Methods and devices for monitoring the lifespan of fuel cell stacks, fuel cell systems and vehicles

Abstract

This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and particularly to a method, apparatus, fuel cell system, and vehicle for monitoring the lifespan of a fuel cell stack. The method includes: acquiring the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack; determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio; and generating a lifespan monitoring result of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate. This solves the problems of difficulty in monitoring the lifespan of fuel cell stacks in online commercial vehicle fuel cell systems and the lag in monitoring schemes, greatly improving the accuracy of online fuel cell stack lifespan monitoring and thus providing reliable data for extending the lifespan of the fuel cell stack.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Fuel cell stacks degrade over time, and their polarization curves degrade accordingly. Aging stacks require more output current to meet the system's power requirements, and setting a current beyond the capacity of the fuel cell's polarization curve will accelerate performance degradation. Lifetime monitoring is a crucial method for assessing the lifespan and stability of fuel cell systems; therefore, online monitoring of fuel cell stack performance and lifespan is particularly important.

[0003] In related technologies, fuel cell stack and system durability testing is typically achieved through accelerated durability testing on test benches at the material or component levels, or through offline update control methods following actual road spectrum data collection. However, these technologies struggle to achieve online monitoring of fuel cell stack lifespan based on actual input conditions. The fuel cell stack lifespan monitoring schemes suffer from latency, making it difficult to address the reliability issues of online operation of commercial vehicle fuel cells, a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, fuel cell system, and vehicle for monitoring the lifespan of fuel cell stacks, addressing the challenges of monitoring the lifespan of fuel cell stacks in online commercial vehicle fuel cell systems and the lag in monitoring schemes. This significantly improves the accuracy of online monitoring of fuel cell stack lifespan, thereby providing reliable data for extending the lifespan of fuel cell stacks.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a method for monitoring the lifetime of an electric fuel cell stack, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Obtain the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack;

[0007] The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell is determined based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio.

[0008] The lifetime monitoring results of the fuel cell stack are generated based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio includes:

[0010] The current voltage decay rate is obtained based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio;

[0011] The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, before obtaining the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio, the method further includes:

[0013] Acquire input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio during bench-mounted fuel cell stack accelerated testing;

[0014] The preset voltage decay rate reference value is obtained based on the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the bench stack accelerated test.

[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments, determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value includes:

[0016] If the current voltage decay rate is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, then the current voltage decay rate is taken as the target voltage decay rate; otherwise, the preset voltage decay rate reference value is taken as the target voltage decay rate.

[0017] Optionally, in some embodiments, generating the lifetime monitoring results of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate includes:

[0018] Calculate the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage;

[0019] If the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is the current voltage decay rate, then calculate the second difference between the first difference and the target voltage decay rate.

[0020] If the second difference is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to have performance degradation.

[0021] Optionally, in some embodiments, after calculating the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage, the method further includes:

[0022] If the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is the preset voltage decay rate reference value, then the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to be that the fuel cell stack has performance degradation.

[0023] A second aspect of this application provides a fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring device, comprising:

[0024] The acquisition module is used to acquire the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack.

[0025] The determination module is used to determine the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio.

[0026] A generation module is used to generate lifetime monitoring results for the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate.

[0027] Optionally, in some embodiments, the determining module is specifically used for:

[0028] The current voltage decay rate is obtained based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio;

[0029] The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

[0030] Optionally, in some embodiments, before determining the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio, the determining module is further configured to:

[0031] Acquire input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio during bench-mounted fuel cell stack accelerated testing;

[0032] The preset voltage decay rate reference value is obtained based on the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the bench stack accelerated test.

[0033] Optionally, in some embodiments, the determining module is specifically used for:

[0034] If the current voltage decay rate is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, the current voltage decay rate is taken as the target voltage decay rate; otherwise, the preset voltage decay rate reference value is taken as the target voltage decay rate.

[0035] Optionally, in some embodiments, the generation module is specifically used for:

[0036] Calculate the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage;

[0037] If the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is the current voltage decay rate, calculate the second difference between the first difference and the target voltage decay rate.

[0038] If the second difference is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to have performance degradation.

[0039] Optionally, in some embodiments, after calculating the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage, the generating module is further configured to:

[0040] If the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is the preset voltage decay rate reference value, the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to be that the fuel cell stack has performance degradation.

[0041] A third aspect of this application provides a fuel cell system, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring method as described in the above embodiments.

[0042] A fourth aspect of this application provides a vehicle including: a fuel cell system as described above.

