Hydrogen fuel supply control system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hydrogen fuel supply control system and method, relating to the technical field of fuel cell vehicles, comprising a hydrogen supply pipeline, a hydrogen cylinder is arranged on the hydrogen supply pipeline, a mechanical pressure reducer, a hydrogen filter, a hydrogen pressure regulator and a hydrogen common rail pipeline are sequentially connected from the hydrogen cylinder; an integrated pressure and temperature sensor and a plurality of gas outlets are arranged at the hydrogen common rail pipeline, the plurality of gas outlets are respectively connected to hydrogen injectors and a circulation branch pipeline, a hydrogen circulation pump is arranged on the circulation branch pipeline, an electrically controlled pressure control valve is arranged between the hydrogen common rail pipeline and the hydrogen circulation pump, and the circulation branch pipeline communicates with the hydrogen cylinder; the electrically controlled pressure control valve is driven and controlled by a vehicle ECU. The present disclosure can meet the problems of limp-home and pipeline hydrogen release, solve the current problems that limp-home cannot be realized and pipeline hydrogen cannot be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fuel cell vehicle technology, specifically to a hydrogen fuel supply control system and method. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information relating to this disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen (a "hydrogen internal combustion engine" that is driven solely by burning hydrogen). Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are powered by an electric motor, just like pure electric vehicles; therefore, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can be understood as an "electric vehicle with its own hydrogen fuel generator."

[0004] Of the fuel cell vehicles launched to date, compressed hydrogen has garnered the most attention, primarily because its fuel supply is technically the simplest and most feasible. Various companies have made significant progress in FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) in terms of driving range, maximum speed, fuel economy, and even hydrogen storage pressure.

[0005] Generally, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles mainly consist of a high-pressure storage tank, a hydrogen fuel cell stack, a fuel cell booster, a power battery pack, a drive motor, and a power control unit. The process of refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is very fast and convenient; a dedicated hydrogen refueling device can fill the hydrogen fuel cell in just 3 minutes.

[0006] However, existing vehicles use direct-injection hydrogen engines, which use hydrogen as fuel and inject it directly into the engine combustion chamber through hydrogen injectors. The hydrogen injector is a structure similar to a diesel engine fuel injector, a component that can automatically control the injection of hydrogen fuel in the system pipeline through an electronic control system. Therefore, the frequency of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is increasing, and the requirements for the hydrogen supply system in these vehicles are also increasing.

[0007] Currently, in existing hydrogen supply systems, hydrogen can only be transferred from the vehicle to the hydrogen injectors. Because of emission and safety requirements, hydrogen cannot be directly released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the engine cannot perform a limp-home function when components fail. The limp-home function, similar to the electronic control function of a gasoline engine, reduces fuel injection and engine speed when an engine malfunctions, but the engine does not stop, allowing the vehicle to run at a low speed for subsequent maintenance. However, when the vehicle stops, the existing hydrogen supply system cannot release the high-pressure hydrogen in the pipelines and rails. Similarly, due to the unidirectional nature of fuel supply and the high pressure of hydrogen in the tanks, it cannot pump hydrogen from the rails back to the tanks. This poses a high risk to related components in the vehicle, making the vehicle's operation unreliable. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure proposes a hydrogen fuel supply control system and method. By adding an electronically controlled pressure control valve and a hydrogen circulation pump to the system structure, the system can control the engine to drive home on an incline when vehicle parts fail and release hydrogen from the pipeline after parking, thereby improving the reliability of vehicle operation control.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solutions:

[0010] A hydrogen fuel supply control system for supplying hydrogen fuel to the combustion chamber of a vehicle engine, comprising:

[0011] A hydrogen supply pipeline is provided with a hydrogen cylinder, and a mechanical pressure reducer, a hydrogen filter, a hydrogen pressure regulator and a hydrogen common rail are connected in sequence from the hydrogen cylinder.

[0012] An integrated pressure and temperature sensor and multiple gas outlets are installed at the hydrogen common rail. The multiple gas outlets are connected to a hydrogen injector and a circulation branch pipeline. A hydrogen circulation pump is installed on the circulation branch pipeline. An electronically controlled pressure control valve is installed between the hydrogen common rail and the hydrogen circulation pump. The circulation branch pipeline is connected to a hydrogen cylinder.

[0013] The electronically controlled pressure control valve is driven and controlled by the vehicle's ECU.

[0014] As one embodiment, a proportional valve is provided in the hydrogen pressure regulator, and the proportional valve is a normally open valve.

