Method for activating a fuel cell and device for activating a fuel cell

Abstract

The application provides an activation method of a fuel cell and an activation device of the fuel cell. The method comprises the following steps: controlling a working current of the fuel cell to be a first current; controlling the fuel cell to execute a first working condition and obtaining a first voltage; controlling the fuel cell to execute a second working condition and obtaining a second voltage; in the case that a difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, controlling the working current of the fuel cell to be a second current and obtaining a third voltage; controlling the fuel cell to execute a third working condition and obtaining a fourth voltage; determining whether a difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold, and in the case that the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, controlling the working current of the fuel cell to be a third current and controlling the fuel cell to execute a fourth working condition until a preset time is reached. The method solves the problem that the activation recovery time of the fuel cell in the prior art is relatively long.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cells, and more specifically, to a method for activating a fuel cell, an apparatus for activating a fuel cell, a computer-readable storage medium, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] After prolonged storage, fuel cell stacks often experience low overall voltage upon reuse, causing their output power to fail to meet the engine's requirements. The stack performance needs to be restored to meet factory testing standards before normal operation. Current fuel cell stack performance restoration and activation methods typically require prolonged operation under high current for 12 hours or longer, increasing hydrogen consumption and introducing significant time costs. This results in low efficiency for factory testing / performance restoration, and a single activation method cannot address all the aforementioned performance degradation issues.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fuel cell activation method that can solve the problem of high activation and recovery time and cost in existing fuel cell technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a method for activating a fuel cell, an apparatus for activating a fuel cell, a computer-readable storage medium, and an electronic device, so as to at least solve the problem of high activation and recovery time costs in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, an activation method for a fuel cell is provided, comprising: a first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell; a second control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and acquiring a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell, the first voltage is the average single-cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell having multiple single cells, each single cell corresponding to a single-cell voltage, and the average single-cell voltage being the average value of the multiple single-cell voltages; a third control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and acquiring a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is a condition for increasing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell, the second voltage is the average single-cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition; and a first determination step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, wherein if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold... The process involves several steps: First, controlling the fuel cell to operate at a second current and acquiring a third voltage. The second current is the current corresponding to the fuel cell voltage dropping to 0 when executing the third operating condition. The second current is less than or equal to the first current. The third voltage is the average cell voltage when the fuel cell's operating current is the second current after executing the second operating condition. The third operating condition is used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell. Second, controlling the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition and acquiring a fourth voltage. The fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the fuel cell's operating current is the second current after executing the third operating condition. Third, determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference is less than the second difference threshold, controlling the fuel cell's operating current to the third current and controlling the fuel cell to execute the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the fuel cell's idle current. The fourth operating condition is used to increase the air purge flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0006] Optionally, the method further includes: when the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, repeating the third control step and the first determination step at least once, and updating the first voltage in the first determination step to the second voltage in the third control step obtained in the previous repetition, until the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage in the current repetition is less than the first difference threshold.

[0007] Optionally, the method further includes: if the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, repeating the fourth control step and the second determination step at least once, and updating the third voltage in the second determination step to the fourth voltage obtained in the fourth control step in the previous repetition process, until the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage in the current repetition is less than the second difference threshold.

[0008] Optionally, controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition includes: controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the stack to 0% for a first time period; reducing the voltage of the fuel cell to 0% for a second time period for a third time period; and controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current.

[0009] Optionally, controlling the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition includes: controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the stack to 100% and continuing for a fourth time period; reducing the voltage of the fuel cell to 0 during a fifth time period and continuing for a sixth time period; and controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current.

[0010] Optionally, the fuel cell is controlled to perform a third operating condition, including: reducing the initial stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to a stoichiometry threshold and maintaining this for a seventh time period; restoring the stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to the initial stoichiometry and maintaining this for an eighth time period; and controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current.

[0011] Optionally, the fuel cell is controlled to perform a fourth operating condition, including: reducing the temperature of the fuel cell to a temperature threshold and maintaining this for a ninth time period; controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to 0; inputting nitrogen into the anode of the fuel cell to dilute the gas concentration at the anode of the fuel cell; increasing the cathode pressure of the fuel cell and decreasing the anode pressure of the fuel cell so that the cathode pressure is greater than the anode pressure and maintaining this for a tenth time period; and inputting hydrogen into the anode of the fuel cell.

[0012] According to another aspect of this application, an activation device for a fuel cell is provided, comprising: a first control unit for a first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell; a second control unit for a second control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and acquiring a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell, the first voltage is the average single-cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple single cells, each single cell corresponds to a single-cell voltage, and the average single-cell voltage is the average value of the multiple single-cell voltages; a third control unit for a third control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and acquiring a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is a condition for increasing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell, the second voltage is the average single-cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition; and a first determination unit for a first determination step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, wherein if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the determination unit determines whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold. In the case of a difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be a second current, and a third voltage is acquired. The second current is the current corresponding to the voltage drop to 0 when the fuel cell voltage drops to 0 during the execution of the third operating condition. The second current is less than or equal to the first current. The third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after executing the second operating condition. The third operating condition is a condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell. A fourth control unit is used in the fourth control step to control the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition and acquire a fourth voltage. The fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after executing the third operating condition. A second determining unit is used in the second determining step to determine whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to execute the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is a condition used to increase the air purge flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0013] According to another aspect of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform any of the methods described.

[0014] According to another aspect of this application, an electronic device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to execute any of the methods described by the computer program.