[0043] Therefore, by acquiring the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack, the target voltage decay rate of the stack is determined based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio. The stack's lifespan monitoring results are then generated based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate. This solves the problems of difficult stack lifespan monitoring and the lag in monitoring schemes for online commercial vehicle fuel cell systems, significantly improving the accuracy of online stack lifespan monitoring and providing reliable data for extending stack lifespan.

[0044] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring method provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an online monitoring strategy for fuel cell stack life and a fuel cell life control strategy for commercial vehicles according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring method according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring device provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a fuel cell system provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0052] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, outlines a method, apparatus, fuel cell system, and vehicle for monitoring the lifespan of a fuel cell stack according to embodiments of this application. Addressing the challenges of monitoring the lifespan of fuel cell stacks in online-operated commercial vehicle fuel cell systems, as mentioned in the background section, and the inherent lag in monitoring schemes, this application provides a method for monitoring the lifespan of a fuel cell stack. This method acquires the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack; determines the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio; and generates the lifespan monitoring results of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate. This solves the problems of difficult monitoring of fuel cell stack lifespan and the inherent lag in monitoring schemes in online-operated commercial vehicle fuel cell systems, significantly improving the accuracy of online fuel cell stack lifespan monitoring and providing reliable data for extending the lifespan of the fuel cell stack.

[0053] Specifically, Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the life monitoring method for this fuel cell stack includes the following steps:

[0055] In step S101, the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack are obtained.

[0056] In this embodiment, the current voltage, current input pressure, and current temperature of the fuel cell stack are obtained in real time through relevant sensors. The current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack in this embodiment can be directly measured using specialized instruments and equipment, or it can be analyzed and processed by the monitoring system of the fuel cell system.

[0057] Optionally, embodiments of this application may also obtain the current current of the fuel cell stack, as well as the requested current and requested power from the commercial vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to the DC (Direct Current) terminal of the fuel cell.

[0058] It is understandable that parameters such as real-time voltage, real-time current, real-time input pressure, real-time temperature, and real-time metering ratio of the fuel cell stack can reflect the risk of performance degradation or failure. Similarly, if the requested power or current exceeds the current carrying capacity of the fuel cell stack, it may also lead to accelerated aging or damage to the stack. Therefore, this embodiment of the application obtains the above-mentioned fuel cell stack operating parameters and uses them as comparison values ​​for fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring.

[0059] Therefore, this application embodiment obtains the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, current metering ratio, and current requested power of the fuel cell stack, and uses these as comparison values ​​for online fuel cell stack life monitoring. By accurately and in real time obtaining these key parameters, abnormal conditions in fuel cell stack performance can be detected in a timely manner. In subsequent work, these parameters will also serve as data support for reducing operating costs and extending the lifespan of the fuel cell stack, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the fuel cell system.

[0060] In step S102, the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell is determined based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio.

[0061] Specifically, in this embodiment, the current voltage decay rate is calculated based on the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature and current metering ratio of the fuel cell obtained in step S101. The current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value are used to determine the voltage decay rate of the fuel cell, i.e. the target voltage decay rate of this embodiment. The presence of decay in the fuel cell is determined based on the target voltage decay rate and the current voltage, thereby generating the life monitoring result of the fuel cell and performing further inspection and maintenance on the fuel cell accordingly.

[0062] Optionally, in some embodiments, before obtaining the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio, the method further includes: obtaining the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the benchtop fuel cell accelerated test; and obtaining a preset voltage decay rate reference value based on the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the benchtop fuel cell accelerated test.

[0063] It is understood that the embodiments of this application provide a method for obtaining a preset voltage decay rate reference value, which is a reference value for the voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack during online monitoring of its lifetime. The embodiments of this application need to obtain the voltage decay rate affected by fluctuations in input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio during bench-mounted fuel cell stack accelerated testing.

[0064] In bench accelerated testing, it is necessary to simulate the fluctuations in input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio that the fuel cell stack may encounter under various actual operating conditions. By controlling these parameters such as input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio, and recording the corresponding voltage output changes, the voltage decay rate can be obtained.

[0065] Specifically, by analyzing the data from the above-mentioned bench accelerated test, the embodiment of this application can determine the pattern of voltage decay rate under different input conditions, thereby obtaining a voltage decay rate reference value. Furthermore, this preset voltage decay rate reference value can be used as a basis for online monitoring of the stack life.

[0066] Therefore, by obtaining the reference value of the voltage decay rate affected by the fluctuation of input conditions in the accelerated test of the bench stack, the embodiments of this application can provide an important reference for online monitoring of the stack life, which helps to detect the performance degradation of the stack in a timely manner and take corresponding measures, thereby extending the service life of the stack and improving the reliability of the fuel cell system.

