Fuel cell stack system, thermal management system and control methods
By designing a thermal management system for fuel cell stacks, and utilizing high thermal conductivity materials and control valves to regulate the fuel gas intake, the problem of low thermal energy utilization in the exhaust gas after SOFC power generation was solved, achieving efficient heat recovery and temperature control of the fuel cell stack, and improving the system's operating efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU POWER SUPPLY BUREAU GUANGDONG POWER GRID CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
The thermal energy in the exhaust gas emitted after SOFC power generation has a low energy utilization rate, resulting in energy waste.
Design a thermal management system for a fuel cell stack, including a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the second housing is connected to the air outlet. Heat exchange between high-temperature exhaust gas and fuel gas is achieved through a conveying component. High thermal conductivity materials are used to improve heat exchange efficiency, and the intake volume of fuel gas at different temperatures is adjusted by a control valve to maintain a suitable reaction temperature.
It improves the energy utilization rate of thermal energy in high-temperature exhaust gas, reduces energy waste, and enhances the operating efficiency of fuel cell stacks and the automation level of thermal management systems.
Smart Images
Figure CN117497798B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell stack technology, and in particular to a fuel cell stack system, thermal management system and control method. Background Technology
[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a highly efficient and clean power generation technology that uses solid oxides as electrolytes and catalysts to directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy at high temperatures. The working principle of SOFCs involves redox reactions of fuel gases (such as hydrogen, natural gas, or fuel oil) and oxygen molecules at the anode and cathode, respectively, at high temperatures, producing electrons and ions.
[0003] In related technologies, the exhaust gas emitted after SOFC power generation typically contains a large amount of thermal energy. However, the energy utilization rate of the thermal energy in the exhaust gas is low, resulting in energy waste. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to address the technical problem of low energy utilization rate of thermal energy in the exhaust gas emitted after SOFC power generation in related technologies by providing a fuel cell stack system, thermal management system, and control method that can improve the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a thermal management system for a fuel cell stack, comprising:
[0006] The first housing has a first receiving cavity for containing fuel gas, the first receiving cavity being connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack;
[0007] The second housing has a second receiving cavity for containing high-temperature exhaust gas, the second receiving cavity being connected to the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack; and
[0008] The conveying assembly is disposed in the second housing and has a conveying channel communicating with the second receiving cavity. The conveying assembly passes through the first housing and exits from the first housing. The high-temperature exhaust gas entering the conveying channel from the second receiving cavity can exchange heat with the fuel gas in the first receiving cavity.
[0009] In one embodiment, the first housing has a plurality of air inlets at one end facing the second housing for allowing fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity.
[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of air inlets are divided into a first air inlet group and a second air inlet group. The air inlets belonging to the first air inlet group are used to allow the first fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity, and the air inlets belonging to the second air inlet group are used to allow the second fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity. The temperature of the first fuel gas is higher than the temperature of the second fuel gas.
[0011] In one embodiment, the thermal management system includes a first intake pipe communicating with the intake port of a first intake group, a second intake pipe communicating with the intake port of a second intake group, a first valve disposed on the first intake pipe, a second valve disposed on the second intake pipe, and a controller electrically connected to the first valve and the second valve respectively. The controller is capable of controlling the working state of the first valve and the second valve respectively, so as to control the intake volume of the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas.
[0012] In one embodiment, the thermal management system includes a temperature sensor electrically connected to a controller. The temperature sensor is installed inside the fuel cell stack and can detect the temperature information of the fuel cell stack in real time. The controller can control the operating state of the first valve and the second valve respectively based on the temperature information.
[0013] In one embodiment, the conveying assembly includes a plurality of conveying elements, each having a conveying channel, and the plurality of conveying elements are made of a material with high thermal conductivity.
[0014] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes an exhaust gas collection device having a third receiving cavity and a fourth through hole and an exhaust port communicating with the third receiving cavity. One end of the delivery component away from the second housing passes through the fourth through hole and is located in the third receiving cavity. The exhaust port is used to communicate with an exhaust pipe.
