Method and apparatus for activating a fuel cell stack for automotive use

Abstract

The application relates to a vehicle fuel cell stack activation method and device. The method comprises the following steps: controlling a fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in a first operating state; after the first operating state ends, stopping air from being introduced into a cathode, and controlling the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in a second operating state; after the second operating state ends, introducing air into the cathode again, and controlling the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in a third operating state; and ending the activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated when voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is in a preset range. The method can improve the performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and greatly shortens the activation time of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for activating a fuel cell stack for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are widely used in the field of commercial heavy-duty trucks due to their characteristics such as zero pollution, long driving range, and excellent low-temperature resistance.

[0003] Currently, most fuel cell heavy-duty commercial vehicles use fuel cell stacks with power outputs ranging from 200kW to 300kW, assembled from approximately 400-600 membrane electrode assemblies and bipolar plates. The performance of the assembled fuel cell stack is not yet optimal and requires an activation process. The stack's performance will gradually improve, eventually reaching equilibrium, signifying the end of activation. Furthermore, performance degradation caused by prolonged storage can be partially restored through stack activation.

[0004] Traditional fuel cell stack activation methods mainly involve constant current activation and variable current forced activation, with activation times exceeding several hours. Furthermore, prolonged activation operation leads to significant hydrogen consumption and increases activation costs. With the development of the fuel cell industry, fuel cell stacks are moving towards high-power mass production, and traditional activation methods no longer meet the requirements for production costs and batch production speed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method and apparatus for activating vehicle fuel cell stacks that can shorten the activation time, in order to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for activating a fuel cell stack for vehicles. The method includes:

[0007] An electronic load is connected in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and hydrogen and air are introduced into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0008] The fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in a first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters;

[0009] After the first operating state ends, the air supply to the cathode is stopped, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated operates for a second duration with the voltage of the electronic load maintained within the second voltage range under the second stack operating parameters.

[0010] After the second operating state ends, air is introduced into the cathode again, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration with the electronic load voltage within the third voltage range under the third stack operating parameters;

[0011] The activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated ends when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first anode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second anode humidity range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third anode humidity range.

[0013] The lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, and the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range; the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first stack operating parameters include a first cathode humidity range; the second stack operating parameters include a second cathode humidity range; and the third stack operating parameters include a third cathode humidity range.

[0015] The lower limit of the first cathode humidity range is within the second cathode humidity range, the lower limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the second cathode humidity range, and the upper limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the first cathode humidity range.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first outlet temperature range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second outlet temperature range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third outlet temperature range.

[0017] The first outlet temperature range is smaller than the second outlet temperature range, and the lower limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the first outlet temperature range, while the upper limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the second outlet temperature range.

[0018] In one embodiment, the operating parameters of the first fuel cell stack include a first hydrogen pressure range; the operating parameters of the second fuel cell stack include a second hydrogen pressure range; and the operating parameters of the third fuel cell stack include a third hydrogen pressure range.

[0019] The upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the second hydrogen pressure range, and the lower limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than the lower limit of the first hydrogen pressure range, while the upper limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first stack operating parameters include a first stoichiometric range; the second stack operating parameters include a stoichiometric range; and the third stack operating parameters include a stoichiometric range.

[0021] The relative fluctuations between the first stoichiometric range, the second stoichiometric range, and the third stoichiometric range are within a preset range.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first voltage range is greater than the second voltage range; the upper limit of the second voltage range is within the third voltage range, and the upper limit of the third voltage range is between the upper limit of the second voltage range and the lower limit of the first voltage range.

[0023] In one embodiment, the third duration is longer than the first duration, and the first duration is longer than the second duration.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0025] If the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is not within the preset range, return to the step of controlling the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state until the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is less than the preset value.

[0026] Secondly, this application also provides a fuel cell stack activation apparatus. The apparatus includes:

[0027] An assembly module is used to connect an electronic load in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and to introduce hydrogen and air into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0028] The first control module is used to control the operation of the fuel cell stack to be activated in a first operating state. The first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters.

[0029] The second control module is used to stop the air supply to the cathode after the first operating state ends, and to control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition pass through the proton exchange membrane and electrons to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within the second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters.

[0030] The third control module is used to re-introduce air to the cathode after the second operating state ends, and control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration under the third stack operating parameters, keeping the voltage of the electronic load within the third voltage range.

[0031] The activation module is used to terminate the activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

[0032] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device. The computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0033] An electronic load is connected in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and hydrogen and air are introduced into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0034] The fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in a first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters;

[0035] After the first operating state ends, the air supply to the cathode is stopped, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated operates for a second duration with the voltage of the electronic load maintained within the second voltage range under the second stack operating parameters.

[0036] After the second operating state ends, air is introduced into the cathode again, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration with the electronic load voltage within the third voltage range under the third stack operating parameters;

[0037] The activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated ends when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first anode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second anode humidity range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third anode humidity range.

[0039] The lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, and the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range; the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

[0040] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0041] An electronic load is connected in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and hydrogen and air are introduced into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0042] The fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in a first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters;

[0043] After the first operating state ends, the air supply to the cathode is stopped, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated operates for a second duration with the voltage of the electronic load maintained within the second voltage range under the second stack operating parameters.

[0044] After the second operating state ends, air is introduced into the cathode again, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration with the electronic load voltage within the third voltage range under the third stack operating parameters;

[0045] The activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated ends when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first anode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second anode humidity range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third anode humidity range.