[0067] Optionally, in some embodiments, determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio includes: obtaining the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio; and determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

[0068] Optionally, during actual operation, changes in input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio are monitored in real time, and the corresponding current voltage decay rate is calculated and compared with a preset voltage decay rate reference value. If the real-time measured voltage decay rate exceeds the reference value, it may mean that the performance of the fuel cell stack is degrading at an accelerated rate, requiring appropriate maintenance or replacement measures.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the current voltage decay rate is calculated according to the current input pressure, current temperature and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack, following the fuel cell stack accelerated test method.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, the current voltage decay rate is calculated using a fuel cell stack accelerated testing method, i.e., the input pressure p of the fuel cell stack accelerated testing is obtained. halt Input temperature T halt , measurement ratio λ halt As a comparison value, the collected current input pressure p in Current temperature T in Current measurement ratio λ in The current voltage decay rate is calculated according to the fuel cell stack accelerated testing method as follows:

[0071] ΔV run =(p in ,T in ,λ in )*ΔV halt / (p halt， T halt， λ halt );

[0072] Where, ΔV run p is the current voltage decay rate. in T represents the current input pressure of the fuel cell stack. in λ represents the current temperature of the fuel cell stack. in ΔV represents the current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack. halt p is the preset voltage decay rate reference value. halt For the input pressure of bench acceleration testing, T halt λ is the input temperature for bench acceleration testing. halt This is the measurement ratio for bench-accelerated testing.

[0073] It should be noted that the numerator in the above formula represents the real-time acquisition of input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio during the operation of the fuel cell stack, and the denominator represents the calibration values ​​of input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio during the accelerated testing of the fuel cell stack. The current voltage decay rate in this embodiment represents the coupling mapping between the actual measured values ​​and calibration values ​​of the fuel cell stack input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio. Since the actual operating acquisition values ​​of the fuel cell stack are dynamic and changing, this embodiment establishes the association and mapping relationship between the actual measured values ​​and the calibration values ​​through this ratio. The current voltage decay rate reflects the relationship and mutual influence between the actual measured values ​​and the calibration values.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ratio of the actual measured value to the calibrated value is first calculated, i.e. The ratio of the actual measured value to the calibrated value reflects the relative change between the two values. Therefore, the ratio of the actual measured value to the calibrated value is multiplied by the preset voltage decay rate reference value ΔV. halt This gives the current voltage decay rate.

[0075] In other words, ΔV run =f(p halt T halt , λ halt ), through preset bench calibration p halt T halt , λ halt The rate of change is obtained from ΔV run The mapping relationship, system operation data collection (p) in T in , λ in The rate of change of ) relative to (p halt T halt , λ halt The ratio of ), that is: [(p in / p halt )*(T in / T halt )*(λ in / λ haltThe voltage change rate under actual operating conditions is obtained; therefore, the current voltage decay rate in this embodiment can also be understood as:

[0076] ΔV run =ΔV halt *[(p in / p halt )*(T in / T halt )*(λ in / λ halt )];

[0077] It should be noted that as the battery stack approaches the BOL (Beginning of Life) of its lifespan, the current voltage decay rate ΔV run It may be greater than the preset voltage decay rate reference value ΔV halt .

[0078] Optionally, in some embodiments, determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value includes: if the current voltage decay rate is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, then the current voltage decay rate is taken as the target voltage decay rate; otherwise, the preset voltage decay rate reference value is taken as the target voltage decay rate.

[0079] It is understood that the embodiments of this application use the FCCU (Fuel Cell Control Unit) to process the collected data in real time and evaluate the performance of the fuel cell stack through predictive detection algorithms.

[0080] Based on the above embodiments, this application embodiment obtains a preset voltage decay rate reference value. Then, the FCCU compares the current voltage decay rate with the preset voltage decay rate reference value. If the current voltage decay rate is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, the FCCU uses the current voltage decay rate as the target voltage decay rate. However, if the current voltage decay rate is greater than the preset voltage decay rate reference value, the preset voltage decay rate reference value is used as the target voltage decay rate.

[0081] Therefore, through a pre-defined monitoring algorithm, the FCCU can accurately and in real time assess the performance degradation of the fuel cell stack, providing effective technical support for online monitoring of the stack. This helps to promptly identify potential problems in the stack and take corresponding measures to extend its service life and improve system reliability.

[0082] In step S103, the lifetime monitoring results of the fuel cell stack are generated based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate.

