Fuel cell high-position expansion water tank management method and system

Abstract

The invention is suitable for the field of fuel cells, and discloses a fuel cell high-position expansion water tank management method and system, and the fuel cell high-position expansion water tank management method comprises the steps: obtaining the state of a vehicle when a first low liquid level sensor and / or a second low liquid level sensor arranged at different positions of a high-position expansion water tank send out a water shortage signal; if the vehicle is in the static state, water is supplemented to the high-position expansion water tank; if the vehicle is in the running state, whether the high-position expansion water tank meets the running water supplementing condition or not is judged, if yes, water is supplemented to the high-position expansion water tank, and the running water supplementing condition is that the first low-liquid-level sensor and the second low-liquid-level sensor send out water shortage signals at the same time; the duration of continuously sending the water shortage signals by the first low-liquid-level sensor is longer than the first preset duration, and the duration of continuously sending the water shortage signals by the second low-liquid-level sensor is longer than the first preset duration, so that water replenishing waste or safety problems caused by misjudgment or misoperation can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a management method and system for a high-position expansion water tank of a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] In fuel cell buses, especially those with radiators and expansion tanks placed on the roof, there are several main problems:

[0003] 1. Inconvenience of inspection and maintenance: Since the expansion tank and radiator are located on the roof, maintenance personnel need to climb onto the roof for inspection and maintenance, which not only increases the complexity of the operation but also may cause safety hazards. Especially in bad weather or when the vehicle is parked in a poor location, such high-altitude operations become more difficult.

[0004] 2. Safety issues: When climbing onto the roof for inspection and maintenance, maintenance personnel face the risk of falling. Even if safety measures are taken, such as wearing seat belts and using anti-slip mats, this risk cannot be completely eliminated. In addition, roof operations may also be affected by the surrounding environment, such as strong winds, slippery surfaces, etc., further increasing safety hazards.

[0005] 3. Inefficient maintenance: Due to the inconvenience of inspection and maintenance work, the maintenance cycle may be extended and the efficiency may be reduced. This will not only affect the normal operation of the bus, but may also lead to more serious failures and damages due to failure to detect and deal with potential problems in time.

[0006] 4. Insufficient remote monitoring and automation: At present, the remote monitoring and automation level of many fuel cell buses needs to be improved. Although some advanced models have begun to introduce intelligent remote monitoring systems, the penetration rate is still not high.

[0007] Therefore, the existing technology still needs to be improved and developed. Summary of the invention

[0008] The first object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method, which aims to solve the technical problem that the existing fuel cell high-level expansion water tank is prone to misjudgment of water replenishment during operation.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the solution provided by the present invention is:

[0010] A fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method comprises: when a first low liquid level sensor and / or a second low liquid level sensor arranged at different positions of the high-level expansion water tank sends a water shortage signal, obtaining a vehicle state; if the vehicle state is a stationary state, replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank; if the vehicle state is a running state, judging whether the high-level expansion water tank meets a running water replenishment condition, and if so, replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, the running water replenishment condition is: the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor send a water shortage signal at the same time, and the first low liquid level sensor continuously sends a water shortage signal for a time length greater than a first preset time length, and the second low liquid level sensor continuously sends a water shortage signal for a time length greater than the first preset time length.

[0011] Preferably, the first preset time length is 1 minute.

[0012] Preferably, before replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, it is first determined whether the low-level liquid storage tank connected to the high-level expansion water tank is in a water shortage state; if not, the water pump connected to the low-level liquid storage tank is controlled to start to replenish water to the high-level expansion water tank.

[0013] Preferably, when replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, when the replenishing time reaches a preset threshold, or when the high liquid level sensor of the high-level expansion water tank sends a signal, replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank is stopped.

[0014] Preferably, when replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, the water pump is started at a first replenishment rate to replenish water. When the water level in the high-level expansion water tank rises to 1 / 2 of the tank capacity, the water pump is controlled at a second replenishment rate to replenish water. When the water level in the high-level expansion water tank reaches 5 / 6 of the tank capacity, the water pump is controlled at a third replenishment rate to replenish water until the high liquid level sensor of the high-level expansion water tank sends a signal.

[0015] Preferably, the first water replenishment rate is 1 L / min, the second water replenishment rate is 0.5 L / min, and the third water replenishment rate is 0.1 L / min.

[0016] Preferably, if the vehicle is in an operating state, it is determined whether the high-level expansion water tank meets the operating water replenishment conditions. When it is determined that the high-level expansion water tank meets the operating water replenishment conditions, it is determined whether the interval between the current time and the last water replenishment of the high-level expansion water tank is greater than a second preset time. If not, a cooling pipe leakage reminder is issued, and a warning message is displayed to the driver through the vehicle instrument or the cab display screen.