[0047] The lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, and the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range; the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

[0048] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0049] An electronic load is connected in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and hydrogen and air are introduced into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0050] The fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in a first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters;

[0051] After the first operating state ends, the air supply to the cathode is stopped, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated operates for a second duration with the voltage of the electronic load maintained within the second voltage range under the second stack operating parameters.

[0052] After the second operating state ends, air is introduced into the cathode again, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration with the electronic load voltage within the third voltage range under the third stack operating parameters;

[0053] The activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated ends when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first anode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second anode humidity range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third anode humidity range.

[0055] The lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, and the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range; the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

[0056] The aforementioned method and apparatus for activating a vehicle fuel cell stack, when the fuel cell stack to be activated starts working, controls the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in a first operating state. In this first operating state, the water generated from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and air on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack humidifies the proton exchange membrane, preventing "flooding" and improving the discharge performance of the fuel cell stack. After the first operating state ends, the fuel cell stack is controlled to operate in a second operating state. Without adding hydrogen, hydrogen protons and electrons regenerate hydrogen at the cathode. The regenerated hydrogen is used to rapidly reduce the oxides of PtOH and PtO on the catalyst layer surface, improving the electrochemical properties of the catalyst layer. By increasing the reaction area, the catalyst layer can quickly establish an efficient three-phase interface reaction, improving the activity and utilization rate of the catalyst layer and enhancing the discharge performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated. After the second operating state ends, the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to enter the third operating state, accelerating the electrochemical reaction, oxygen reduction reaction and other processes within the fuel cell stack. This constructs a highly efficient porous structure in the electrode catalyst layer, increases the number of reaction sites and water transport channels in the catalyst layer, thereby establishing a stable membrane electrode structure, promoting the transport channels of protons, electrons, fuel and liquid water, improving the performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated and significantly shortening the activation time. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is an application environment diagram of the vehicle fuel cell stack activation method in one embodiment;

[0058] Figure 2This is a schematic flowchart of a method for activating a vehicle fuel cell stack in one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the same parameter range among the first, second, and third fuel cell stack operating parameters in one embodiment;

[0060] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of an automotive fuel cell stack activation device in one embodiment;

[0061] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the internal structure of a terminal in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0063] The vehicle fuel cell stack activation method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the application environment shown, the electronic load 102 is connected in parallel between the anode 106 and cathode 108 of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated. Hydrogen and air are respectively introduced into the anode 106 and cathode 108 of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated. The terminal controls the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated to operate in a first operating state. The first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane 112 of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated. The first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load 102 within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters.

[0064] After the first operating state ends, the terminal stops supplying air to the cathode and controls the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane 112 to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer 114 on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load 102 within the second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters.

[0065] After the second operating state ends, the terminal introduces air into the cathode again and controls the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated when the catalyst layer 114 produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated maintaining the voltage of the electronic load 102 within the third voltage range for a third duration under the third stack operating parameters.

[0066] The activation process of the fuel cell stack 104 to be activated ends when the voltage fluctuation is less than a preset value. The terminal 102 can be, but is not limited to, various desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices can include smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, and smart vehicle devices. Portable wearable devices can include smartwatches, smart bracelets, and head-mounted devices. The server 104 can be implemented using a standalone server or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a method for activating a vehicle fuel cell stack is provided, which is then applied to... Figure 1 Taking the terminal in the example, the explanation includes the following steps:

[0068] Step 202: Connect the electronic load in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and introduce hydrogen and air into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0069] Among them, the fuel cell stack to be activated is composed of dozens or even hundreds of individual cells connected in series and the internal structure is tightly sealed together with fasteners to form a fuel cell stack, or simply a stack.

[0070] An electronic load is part of a fuel cell test bench used to verify the power output capability of a fuel cell stack to be activated. A fuel cell test bench is a stack testing system that can provide hydrogen, air, cooling water, and nitrogen systems and includes an electronic load.

[0071] The fuel cell power generation process is as follows: The fuel cell stack to be activated is connected to the fuel cell test bench, and an electronic load is connected in parallel between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell stack to be activated. Hydrogen gas is introduced into the anode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and air is introduced into the cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The hydrogen gas is decomposed into positively charged hydrogen protons and negatively charged electrons at the anode. The hydrogen protons move in the electrolyte and react with the oxygen provided on the cathode side through the proton exchange membrane to generate water. The electrons return to the cathode side through the external electronic load to participate in the reaction. The continuous reaction promotes the continuous flow of electrons, forming direct current.

[0072] Specifically, the terminal fuel cell stack to be activated is connected to the fuel cell test bench, and the electronic load is connected in parallel between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell stack to be activated. Hydrogen is introduced into the anode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and air is introduced into the cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0073] Step 204: Control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within the first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters.