[0083] The generation of the fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring results is based on the preset fuel cell stack lifetime control conditions in this application embodiment. These preset conditions stipulate that the fuel cell stack exhibits performance degradation. In other words, this application embodiment first determines whether the fuel cell stack meets the preset fuel cell stack lifetime control conditions based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage degradation rate. If the fuel cell stack meets the preset fuel cell stack lifetime control conditions, the lifetime monitoring result indicates that the fuel cell stack exhibits performance degradation; otherwise, the lifetime monitoring result indicates that the fuel cell stack does not exhibit performance degradation. In addition to the conclusion regarding whether the fuel cell stack exhibits performance degradation, the lifetime monitoring results in this application embodiment may also include: the fuel cell stack's usage status, real-time operating data of the fuel cell stack, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the life monitoring results can be fed back to the user, so that the user can understand the usage status and lifespan of the fuel cell stack in a timely manner, ensuring the reliability of the fuel cell system, and replacing and repairing the fuel cell stack in a timely manner when there is performance degradation, thus ensuring the safety of vehicle use.

[0085] Optionally, in some embodiments, generating a lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate includes: calculating a first difference between a preset voltage and the current voltage; if the first difference is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold and the target voltage decay rate is the current voltage decay rate, then calculating a second difference between the first difference and the target voltage decay rate; if the second difference is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, then determining that the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack shows performance degradation.

[0086] In this embodiment, the preset voltage is the output voltage of the fuel cell stack, which can be calculated using a certain algorithm or model. The first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are both 0 in this embodiment.

[0087] In this embodiment of the application, when the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage is calculated and the target voltage decay rate is the current voltage decay rate, the first difference is used as an important basis for judging whether the fuel cell stack has performance degradation.

[0088] Specifically, if the first difference is less than 0, it indicates that the actual operating voltage of the fuel cell stack is higher than or equal to the expected value. In this case, it is determined that the performance of the fuel cell stack has not degraded or the degradation is within an acceptable range. The FCCU will assume that the stack voltage has no durability degradation and no additional lifetime control operations are required. Furthermore, in this situation, the fuel cell system can output power normally according to the requested power.

[0089] However, if the first difference is greater than or equal to 0, it indicates that the output voltage of the fuel cell stack is lower than the expected value, and there may be performance degradation. In this case, the embodiments of this application need to further calculate the second difference between the first difference and the target voltage decay rate (current voltage decay rate or preset voltage decay rate reference value), and then determine whether the fuel cell stack has performance degradation based on the second difference and the target voltage decay rate, that is, whether it meets the preset fuel cell stack life control conditions.

[0090] It should be noted that the above steps help to more accurately assess the degree of performance degradation of the fuel cell stack, thereby obtaining more accurate lifetime monitoring results.

[0091] Therefore, the monitoring method of this application embodiment can effectively identify the performance degradation of the fuel cell stack, which helps to ensure the stable operation of the fuel cell system and extend the service life of the fuel cell stack.

[0092] Understandably, when the first difference is greater than or equal to 0, it indicates that the actual operating voltage of the fuel cell stack is lower than its expected value. This usually means that the stack performance may have degraded. As the stack operates for a longer period of time and is affected by unpredictable environmental and operating conditions, the current voltage will be less than or equal to the preset voltage. If the first difference is greater than or equal to 0, it is necessary to determine the difference between the first difference and the current voltage decay rate to determine whether the voltage decay is caused by durability issues.

[0093] Specifically, if the first difference and the second difference of the current voltage decay rate are less than 0, it means that although there is voltage decay, the decay rate does not exceed the current voltage decay rate monitored in real time. In this case, the FCCU will assume that the stack voltage has no significant durability decay, so there is no need to take emergency or special life control measures, and the fuel cell system can continue to operate normally according to the requested power.

[0094] However, if the first difference and the second difference between the current voltage decay rate are greater than or equal to 0, it indicates that the voltage decay rate exceeds the real-time monitored current voltage decay rate, meaning that the performance degradation of the fuel cell stack may be severe, requiring a lifetime control strategy. In this case, the FCCU will trigger the corresponding lifetime control mechanism and display a warning message in the lifetime monitoring results.

[0095] Optionally, in some embodiments, after calculating the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage, the method further includes: if the first difference is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is a preset voltage decay rate reference value, then the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to be that the fuel cell stack has performance degradation.

[0096] Optionally, when the first difference is greater than or equal to 0, it indicates that the actual operating voltage of the fuel cell stack is lower than its expected value, that is, the stack performance has degraded. In this case, if the target voltage degradation rate is a preset voltage degradation rate reference value, then regardless of the second difference between the first difference and the preset voltage degradation rate reference value, the FCCU will default to the stack needing life control and display a warning message in the life monitoring results.

[0097] Therefore, based on the voltage decay rate monitoring algorithm of this application embodiment, the FCCU can evaluate the performance decay of the fuel cell stack in real time, generate corresponding fuel cell stack life monitoring results according to the decay, and feed them back to the user, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the fuel cell system and maximizing the lifespan of the fuel cell stack.