[0015] A second aspect of this application is that embodiments of this application provide a fuel cell stack system, comprising:
[0016] The fuel cell stack has an air inlet and an air outlet; and
[0017] As in the thermal management system of the fuel cell stack in any of the above embodiments, the first housing and the second housing can jointly clamp the fuel cell stack, the first receiving cavity is connected to the air inlet, and the second receiving cavity is connected to the air outlet.
[0018] In one embodiment, the fuel cell stack system includes a first seal disposed between a first receiving cavity and an air inlet, and between a second receiving cavity and an air outlet.
[0019] A third aspect of this application provides a method for controlling the temperature of a fuel cell stack, used in the thermal management system of the fuel cell stack in any of the above embodiments. The fuel gas includes a first fuel gas and a second fuel gas, wherein the temperature of the first fuel gas is higher than the temperature of the second fuel gas. The control method includes:
[0020] Obtain temperature information of the fuel cell stack;
[0021] When the temperature is less than 700°C, the first fuel gas is controlled to flow into the first receiving chamber;
[0022] When the temperature is between 700℃ and 750℃, control the flow of the second fuel gas into the first receiving chamber;
[0023] When the temperature is between 750℃ and 850℃, reduce the flow rate of the first fuel gas and increase the flow rate of the second fuel gas.
[0024] Through the above technical solution, the first receiving cavity of the first housing is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack and is used to contain fuel gas, allowing the fuel gas to enter the interior of the fuel cell stack and facilitate the oxidation-reduction reaction of the fuel cell stack, thereby directly converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The second receiving cavity of the second housing is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack, allowing the high-temperature exhaust gas generated after the fuel gas undergoes the oxidation-reduction reaction of the fuel cell stack to enter the second receiving cavity. The conveying channel of the conveying assembly is connected to the second receiving cavity, allowing the high-temperature exhaust gas to flow within the conveying channel. The conveying assembly passes through and exits the first housing, so that part of the conveying assembly is located within the first receiving cavity. This allows the high-temperature exhaust gas in the conveying pipe within the first receiving cavity to exchange heat with the fuel gas in the first receiving cavity, achieving waste heat recovery and improving the energy utilization rate of the thermal energy in the high-temperature exhaust gas. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell stack system according to one embodiment of this application.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the second housing and the conveying assembly are connected in one embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing in one embodiment of this application.
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the panel of the first housing in one embodiment of this application.
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of gas flow in a fuel cell stack system according to one embodiment of this application.
[0030] Figure 6 This is a logic diagram of a control method in one embodiment of this application.
[0031] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment of this application.
[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a single cell.
[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-Fuel cell stack system; 10-Thermal management system; 1-First housing; 11-First receiving cavity; 12-First through hole; 13-Second through hole; 14-Air inlet; 15-Panel; 2-Second housing; 21-Second receiving cavity; 22-Third through hole; 3-Conveying assembly; 31-Conveying component; 4-Exhaust gas collection device; 41-Third receiving cavity; 42-Exhaust port; 5-First seal; 6-SOFC stack; 61-Battery box; 62-SOFC single cell; 621-SOFC positive electrode; 622-SOFC electrolyte; 623-SOFC negative electrode; 624-Fuel channel; 63-Cover plate; 7-Sealing ring; 8-Second seal. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0036] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0039] It should be noted that if a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. If a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component. Where applicable, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation. "Inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the relevant component.
[0040] See Figures 1 to 6 This application provides a thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell stack, a fuel cell stack system 100 having the thermal management system 10, and a method for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell stack. The thermal management system 10 can improve the energy utilization rate of the exhaust gas emitted after power generation from the SOFC stack 6.
[0041] See Figures 1 to 5According to a first aspect of this application, an embodiment of this application provides a thermal management system 10 for a fuel cell stack, including a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and a conveying assembly 3. The first housing 1 has a first receiving cavity 11 for containing fuel gas, which is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack. The second housing 2 has a second receiving cavity 21 for containing high-temperature exhaust gas, which is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack. The conveying assembly 3 is disposed in the second housing 2 and has a conveying channel connected to the second receiving cavity 21. The conveying assembly 3 passes through the first housing 1 and exits from the first housing 1. The high-temperature exhaust gas entering the conveying channel from the second receiving cavity 21 can exchange heat with the fuel gas in the first receiving cavity 11.