[0017] Preferably, after a cooling line leakage reminder is issued, the status of the fuel cell is obtained, and it is determined whether the fuel cell is in the startup state. If not, a control instruction is generated not to start the fuel cell. If so, the power of the fuel cell is gradually reduced in a 10kw / s mode until the power of the fuel cell is zero.

[0018] A second object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management system, which is used to execute the fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method as described above, wherein the fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management system includes a high-level expansion water tank, a low-level liquid storage tank, a water supply pipe and a controller, the high-level expansion water tank is connected to the low-level liquid storage tank through the water supply pipe, a high liquid level sensor, a first low liquid level sensor and a second low liquid level sensor are arranged in the high-level expansion water tank, the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor are arranged at the same height and at different positions in the high-level expansion water tank, a water pump and a third low liquid level sensor are arranged in the low-level liquid storage tank, and the high liquid level sensor, the first low liquid level sensor, the second low liquid level sensor, the third low liquid level sensor and the water pump are respectively connected to the controller.

[0019] In the solution provided by the present invention, for the water replenishment operation when the vehicle is in operation, the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor must send out a water shortage signal at the same time, and the duration of continuously sending out the water shortage signal is greater than the preset duration, ensuring that the water replenishment operation is started only when water replenishment is really needed and the liquid level has dropped to a certain level, thereby avoiding the frequent triggering of the water pump due to bumps and other reasons during the driving process of the vehicle, especially in bad road conditions, thereby avoiding water replenishment waste or safety problems caused by misjudgment or misoperation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Description of the drawings:

[0024] 10. High-level expansion water tank; 11. High liquid level sensor; 12. First low liquid level sensor; 13. Second low liquid level sensor; 20. Low-level liquid storage tank; 21. Third low liquid level sensor; 30. Water supply pipe; 40. Controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" or "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0026] For ease of understanding, the specific process of the embodiment of the present invention is described below. Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for managing a high-level expansion water tank of a fuel cell includes:

[0027] When the first low liquid level sensor and / or the second low liquid level sensor arranged at different positions of the high-level expansion water tank sends a water shortage signal, obtaining the state of the vehicle;

[0028] If the vehicle is stationary, add water to the high-level expansion tank;

[0029] If the vehicle is in the running state, it is determined whether the high-level expansion water tank meets the running water replenishment conditions. If so, water is replenished to the high-level expansion water tank. The running water replenishment conditions are: the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor simultaneously send out water shortage signals, and the first low liquid level sensor continuously sends out water shortage signals for a time length greater than the first preset time length, and the second low liquid level sensor continuously sends out water shortage signals for a time length greater than the first preset time length.

[0030] It is understandable that the first preset duration can be set according to actual needs. In this embodiment, the first preset duration is 1 minute.

[0031] It can be understood that when the vehicle is in a stationary state, the fuel cell is in an inactive state.

[0032] It can be understood that the high-level expansion water tank is determined to meet the running water replenishment condition only when the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor send out water shortage signals at the same time, and the first low liquid level sensor sends out water shortage signals continuously for a time longer than the first preset time, and the second low liquid level sensor sends out water shortage signals continuously for a time longer than the first preset time. In other words, if the first low liquid level sensor sends out water shortage signals continuously for a time longer than the first preset time, and the second low liquid level sensor sends out water shortage signals continuously for a time shorter than the first preset time, or if the second low liquid level sensor sends out water shortage signals continuously for a time longer than the first preset time, and the first low liquid level sensor sends out water shortage signals continuously for a time shorter than the first preset time, then it is determined that the high-level expansion water tank does not meet the running water replenishment condition, and it is not necessary to replenish water to the high-level expansion water tank.

[0033] In this embodiment, before replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, it is first determined whether the low-level liquid storage tank connected to the high-level expansion water tank is in a water shortage state; if not, the water pump connected to the low-level liquid storage tank is controlled to start to replenish water to the high-level expansion water tank.

[0034] Generally speaking, the low-level liquid storage tank is basically in a normal liquid level state (ie, there is no water shortage). When the low-level liquid storage tank is short of water, the third low liquid level sensor of the low-level liquid storage tank sends a water shortage signal to remind the staff to replenish water.

[0035] In this embodiment, the flow rate of the water replenishment pump can be dynamically adjusted according to the real-time liquid level changes of the high-level expansion water tank to improve the efficiency and accuracy of water replenishment. For example, in the initial stage, when it is detected that water replenishment is needed, the water replenishment pump is first started at a higher initial rate to quickly increase the liquid level in the high-level expansion water tank. In the intermediate stage, as the liquid level rises, the flow rate of the water replenishment pump is dynamically adjusted according to the real-time liquid level data. For example, when the liquid level approaches the preset threshold of the high liquid level sensor, the water replenishment rate is gradually reduced to avoid overflow. In the end stage, when the liquid level reaches or approaches the position of the high liquid level sensor, the water replenishment rate is further reduced until the water replenishment is stopped to ensure that the liquid level in the water tank remains within a safe range.