[0098] Based on the above embodiments, this application determines whether the fuel cell stack meets the preset fuel cell stack life control conditions based on the current voltage and the target voltage decay rate, and generates life monitoring results. If the life monitoring results indicate that the fuel cell stack does not have performance degradation, then there is no need to perform life control on the fuel cell system, and the output power of the fuel cell stack is the power requested by the commercial vehicle ECU to the DC terminal of the fuel cell.

[0099] However, in other cases, the fuel cell stack meets the preset fuel cell stack life control conditions, that is, when the fuel cell stack exhibits performance degradation, it is necessary to perform life control on the fuel cell system in order to ensure the stable operation of the fuel cell system and extend the life of the fuel cell stack based on control strategies.

[0100] The following examples illustrate the above control strategy, namely the lifespan control strategy for fuel cell systems.

[0101] It is understood that the embodiments of this application limit the output power of the fuel cell stack to achieve life control of the fuel cell system. In other words, the embodiments of this application need to re-look up the table to control the current output based on the collected real-time voltage data in order to achieve the goal of fuel cell life control.

[0102] Specifically, if the fuel cell stack meets the preset fuel cell stack life control conditions, the preset current of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table, the product of the current voltage and the preset current is used as the target output power of the fuel cell system, and the life control of the fuel cell system is performed based on the target output power.

[0103] Optionally, in some embodiments, before determining the preset current of the fuel cell based on a preset fuel cell output interpolation table, the method further includes: acquiring the polarization curve of the fuel cell during bench testing; determining the output current based on the polarization curve and a preset voltage, and obtaining the output power based on the preset voltage and the output current; and obtaining a preset fuel cell output interpolation table based on the preset voltage, the output current, and the output power.

[0104] It is understood that, in this embodiment of the application, the output current and output power under a preset voltage are determined by obtaining the voltage-current polarization curves after sensitivity calibration of the input temperature, pressure, metering ratio, etc. of the fuel cell stack on the bench test, thereby obtaining a preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table.

[0105] Specifically, in bench testing, this embodiment of the application conducts comprehensive testing on the fuel cell stack, testing its performance under different temperature, pressure, and metering ratio conditions, and calibrating these sensitive parameters. Under the calibrated parameter conditions, the output current of the stack is changed, and the corresponding output voltage is recorded to measure the voltage-current polarization curve of the fuel cell stack. Furthermore, this embodiment of the application can also record the measured voltage-current data and perform necessary processing, such as filtering and smoothing, to eliminate measurement noise and errors.

[0106] Furthermore, based on the measured polarization curve, the output current corresponding to the preset output voltage is found by interpolation or curve fitting, and the output power is obtained by multiplying the voltage value and the current value.

[0107] Finally, based on the measured polarization curve and the calculated output current and power at a specific output voltage, a preset fuel cell output interpolation table is generated. This preset fuel cell output interpolation table contains a series of output voltage values ​​and their corresponding output current and power values. Furthermore, through interpolation methods, the output current and power corresponding to any output voltage can be found between these discrete points.

[0108] Therefore, this application embodiment obtains the voltage-current polarization curve of the bench test stack after calibration, and determines the output current and power at a specific output voltage, thereby generating a preset stack output interpolation table. This preset stack output interpolation table will provide an important reference for the performance optimization and life control of the fuel cell system.

[0109] Furthermore, when the fuel cell stack meets the preset fuel cell stack life control conditions, the FCCU will calculate the preset current based on the preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table. Then, based on the current voltage and the preset current, it will calculate the target output power of the fuel cell system. This target output power will be used as the output power of the fuel cell system during the life control period to ensure that the lifespan of the fuel cell stack is extended as much as possible while meeting the system requirements.

[0110] Therefore, the FCCU in this embodiment can flexibly adjust the output power according to the real-time operating status and performance degradation of the fuel cell stack to achieve effective lifespan control, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the fuel cell system, while maximizing the lifespan of the fuel cell stack and improving the economy and reliability of the entire system.

[0111] Optionally, in some embodiments, when controlling the lifespan of the fuel cell system based on the target output power, the method further includes: acquiring the real-time output voltage and real-time output current of the fuel cell stack; updating the polarization curve based on the real-time output voltage and real-time output current; and recalculating a preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table based on the updated polarization curve.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that the performance of a fuel cell stack degrades over time, and its polarization curve degrades accordingly. Current settings exceeding the capacity of the fuel cell's polarization curve will accelerate this performance degradation. Therefore, to avoid these problems and ensure the effectiveness of online lifespan control for commercial vehicle fuel cells, this embodiment acquires the real-time output voltage and current of the fuel cell stack when performing lifespan control based on a target output power. This updates the stack's polarization curve, facilitating calculations for future lifespan control needs and allowing users to promptly understand the stack's current usage and performance status.