[0074] The proton exchange membrane (PEM) plays multiple roles in the process, including conducting hydrogen protons (H+), preventing electron transfer, and isolating the anode and cathode reactions. The catalyst layers on both sides of the PEM are the sites for the electrochemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen. If the PEM has poor wettability, its hydrogen proton transport capacity is low, and the performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated will decrease. Current methods to increase the wettability of the PEM generally involve increasing the relative humidity of oxygen at the cathode and increasing the water concentration on the cathode side, thereby humidifying the PEM. However, during the operation of the fuel cell stack to be activated, hydrogen protons react with the oxygen supplied to the cathode side through the PEM, generating water. This can lead to excessive water on the cathode side, causing a "flooding" phenomenon that hinders the diffusion of hydrogen protons within the PEM, resulting in a lower output voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated. Therefore, to solve the above problems, this embodiment controls the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the first operating state when it starts working. The water generated by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and air on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated in the first operating state is used to humidify the proton exchange membrane, so as to avoid the "flooding" phenomenon and improve the discharge performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0075] The first stack operating parameters refer to the internal environmental parameters and operating parameters of the fuel cell stack to be activated. For example, the first stack operating parameters include: the mass of hydrogen and air, the output voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated, the operating time, the temperature and humidity of the cathode and anode within the fuel cell stack, and the gas pressure of hydrogen and air. The amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air is related to the first stack operating parameters. The amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane can be calculated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Maintaining the water content within a certain range ensures the reliability of the fuel cell stack to be activated. Therefore, to ensure that the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air is balanced with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated, this embodiment sets a first operating state including the fuel cell stack to be activated operating within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters.

[0076] The voltage of the electronic load refers to the DC voltage formed by the continuous flow of electrons returning to the cathode side through the external electronic load to participate in the reaction. The first voltage range refers to the voltage range within which the electronic load voltage is maintained when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated. For example, when the electronic load voltage is maintained within the range of v1-v2, the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0077] Specifically, the terminal controls the operation of the fuel cell stack to be activated under the first stack operating parameters, maintaining the voltage of the electronic load within the first voltage range for a first duration, so that the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches a balance with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0078] Step 206: After the first operating state ends, stop supplying air to the cathode and control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the second operating state; the second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition pass through the proton exchange membrane and electrons to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within the second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters.

[0079] The catalyst layer is located on both sides of the proton exchange membrane. It plays a role in reducing the activation energy of the electrode reaction and increasing the reaction rate. By reducing the activation polarization energy of the fuel cell, it significantly improves the power density of the fuel cell and greatly affects the performance of the fuel cell.

[0080] Platinum oxides, such as PtOH and PtO, are present on the surface of the catalyst layer. These oxides clog the pores of the catalyst layer, hindering the diffusion of hydrogen protons in the proton exchange membrane and resulting in a low output voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated. Therefore, to solve this problem, it is necessary to reduce the platinum oxides on the catalyst layer surface. Existing methods for reducing platinum oxides on the catalyst layer surface generally involve increasing the amount of hydrogen on the anode side. While the input hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce water, it also undergoes a reduction reaction with the platinum oxides. However, this method consumes a large amount of hydrogen. Therefore, to reduce the amount of hydrogen, in this embodiment, after the first operating state ends, the air supply to the cathode is stopped, pausing the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen protons and electrons at the cathode generate hydrogen, which can act as a reducing agent, reacting with the platinum oxides on the catalyst layer surface. In this embodiment, the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to be in a hypoxic state. Under hypoxic conditions and without adding hydrogen, hydrogen protons and electrons are used to regenerate hydrogen at the cathode. The regenerated hydrogen is used to quickly reduce the oxides of PtOH and PtO on the surface of the catalyst layer, thereby increasing the electrochemical reaction area of ​​the catalyst layer. This allows the catalyst layer to quickly establish an efficient three-phase interface reaction, that is, to establish an efficient reaction between gas (fuel), liquid (water) and solid (catalyst), thereby improving the activity and utilization rate of the catalyst layer and enhancing the discharge performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0081] The second stack operating parameters refer to the internal environmental parameters and operating parameters of the fuel cell stack to be activated. For example, these parameters include: the mass of hydrogen and air, the output voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated, the operating time, the temperature and humidity of the cathode and anode within the fuel cell stack, and the gas pressure of hydrogen and air. Since the chemical reaction within the fuel cell stack to be activated is an electrochemical reaction, the voltage of the electron load directly affects the duration of the chemical reaction between hydrogen and the platinum oxide on the catalyst layer surface. Therefore, to ensure that when the fuel cell stack to be activated is in a hypoxic state, the hydrogen regenerated from the protons and electrons at the cathode can completely reduce the platinum oxide on the catalyst layer surface, this embodiment controls the fuel cell stack to be activated under the second stack operating parameters, maintaining the electron load voltage within a second voltage range for a second operating time.

[0082] The second voltage range refers to the voltage range within which the electron load voltage is maintained when hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to produce hydrogen at the cathode, and when the hydrogen undergoes a reduction reaction with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0083] Specifically, after the first operating state ends, the terminal stops supplying air to the cathode and controls the fuel cell stack to be activated to maintain the voltage of the electronic load within the second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters, so that the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition pass through the proton exchange membrane and generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0084] Step 208: After the second operating state ends, air is introduced into the cathode again, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration under the third stack operating parameters, keeping the voltage of the electronic load within the third voltage range.

[0085] In this process, the catalyst in the catalyst layer decomposes during its action, forming a porous structure. This porous structure increases the number of reaction sites and water transport channels in the reactant-catalyst-ionic polymer layer. To obtain more porous results more quickly, this embodiment controls the fuel cell stack to be activated under the third stack operating parameters, maintaining the electron load voltage within the third voltage range for a third duration. By controlling the third stack operating parameters and the electron load voltage, the electrochemical reaction and oxygen reduction reaction processes within the fuel cell stack to be activated are accelerated, constructing a highly efficient porous structure in the electrode catalyst layer. This increases the number of reaction sites and water transport channels in the reactant-catalyst-ionic polymer layer, thereby establishing a stable membrane electrode structure, promoting the transport channels of protons, electrons, fuel, and liquid water, improving the performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and significantly shortening the activation time of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0086] The third voltage range refers to the voltage range within which the electron load is maintained when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of a chemical reaction.