[0015] Applying the technical solution of this application, an activation method for a fuel cell is provided. First, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the rated current. The fuel cell is then controlled to perform a first operating condition to reduce the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and the average cell voltage (i.e., the first voltage) is obtained after performing the first operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the first current. Next, the fuel cell is controlled to perform a second operating condition to increase the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and the average cell voltage (i.e., the second voltage) is obtained after performing the second operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the first current. It is then determined whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the rated current. When the fuel cell's operating voltage drops to 0 during the third operating condition, the average cell voltage (third voltage) after the second operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the second current is obtained. The fuel cell is then controlled to execute the third operating condition to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen, and the average cell voltage (fourth voltage) after the third operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the second current is obtained. It is determined whether the difference between the fourth and third voltages is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference is less than the second difference threshold, the fuel cell's operating current is controlled to be the idle current, and the fuel cell is controlled to execute the fourth operating condition to increase the air purge flow rate and pressure until a preset time is reached. Since the first and second operating conditions can quickly solve the problem of membrane drying caused by prolonged exposure of the proton exchange membrane to a dry storage environment, the third operating condition can quickly solve the problem of catalyst oxidation caused by prolonged exposure to an oxidizing environment, and the fourth operating condition can quickly solve the problem of electrode reaction difficulties or hindered mass transport caused by polluting gases in the operating or storage environment. This fuel cell activation method couples four performance recovery methods—first, second, third, and fourth operating conditions—to quickly address different performance loss issues. Furthermore, by analyzing the difference in average cell voltage before and after each operating condition, it determines whether the corresponding condition has been effective and resolved the relevant performance problem, and quickly decides whether to proceed to the next operating condition. This allows the performance recovery time to be controlled within 4-5 hours, significantly shortening the activation time. This solves the problems of long activation recovery times and high time costs associated with existing fuel cell technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for performing a fuel cell activation method according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of an activation method for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a first operating condition provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a second operating condition provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a third operating condition provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a fourth operating condition provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A detailed flowchart of a fuel cell activation method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 A structural block diagram of an activation device for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0025] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0026] 102. Processor; 104. Memory; 106. Transmission device; 108. Input / output device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0030] As described in the background section, existing fuel cell stack performance recovery and activation methods typically require continuous operation under high current for 12 hours or even longer. To address the issue of high time and cost associated with fuel cell activation and recovery, embodiments of this application provide a fuel cell activation method, a fuel cell activation device, a computer-readable storage medium, and an electronic device.

[0031] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] The methods and embodiments provided in this application can be executed on a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. Taking running on a mobile terminal as an example, Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for a fuel cell activation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a mobile terminal may include one or more ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the diagram. A processor 102 (which may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA, etc.) and a memory 104 for storing data are also shown. The mobile terminal may further include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the mobile terminal described above. For example, the mobile terminal may also include components that are more... Figure 1 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 1 The different configurations shown.

[0033] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the fuel cell activation method in this embodiment of the invention. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the above-described method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the mobile terminal via a network. Examples of the aforementioned networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof. The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the aforementioned networks may include wireless networks provided by the mobile terminal's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a network interface controller (NIC), which can be connected to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 106 may be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0034] This embodiment provides a method for activating a fuel cell that runs on a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Also, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a fuel cell activation method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0036] Step S201, first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell;

[0037] Specifically, a fuel cell stack is an electrochemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of externally supplied fuel and oxidant into electrical energy, as well as generating heat and reaction products. In practical applications, before performing the first control step mentioned above, the fuel cell stack should be started and the reaction gas introduced. After the operating conditions of the fuel cell stack stabilize, the load should be slowly increased to the rated current, and a performance check should be performed to determine if the fuel cell has performance loss and requires activation and recovery.

[0038] Step S202, second control step, control the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and obtain a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages.

[0039] Specifically, in practical applications, the humidity of the reaction gas introduced into the fuel cell is generally 30% to 70%. By reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack in the first operating condition, under certain working conditions, the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell can be dried, the ability of the proton exchange membrane to spontaneously transport water through hydrated hydrogen ions can be activated and restored, and the structure of the membrane electrode can be further improved to slow down the performance degradation throughout the entire life cycle of the fuel cell stack, thereby achieving the effect of restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0040] Step S203, third control step, control the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and obtain a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is an operating condition for increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition.

[0041] Specifically, by increasing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell in the second operating condition, under certain operating conditions, the proton exchange membrane can be moistened. This solves the problem of the proton exchange membrane drying out and causing a large proton transmission resistance when the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell is stored in a dry environment for a long time, thus restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0042] Step S204, first determining step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the second current, and obtaining the third voltage, wherein the second current is the current corresponding to the voltage of the fuel cell dropping to 0 when the third operating condition is executed, the second current is less than or equal to the first current, the third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed, and the third operating condition is the operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell;

[0043] Specifically, since the first voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the second operating condition, and the second voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, that is, determining whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition tends to be stable, indicates that the second operating condition has an activation effect on the fuel cell to restore its performance. The first difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV.

[0044] Step S205, fourth control step, control the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and obtain the fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition.

[0045] Specifically, by reducing the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell under the third operating condition, the oxides in the cathode catalyst layer of the fuel cell can be reduced, thereby improving the performance of the cathode catalyst layer. This helps to recover the non-operational performance losses accumulated from long-term non-operation and the significant charge transfer losses caused by the oxidation of the catalyst due to long-term exposure to an oxidizing environment, thus restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0046] Step S206, the second determining step, determines whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is the operating condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0047] Specifically, since the third voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the third operating condition, and the fourth voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition, determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold determines whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition tends to be stable. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is very small, i.e., the change in the average cell voltage tends to be stable, it indicates that the third operating condition has an activation effect on the performance recovery of the fuel cell. The second difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV. The second difference threshold can be the same as or different from the first difference threshold. By increasing the purging flow rate of the fuel cell through the input gas in the fourth operating condition, a pressure difference between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell can be established, accelerating the air to pass through the proton exchange membrane to the anode side, achieving the effect that both the anode and cathode on both sides of the proton exchange membrane are in an air atmosphere, thus achieving the purpose of restoring the performance loss caused by catalyst contamination. The aforementioned preset time can be the time when the average cell voltage of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when the temperature of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when fuel consumption tends to stabilize, or the time when the efficiency of the fuel cell reaches a relatively stable level.

[0048] This embodiment provides a method for activating a fuel cell. First, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the rated current. The fuel cell is then controlled to perform a first operating condition to reduce the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and the average cell voltage (i.e., the first voltage) is obtained after performing the first operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at a first current. Next, the fuel cell is controlled to perform a second operating condition to increase the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and the average cell voltage (i.e., the second voltage) is obtained after performing the second operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the first current. It is then determined whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the value of the first operating condition. The system calculates the current corresponding to the fuel cell's operating voltage dropping to 0 under three operating conditions, and obtains the average cell voltage (third voltage) after executing the second operating condition with the fuel cell operating at the second current. It then controls the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition, which reduces the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen, and obtains the average cell voltage (fourth voltage) after executing the third operating condition with the fuel cell operating at the second current. The system determines whether the difference between the fourth and third voltages is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference is less than the second difference threshold, the fuel cell's operating current is controlled to be the idle current, and the fuel cell is controlled to execute the fourth operating condition, which increases the air purge flow rate and pressure, until a preset time is reached. The first and second operating conditions can quickly resolve the problem of proton exchange membrane drying caused by prolonged exposure to a dry storage environment. The third operating condition can quickly resolve the problem of catalyst oxidation caused by prolonged exposure to an oxidizing environment. The fourth operating condition can quickly resolve the problem of electrode reaction difficulties or hindered mass transport caused by polluting gases in the operating or storage environment. This fuel cell activation method couples four performance recovery methods—first, second, third, and fourth operating conditions—to quickly address different performance loss issues. Based on the average cell voltage after each operating condition, it rapidly determines whether to proceed to the next operating condition, controlling the performance recovery time to 4-5 hours, significantly shortening the activation time. This solves the problems of long activation and recovery times and high time costs associated with existing fuel cell technologies.