[0113] Furthermore, since the performance of the fuel cell stack gradually degrades with use, updating the interpolation table based on real-time data becomes particularly important. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output current corresponding to the preset voltage value is found by using the updated polarization curve and the interpolation method, thereby calculating the output power and adjusting the values ​​in the interpolation table accordingly to obtain the updated preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table.

[0114] In other words, when controlling the lifespan of a fuel cell system based on a target output power, this embodiment of the application needs to monitor the real-time output voltage and real-time output current of the fuel cell stack, update the polarization curve based on the real-time output voltage and real-time output current, and then recalculate the aforementioned preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table to achieve real-time updating of the preset fuel cell stack output interpolation table so that it can be used for calculation when lifespan control is needed next time, thereby realizing online lifespan control of commercial vehicle fuel cells.

[0115] Therefore, during the real-time update process, the FCCU of this embodiment utilizes advanced algorithms and calculation methods to recalculate the values ​​in the interpolation table based on the collected real-time data. When a lifespan control situation arises again, the FCCU can directly use the updated interpolation table for calculation, thereby more accurately controlling the output power of the fuel cell and achieving online lifespan control of the commercial vehicle fuel cell. Thus, the FCCU of this embodiment can continuously adapt to changes in the stack performance and adjust the control strategy in real time to ensure the stable operation of the fuel cell system and extend the lifespan of the stack.

[0116] The following specific embodiments will illustrate the commercial vehicle fuel cell life control strategy of this application.

[0117] Specifically, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of the online monitoring of fuel cell stack life and a fuel cell life control strategy for commercial vehicles, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 In this context, 1 represents the fuel cell stack to be monitored, and 2 represents the output limiting current I. run 3 indicates the output stack operating voltage V run ,4 indicates that the fuel cell stack input pressure p is collected in real time. in 5 indicates that the real-time temperature T of the fuel cell stack is collected. in 6 indicates the real-time acquisition of the fuel cell stack metering ratio λ. in 7 represents FCCU lifespan control calculation; 8 represents establishing a preset stack output interpolation table based on calibration values; 9 represents FCCU monitoring calculation; and 10 represents obtaining the requested power P at the fuel cell DC terminal. req 11 indicates the output lifetime limit power P con 12 indicates the life control algorithm for the fuel cell stack.

[0118] First, in this embodiment of the application, the current SOC (State of Charge) of the commercial vehicle is obtained and sent to the DC terminal of the fuel cell to request power P. req fuel cell stack operating voltage V run Collect input pressure p in Temperature T in , measurement ratio λ in ,exist Figure 2 Nine locations are monitored and calculated via FCCU; if lifespan control is not required, the output is P. req And calculate the corresponding output current I based on the power. run Based on the above embodiments, it can be seen that when the fuel cell stack meets the lifetime control conditions, in Figure 2 At 12 points, lifetime control calculations are performed via the FCCU, and the lifetime-limited power P is output. con and limiting current I run When the fuel cell stack meets the lifespan control conditions, Figure 2 At 12 points, lifetime control calculations are performed via the FCCU, and a preset stack output interpolation table is output and updated online. Figure 2 (8 locations in the text) so that it can be used for calculation when life control is needed again, so as to realize online life control of fuel cells in commercial vehicles.

[0119] Therefore, this application embodiment achieves effective lifespan control by flexibly adjusting the output power through real-time monitoring of the stack's operating status and performance degradation. Furthermore, during stack lifespan control, the preset stack output interpolation table is recalculated using actual output voltage and current data, enabling online real-time updates and effectively improving the reliability of the fuel cell system.

[0120] To enable those skilled in the art to further understand the fuel cell lifetime monitoring method of the embodiments of this application, the following examples illustrate the implementation steps of the method.