[0042] Through the above technical solution, the first receiving cavity 11 of the first housing 1 is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack and is used to contain fuel gas, allowing the fuel gas to enter the interior of the fuel cell stack, facilitating the oxidation-reduction reaction of the fuel cell stack, thereby directly converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The second receiving cavity 21 of the second housing 2 is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack, allowing the high-temperature exhaust gas generated after the fuel gas undergoes the oxidation-reduction reaction of the fuel cell stack to enter the second receiving cavity 21. The conveying channel of the conveying assembly 3 is connected to the second receiving cavity 21, allowing the high-temperature exhaust gas to flow within the conveying channel. The conveying assembly 3 passes through the first housing 1 and exits from the first housing 1, so that part of the conveying assembly 3 can be located within the first receiving cavity 11. This allows the high-temperature exhaust gas in the conveying pipe within the first receiving cavity 11 to exchange heat with the fuel gas in the first receiving cavity 11, achieving waste heat recovery and improving the energy utilization rate of thermal energy in the high-temperature exhaust gas.
[0043] In the above embodiment, the first housing 1 may have a first through hole 12 and a second through hole 13 for the conveying assembly 3 to pass through the first housing 1, both the first through hole 12 and the second through hole 13 communicating with the first receiving cavity 11. The second housing 2 may have a third through hole 22 communicating with the second receiving cavity 21. See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fuel cell stack can be an SOFC stack 6, and more specifically, the fuel cell stack can be a flat tube SOFC stack 6. The flat tube SOFC stack 6 includes a battery box 61, a cover plate 63, and a plurality of SOFC single cells 62 disposed in the battery box 61. Each SOFC single cell 62 includes an SOFC positive electrode 621, an SOFC electrolyte 622, an SOFC negative electrode 623, and a fuel channel 624.
[0044] Since the SOFC stack 6 undergoes a redox reaction in a high-temperature environment, the high-temperature exhaust gas from the delivery pipeline exchanges heat with the fuel gas in the first containment chamber 11, which can increase the temperature of the gas entering the SOFC stack 6, reduce energy waste, and facilitate the redox reaction within the SOFC stack 6.
[0045] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The conveying assembly 3 includes multiple conveying components 31, each with a conveying channel, and all conveying components 31 are made of a high thermal conductivity material. Because multiple conveying components 31 have conveying channels, the high-temperature exhaust gas in the second receiving cavity 21 can simultaneously flow into multiple conveying channels, which is beneficial for improving the heat exchange efficiency and effect between the high-temperature exhaust gas and the fuel gas, facilitating the heating of the fuel gas, and increasing the energy utilization rate of the high-temperature exhaust gas. The high thermal conductivity material used for the conveying components 31 further enhances the heat exchange efficiency and effect between the high-temperature exhaust gas and the fuel gas.
[0046] This application does not impose specific limitations on the selection of high thermal conductivity materials. In some embodiments, the high thermal conductivity material may be a chromium-nickel-iron alloy.
[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The number of second through holes 13 can be multiple sets. Each set of second through holes 13 has two second through holes 13 for the same conveying member 31 to pass through. Each set of second through holes 13 can be set one-to-one with the conveying member 31.
[0048] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first housing 1 has multiple air inlets 14 at the end facing the second housing 2 for allowing fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity 11. The multiple air inlets 14 improve the fuel gas intake efficiency and volume. Since the conveying assembly 3 is located in the second housing 2 and passes through the first housing 1, placing the air inlets 14 for fuel gas into the first receiving cavity 11 at the end of the first housing 1 near the second housing 2 increases the time for heat exchange between the fuel gas and the high-temperature exhaust gas, thus improving the heating of the fuel gas and increasing the energy utilization rate of the high-temperature exhaust gas.