[0049] In specific implementation, the above method further includes: step S207, when the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, repeating the third control step and the first determination step at least once, and updating the first voltage in the first determination step to the second voltage obtained in the third control step in the previous repetition, until the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage in the current repetition is less than the first difference threshold. This method can further solve the problem that the second operating condition does not achieve the ideal activation and recovery effect when the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, thereby further achieving high-efficiency and comprehensive performance recovery of the fuel cell stack.

[0050] Specifically, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, it indicates that the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition has not stabilized, indicating that the second operating condition has not achieved the desired activation effect for the fuel cell to restore its performance. The third control step and the first determination step can be repeated until the desired activation effect for restoring performance is achieved.

[0051] To further address the problem that the third operating condition fails to achieve the desired activation and recovery effect when the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, and to further achieve high-efficiency and comprehensive fuel cell stack performance recovery, the method of this application further includes: step S208, when the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, repeating the fourth control step and the second determination step at least once, and updating the third voltage in the second determination step to the fourth voltage in the fourth control step obtained in the previous repetition, until the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage in the current repetition is less than the second difference threshold.

[0052] Specifically, if the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, it indicates that the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition has not stabilized, indicating that the third operating condition has not achieved the desired activation effect for the fuel cell to restore its performance. The fourth control step and the second determination step can be repeated until the desired activation effect for restoring performance is achieved.

[0053] Step S202 can also be implemented in other ways, such as: step S2021, controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 0% and maintaining this for a first time period; step S2022, reducing the voltage of the fuel cell to 0% during a second time period and maintaining this for a third time period; step S2023, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current. This method can further simplify the execution process of the first operating condition, quickly complete the first operating condition, and further reduce the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery.

[0054] Specifically, in actual operation, controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 0% can be achieved by directly introducing dry air into the fuel cell. Simultaneously, a high-current-low-current-high-current cycle can be applied to activate the fuel cell stack. The specific process for the first operating condition is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, first, the air supplied to the fuel cell is switched to dry gas and kept running stably at the rated current point I1 for 2 minutes. Then, the load is quickly reduced to open circuit and held for 30 seconds. Finally, the fuel cell is quickly loaded to the rated current point I1.

[0055] In some embodiments, step S203 can be implemented through the following steps: Step S2031, controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 100% and continuing for a fourth time period; Step S2032, reducing the voltage of the fuel cell to 0 during a fifth time period and continuing for a sixth time period; Step S2033, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current. This method can further simplify the execution process of the second operating condition, quickly complete the second operating condition, and further reduce the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery.

[0056] Specifically, in actual operation, controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 100% can be achieved by directly introducing 100% humidified air into the fuel cell. Simultaneously, a high-current-low-current-high-current cycle can be used to activate the fuel cell stack. The specific process for the second operating condition is similar to that of the first operating condition, such as... Figure 4 As shown, firstly, the air supplied to the fuel cell is switched to 100% humidified air, and the fuel cell is continuously and stably operated at the rated current point I1 for 2 minutes. Then, the load is rapidly reduced to open circuit and maintained for 30 seconds. Finally, the fuel cell is rapidly loaded back to the rated current point I1. By rapidly loading the fuel cell to the rated current point at the end of the first operating condition, the first voltage is ensured to be measured at the rated current point of the fuel cell. Similarly, by rapidly loading the fuel cell to the rated current point at the end of the second operating condition, the second voltage is ensured to be measured at the rated current point of the fuel cell, further guaranteeing the accuracy of the difference between the second and first voltages.

[0057] In some embodiments, step S205 can be implemented through the following steps: Step S2051, reducing the initial stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to the stoichiometry threshold and maintaining this for a seventh time period; Step S2052, restoring the stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to the initial stoichiometry and maintaining this for an eighth time period; Step S2053, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current. This method can further simplify the execution process of the third operating condition, quickly complete the third operating condition, and further reduce the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery. Furthermore, since the third operating condition can not only reduce the catalytic layer oxides of the fuel cell cathode, it can also further reduce oxidizing pollutants located on the cathode side.

[0058] Specifically, the third operating condition mentioned above is an air-starved condition, and the stoichiometric ratio threshold value ranges from 0 to 1. The specific process for the third operating condition is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, first, the fuel cell stack current is changed to the current point I2 and stabilized, then the air starvation operation is started; the air stoichiometry ratio is limited, and the stoichiometry ratio is reduced from the initial nominal stoichiometry ratio to below 1; the fuel cell stack continues to run in this state for 1 minute; the air stoichiometry ratio is restored to the nominal stoichiometry ratio; finally, it is run stably for 5 minutes until the fuel cell stack voltage stabilizes, thus completing a complete air starvation operation.

[0059] To further simplify the execution process of the fourth operating condition and quickly complete it, thereby reducing the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery, in some embodiments, step S206 can be implemented through the following steps: Step S2061, lowering the temperature of the fuel cell to a temperature threshold and maintaining this for a ninth time period; Step S2062, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to 0; Step S2063, introducing nitrogen gas into the anode of the fuel cell to dilute the gas concentration at the anode; Step S2064, increasing the cathode pressure and decreasing the anode pressure of the fuel cell to make the cathode pressure greater than the anode pressure and maintaining this for a tenth time period; Step S2065, introducing hydrogen gas into the anode of the fuel cell. Since the fourth operating condition can establish a pressure difference between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell, accelerating air passage through the proton exchange membrane to the anode side, it can further achieve the effect of oxidizing reducible pollutants located on the anode side.