[0087] Specifically, after the second operating state ends, the terminal controls the fuel cell test bench to introduce air into the cathode again, and controls the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate under the third stack operating parameters, keeping the voltage of the electronic load within the third voltage range for a third duration, so that the catalyst layer of the fuel cell stack to be activated will generate a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction.

[0088] Step 210: When the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is within a preset range, the activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated is terminated.

[0089] The voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated refers to the DC voltage output by the fuel cell stack. The preset range can be set according to actual needs; for example, the preset range can be that the voltage fluctuation of a single fuel cell in the stack is within 5-10mV.

[0090] Specifically, when the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is within a preset range, the activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated ends; if the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is not within the preset range, the process returns to the step of controlling the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state until the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is less than the preset value.

[0091] In the aforementioned method for activating a vehicle fuel cell stack, when the fuel cell stack to be activated starts working, it is controlled to operate in a first operating state. The water generated from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and air on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack during this first operating state humidifies the proton exchange membrane, preventing "flooding" and improving the discharge performance of the fuel cell stack. After the first operating state ends, the fuel cell stack is controlled to enter a second operating state. Without adding hydrogen, hydrogen protons and electrons regenerate hydrogen at the cathode. This newly generated hydrogen rapidly reduces the oxides of PtOH and PtO on the catalyst layer surface, improving the electrochemical properties of the catalyst layer. The increased reaction area allows the catalyst layer to quickly establish a highly efficient three-phase interface reaction, improving the activity and utilization rate of the catalyst layer and enhancing the discharge performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated. After the second operating state ends, the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to enter the third operating state, accelerating the electrochemical reaction, oxygen reduction reaction and other processes within the fuel cell stack. This constructs a highly efficient porous structure in the electrode catalyst layer, increasing the number of reaction sites and water transport channels in the reactant-catalyst-ionic polymer layer, thereby establishing a stable membrane electrode structure. This promotes the transport channels of protons, electrons, fuel and liquid water, improving the performance of the fuel cell stack to be activated while significantly shortening the activation time.

[0092] In one embodiment, the operating parameters of the first fuel cell stack include: a first anode humidity range, a first cathode humidity range, a first outlet temperature range, a first hydrogen pressure range, a first air pressure range, and a first stoichiometric ratio range;

[0093] The operating parameters of the second fuel cell stack include: second anode humidity range, second cathode humidity range, second outlet temperature range, second hydrogen pressure range, second air pressure range, and second stoichiometric ratio range.

[0094] The third stack operating parameters include: the third anode humidity range, the third cathode humidity range, the third outlet temperature range, the third hydrogen pressure range, the third air pressure range, and the third stoichiometric ratio range.

[0095] In one embodiment, in the first operating state, hydrogen protons react with oxygen supplied to the cathode side through the proton exchange membrane to generate water. The generated water is used to humidify the proton exchange membrane and is not discharged from the fuel cell to be activated. Therefore, the anode humidity is the highest in the first operating state in this embodiment. In the second operating state, air is stopped from being supplied to the cathode, and the fuel cell to be activated is in a hypoxic state. The process of hydrogen reacting with oxygen to generate water is suspended. Therefore, the anode humidity tends to decrease in the second operating state in this embodiment. In the third operating state, the output voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated tends to stabilize, that is, the proton exchange membrane humidification, platinum oxide reduction, and catalyst layer pore formation in the early stage of the fuel cell to be activated have been completed. At this time, the chemical reaction inside the fuel cell to be activated tends to stabilize, and the generated water is discharged from the fuel cell to be activated. Therefore, the anode humidity of the fuel cell to be activated in this embodiment is the lowest in the third operating state.

[0096] Based on the above reasons, the anode humidity range in the first, second, and third operating states is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range, and the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

[0097] For example, the first anode humidity range is 60%RH-100%RH, the second anode humidity range is 60%RH-80%RH, and the third anode humidity range is 30%RH-50%RH.

[0098] In one embodiment, unlike the humidity on the anode side, in the first operating state, hydrogen protons react with oxygen supplied on the cathode side through the proton exchange membrane to generate water that remains on the cathode side. Although the humidity on the cathode side also tends to decrease, the water generated by the reaction of hydrogen protons with oxygen supplied on the cathode side through the proton exchange membrane is retained on the cathode side. Therefore, the humidity on the cathode side decreases more slowly.

[0099] Based on the above reasons, the cathode humidity range in the first, second, and third operating states is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the lower limit of the first cathode humidity range is within the second cathode humidity range, the lower limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the second cathode humidity range, and the upper limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the first cathode humidity range.

[0100] For example, the first cathode humidity range is 40%RH-60%RH, the second cathode humidity range is 30RH%-55RH%, and the third cathode humidity range is 30RH%-40RH.