[0121] Specifically, Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an online monitoring method for fuel cell lifetime according to a specific embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0122] Step S301: During the accelerated test of the benchtop fuel cell stack, due to the input pressure P... halt-in Temperature T halt-in , measurement ratio λ halt Voltage decay rate ΔV affected by fluctuations halt (i.e., the preset voltage decay rate reference value), which serves as the voltage decay rate reference value for online monitoring of the stack life;

[0123] Step S302: Obtain the real-time voltage V of the online operating fuel cell stack. run Current I run Input pressure p in Temperature T in , measurement ratio λ in The power request P from the commercial vehicle ECU to the DC terminal of the fuel cell req Requested current I req This serves as a comparison value for online fuel cell stack life monitoring;

[0124] Step S303: The fuel cell controller (FCCU) uses a preset monitoring algorithm to collect the input pressure p. in Temperature T in , measurement ratio λ in Calculate the real-time voltage decay rate ΔV according to the fuel cell stack accelerated test method. run (i.e., the current voltage decay rate), when ΔV run ≤ΔV halt At that time, the real-time voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is taken as ΔV. run When ΔV run >ΔV halt At that time, the real-time voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is taken as ΔV. halt ;

[0125] Step S304: The fuel cell controller (FCCU) uses a preset monitoring algorithm to obtain the stack operating voltage V. run (i.e., current voltage) and output voltage V cal The difference (i.e., the preset voltage) ΔV (i.e., the first difference) dec =V cal -V run If ΔV dec If ≥0, then calculate ΔV.dec -ΔV run or ΔV dec -ΔV halt (i.e., the second difference), if ΔV dec If the value is less than 0, then the fuel cell stack voltage will not experience durability degradation by default.

[0126] Step S305, the fuel cell controller FCCU presets a monitoring algorithm, when ΔV dec ≥0 and the stack decay rate calculated in step S303 is taken as ΔV run When ΔV dec -ΔV run If ΔV < 0, then the default is that the stack voltage has no durability degradation. dec -ΔV run If the value is ≥0, it is determined that the battery stack voltage has durability degradation.

[0127] Step S306, the fuel cell controller FCCU presets a monitoring algorithm, when ΔV dec ≥0 and the stack decay rate calculated in step S303 is taken as ΔV halt At that time, regardless of ΔV dec -ΔV halt The result indicates that the battery stack voltage has experienced durability degradation.

[0128] Step S307: Based on steps S304, S305 and S306, generate the lifetime monitoring results of the fuel cell stack.

[0129] Therefore, this embodiment of the application accurately judges the impact data on the stack lifetime by monitoring the coupling of real-time voltage and current parameters, obtains the stack voltage decay rate, judges whether there is stack performance degradation based on the real-time voltage and stack voltage decay rate, and then generates lifetime monitoring results, realizing online monitoring of stack lifetime, more accurately understanding the current performance status of the stack, and helping to ensure the stable operation of the fuel cell system.

[0130] The fuel cell stack life monitoring method proposed in this application acquires the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack. Based on these parameters, a target voltage decay rate is determined, and the fuel cell stack life monitoring results are generated using the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate. This method solves the problems of difficult fuel cell stack life monitoring and lag issues in online operation of commercial vehicle fuel cell systems, significantly improving the accuracy of online fuel cell stack life monitoring and providing reliable data for extending fuel cell stack lifespan.

[0131] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a fuel cell life monitoring device according to an embodiment of this application is described.

[0132] Figure 4This is a block diagram of a fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0133] like Figure 4 As shown, the life monitoring device 10 for the fuel cell stack includes: an acquisition module 100, a determination module 200, and a generation module 300.

[0134] Specifically, the acquisition module 100 is used to acquire the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack; the determination module 200 is used to determine the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, current temperature and current metering ratio; and the generation module 300 is used to generate the life monitoring results of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate.

[0135] Optionally, in some embodiments, the determining module 200 is specifically used to: obtain the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, current temperature and current metering ratio; and determine the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

[0136] Optionally, in some embodiments, before obtaining the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio, the determining module 200 is further configured to: acquire the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the bench fuel cell accelerated test; and obtain a preset voltage decay rate reference value based on the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the bench fuel cell accelerated test.

[0137] Optionally, in some embodiments, the determining module 200 is specifically used to: if the current voltage decay rate is less than or equal to a preset voltage decay rate reference value, take the current voltage decay rate as the target voltage decay rate; otherwise, take the preset voltage decay rate reference value as the target voltage decay rate.

[0138] Optionally, in some embodiments, the generation module 300 is specifically used to: calculate a first difference between a preset voltage and a current voltage; if the first difference is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold and the target voltage decay rate is the current voltage decay rate, calculate a second difference between the first difference and the target voltage decay rate; if the second difference is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, determine that the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack has performance degradation.

[0139] Optionally, in some embodiments, after calculating the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage, the generation module 300 is further configured to: determine that the battery stack's lifetime monitoring result indicates that the battery stack has performance degradation when the first difference is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold and the target voltage decay rate is a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

[0140] It should be noted that the explanation of the above-described embodiment of the fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring method also applies to the fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0141] The fuel cell stack life monitoring device proposed in this application acquires the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack. Based on these parameters, it determines the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack and generates the fuel cell stack life monitoring results based on the current voltage and the target voltage decay rate. This solves the problems of difficult fuel cell stack life monitoring and the lag in monitoring schemes for online commercial vehicle fuel cell systems, significantly improving the accuracy of online fuel cell stack life monitoring and providing reliable data for extending fuel cell stack lifespan.