[0060] Specifically, the specific process for the fourth operating condition mentioned above is as follows: Figure 6As shown, firstly, the stack current is reduced to the idle current point I3. After stabilization, an air-to-air purging operation is started. The stack temperature is reduced to room temperature and kept running stably for 10 minutes. The stack load is reduced to open circuit. Nitrogen gas is introduced into the anode side of the fuel cell to dilute the hydrogen gas and reduce the hydrogen concentration. Then, the gas supply to the anode side is stopped, and the anode side pressure is set to 0. The air pressure on the cathode side is increased to establish a pressure difference between the cathode and anode. Wait for 30 minutes. Hydrogen gas is re-supplyed to the anode to complete the air-to-air purging.

[0061] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application, the implementation process of the fuel cell activation method of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0062] This embodiment relates to a specific method for activating a fuel cell, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0063] Step S1: Start the fuel cell stack, introduce the reaction gas, and after the operating conditions stabilize, slowly load it to the rated current point I1 to check the performance and record the average cell voltage V1.

[0064] Step S2: Switch the air supply to dry air and perform dry cycle N times;

[0065] Step S3: Switch the air supply to humidification, load to rated point I1 for performance check, and record the average unit voltage V2;

[0066] Step S4: Perform a wet cycle once;

[0067] Step S5: Load to rated point I1 for performance check, record average single-cell voltage V3; determine if V3-V2≥2mV? If not, proceed to step S6; if yes, assign V2 to V3 and return to step S4 to perform wet cycling again;

[0068] Step S6: Reduce the load to the current point I2 (I2 depends on the current point at which the stack voltage drops to 0 during air starvation) to perform a performance check, record the average cell voltage V4, and perform air starvation once at the current point I2.

[0069] Step S7: Run stably for 5 minutes at current point I2, perform a performance check, and record the average single-cell voltage V5; determine if V5-V4≥2mV? If not, proceed to step S8; if yes, assign V4 to V5 and return to step S6 to perform the air starvation operation again.

[0070] Step S8: Load to rated point I1, perform performance check, and record average single-cell voltage V6;

[0071] Step S9: Reduce load to open circuit and perform air-to-air purging operation;

[0072] Step S10: After activation, perform fuel cell stack performance acceptance and evaluate the activation effect.

[0073] Step S10: Reduce load to open circuit and shut down according to the manufacturer's shutdown procedure.

[0074] This application also provides an activation device for a fuel cell. It should be noted that the activation device for a fuel cell in this application can be used to execute the activation method for a fuel cell provided in this application. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that performs a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0075] The following describes the activation device for the fuel cell provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0076] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an activation device for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the device includes:

[0077] The first control unit 10 is used in the first control step to control the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell.

[0078] Specifically, a fuel cell stack is an electrochemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of externally supplied fuel and oxidant into electrical energy, as well as generating heat and reaction products. In practical applications, before performing the first control step mentioned above, the fuel cell stack should be started and the reaction gas introduced. After the operating conditions of the fuel cell stack stabilize, the load should be slowly increased to the rated current, and a performance check should be performed to determine if the fuel cell has performance loss and requires activation and recovery.

[0079] The second control unit 20 is used for a second control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and acquiring a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages.

[0080] Specifically, in practical applications, the humidity of the reaction gas introduced into the fuel cell is generally 30% to 70%. By reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack in the first operating condition, under certain working conditions, the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell can be dried, the ability of the proton exchange membrane to spontaneously transport water through hydrated hydrogen ions can be activated and restored, and the structure of the membrane electrode can be further improved to slow down the performance degradation throughout the entire life cycle of the fuel cell stack, thereby achieving the effect of restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0081] The third control unit 30 is used for a third control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and acquiring a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is an operating condition for increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition.

[0082] Specifically, by increasing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell in the second operating condition, under certain operating conditions, the proton exchange membrane can be moistened. This solves the problem of the proton exchange membrane drying out and causing a large proton transmission resistance when the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell is stored in a dry environment for a long time, thus restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0083] The first determining unit 40 is used in the first determining step to determine whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the second current, and a third voltage is obtained. The second current is the current corresponding to the voltage drop of the fuel cell to 0 when the third operating condition is executed. The second current is less than or equal to the first current. The third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed. The third operating condition is an operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell.

[0084] Specifically, since the first voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the second operating condition, and the second voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, that is, determining whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition tends to be stable, indicates that the second operating condition has an activation effect on the fuel cell to restore its performance. The first difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV.

[0085] The fourth control unit 50 is used for the fourth control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and acquiring the fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition.

[0086] Specifically, by reducing the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell under the third operating condition, the oxides in the cathode catalyst layer of the fuel cell can be reduced, thereby improving the performance of the cathode catalyst layer. This helps to recover the non-operational performance losses accumulated from long-term non-operation and the significant charge transfer losses caused by the oxidation of the catalyst due to long-term exposure to an oxidizing environment, thus restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0087] The second determining unit 60 is used in the second determining step to determine whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform a fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is the operating condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0088] Specifically, since the third voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the third operating condition, and the fourth voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition, determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold determines whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition tends to be stable. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is very small, i.e., the change in the average cell voltage tends to be stable, it indicates that the third operating condition has an activation effect on the performance recovery of the fuel cell. The second difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV. The second difference threshold can be the same as or different from the first difference threshold. By increasing the purging flow rate of the fuel cell through the input gas in the fourth operating condition, a pressure difference between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell can be established, accelerating the air to pass through the proton exchange membrane to the anode side, achieving the effect that both the anode and cathode on both sides of the proton exchange membrane are in an air atmosphere, thus achieving the purpose of restoring the performance loss caused by catalyst contamination. The aforementioned preset time can be the time when the average cell voltage of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when the temperature of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when fuel consumption tends to stabilize, or the time when the efficiency of the fuel cell reaches a relatively stable level.

[0089] This embodiment provides an activation device for a fuel cell. A first control unit controls the fuel cell's operating current to the rated current. A second control unit controls the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition to reduce the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and acquires the average cell voltage (i.e., the first voltage) after performing the first operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the first current. A third control unit controls the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition to increase the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and acquires the average cell voltage (i.e., the second voltage) after performing the second operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the first current. A first determining unit determines whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be... When the fuel cell's operating voltage drops to 0 during the third operating condition, the average cell voltage (i.e., the third voltage) after the second operating condition is executed is obtained. The fourth control unit controls the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition, which reduces the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell, and obtains the average cell voltage (i.e., the fourth voltage) after the third operating condition is executed and the fuel cell is at the second current. The second determining unit determines whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the idle current, and the fuel cell is controlled to execute the fourth operating condition, which increases the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell, until a preset time is reached. Since the first and second operating conditions can quickly solve the problem of membrane drying caused by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell being in a dry storage environment for a long time, the third operating condition can quickly solve the problem of oxidation caused by the catalyst of the fuel cell being exposed to an oxidizing environment for a long time, and the fourth operating condition can quickly solve the problem of electrode reaction difficulties or mass transport obstruction caused by polluting gases in the operating or storage environment. This fuel cell activation device couples four performance recovery methods—first, second, third, and fourth operating conditions—to quickly address different performance loss issues. Based on the average cell voltage after each operating condition, it rapidly determines whether to proceed to the next operating condition, controlling the performance recovery time to 4-5 hours, significantly shortening the activation time. This solves the problems of long activation recovery times and high time costs associated with existing fuel cell technologies.