[0049] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first housing 1 may include a front panel 15 and a back panel disposed opposite to each other. Both the front panel 15 and the back panel are provided with a second through hole 13. A sealing ring 7 is embedded in the second through hole 13, thereby improving the airtightness of the thermal management system 10.
[0050] In some embodiments, the plurality of air inlets 14 are divided into a first air inlet group and a second air inlet group. The air inlets 14 belonging to the first air inlet group are used to allow the first fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity 11, and the air inlets 14 belonging to the second air inlet group are used to allow the second fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity 11. The temperature of the first fuel gas is higher than that of the second fuel gas. Since the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas can flow into the first receiving cavity 11 through the air inlets 14, and the temperature of the first fuel gas is higher than that of the second fuel gas, the overall temperature of the mixed fuel gas entering the fuel cell stack can be adjusted by controlling the amount of the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas flowing into the first receiving cavity 11, which is beneficial for the fuel cell stack to undergo redox reactions within a suitable temperature range.
[0051] In the above embodiments, the suitable operating temperature for SOFC stack 6 is between 650 and 850°C.
[0052] This application does not limit the specific selection of the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas. In some embodiments, the first fuel gas may be methane reformed gas with a temperature between 700 and 1000°C, and the second fuel gas may be methanol steam reformed gas with a temperature between 200 and 300°C.
[0053] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 10 includes a first intake pipe communicating with the intake port 14 of the first intake group, a second intake pipe communicating with the intake port 14 of the second intake group, a first valve disposed on the first intake pipe, a second valve disposed on the second intake pipe, and a controller electrically connected to the first valve and the second valve respectively. The controller can control the operating state of the first valve and the second valve respectively to control the intake volume of the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas. The controller can control the opening, closing, and opening degree (opening degree) of the first valve and the second valve respectively to control the total amount of the first fuel gas and the total amount of the second fuel gas entering the first receiving cavity 11, thereby regulating the overall temperature of the mixed fuel gas entering the fuel cell stack, which is beneficial to improving the automation level of the thermal management system 10 provided in this application.
[0054] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 10 includes a temperature sensor electrically connected to the controller. The temperature sensor is installed inside the fuel cell stack and can detect the temperature information of the fuel cell stack in real time. The controller can control the working state of the first valve and the second valve respectively according to the temperature information.
[0055] This application does not limit the specific selection of temperature sensors. In some embodiments, thermocouples may be used as temperature sensors.
[0056] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 5 The thermal management system 10 also includes an exhaust gas collection device 4. The exhaust gas collection device 4 has a third receiving cavity 41, a fourth through hole communicating with the third receiving cavity 41, and an exhaust port 42. The end of the conveying component 3 furthest from the second housing 2 passes through the fourth through hole and is located within the third receiving cavity 41. The exhaust port 42 is used to communicate with an exhaust pipe. The third receiving cavity 41 of the exhaust gas collection device can accommodate the high-temperature exhaust gas flowing out of the conveying component 31. That is, the exhaust gas collection device can collect the high-temperature exhaust gas after heat exchange, which is beneficial to improving the structural and functional integrity of the thermal management system 10 of this application. The exhaust gas collection device 4 is provided with an exhaust port 42 communicating with the third receiving cavity 41 and the exhaust pipe, so that the high-temperature exhaust gas can flow into the exhaust pipe, facilitating further processing of the high-temperature exhaust gas.
[0057] See Figure 5 Fuel gas can flow into the first receiving chamber 11 through the air inlet 14, and then enter the fuel cell stack for reaction along solid arrows 101 and 102. The high-temperature exhaust gas generated after the reaction can flow into the second receiving chamber 21 along dashed arrow 103, then into the third receiving chamber 41 along dashed arrows 104 and 105, and finally into the exhaust port 42 along dashed arrows 106 and 107, and then be discharged from the thermal management system 10.
[0058] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 5 The thermal management system 10 also includes a second sealing element 8 disposed between the first housing 1 and the exhaust gas collection device 4. The second sealing element 8 is used to seal the second through hole 13 of the first housing 1 and the fourth through hole of the exhaust gas collection device 4, thereby preventing high-temperature exhaust gas from leaking when it flows through the second through hole 13 and the fourth through hole to a certain extent, which is beneficial to improving the airtightness of the thermal management system 10.