[0142] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fuel cell system provided in an embodiment of this application. The fuel cell system may include:

[0143] The memory 501, the processor 502, and the computer program stored on the memory 501 and capable of running on the processor 502.

[0144] When the processor 502 executes the program, it implements the fuel cell lifetime monitoring method provided in the above embodiments.

[0145] Furthermore, the fuel cell system also includes:

[0146] Communication interface 503 is used for communication between memory 501 and processor 502.

[0147] The memory 501 is used to store computer programs that can run on the processor 502.

[0148] The memory 501 may include high-speed RAM (Random Access Memory) memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage.

[0149] If the memory 501, processor 502, and communication interface 503 are implemented independently, then the communication interface 503, memory 501, and processor 502 can be interconnected via a bus to complete communication between them. The bus can be an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 5 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0150] Optionally, in a specific implementation, if the memory 501, processor 502, and communication interface 503 are integrated on a single chip, then the memory 501, processor 502, and communication interface 503 can communicate with each other through an internal interface.

[0151] Processor 502 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of this application.

[0152] This application also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned fuel cell system.

[0153] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0154] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used 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 as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "N" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0155] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or N executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0156] It should be understood that the various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, the N steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or more of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0157] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods described in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0158] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the lifespan of a fuel cell stack, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack; The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell is determined based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio. The lifetime monitoring results of the fuel cell stack are generated based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate; The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is determined by the current voltage decay rate of the stack and a preset voltage decay rate reference value. The current voltage decay rate of the stack is calculated using a fuel cell stack accelerated testing method. When the current voltage decay rate of the stack is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, the target voltage decay rate is: ΔV run =ΔV halt *[(p in / p halt )*(T in / T halt )*(λ) in / l halt )]; Where, ΔV run p is the current voltage decay rate. in T represents the current input pressure of the fuel cell stack. in λ represents the current temperature of the fuel cell stack. in ΔV represents the current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack. halt p is the preset voltage decay rate reference value. halt For the input pressure of bench acceleration testing, T halt λ is the input temperature for bench acceleration testing. halt This is the measurement ratio for bench-accelerated testing.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio includes: The current voltage decay rate is obtained based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio; The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before determining the current voltage decay rate based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio, the method further includes: Acquire input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio during bench-mounted fuel cell stack accelerated testing; The preset voltage decay rate reference value is obtained based on the input pressure, temperature, and metering ratio in the bench stack accelerated test.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Determining the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value includes: If the current voltage decay rate is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, then the current voltage decay rate is taken as the target voltage decay rate; otherwise, the preset voltage decay rate reference value is taken as the target voltage decay rate.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of generating the lifetime monitoring results of the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate includes: Calculate the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage; If the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is the current voltage decay rate, then calculate the second difference between the first difference and the target voltage decay rate. If the second difference is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to have performance degradation.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After calculating the first difference between the preset voltage and the current voltage, the method further includes: If the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the target voltage decay rate is the preset voltage decay rate reference value, then the lifetime monitoring result of the fuel cell stack is determined to be that the fuel cell stack has performance degradation.

7. A life monitoring device for an electric fuel cell stack, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the current voltage, current input pressure, current temperature, and current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack. The determination module is used to determine the target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio. A generation module is used to generate lifetime monitoring results for the fuel cell stack based on the current voltage and / or the target voltage decay rate. The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is determined by the current voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack and a preset voltage decay rate reference value. The current voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is calculated using a fuel cell stack accelerated testing method. When the current voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is less than or equal to the preset voltage decay rate reference value, the target voltage decay rate is: ΔV run =ΔV halt *[(p in / p halt )*(T in / T halt )*(λ) in / l halt )]; Where, ΔV run p is the current voltage decay rate. in T represents the current input pressure of the fuel cell stack. in λ represents the current temperature of the fuel cell stack. in ΔV represents the current metering ratio of the fuel cell stack. halt p is the preset voltage decay rate reference value. halt For the input pressure of bench acceleration testing, T halt λ is the input temperature for bench acceleration testing. halt This is the measurement ratio for bench-accelerated testing.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The determining module is specifically used for: The current voltage decay rate is obtained based on the current input pressure, the current temperature, and the current metering ratio; The target voltage decay rate of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the current voltage decay rate and a preset voltage decay rate reference value.

9. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the processor executing the program to implement the fuel cell stack lifetime monitoring method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell system as described in claim 9.

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