[0090] As an optional solution, the above-mentioned device further includes: a first repetition unit, configured to repeat the third control step and the first determination step at least once when the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, and to update the first voltage in the first determination step to the second voltage obtained in the third control step in the previous repetition process, until the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage in the current repetition is less than the first difference threshold. This device can further solve the problem that the second operating condition does not achieve the ideal activation and recovery effect when the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, thereby further achieving high-efficiency and comprehensive performance recovery of the fuel cell stack.

[0091] Specifically, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, it indicates that the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition has not stabilized, indicating that the second operating condition has not achieved the desired activation effect for the fuel cell to restore its performance. The third control step and the first determination step can be repeated until the desired activation effect for restoring performance is achieved.

[0092] To further address the problem that the third operating condition fails to achieve the desired activation and recovery effect when the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, and to further achieve high-efficiency and comprehensive fuel cell stack performance recovery, the apparatus of this application further includes: a second repetition unit, used to repeat the fourth control step and the second determination step at least once when the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, and to update the third voltage in the second determination step to the fourth voltage in the fourth control step obtained in the previous repetition process during the repetition, until the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage in the current repetition is less than the second difference threshold.

[0093] Specifically, if the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, it indicates that the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition has not stabilized, indicating that the third operating condition has not achieved the desired activation effect for the fuel cell to restore its performance. The fourth control step and the second determination step can be repeated until the desired activation effect for restoring performance is achieved.

[0094] In one optional embodiment, the second control unit includes a first control module, a first reduction module, and a second control module. The first control module controls the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 0% for a first time period. The first reduction module reduces the voltage of the fuel cell to 0% for a second time period and continues for a third time period. The second control module controls the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current. This device can further simplify the execution process of the first operating condition, quickly complete the first operating condition, and further reduce the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery.

[0095] Specifically, in actual operation, controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 0% can be achieved by directly introducing dry air into the fuel cell. Simultaneously, a high-current-low-current-high-current cycle can be applied to activate the fuel cell stack. The specific process for the first operating condition is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, first, the air supplied to the fuel cell is switched to dry gas and kept running stably at the rated current point I1 for 2 minutes. Then, the load is quickly reduced to open circuit and held for 30 seconds. Finally, the fuel cell is quickly loaded to the rated current point I1.

[0096] In another optional embodiment, the third control unit includes a third control module, a second reduction module, and a fourth control module. The third control module controls the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 100% for a fourth time period; the second reduction module reduces the voltage of the fuel cell to 0 for a fifth time period for a sixth time period; and the fourth control module controls the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current. This device can further simplify the execution process of the second operating condition, quickly complete the second operating condition, and further reduce the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery.

[0097] Specifically, in actual operation, controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell to 100% can be achieved by directly introducing 100% humidified air into the fuel cell. Simultaneously, a high-current-low-current-high-current cycle can be used to activate the fuel cell stack. The specific process for the second operating condition is similar to that of the first operating condition, such as... Figure 4As shown, firstly, the air supplied to the fuel cell is switched to 100% humidified air, and the fuel cell is continuously and stably operated at the rated current point I1 for 2 minutes. Then, the load is rapidly reduced to open circuit and maintained for 30 seconds. Finally, the fuel cell is rapidly loaded back to the rated current point I1. By rapidly loading the fuel cell to the rated current point at the end of the first operating condition, the first voltage is ensured to be measured at the rated current point of the fuel cell. Similarly, by rapidly loading the fuel cell to the rated current point at the end of the second operating condition, the second voltage is ensured to be measured at the rated current point of the fuel cell, further guaranteeing the accuracy of the difference between the second and first voltages.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fourth control unit includes a reduction module, a recovery module, and a fifth control module. The reduction module reduces the initial stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to a stoichiometry threshold and maintains this reduction for a seventh time period. The recovery module restores the stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to the initial stoichiometry and maintains this restoration for an eighth time period. The fifth control module controls the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current. This device can further simplify the execution process of the third operating condition, quickly complete the third operating condition, and further reduce the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery. Furthermore, since the third operating condition can not only reduce the catalytic layer oxides on the fuel cell cathode, it can also further reduce oxidizing pollutants located on the cathode side.

[0099] Specifically, the third operating condition mentioned above is an air-starved condition, and the stoichiometric ratio threshold value ranges from 0 to 1. The specific process for the third operating condition is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, first, the fuel cell stack current is changed to the current point I2 and stabilized, then the air starvation operation is started; the air stoichiometry ratio is limited, and the stoichiometry ratio is reduced from the initial nominal stoichiometry ratio to below 1; the fuel cell stack continues to run in this state for 1 minute; the air stoichiometry ratio is restored to the nominal stoichiometry ratio; finally, it is run stably for 5 minutes until the fuel cell stack voltage stabilizes, thus completing a complete air starvation operation.

[0100] To further simplify the execution process of the fourth operating condition and quickly complete it, thereby reducing the activation time for fuel cell performance recovery, in some embodiments, the second determining unit includes a third reducing module, a sixth control module, a first input module, an increasing module, and a second input module. The third reducing module reduces the temperature of the fuel cell to a temperature threshold and maintains this for a ninth time period. The sixth control module controls the operating current of the fuel cell to be zero. The first input module inputs nitrogen gas to the anode of the fuel cell to dilute the gas concentration at the anode. The increasing module increases the cathode pressure and decreases the anode pressure, ensuring the cathode pressure is greater than the anode pressure and maintaining this for a tenth time period. The second input module inputs hydrogen gas to the anode of the fuel cell. Since the fourth operating condition can establish a pressure difference between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell, accelerating air passage through the proton exchange membrane to the anode side, it can further oxidize reducible pollutants located on the anode side.

