lower than the preset value or preset range, the first and second valves are closed, and the third and fourth valves are opened. The voltage converter uses the current generated by the engine to power the heating element to heat the coolant; otherwise, it does not operate.

[0020] After heating the coolant, check again whether the engine operating temperature is lower than the preset value or preset range. If so, continue heating; otherwise, open the first and second valves and close the third and fourth valves.

[0021] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the third technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0022] A computer includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the control method described above.

[0023] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the fourth technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0024] A vehicle comprising the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By electrically connecting the voltage converter to the engine, the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell engine can directly heat the coolant in the cooling system through the heating element, thereby increasing the temperature of the fuel cell engine. Since direct heating with current is used, there is no efficiency problem inherent in the process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy in the fuel cell engine, thus improving the heating efficiency. That is, there is no need to charge the power battery, and the fuel cell can operate at high power through the DC / DC voltage converter, thereby quickly increasing the temperature of the fuel cell stack. This greatly improves the start-up time of the fuel cell at low temperatures, which can greatly meet the rapid power response requirements of the vehicle for the fuel cell system, improve fuel utilization, and shorten the start-up time of the fuel cell system at low temperatures. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of a fuel cell according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Labeling explanation: 1. Engine; 11. Cooling inlet; 12. Cooling outlet; 2. Fuel cell stack cooling system; 21. Cooling inlet; 22. Cooling outlet; 3. Voltage converter; 31. Heating element; 4. First valve; 5. Second valve; 6. Third valve; 7. Fourth valve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To explain in detail the technical content, objectives, and effects of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 A fuel cell includes an engine 1, a stack cooling system 2, and a voltage converter 3; the voltage converter 3 is electrically connected to the engine 1.

[0030] The engine 1 has a cooling inlet 11 and a cooling outlet 12, and the heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipation inlet 21 and a heat dissipation outlet 22; the cooling outlet 12 is connected to the heat dissipation inlet 21 by a pipe and is provided with a first valve 4, and the cooling inlet 11 is connected to the heat dissipation outlet 22 by a pipe and is provided with a second valve 5.

[0031] A heating pipe is connected in parallel on the pipeline between the cooling outlet 12 and the first valve 4. The heating pipe passes through the voltage converter 3 and is connected back to the cooling inlet 11.

[0032] The voltage converter 3 has an electric heating element 31 for heating the heating pipe that passes through it.

[0033] As described above, the voltage converter 3 is electrically connected to the engine 1, allowing the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell engine 1 to directly heat the coolant in the cooling system through the heating element, thereby increasing the temperature of the fuel cell engine 1. Since direct heating with current is used, there is no efficiency problem inherent in the process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy in the fuel cell engine 1, thus improving the heating efficiency. That is, there is no need to charge the power battery, and the fuel cell can operate at high power through the DC / DC voltage converter 3, thereby quickly increasing the temperature of the fuel cell stack. This greatly improves the start-up time of the fuel cell at low temperatures, which can greatly meet the vehicle's demand for rapid power response of the fuel cell system, improve fuel utilization, and shorten the start-up time of the fuel cell system at low temperatures.

[0034] Furthermore, the heating element 31 is a PTC.

[0035] Furthermore, the voltage converter 3 has a power module that is electrically connected to the PTC.

[0036] Furthermore, the portion of the heating pipe located within the voltage converter 3 is the working section, and the remainder is the connecting section;

[0037] The working section and the connecting section are connected by a third valve 6 and a fourth valve 7.

[0038] As can be seen from the above description, by adding the third valve 6 and the fourth valve 7, the temperature can be controlled more precisely.

[0039] Furthermore, the heating pipe is insulated.

[0040] As can be seen from the above description, by using heat-insulated heating pipes, heat conduction to the outside can be reduced, thereby providing more heat to the fuel cell engine 1 and increasing its temperature faster.

[0041] A control method for the above-mentioned fuel cell, characterized in that it includes:

[0042] Start engine 1;

[0043] If the engine 1 operating temperature is less than a preset value or a preset range, the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are closed, and the third valve 6 and the fourth valve 7 are opened. The voltage converter 3 uses the current generated by the engine 1 to power the heating element 31 to heat the coolant; otherwise, it does not operate.