[0059] In the above embodiments, the second seal 8 can be laid on the contact surface between the first housing 1 and the exhaust gas collection device 4, thereby improving the aesthetics of the thermal management system 10.
[0060] According to the second aspect of this application, see [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 5 This application provides a fuel cell stack system 100, including a fuel cell stack and a thermal management system 10 for the fuel cell stack in any of the above embodiments. The fuel cell stack has an air inlet and an air outlet. A first housing 1 and a second housing 2 can jointly hold the fuel cell stack. A first receiving cavity 11 is connected to the air inlet, and a second receiving cavity 21 is connected to the air outlet.
[0061] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5The first housing 1 can be formed into an L-shaped structure. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be connected by a conveying assembly 3 and can be enclosed to form a U-shaped structure. This U-shaped structure can form a fourth receiving cavity for accommodating the fuel cell stack.
[0062] It is understood that, in the above embodiments, limiting members can be provided on both the side of the first housing 1 away from the second housing 2 and the side of the second housing 2 away from the first housing 1. The limiting members are used to restrict the movement of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, thereby improving the clamping effect of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 on the fuel cell stack, and improving the airtightness of the fuel gas flowing through the first through hole 12 of the first housing 1 and the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, as well as the airtightness of the high-temperature exhaust gas flowing through the air outlet of the fuel cell stack and the third through hole 22 of the second housing 2.
[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 5 The fuel cell stack system 100 includes a first seal 5, which is disposed between the first receiving cavity 11 and the air inlet, and between the second receiving cavity 21 and the air outlet. In embodiments where the first housing 1 has a first through hole 12 and the second housing 2 has a third through hole 22, the first seal 5 further improves the airtightness of the fuel gas flowing through the first through hole 12 and the air inlet of the fuel cell stack, as well as the airtightness of the high-temperature exhaust gas flowing through the air outlet of the fuel cell stack and the third through hole 22.
[0064] Since the redox reaction of SOFC stack 6 is an exothermic reaction, the temperature of SOFC stack 6 will continue to rise as the reaction proceeds. Therefore, in order to extend the service life of thermal management system 10, certain control methods are needed to regulate the temperature of SOFC stack 6.
[0065] Based on this, see Figure 6 According to a third aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling the temperature of a fuel cell stack, used in the thermal management system 10 of the fuel cell stack in any of the above embodiments. The fuel gas includes a first fuel gas and a second fuel gas, wherein the temperature of the first fuel gas is higher than the temperature of the second fuel gas. The control method includes:
[0066] Obtain temperature information of the fuel cell stack;
[0067] When the temperature is less than 700°C, control the first fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity 11;
[0068] When the temperature is between 700℃ and 750℃, control the flow of the second fuel gas into the first receiving chamber 11;
[0069] When the temperature is between 750℃ and 850℃, reduce the flow rate of the first fuel gas and increase the flow rate of the second fuel gas.
[0070] Specifically, in the above embodiments, temperature information detected by a temperature sensor can be acquired; when the temperature information is less than 700°C, the controller controls the first valve to open and the second valve to close; when the temperature information is between 700°C and 750°C, the controller controls the second valve to open; when the temperature information is between 750°C and 800°C, the controller controls the opening of the first valve to decrease and the opening of the second valve to increase; when the temperature information is between 800°C and 850°C, the controller controls the opening of the first valve to continue to decrease or close and controls the opening of the second valve to continue to increase.
[0071] Through the above control method, the controller can regulate the overall temperature of the mixed fuel gas entering the fuel cell stack by controlling the working state of the first valve and the second valve, which is beneficial to make the SOFC stack 6 undergo oxidation-reduction reaction between 650 and 850°C.
[0072] In the above embodiments, the thermal management system 10 may further include a first sub-controller and a second sub-controller that are electrically connected to the controller. The first sub-controller is electrically connected to the first valve, and the second sub-controller is electrically connected to the second valve. The controller can receive temperature information from the temperature sensor and output signals to the first sub-controller and the second sub-controller based on the temperature information. After receiving the signals, the first sub-controller and the second sub-controller can control the working state of the first valve and the second valve respectively, thereby controlling the intake volume of the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas.