[0101] Specifically, the specific process for the fourth operating condition mentioned above is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, firstly, the stack current is reduced to the idle current point I3. After stabilization, an air-to-air purging operation is started. The stack temperature is reduced to room temperature and kept running stably for 10 minutes. The stack load is reduced to open circuit. Nitrogen gas is introduced into the anode side of the fuel cell to dilute the hydrogen gas and reduce the hydrogen concentration. Then, the gas supply to the anode side is stopped, and the anode side pressure is set to 0. The air pressure on the cathode side is increased to establish a pressure difference between the cathode and anode. Wait for 30 minutes. Hydrogen gas is re-supplyed to the anode to complete the air-to-air purging.

[0102] The aforementioned fuel cell activation device includes a processor and a memory. The first control unit, second control unit, third control unit, first determining unit, fourth control unit, and second determining unit are all stored as program units in the memory. The processor executes these program units stored in the memory to achieve the corresponding functions. All of the above modules reside in the same processor; alternatively, the modules may be located in different processors in any combination.

[0103] The processor contains a kernel, which retrieves the corresponding program unit from memory. One or more kernels can be configured, and the activation of the fuel cell is achieved by adjusting the kernel parameters.

[0104] The memory may include non-permanent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM, and the memory includes at least one memory chip.

[0105] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device containing the computer-readable storage medium to perform the activation method of the fuel cell.

[0106] Specifically, the activation method for fuel cells includes:

[0107] Step S201, first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell;

[0108] Specifically, a fuel cell stack is an electrochemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of externally supplied fuel and oxidant into electrical energy, as well as generating heat and reaction products. In practical applications, before performing the first control step mentioned above, the fuel cell stack should be started and the reaction gas introduced. After the operating conditions of the fuel cell stack stabilize, the load should be slowly increased to the rated current, and a performance check should be performed to determine if the fuel cell has performance loss and requires activation and recovery.

[0109] Step S202, second control step, control the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and obtain a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages.

[0110] Specifically, in practical applications, the humidity of the reaction gas introduced into the fuel cell is generally 30% to 70%. By reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack in the first operating condition, under certain working conditions, the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell can be dried, the ability of the proton exchange membrane to spontaneously transport water through hydrated hydrogen ions can be activated and restored, and the structure of the membrane electrode can be further improved to slow down the performance degradation throughout the entire life cycle of the fuel cell stack, thereby achieving the effect of restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0111] Step S203, the third control step, controls the fuel cell to execute the second operating condition and obtains the second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is used to increase the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell after executing the second operating condition is the first current; specifically, by increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the fuel cell in the second operating condition, under certain operating conditions, the purpose of moistening the proton exchange membrane can be achieved, solving the problem that the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell is in a dry storage environment for a long time, causing the membrane to dry out and resulting in a large proton transmission resistance, thereby achieving the effect of restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0112] Step S204, first determining step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the second current, and obtaining the third voltage, wherein the second current is the current corresponding to the voltage of the fuel cell dropping to 0 when the third operating condition is executed, the second current is less than or equal to the first current, the third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed, and the third operating condition is the operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell;

[0113] Specifically, since the first voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the second operating condition, and the second voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, that is, determining whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition tends to be stable, indicates that the second operating condition has an activation effect on the fuel cell to restore its performance. The first difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV.

[0114] Step S205, the fourth control step, controls the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and obtains the fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition; specifically, by reducing the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell in the third operating condition, the oxides in the catalyst layer of the fuel cell cathode can be reduced, and the performance of the cathode catalyst layer can be improved. This helps to restore the non-operational performance loss accumulated from long-term non-operation and the problem of large charge transfer loss caused by the catalyst being exposed to an oxidizing environment for a long time, thereby restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0115] Step S206, the second determining step, determines whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is the operating condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0116] Specifically, since the third voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the third operating condition, and the fourth voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition, determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold determines whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition tends to be stable. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is very small, i.e., the change in the average cell voltage tends to be stable, it indicates that the third operating condition has an activation effect on the performance recovery of the fuel cell. The second difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV. The second difference threshold can be the same as or different from the first difference threshold. By increasing the purging flow rate of the fuel cell through the input gas in the fourth operating condition, a pressure difference between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell can be established, accelerating the air to pass through the proton exchange membrane to the anode side, achieving the effect that both the anode and cathode on both sides of the proton exchange membrane are in an air atmosphere, thus achieving the purpose of restoring the performance loss caused by catalyst contamination. The aforementioned preset time can be the time when the average cell voltage of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when the temperature of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when fuel consumption tends to stabilize, or the time when the efficiency of the fuel cell reaches a relatively stable level.

[0117] Optionally, the method further includes: when the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, repeating the third control step and the first determination step at least once, and updating the first voltage in the first determination step to the second voltage in the third control step obtained in the previous repetition process, until the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage in the current repetition is less than the first difference threshold.

[0118] Optionally, the method further includes: when the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, repeating the fourth control step and the second determination step at least once, and updating the third voltage in the second determination step to the fourth voltage in the fourth control step obtained in the previous repetition, until the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage in the current repetition is less than the second difference threshold.

[0119] Optionally, controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition includes: controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the stack to 0% and maintaining it for a first time period; reducing the voltage of the fuel cell to 0% during a second time period and maintaining it for a third time period; and controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current.

[0120] Optionally, controlling the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition includes: controlling the humidity of the gas fed into the stack to 100% and continuing for a fourth time period; reducing the voltage of the fuel cell to 0 during a fifth time period and continuing for a sixth time period; and controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current.

[0121] Optionally, the fuel cell is controlled to perform a third operating condition, including: reducing the initial stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to a stoichiometry threshold and maintaining this for a seventh time period; restoring the stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell to the initial stoichiometry and maintaining this for an eighth time period; and controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the first current.

[0122] Optionally, controlling the fuel cell to perform a fourth operating condition includes: reducing the temperature of the fuel cell to a temperature threshold and maintaining this for a ninth time period; controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to 0; inputting nitrogen into the anode of the fuel cell to dilute the gas concentration at the anode of the fuel cell; increasing the cathode pressure of the fuel cell and decreasing the anode pressure of the fuel cell so that the cathode pressure is greater than the anode pressure and maintaining this for a tenth time period; and inputting hydrogen into the anode of the fuel cell.

[0123] This invention provides a processor for running a program, wherein the program executes the activation method for the fuel cell.