[0015] As one embodiment, if the proportional valve of the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor malfunctions, the proportional valve is normally open, the hydrogen supply line is normally open, and if the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the vehicle ECU detects the signal from the integrated pressure and temperature sensor on the hydrogen supply line and drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to make adjustments.

[0016] As one embodiment, the vehicle ECU drives and controls the electronic pressure control valve to open at a set angle. A portion of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipeline flows to the hydrogen circulation pump on the circulation branch pipeline. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder.

[0017] As one example, another portion of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line still flows to the hydrogen injector, reducing the engine speed without stopping the engine, allowing the vehicle to run at low speed and fulfilling the limp-home function.

[0018] As one example, after the vehicle stops during the limp-home operation, the engine transmits a shutdown preparation signal to the vehicle ECU. Upon receiving the engine shutdown preparation signal, the vehicle ECU drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to remain open, allowing the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line to flow to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder.

[0019] As one example, a small amount of hydrogen is released from the hydrogen injector in the hydrogen supply line.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solutions:

[0021] A hydrogen fuel supply control method includes limp-home control and shutdown hydrogen control, wherein the limp-home control method includes:

[0022] The proportional valve in the hydrogen pressure regulator is normally open. If the proportional valve of the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor malfunctions, the hydrogen supply line will remain open. If the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the vehicle ECU will detect the signal from the integrated pressure and temperature sensor in the hydrogen supply line. Upon detecting the fault, the vehicle ECU will drive the electronically controlled pressure control valve to open at a set angle. Part of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line will flow to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump will pressurize the hydrogen and circulate it to the hydrogen cylinder. The other part of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line will still flow to the hydrogen injector, reducing the engine speed without stopping the engine, allowing the vehicle to run at low speed and achieving limp-home control.

[0023] Furthermore, the hydrogen control method for parking is as follows: after the vehicle stops during limp-home operation, the engine transmits a shutdown preparation signal to the vehicle ECU. After receiving the engine shutdown preparation signal, the vehicle ECU drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to remain open, so that the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipeline flows to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch pipeline. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder.

[0024] Furthermore, a small amount of hydrogen is released from the hydrogen injector in the hydrogen supply pipeline.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0026] This disclosure discloses a hydrogen fuel supply control system that adds an electronically controlled pressure control valve and a hydrogen circulation pump. When the proportional valve in the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the ECU drives the pressure control valve to adjust the pressure, supplying excess hydrogen to the hydrogen circulation pump. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and transports it to the hydrogen cylinder. The adjusted hydrogen pressure is then supplied to the hydrogen rail, enabling the limp-home function and solving the current problem of the inability to achieve limp-home functionality. This disclosure also allows the release of hydrogen from the pipeline after the engine stops, and the excess hydrogen is pressurized by the circulation pump and transferred to the hydrogen cylinder for storage, solving the problem of the inability to recover hydrogen from the pipeline after engine shutdown. This system is easy to implement quickly and is suitable for mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of this disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain this disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a limp-home control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shutdown hydrogen control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0033] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] Terminology Explanation

[0035] Direct-injection hydrogen engine: An engine that uses hydrogen as fuel and injects it directly into the engine combustion chamber through a hydrogen injector.

[0036] Hydrogen injector: Similar to a diesel engine fuel injector, it is a component that can automatically control the injection of hydrogen fuel in the system pipeline through an electronic control system.

[0037] Limp-home function: Similar to the electronic control function of a fuel engine, when the engine malfunctions, it can reduce the amount of fuel injection and reduce the engine speed, but the engine will not stop, allowing the vehicle to run at a low speed to facilitate the next stage of vehicle maintenance.

[0038] Hydrogen circulation pump (compressor): A device for pressurizing hydrogen gas.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a hydrogen fuel supply control system for supplying hydrogen fuel to the combustion chamber of a vehicle engine, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0041] The hydrogen supply pipeline is equipped with a hydrogen cylinder, which is connected in sequence to a mechanical pressure reducer, a hydrogen filter, a hydrogen pressure regulator, and a hydrogen common rail.

[0042] An integrated pressure and temperature sensor and multiple outlets are installed at the hydrogen common rail. The multiple outlets are connected to the hydrogen injector and the circulation branch pipeline respectively. A hydrogen circulation pump is installed on the circulation branch pipeline. An electronically controlled pressure control valve is installed between the hydrogen common rail and the hydrogen circulation pump. The circulation branch pipeline is connected to the hydrogen cylinder.

[0043] The electronically controlled pressure control valve is driven and controlled by the vehicle's ECU.