[0073] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0074] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A thermal management system for a fuel cell stack, characterized in that, include: The first housing has a first receiving cavity for containing fuel gas, the first receiving cavity being connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack; The second housing has a second receiving cavity for containing high-temperature exhaust gas, the second receiving cavity being connected to the exhaust port of the fuel cell stack; and A conveying assembly is disposed in the second housing and has a conveying channel communicating with the second receiving cavity. The conveying assembly passes through the first housing and exits from the first housing. The high-temperature exhaust gas entering the conveying channel from the second receiving cavity can exchange heat with the fuel gas in the first receiving cavity. The first housing has multiple air inlets at one end facing the second housing for allowing fuel gas to flow into the first accommodating cavity; The plurality of air inlets are divided into a first air inlet group and a second air inlet group. The air inlets belonging to the first air inlet group are used to allow the first fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity, and the air inlets belonging to the second air inlet group are used to allow the second fuel gas to flow into the first receiving cavity. The temperature of the first fuel gas is higher than the temperature of the second fuel gas. The thermal management system includes a first air intake pipe connected to the air intake port of the first air intake group, a second air intake pipe connected to the air intake port of the second air intake group, a first valve provided in the first air intake pipe, a second valve provided in the second air intake pipe, and a controller electrically connected to the first valve and the second valve respectively. The controller can control the working state of the first valve and the second valve respectively to control the air intake volume of the first fuel gas and the second fuel gas. The thermal management system includes a temperature sensor electrically connected to the controller. The temperature sensor is installed inside the fuel cell stack and can detect the temperature information of the fuel cell stack in real time. The controller can control the working state of the first valve and the second valve respectively according to the temperature information.
2. The thermal management system for a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing has a first through hole and a second through hole for the conveying assembly to pass through the first housing, and both the first through hole and the second through hole are in communication with the first receiving cavity.
3. The thermal management system for a fuel cell stack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying assembly includes multiple conveying components, each having the conveying channel formed thereon.
4. The thermal management system for a fuel cell stack according to claim 3, characterized in that, All of the aforementioned conveying components are made of materials with high thermal conductivity.
5. The thermal management system for a fuel cell stack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of the second through holes is multiple sets, and each set of the second through holes has two second through holes for the same conveying component to pass through. Each set of the second through holes is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the conveying component.
6. The thermal management system for a fuel cell stack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first housing includes a front panel and a back panel disposed opposite to each other, both of which are provided with a second through hole, and a sealing ring is embedded in the second through hole.
7. The thermal management system for a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes an exhaust gas collection device, which has a third receiving cavity and a fourth through hole and an exhaust port communicating with the third receiving cavity. The end of the conveying component away from the second housing passes through the fourth through hole and is located in the third receiving cavity. The exhaust port is used to communicate with an exhaust pipe.
8. A fuel cell stack system, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell stack has an air inlet and an air outlet; as well as The thermal management system for the fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first housing and the second housing are capable of jointly clamping the fuel cell stack, the first receiving cavity is connected to the air inlet, and the second receiving cavity is connected to the air outlet.
9. The fuel cell stack system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack system includes a first seal, which is disposed between the first receiving cavity and the air inlet, and between the second receiving cavity and the air outlet.
10. A method for controlling the temperature of a fuel cell stack, used in the thermal management system of a fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the fuel gas includes a first fuel gas and a second fuel gas, the temperature of the first fuel gas being higher than the temperature of the second fuel gas, characterized in that... The control method includes: Obtain temperature information of the fuel cell stack; When the temperature information is less than 700°C, the first fuel gas is controlled to flow into the first accommodating cavity; When the temperature information is between 700°C and 750°C, the second fuel gas is controlled to flow into the first receiving cavity; When the temperature information is between 750°C and 850°C, the flow rate of the first fuel gas is reduced and the flow rate of the second fuel gas is increased.