[0124] Specifically, the activation method for fuel cells includes:

[0125] Step S201, first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell;

[0126] Specifically, a fuel cell stack is an electrochemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of externally supplied fuel and oxidant into electrical energy, as well as generating heat and reaction products. In practical applications, before performing the first control step mentioned above, the fuel cell stack should be started and the reaction gas introduced. After the operating conditions of the fuel cell stack stabilize, the load should be slowly increased to the rated current, and a performance check should be performed to determine if the fuel cell has performance loss and requires activation and recovery.

[0127] Step S202, second control step, control the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and obtain a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages.

[0128] Specifically, in practical applications, the humidity of the reaction gas introduced into the fuel cell is generally 30% to 70%. By reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack in the first operating condition, under certain working conditions, the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell can be dried, the ability of the proton exchange membrane to spontaneously transport water through hydrated hydrogen ions can be activated and restored, and the structure of the membrane electrode can be further improved to slow down the performance degradation throughout the entire life cycle of the fuel cell stack, thereby achieving the effect of restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0129] Step S203, third control step, control the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and obtain a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is an operating condition for increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition.

[0130] Specifically, by increasing the humidity of the gas entering the fuel cell in the second operating condition, under certain operating conditions, the proton exchange membrane can be moistened. This solves the problem of the proton exchange membrane drying out and causing a large proton transmission resistance when the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell is stored in a dry environment for a long time, thus restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0131] Step S204, first determining step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the second current, and obtaining the third voltage, wherein the second current is the current corresponding to the voltage of the fuel cell dropping to 0 when the third operating condition is executed, the second current is less than or equal to the first current, the third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed, and the third operating condition is the operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell;

[0132] Specifically, since the first voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the second operating condition, and the second voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, that is, determining whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the second operating condition tends to be stable, indicates that the second operating condition has an activation effect on the fuel cell to restore its performance. The first difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV.

[0133] Step S205, fourth control step, control the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and obtain the fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition.

[0134] Specifically, by reducing the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell under the third operating condition, the oxides in the cathode catalyst layer of the fuel cell can be reduced, thereby improving the performance of the cathode catalyst layer. This helps to recover the non-operational performance losses accumulated from long-term non-operation and the significant charge transfer losses caused by the oxidation of the catalyst due to long-term exposure to an oxidizing environment, thus restoring the performance of the fuel cell.

[0135] Step S206, the second determining step, determines whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is the operating condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0136] Specifically, since the third voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell before the third operating condition, and the fourth voltage represents the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition, determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold determines whether the change in the average cell voltage of the fuel cell after the third operating condition tends to be stable. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is very small, i.e., the change in the average cell voltage tends to be stable, it indicates that the third operating condition has an activation effect on the performance recovery of the fuel cell. The second difference threshold is a value close to 0, and its value range can be 1mV to 5mV. The second difference threshold can be the same as or different from the first difference threshold. By increasing the purging flow rate of the fuel cell through the input gas in the fourth operating condition, a pressure difference between the cathode and anode of the fuel cell can be established, accelerating the air to pass through the proton exchange membrane to the anode side, achieving the effect that both the anode and cathode on both sides of the proton exchange membrane are in an air atmosphere, thus achieving the purpose of restoring the performance loss caused by catalyst contamination. The aforementioned preset time can be the time when the average cell voltage of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when the temperature of the fuel cell tends to stabilize, the time when fuel consumption tends to stabilize, or the time when the efficiency of the fuel cell reaches a relatively stable level.

[0137] This invention provides a device including a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it performs at least the following steps:

[0138] Step S201, first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell;

[0139] Step S202, second control step, control the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and obtain a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages.

[0140] Step S203, third control step, control the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and obtain a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is an operating condition for increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition.

[0141] Step S204, first determining step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the second current, and obtaining the third voltage, wherein the second current is the current corresponding to the voltage of the fuel cell dropping to 0 when the third operating condition is executed, the second current is less than or equal to the first current, the third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed, and the third operating condition is the operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell;

[0142] Step S205, fourth control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and obtaining a fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition; Step S206, second determination step, determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold, if the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the third current, and controlling the fuel cell to perform the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached, wherein the third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is an operating condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0143] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a data processing device, is suitable for executing an initialization program having at least the following method steps:

[0144] Step S201, first control step, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell;

[0145] Step S202, second control step, control the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and obtain a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages.

[0146] Step S203, third control step, control the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and obtain a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is an operating condition for increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition.

[0147] Step S204, first determining step, determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold, if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, controlling the operating current of the fuel cell to the second current, and obtaining the third voltage, wherein the second current is the current corresponding to the voltage of the fuel cell dropping to 0 when the third operating condition is executed, the second current is less than or equal to the first current, the third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed, and the third operating condition is the operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell;

[0148] Step S205, fourth control step, control the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and obtain the fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition.

[0149] Step S206, the second determining step, determines whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform the fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is the operating condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

[0150] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those described herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0152] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0153] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0154] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0155] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0156] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0157] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0158] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0159] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects:

[0160] 1) The activation method for the fuel cell of this application firstly controls the operating current of the fuel cell to the rated current; then controls the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition to reduce the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and obtains the average cell voltage (i.e., the first voltage) after performing the first operating condition and the fuel cell is operating at the first current; then, controls the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition to increase the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and obtains the average cell voltage (i.e., the second voltage) after performing the second operating condition and the fuel cell is operating at the first current; determines whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold; if the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, controls the operating current of the fuel cell to perform a third operating condition. The system calculates the current corresponding to when the fuel cell's operating voltage drops to 0, and obtains the average cell voltage (third voltage) after executing the second operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the second current. It then controls the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition, which reduces the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell, and obtains the average cell voltage (fourth voltage) after executing the third operating condition and with the fuel cell operating at the second current. It determines whether the difference between the fourth and third voltages is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference is less than the second difference threshold, it controls the fuel cell's operating current to the idle current and controls the fuel cell to execute the fourth operating condition, which increases the air purge flow rate and pressure, until a preset time is reached. The first and second operating conditions can quickly resolve the problem of proton exchange membrane drying caused by prolonged exposure to a dry storage environment; the third operating condition can quickly resolve the problem of catalyst oxidation caused by prolonged exposure to an oxidizing environment; and the fourth operating condition can quickly resolve the problem of electrode reaction difficulties or hindered mass transport caused by polluting gases in the operating or storage environment. This fuel cell activation method couples four performance recovery methods—first, second, third, and fourth operating conditions—to quickly address different performance loss issues. Based on the average cell voltage after each operating condition, it rapidly determines whether to proceed to the next operating condition, controlling the performance recovery time to 4-5 hours, significantly shortening the activation time. This solves the problems of long activation and recovery times and high time costs associated with existing fuel cell technologies.