[0101] In one embodiment, in the first operating state, the fuel cell stack to be activated has just started up, therefore, the first outlet temperature range is the smallest; in the second operating state, the platinum oxide on the surface of the catalyst layer inside the fuel cell to be activated undergoes a reduction reaction. In order to accelerate the reduction reaction process, the temperature of the fuel cell to be activated can be increased to promote the reduction reaction. Therefore, in the second operating state, the second outlet temperature range is the highest; in the third operating state, the reduction reaction is basically completed, and the output voltage of the fuel cell stack to be activated tends to stabilize. Therefore, the third outlet temperature range will be smaller than the second outlet temperature range. Moreover, as the activation time increases, the lower limit of the third outlet temperature range will definitely be higher than the temperature when the fuel cell stack to be activated is just started up, that is, the lower limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the first outlet temperature range.

[0102] Based on the above reasons, the outlet temperature range in the first, second, and third operating states is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the first outlet temperature range is smaller than the second outlet temperature range, and the lower limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the first outlet temperature range, while the upper limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the second outlet temperature range.

[0103] For example, the first outlet temperature range is 55-65℃, the second outlet temperature range is 70-85℃, and the third outlet temperature range is 60-75℃.

[0104] In one embodiment, the gas pressure on both the positive and negative sides should generally be consistent. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hydrogen pressure range follows the same trend as the air pressure range. The hydrogen pressure is used as an example for illustration. The gas pressure of the fuel cell stack to be activated should be kept balanced. Therefore, in the first and third operating states, the hydrogen pressure range tends to be consistent. However, in the second operating state, the platinum oxide on the surface of the catalyst layer inside the fuel cell undergoes a reduction reaction to produce oxygen, resulting in the largest hydrogen pressure range in the second operating state.

[0105] Based on the above reasons, the hydrogen pressure range and air pressure range in the first, second, and third operating states are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the second hydrogen pressure range, and the lower limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than the lower limit of the first hydrogen pressure range; the upper limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range. Similarly, the upper limit of the first air pressure range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the second air pressure range, and the lower limit of the third air pressure range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first air pressure range; the upper limit of the third air pressure range is less than or equal to the upper limit of the first air pressure range.

[0106] For example, the first hydrogen pressure range is 100-130 kPa, the second hydrogen pressure range is 130-150 kPa, and the third hydrogen pressure range is 90-130 kPa. The first air pressure range is 80- kPa, the second air pressure range is -130 kPa, and the third air pressure range is 80- kPa.

[0107] In one embodiment, the stoichiometric ratio between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated should be constant under different states; however, in practice, the stoichiometric ratio between the anode and cathode is maintained within a preset range. Therefore, based on the above reasons, in the first operating state, the second operating state, and the third operating state, as... Figure 3 As shown, the relative fluctuations between the first stoichiometric range, the second stoichiometric range, and the third stoichiometric range are within a preset range.

[0108] For example, the first stoichiometric ratio range is (1.5-1.8):(2.0-2.5), the second stoichiometric ratio range is (1.3-1.6):(1.8-2.2), and the third stoichiometric ratio range is (1.4-1.7):(1.6-2.0).

[0109] In one embodiment, in the first operating state, hydrogen protons react with oxygen supplied from the cathode side through the proton exchange membrane to generate water. To rapidly humidify the proton exchange membrane, the decomposition voltage can be increased, thereby accelerating the movement of water molecules and thus rapidly humidifying the proton exchange membrane. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first voltage range is the highest. In the second operating state, the fuel cell to be activated undergoes a redox reaction. To ensure that all platinum oxide is reduced, the reduction time of platinum oxide needs to be delayed. In this embodiment, the voltage is reduced based on the first voltage range to decrease molecular movement and prolong the reduction time of platinum oxide. Therefore, the second voltage range is smaller than the first voltage range. In the third operating state... In the operating state, the fuel cell stack to be activated undergoes oxidation and redox reactions, which generate heat. This heat heats the fuel cell stack to be activated, accelerating the formation of pores in the catalyst layer. To ensure the safety of the fuel cell stack to be activated and to accelerate the formation of pores in the catalyst layer, the voltage in the second operating state can be maintained, or the voltage can be increased based on the second voltage range to accelerate the formation of pores in the catalyst layer. To ensure the safety of the fuel cell stack to be activated, the voltage increase range should not be too large. Therefore, the upper limit of the third voltage range is between the upper limit of the second voltage range and the lower limit of the first voltage range.

[0110] Based on the above reasons, the first voltage range is larger than the second voltage range; the upper limit of the second voltage range is within the third voltage range, and the upper limit of the third voltage range is between the upper limit of the second voltage range and the lower limit of the first voltage range.

[0111] For example, the first voltage range is 0.72V-0.80V, the second voltage range is 0.58V-0.65V, and the third voltage range is 0.6V-0.68V.

[0112] In one embodiment, in the second operating state, the reduction reaction of platinum oxide on the surface of the catalyst layer inside the fuel cell to be activated occurs very quickly, therefore the second operating time is the shortest; in the third operating state, the fuel cell to be activated undergoes activation, therefore the third operating time is the longest. That is, among the first, second, and third operating states, the third operating time is longer than the first operating time, and the first operating time is longer than the second operating time, i.e., the third operating time > the first operating time > the second operating time.

[0113] For example, the first duration is 7-12 minutes, the second duration is 2-5 minutes, and the third duration is 25-35 minutes.

[0114] In this embodiment, in the first, second, and third operating states, by setting the anode humidity range, cathode humidity range, outlet temperature range, hydrogen pressure range, air pressure range, and stoichiometric ratio range, the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction between hydrogen and air can be balanced with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode. The generated hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and the catalyst layer generates a porous structure under the action of the chemical reaction.