[0044] After heating the coolant, check again whether the engine 1 operating temperature is lower than the preset value or preset range. If so, continue heating; otherwise, open the first valve 4 and the second valve 5, and close the third valve 6 and the fourth valve 7.

[0045] Furthermore, the voltage converter 3 boosts the electrical energy generated by the engine 1 to power the heating element 31 and heat the coolant.

[0046] As can be seen from the above description, boosted electrical energy can improve efficiency.

[0047] A computer includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the control method described above.

[0048] A vehicle comprising the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] A fuel cell includes an engine, a stack cooling system, and a voltage converter; the voltage converter is electrically connected to the engine.

[0051] The engine has a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet, and the heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipation inlet and a heat dissipation outlet; the cooling outlet and the heat dissipation inlet are connected by a pipe and a first valve is provided, and the cooling inlet and the heat dissipation outlet are connected by a pipe and a second valve is provided.

[0052] A heating pipe is connected in parallel on the pipeline between the cooling outlet and the first valve. The heating pipe passes through the voltage converter and is connected back to the cooling inlet.

[0053] The voltage converter has a PTC that heats the heating pipe through which it passes.

[0054] The voltage converter has a power module, which is electrically connected to the PTC.

[0055] The portion of the heating pipe located inside the voltage converter is the working section, and the remainder is the connecting section;

[0056] The working section and the connecting section are connected by a third valve and a fourth valve.

[0057] The heating pipes are insulated.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] A control method for a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 includes:

[0060] Start the engine;

[0061] If the engine operating temperature is less than 0°C, the first and second valves are closed, and the third and fourth valves are opened. The voltage converter boosts the electrical energy generated by the engine to power the heating elements and heat the coolant. Otherwise, it does not operate.

[0062] After heating the coolant, check again whether the engine operating temperature is less than 0°C. If so, continue heating; otherwise, open the first and second valves, close the third and fourth valves, and repeat the process.

[0063] Example 3

[0064] A computer includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the control method according to any one of claims 6-7.

[0065] Example 4

[0066] A vehicle comprising the fuel cell described in Example 1.

[0067] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent modifications made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, characterized by comprising: The engine, the heat dissipation system of the electric pile and the voltage converter are included. The voltage converter is electrically connected with the engine. The engine has a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet, and the heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipation inlet and a heat dissipation outlet. The cooling outlet and the heat dissipation inlet are connected through a pipeline and provided with a first valve, and the cooling inlet and the heat dissipation outlet are connected through a pipeline and provided with a second valve. A heating pipeline is connected in parallel between the cooling outlet and the first valve, and the heating pipeline passes through the voltage converter and is connected back to the cooling inlet. The voltage converter has an electric heating element for heating the passing heating pipeline. The electric heating element is a PTC. The voltage converter has a power module, and the power module is electrically connected with the PTC. The part of the heating pipeline in the voltage converter is a working section, and the rest is a connecting section. The working section and the connecting section are connected through a third valve and a fourth valve, and the third valve and the fourth valve can control the temperature more accurately. The heating pipeline is subjected to heat insulation treatment.

2. The control method of a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized by The starting engine is included. It is judged whether the engine operating temperature is less than a preset value or a preset interval, if yes, the first valve and the second valve are closed, and the third valve and the fourth valve are opened, and the voltage converter supplies power to the electric heating element to heat the coolant. Otherwise, no action is taken. After heating the coolant, it is judged again whether the engine operating temperature is less than a preset value or a preset interval, if yes, the heating is continued. Otherwise, the first valve and the second valve are opened, and the third valve and the fourth valve are closed.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized by, The voltage converter boosts the electric energy generated by the engine to supply power to the electric heating element to heat the coolant.

4. A computer comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to realize the control method of any one of claims 2-3.

5. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The fuel cell of claim 1 is included. The fuel cell of claim 1 is included.

Images