[0161] 2) In the activation device of the fuel cell of this application, the first control unit controls the operating current of the fuel cell to the rated current; the second control unit controls the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and obtains the average single-cell voltage, i.e., the first voltage, after performing the first operating condition and the fuel cell is operating at the first current; the third control unit controls the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition for increasing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, and obtains the average single-cell voltage, i.e., the second voltage, after performing the second operating condition and the fuel cell is operating at the first current; the first determining unit determines whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the rated current. In the third operating condition, the current corresponding to the fuel cell's operating voltage dropping to 0 is obtained, and the average cell voltage of the fuel cell at the second current after executing the second operating condition, i.e., the third voltage, is acquired. The fourth control unit controls the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition to reduce the stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell, and obtains the average cell voltage of the fuel cell at the second current after executing the third operating condition, i.e., the fourth voltage. The second determining unit determines whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the idle current, and the fuel cell is controlled to execute the fourth operating condition to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell until a preset time is reached. Since the first and second operating conditions can quickly solve the problem of membrane drying caused by the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell being in a dry storage environment for a long time, the third operating condition can quickly solve the problem of oxidation caused by the catalyst of the fuel cell being exposed to an oxidizing environment for a long time, and the fourth operating condition can quickly solve the problem of electrode reaction difficulties or mass transport obstruction caused by polluting gases in the operating or storage environment. This fuel cell activation device couples four performance recovery methods—first, second, third, and fourth operating conditions—to quickly address different performance loss issues. Based on the average cell voltage after each operating condition, it rapidly determines whether to proceed to the next operating condition, controlling the performance recovery time to 4-5 hours, significantly shortening the activation time. This solves the problems of long activation recovery times and high time costs associated with existing fuel cell technologies.

[0162] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for activating a fuel cell, characterized in that, include: The first control step is to control the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell; The second control step involves controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and acquiring a first voltage. The first operating condition is a condition used to reduce the humidity of the gas entering the stack. The first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition. The fuel cell has multiple cells, and each cell corresponds to a cell voltage. The average cell voltage is the average value of the multiple cell voltages. The third control step involves controlling the fuel cell to execute a second operating condition and acquiring a second voltage. The second operating condition is a condition used to increase the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average single-cell voltage of the fuel cell when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after executing the second operating condition. The first determining step involves determining whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the second current, and a third voltage is obtained. The second current is the current corresponding to the voltage drop of the fuel cell to 0 when the third operating condition is executed, and the second current is less than or equal to the first current. The third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed. The third operating condition is an operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell. The fourth control step involves controlling the fuel cell to execute the third operating condition and acquiring a fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after executing the third operating condition. The second determining step involves determining whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform a fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. Here, the third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is a condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first difference threshold, the third control step and the first determination step are repeated at least once, and during the repetition, the first voltage in the first determination step is updated to the second voltage in the third control step obtained in the previous repetition, until the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage in the current repetition is less than the first difference threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the second difference threshold, the fourth control step and the second determination step are repeated at least once, and during the repetition, the third voltage in the second determination step is updated to the fourth voltage in the fourth control step obtained in the previous repetition, until the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage in the current repetition is less than the second difference threshold.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition includes: The humidity of the gas fed into the reactor is controlled to be 0% and maintained for a first time period. The voltage of the fuel cell is reduced to 0 during the second time period and continues for a third time period; The operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the first current.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition includes: The humidity of the gas fed into the reactor is controlled to be 100% and maintained for a fourth time period; The voltage of the fuel cell is reduced to 0 during the fifth time period and continues for the sixth time period; The operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the first current.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the fuel cell to perform a third operating condition includes: The initial stoichiometry of oxygen in the fuel cell is reduced to the stoichiometry threshold and this is continued for a seventh time period. The stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell is restored to the initial stoichiometric ratio and maintained for the eighth time period; The operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the first current.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the fuel cell to perform a fourth operating condition includes: The temperature of the fuel cell is reduced to a temperature threshold and this process is continued for a ninth time period. The operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be 0. Nitrogen gas is introduced into the anode of the fuel cell to dilute the gas concentration at the anode of the fuel cell; Increase the cathode pressure of the fuel cell and decrease the anode pressure of the fuel cell so that the cathode pressure is greater than the anode pressure, and maintain this for a tenth time period; Hydrogen gas is introduced into the anode of the fuel cell.

8. An activation device for a fuel cell, characterized in that, include: A first control unit is used in a first control step to control the operating current of the fuel cell to a first current, wherein the first current is the rated current of the fuel cell. The second control unit is used for the second control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform a first operating condition and acquiring a first voltage, wherein the first operating condition is a condition for reducing the humidity of the gas entering the stack, the first voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the first operating condition, the fuel cell has multiple cells, one cell corresponds to one cell voltage, and the average cell voltage is the average value of multiple cell voltages. The third control unit is used in the third control step to control the fuel cell to perform a second operating condition and obtain a second voltage, wherein the second operating condition is a condition for increasing the humidity of the gas fed into the stack, and the second voltage is the average cell voltage of the fuel cell when the operating current of the fuel cell is the first current after performing the second operating condition. A first determining unit is used in a first determining step to determine whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first difference threshold. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than the first difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be a second current, and a third voltage is obtained. The second current is the current corresponding to the voltage drop of the fuel cell to 0 when the third operating condition is executed. The second current is less than or equal to the first current. The third voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after the second operating condition is executed. The third operating condition is an operating condition used to reduce the stoichiometric ratio of oxygen in the fuel cell. The fourth control unit is used for the fourth control step, controlling the fuel cell to perform the third operating condition and acquiring the fourth voltage, wherein the fourth voltage is the average cell voltage when the operating current of the fuel cell is the second current after performing the third operating condition; The second determining unit is used in the second determining step to determine whether the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than a second difference threshold. If the difference between the fourth voltage and the third voltage is less than the second difference threshold, the operating current of the fuel cell is controlled to be the third current, and the fuel cell is controlled to perform a fourth operating condition until a preset time is reached. The third current is the idling current of the fuel cell, and the fourth operating condition is a condition used to increase the air purging flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, characterized in that, The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 through the computer program.

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