[0115] In one embodiment, multiple embodiments are provided, wherein:

[0116] Example 1: The 230kW battery stack to be activated was installed on a fuel cell test bench, and the hydrogen, air, cooling water, and electronic load power supply were connected. The dew point temperatures of the anode and cathode humidifiers, the anode and cathode pipeline temperatures, and the water pump temperature were set for preheating. After preheating, the following operating parameters were set: gas pressures at the anode and cathode were 100kPa and 80kPa, respectively; anode humidity was 100% RH, and cathode humidity was 60% RH; the stack outlet temperature was 65℃; the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.8:2.5; the electronic load was connected, and the voltage was set to 0.80V, and the system was run for 12 minutes.

[0117] The air-side fuel was shut off, the voltage of the electronic load was reduced to 0.65V, the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.6:2.2, the gas pressures of the anode and cathode were 150kPa and 130kPa, respectively, the humidity of the anode and cathode was 80%RH and 55%RH, the stack outlet temperature was 85℃, and the operating time was 5min.

[0118] Turn on the air-fuel supply, load the electronic load to 0.7V, set the stoichiometric ratio of anode to cathode to 1.7:2.0, set the gas pressure of anode to cathode to 130kPa and 110kPa, set the humidity of anode to cathode to 40%RH and 30%RH, set the stack outlet temperature to 75℃, run for 35 minutes, and stabilize the voltage.

[0119] Switch the electronic load to electrical density mode at 1200mA / cm 2 After 5 minutes of constant current operation, the voltage change before and after the current change was less than 8mV, indicating that the fuel cell stack activation was complete. The total activation time was approximately 57 minutes.

[0120] Example 2: The 230kW battery stack to be activated was installed on a test bench, and the hydrogen, air, cooling water, and electronic load power supply were connected. The dew point temperatures of the anode and cathode humidifiers, the anode and cathode pipeline temperatures, and the water pump temperature were set for preheating. After preheating, the following operating parameters were set: gas pressures at the anode and cathode were 130kPa and 110kPa, respectively; anode humidity was 60% RH, and cathode humidity was 40% RH; the stack outlet temperature was 55℃; the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.5:2.0; the electronic load was connected, and the voltage was set to 0.7V, and the operation lasted for 7 minutes.

[0121] The air-side fuel was shut off, the voltage of the electronic load was reduced to 0.6V, the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.3:1.8, the gas pressures of the anode and cathode were 130kPa and 110kPa, the humidity of the anode and cathode was 60%RH and 30%RH, the stack outlet temperature was 70℃, and the operating time was 2min.

[0122] Turn on the air-fuel supply, load the electronic load to 0.60V, set the stoichiometric ratio of anode to cathode to 1.4:1.6, set the gas pressure of anode to cathode to 90kPa and 80kPa, set the humidity of anode to cathode to 50%RH and 30%RH, set the stack outlet temperature to 60℃, run for 25 minutes, and stabilize the voltage.

[0123] Switch the electronic load to electrical density mode at 1200mA / cm 2 After 5 minutes of constant current operation, the voltage change before and after the current change is less than 5mV, indicating that the fuel cell stack activation is complete. The total activation time for the fuel cell stack is approximately 34 minutes.

[0124] Example 3: The 230kW battery stack to be activated was installed on a test platform, and the hydrogen, air, cooling water, and electronic load power supply were connected. The dew point temperatures of the anode and cathode humidifiers, the anode and cathode pipeline temperatures, and the water pump temperature were set for preheating. After preheating, the following operating parameters were set: gas pressures at the anode and cathode were 115kPa and 95kPa, respectively; anode humidity was 80%RH and cathode humidity was 50%RH; the stack outlet temperature was 60℃; the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.6:2.3; the electronic load was connected with a voltage of 0.8V, and the system was run for 10 minutes.

[0125] The air-side fuel was shut off, the voltage of the electronic load was reduced to 0.6V, the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.4:2.0, the gas pressures of the anode and cathode were 140kPa and 120kPa, the humidity of the anode and cathode was 70%RH and 40%RH, the stack outlet temperature was 77℃, and the operating time was 3min.

[0126] Turn on the air-fuel supply, load the electronic load to 0.65V, set the stoichiometric ratio of anode to cathode to 1.5:1.8, set the gas pressure of anode to cathode to 110kPa and 105kPa, set the humidity of anode to cathode to 40%RH and 35%RH, set the stack outlet temperature to 67℃, run for 30 minutes, and the voltage stabilized.

[0127] Switch the electronic load to electrical density mode at 1200mA / cm 2 After 5 minutes of constant current operation, the voltage change before and after the current change was less than 5mV, indicating that the fuel cell stack activation was complete. The total activation time was approximately 43 minutes.

[0128] Example 4: The 230kW battery stack to be activated was installed on the test platform, and the hydrogen, air, cooling water, and electronic load power supply were connected. The dew point temperatures of the anode and cathode humidifiers, the anode and cathode pipeline temperatures, and the water pump temperature were set for preheating. After preheating, the following operating parameters were set: gas pressures at the anode and cathode were 90 kPa and 70 kPa, respectively; anode humidity was 50% RH, and cathode humidity was 30% RH; the stack outlet temperature was 50°C; the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.3:1.8; the electronic load was connected, and the voltage was set to 0.85V, and the operation lasted for 6 minutes.

[0129] The air-side fuel was shut off, the voltage of the electronic load was reduced to 0.55V, the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 1.2:1.6, the gas pressures of the anode and cathode were 120kPa and 100kPa, the humidity of the anode and cathode was 50%RH and 20%RH, the stack outlet temperature was 65℃, and the operating time was 2min.