[0044] In one embodiment, hydrogen cylinders are used to store hydrogen, supplying it to the engine as hydrogen fuel to power the vehicle. A mechanical pressure reducer is a device that reduces the high-pressure oxygen gas stored in an oxygen cylinder to the low-pressure oxygen required for welding. Because the pressure inside the cylinder is high, while the pressure required for welding, cutting, and other applications is relatively low, a pressure reducer is needed to lower the pressure of the gas stored in the cylinder to a low pressure, ensuring that the required working pressure remains stable throughout. The hydrogen filter ensures that clean hydrogen is obtained at all stages; filtration is essential for optimal performance in a wide range of applications. The hydrogen pressure regulator maintains a constant working pressure in the system, while the piston-sensor pressure regulator converts the input into system pressure adaptation. A common rail system can reduce diesel engine noise and emissions. The more uniform medium pressure and better atomization in a common rail system result in better combustion and reduced noise and pollutant emissions from incomplete combustion.

[0045] The hydrogen pressure regulator is equipped with a proportional valve, which is a normally open valve to ensure that the hydrogen supply line remains unobstructed, providing fuel to the vehicle engine and ensuring the operation of the entire vehicle.

[0046] As one embodiment, a compressor is installed in the hydrogen circulation pump to pressurize the hydrogen.

[0047] The electronically controlled pressure valve is driven and controlled by the vehicle's ECU, which allows it to adjust its opening angle to ensure that excess hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line can flow to the hydrogen circulation pump.

[0048] As one example, the hydrogen fuel supply control system has two control methods: limp home control and shutdown hydrogen control.

[0049] 1) Limp home control: If the proportional valve of the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the proportional valve is normally open, the hydrogen supply line is normally open, and the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails. The vehicle ECU detects the signal of the integrated pressure and temperature sensor on the hydrogen supply line. After detecting the fault, the vehicle ECU drives and controls the electronically controlled pressure control valve to make adjustments.

[0050] The vehicle ECU drives and controls the electronic pressure control valve to open at a set angle. A portion of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipeline flows to the hydrogen circulation pump on the circulation branch pipeline. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder for storage.

[0051] The process for confirming the opening angle of the electrically controlled pressure control valve is as follows:

[0052] The system detects changes in hydrogen pressure and inputs the corresponding pressure signal to the ECU control unit. Upon receiving the input pressure signal, it converts it into an electronic signal via a digital converter. Based on the magnitude and direction of the electronic signal, it calculates the required opening degree of the electronically controlled pressure valve and sends the corresponding control signal to the electronically controlled pressure valve to control its opening degree. By continuously adjusting the valve opening, it achieves precise control of hydrogen pressure, ensuring that the corresponding functions are met.

[0053] Another portion of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line still flows to the hydrogen injector, reducing the engine speed without stopping the engine, allowing the vehicle to run at low speed and fulfilling the limp-home function.

[0054] 2) Parking Hydrogen Control: After the vehicle stops during the limp home operation, the engine transmits a shutdown preparation signal to the vehicle ECU. After receiving the engine shutdown preparation signal, the vehicle ECU drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to remain open, which flows the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder for storage.

[0055] A small amount of hydrogen is released from the hydrogen injector in the hydrogen supply pipeline.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a hydrogen fuel supply control method, based on a hydrogen fuel supply control system, the control system comprising:

[0058] The hydrogen supply pipeline is equipped with a hydrogen cylinder, which is connected in sequence to a mechanical pressure reducer, a hydrogen filter, a hydrogen pressure regulator, and a hydrogen common rail.

[0059] An integrated pressure and temperature sensor and multiple outlets are installed at the hydrogen common rail. The multiple outlets are connected to the hydrogen injector and the circulation branch pipeline respectively. A hydrogen circulation pump is installed on the circulation branch pipeline. An electronically controlled pressure control valve is installed between the hydrogen common rail and the hydrogen circulation pump. The circulation branch pipeline is connected to the hydrogen cylinder.

[0060] The electronically controlled pressure control valve is driven and controlled by the vehicle's ECU.