[0130] Turn on the air-fuel supply, load the electronic load to 0.55V, set the stoichiometric ratio of anode to cathode to 1.3:1.5, set the gas pressure of anode to cathode to 80kPa and 60kPa, set the humidity of anode to cathode to 20%RH, set the outlet temperature of the fuel cell stack to 58℃, run for 20 minutes, and stabilize the voltage.

[0131] Switch the electronic load to electrical density mode at 1200mA / cm 2 After 5 minutes of constant current operation, the voltage change before and after the current change is less than 5mV, indicating that the fuel cell stack activation is complete. The total activation time for the fuel cell stack is approximately 28 minutes.

[0132] Example 5: The 230kW battery stack to be activated was installed on the test platform, and the hydrogen, air, cooling water, and electronic load power supply were connected. The dew point temperature of the anode and cathode humidifiers, the anode and cathode pipeline temperatures, and the water pump temperature were set for preheating. After preheating, the following operating parameters were set: gas pressures at the anode and cathode were 150kPa and 130kPa, respectively; anode humidity was 50%RH and cathode humidity was 65%RH; the stack outlet temperature was 70℃; the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 2:2.5; the electronic load was connected with a voltage of 0.83V, and the system was run for 15 minutes.

[0133] The air-side fuel was shut off, the voltage of the electronic load was reduced to 0.7V, the stoichiometric ratio of the anode to the cathode was 2:2.5, the gas pressures of the anode and cathode were 160kPa and 140kPa, the humidity of the anode and cathode was 100%RH and 60%RH, the stack outlet temperature was 88℃, and the operating time was 10min.

[0134] Turn on the air-fuel supply, load the electronic load to 0.75V, set the stoichiometric ratio of anode to cathode to 2:2.5, set the gas pressure of anode to cathode to 150kPa and 170kPa, set the humidity of anode to cathode to 60%RH and 50%RH, set the stack outlet temperature to 80℃, run for 40 minutes, and stabilize the voltage.

[0135] Switch the electronic load to electrical density mode at 1200mA / cm 2After 5 minutes of constant current operation, the voltage change before and after the current change is less than 5mV, indicating that the fuel cell stack activation is complete. The total activation time for the fuel cell stack is approximately 65 minutes.

[0136] The results of Examples 1 to 5 are shown in the table below:

[0137]

[0138] Here, current density@0.6V represents the current density at a voltage of 0.6V. Based on the relationship between voltage, current, and power, under constant voltage, a higher current results in a higher output power of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and a better activation effect. Specifically, current density represents the amount of electricity passing through a unit area per unit time; a higher current density indicates a higher current and a better activation effect.

[0139] Comparing the above five embodiments, it can be seen that, comparing the data of Embodiment 1 with that before activation, the current density of Embodiment 1 at 0.6V is increased by 39% after activation compared to the current density before activation; the current density at 0.65V is increased by 40% after activation compared to the current density before activation; the current density at 0.7V is increased by 23% after activation compared to the current density before activation; and the current density at 0.8V is increased by 65% ​​after activation compared to the current density before activation.

[0140] Comparing the data from Example 5 with those before activation, it can be seen that the current density in Example 5 at 0.6V increased by 5% after activation compared to the current density before activation; the current density at 0.65V increased by 16.7% after activation compared to the current density before activation; the current density at 0.7V increased by 1.5% after activation compared to the current density before activation; and the current density at 0.8V increased by 15% after activation compared to the current density before activation. The performance improvement in Example 5 is very small. Similarly, the performance improvement in Example 4 compared to the current density before activation is also very small.

[0141] Therefore, comparing Example 1 and Example 5, it is evident that Example 1 significantly improves rated efficiency by 40% and power output by up to 65% under normal operating conditions. It achieves high power density output in the shortest time with voltage variation <5mV, demonstrating good stability. Activation according to the anode humidity range, cathode humidity range, outlet temperature range, hydrogen pressure range, air pressure range, and stoichiometric ratio range in this example can shorten the activation time of the fuel cell stack to be activated.

[0142] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0143] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a fuel cell stack activation device for implementing the above-described vehicle fuel cell stack activation method. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more embodiments of the fuel cell stack activation device provided below can be found in the limitations of the vehicle fuel cell stack activation method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0144] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a fuel cell stack activation device is provided, comprising:

[0145] Assembly module 401 is used to connect an electronic load in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and to introduce hydrogen and air into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, respectively.

[0146] The first control module 402 is used to control the operation of the fuel cell stack to be activated in a first operating state. The first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters.

[0147] The second control module 403 is used to stop the air supply to the cathode after the first operating state ends, and control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the second operating state; the second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition pass through the proton exchange membrane and electrons to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within the second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters;

[0148] The third control module 404 is used to re-introduce air to the cathode after the second operating state ends, and control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated maintaining the voltage of the electronic load within the third voltage range for a third duration under the third stack operating parameters.

[0149] The activation module 405 is used to terminate the activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is within a preset range.

[0150] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first anode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second anode humidity range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third anode humidity range.

[0151] The lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, and the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range; the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

[0152] In one embodiment, the first stack operating parameters include a first cathode humidity range; the second stack operating parameters include a second cathode humidity range; and the third stack operating parameters include a third cathode humidity range.

[0153] The lower limit of the first cathode humidity range is within the second cathode humidity range, the lower limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the second cathode humidity range, and the upper limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the first cathode humidity range.