[0061] As one example, such as Figure 2 As shown, a specific implementation method for hydrogen fuel supply control is as follows:

[0062] This includes limp home control and parking hydrogen control. Limp home control methods include:

[0063] The proportional valve in the hydrogen pressure regulator is normally open. If the proportional valve fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor malfunctions, the hydrogen supply line will remain open. If the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the vehicle ECU will detect the signal from the integrated pressure and temperature sensor in the hydrogen supply line. The integrated pressure and temperature sensor will transmit the signal to the vehicle ECU. After detecting the fault, the vehicle ECU will drive and control the electronically controlled pressure control valve to adjust the pressure and open it at a set angle. A portion of the excess hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line will flow to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump will pressurize the hydrogen and circulate it to the hydrogen cylinder. The other portion of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line will still flow to the hydrogen injector, reducing the engine speed without stopping the engine. The hydrogen rail pressure in the hydrogen supply line will be stable, allowing the vehicle to run at low speed and achieving limp-home control.

[0064] The hydrogen control method for parking is as follows: After the vehicle stops during the limp home operation, the engine transmits a shutdown preparation signal to the vehicle ECU. After receiving the engine shutdown preparation signal, the vehicle ECU drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to remain open, which flows the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder.

[0065] A small amount of hydrogen is released from the hydrogen injector in the hydrogen supply pipeline.

[0066] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. 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, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0067] 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.

[0068] While the specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of this disclosure are still within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel supply control system, characterized in that, Used to supply hydrogen fuel to the combustion chamber of a vehicle engine, including: A hydrogen supply pipeline is provided with a hydrogen cylinder, and a mechanical pressure reducer, a hydrogen filter, a hydrogen pressure regulator and a hydrogen common rail are connected in sequence from the hydrogen cylinder. An integrated pressure and temperature sensor and multiple gas outlets are installed at the hydrogen common rail. The multiple gas outlets are connected to a hydrogen injector and a circulation branch pipeline. A hydrogen circulation pump is installed on the circulation branch pipeline. An electronically controlled pressure control valve is installed between the hydrogen common rail and the hydrogen circulation pump. The circulation branch pipeline is connected to a hydrogen cylinder. The electronically controlled pressure valve is driven and controlled by the vehicle's ECU. When the proportional valve of the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor malfunctions, the vehicle ECU drives and controls the electronically controlled pressure control valve to open at a set angle. Part of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line flows to the hydrogen circulation pump on the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder. The other part of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line still flows to the hydrogen injector, reducing the engine speed without stopping the engine, so that the vehicle runs at a low speed to meet the limp home function. After the vehicle stops during its limp-home operation, the engine transmits a shutdown preparation signal to the vehicle's ECU. Upon receiving the engine's shutdown preparation signal, the vehicle's ECU drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to remain open, allowing the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line to flow to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates it to the hydrogen cylinder.

2. The hydrogen fuel supply control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A proportional valve is provided in the hydrogen pressure regulator, and the proportional valve is a normally open valve.

3. The hydrogen fuel supply control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the proportional valve of the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor malfunctions, the proportional valve will be normally open, and the hydrogen supply line will be normally open. If the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the vehicle ECU will detect the signal from the integrated pressure and temperature sensor on the hydrogen supply line and drive the electronically controlled pressure control valve to make adjustments.

4. A hydrogen fuel supply control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A small amount of hydrogen is released from the hydrogen injector in the hydrogen supply pipeline.

5. A hydrogen fuel supply control method, based on the hydrogen fuel supply control system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, This includes limp home control and parking hydrogen control. Limp home control methods include: The proportional valve in the hydrogen pressure regulator is normally open. If the proportional valve of the hydrogen pressure regulator fails or the integrated pressure and temperature sensor malfunctions, the hydrogen supply line will remain open. If the integrated pressure and temperature sensor fails, the vehicle ECU will detect the signal from the integrated pressure and temperature sensor in the hydrogen supply line. Upon detecting the fault, the vehicle ECU will drive the electronically controlled pressure control valve to open at a set angle. Part of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line will flow to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch line. The hydrogen circulation pump will pressurize the hydrogen and circulate it to the hydrogen cylinder. The other part of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply line will still flow to the hydrogen injector, reducing the engine speed without stopping the engine, allowing the vehicle to run at low speed and achieving limp-home control.

6. The hydrogen fuel supply control method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The hydrogen control method for parking is as follows: After the vehicle stops during the limp home operation, the engine transmits a stop preparation signal to the vehicle ECU. After receiving the engine stop preparation signal, the vehicle ECU drives the electronically controlled pressure control valve to remain open, so that the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipeline flows to the hydrogen circulation pump in the circulation branch pipeline. The hydrogen circulation pump pressurizes the hydrogen and circulates the hydrogen to the hydrogen cylinder.

7. The hydrogen fuel supply control method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A small amount of hydrogen is released from the hydrogen injector in the hydrogen supply pipeline.

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