[0154] In one embodiment, the first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first outlet temperature range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second outlet temperature range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third outlet temperature range.

[0155] The first outlet temperature range is smaller than the second outlet temperature range, and the lower limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the first outlet temperature range, while the upper limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the second outlet temperature range.

[0156] In one embodiment, the operating parameters of the first fuel cell stack include a first hydrogen pressure range; the operating parameters of the second fuel cell stack include a second hydrogen pressure range; and the operating parameters of the third fuel cell stack include a third hydrogen pressure range.

[0157] The upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the second hydrogen pressure range, and the lower limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than the lower limit of the first hydrogen pressure range, while the upper limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first stack operating parameters include a first stoichiometric range; the second stack operating parameters include a stoichiometric range; and the third stack operating parameters include a stoichiometric range.

[0159] The relative fluctuations between the first stoichiometric range, the second stoichiometric range, and the third stoichiometric range are within a preset range.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first voltage range is greater than the second voltage range; the upper limit of the second voltage range is within the third voltage range, and the upper limit of the third voltage range is between the upper limit of the second voltage range and the lower limit of the first voltage range.

[0161] In one embodiment, the third duration is longer than the first duration, and the first duration is longer than the second duration.

[0162] In one embodiment, the activation module 405 is used to return to the step of controlling the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state when the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is not within the preset range, until the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is less than the preset value.

[0163] Each module in the aforementioned fuel cell activation device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0164] In one embodiment, a terminal is provided, the internal structure of which can be shown as follows: Figure 5As shown, the terminal includes a processor, memory, input / output interface, communication interface, display unit, and input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interface are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interface. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage medium. The input / output interface is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a method for activating a fuel cell stack for vehicles. The display unit of the computer device is used to form a visually visible image. It can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0166] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0167] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0168] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0169] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data shall comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions.

[0170] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0171] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0172] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for activating a vehicle fuel cell stack, characterized in that, The method includes: An electronic load is connected in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, and hydrogen and air are respectively introduced into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in a first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters. After the first operating state ends, the air supply to the cathode is stopped, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the second operating state. The second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within the second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters. After the second operating state ends, air is introduced into the cathode again, and the fuel cell stack to be activated is controlled to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated operating for a third duration with the voltage of the electronic load within the third voltage range under the third stack operating parameters; The activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated ends when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first anode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second anode humidity range; the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third anode humidity range. The lower limit of the second anode humidity range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first anode humidity range, and the upper limit of the second anode humidity range is less than the upper limit of the first anode humidity range; the third anode humidity range is less than the first anode humidity range.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first cathode humidity range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second cathode humidity range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third cathode humidity range. The lower limit of the first cathode humidity range is within the second cathode humidity range, the lower limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the second cathode humidity range, and the upper limit of the third cathode humidity range is equal to the lower limit of the first cathode humidity range.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first outlet temperature range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second outlet temperature range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third outlet temperature range. The first outlet temperature range is smaller than the second outlet temperature range, and the lower limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the first outlet temperature range, while the upper limit of the third outlet temperature range is within the second outlet temperature range.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first hydrogen pressure range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second hydrogen pressure range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third hydrogen pressure range. The upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the second hydrogen pressure range, and the lower limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than the lower limit of the first hydrogen pressure range, while the upper limit of the third hydrogen pressure range is less than or equal to the upper limit of the first hydrogen pressure range.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fuel cell stack operating parameters include a first stoichiometric range; the second fuel cell stack operating parameters include a second stoichiometric range; and the third fuel cell stack operating parameters include a third stoichiometric range. The relative fluctuations between the first stoichiometric range, the second stoichiometric range, and the third stoichiometric range are within a preset range.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first voltage range is greater than the second voltage range; the upper limit of the second voltage range is within the third voltage range, and the upper limit of the third voltage range is between the upper limit of the second voltage range and the lower limit of the first voltage range.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third duration is longer than the first duration, and the first duration is longer than the second duration.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is not within the preset range, the process returns to the step of controlling the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state until the voltage fluctuation of the fuel cell stack to be activated is less than the preset value.

10. An activation device for a vehicle fuel cell stack, characterized in that, The device includes: An assembly module is used to connect an electronic load in parallel between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated, wherein hydrogen and air are respectively introduced into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell stack to be activated. The first control module is used to control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in a first operating state; the first operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the amount of water generated after the chemical reaction of hydrogen and air reaches equilibrium with the amount of water required by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the first operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a first voltage range for a first duration under the first stack operating parameters. The second control module is used to stop supplying air to the cathode after the first operating state ends, and to control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in a second operating state; the second operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the hydrogen protons obtained after hydrogen decomposition react with electrons through the proton exchange membrane to generate hydrogen at the cathode, and the hydrogen reacts with the oxides on the surface of the catalyst layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be activated; the second operating state includes: the fuel cell stack to be activated maintains the voltage of the electronic load within a second voltage range for a second duration under the second stack operating parameters; The third control module is used to introduce air into the cathode again after the second operating state ends, and control the fuel cell stack to be activated to operate in the third operating state; the third operating state is the state of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the catalyst layer produces a porous structure under the action of chemical reaction; the third operating state includes the fuel cell stack to be activated maintaining the voltage of the electronic load within the third voltage range for a third duration under the third stack operating parameters; The activation module is used to terminate the activation process of the fuel cell stack to be activated when the voltage fluctuation is within a preset range.

Images