[0036] When replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, start the water pump at the first replenishment rate to replenish water. When the water level in the high-level expansion water tank rises to 1 / 2 of the tank capacity, control the water pump at the second replenishment rate to replenish water. When the water level in the high-level expansion water tank reaches 5 / 6 of the tank capacity, control the water pump at the third replenishment rate to replenish water until the high liquid level sensor of the high-level expansion water tank sends a signal.

[0037] Assume that the first water replenishment rate is 1 L / min, the second water replenishment rate is 0.5 L / min, and the third water replenishment rate is 0.1 L / min.

[0038] Exemplarily, when it is detected that the liquid level of the high-level expansion tank is lower than the position of the low liquid level sensor (assuming it is 3L), the water pump is started at a maximum flow rate of 1L / min to replenish water. As the water replenishment proceeds, the liquid level gradually rises. When the liquid level reaches 1.5L (that is, half of the water tank capacity), the control system reduces the water replenishment rate to 0.5L / min according to the preset strategy to slow down the water replenishment speed. When the liquid level approaches the position of the high liquid level sensor (assuming it is 2.5L), the water replenishment rate is further reduced to 0.1L / min, and the liquid level changes are continuously observed. Once the liquid level reaches or exceeds the position of the high liquid level sensor, stop replenishing water immediately. After the water replenishment is completed, the high liquid level sensor is used to confirm whether the liquid level is stable within a safe range, and a corresponding prompt message is issued to the driver or maintenance personnel.

[0039] In this embodiment, the high-level expansion water tank can also be replenished with water at a fixed replenishment rate. Assuming that the high-level expansion water tank is replenished with water from the lowest scale to the highest scale, the required coolant volume is 3L, the replenishment pump flow rate is 1L / minute, and it takes 3 minutes to fill it up.

[0040] Therefore, when replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, when the replenishing time reaches a preset threshold, or when the high liquid level sensor of the high-level expansion water tank sends a signal, stop replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank.

[0041] In this embodiment, it also includes: when it is determined that the high-level expansion water tank meets the operating water replenishment conditions, it is determined whether the interval between the current time and the last water replenishment of the high-level expansion water tank is greater than a second preset time; if not, a cooling pipe leakage reminder is issued, and a warning message is displayed to the driver through the vehicle instrument or the cab display screen.

[0042] Furthermore, when a cooling line leakage reminder is issued, the status of the fuel cell is obtained, and it is determined whether the fuel cell is in the startup state. If not, a control instruction to not start the fuel cell is generated. If so, the power of the fuel cell is gradually reduced in a 10kw / s mode until the power of the fuel cell is zero.

[0043] In this implementation, for the water replenishment operation when the vehicle is in operation, the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor must simultaneously send out a water shortage signal, and the duration of continuously sending out the water shortage signal is greater than the preset duration, ensuring that the water replenishment operation is started only when water replenishment is really needed and the liquid level has dropped to a certain level, thereby avoiding the frequent triggering of the water pump due to bumps and other reasons during driving, especially in harsh road conditions, thereby avoiding water replenishment waste or safety problems caused by misjudgment or misoperation.

[0044] See also Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel cell high-level expansion water tank 10 management system, which is used to execute the fuel cell high-level expansion water tank 10 management method as described above. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank 10 management system includes a high-level expansion water tank 10, a low-level liquid storage tank 20, a water replenishment pipe 30 and a controller 40. The high-level expansion water tank 10 is connected to the low-level liquid storage tank 20 through the water replenishment pipe 30. A high liquid level sensor 11, a first low liquid level sensor 12 and a second low liquid level sensor 13 are arranged in the high-level expansion water tank 10. The first low liquid level sensor 12 and the second low liquid level sensor 13 are arranged at the same height in the high-level expansion water tank 10 and at different positions. A water pump and a third low liquid level sensor 21 are arranged in the low-level liquid storage tank 20. The high liquid level sensor 11, the first low liquid level sensor 12, the second low liquid level sensor 13, the third low liquid level sensor 21 and the water pump are respectively connected to the controller 40.

[0045] In this embodiment, for the water replenishment operation when the vehicle is in operation, the first low liquid level sensor 12 and the second low liquid level sensor 13 must send out a water shortage signal at the same time, and the duration of continuously sending out the water shortage signal is greater than the preset duration, ensuring that the water replenishment operation is started only when water replenishment is really needed and the liquid level has dropped to a certain level, thereby avoiding the frequent triggering of the water pump due to bumps and other reasons during the driving process of the vehicle, especially in bad road conditions, thereby avoiding water replenishment waste or safety problems caused by misjudgment or misoperation.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method, characterized in that: include: When the first low liquid level sensor and / or the second low liquid level sensor arranged at different positions of the high-level expansion water tank sends a water shortage signal, obtaining the state of the vehicle; If the vehicle is stationary, add water to the high-level expansion tank; If the vehicle is in the running state, it is determined whether the high-level expansion water tank meets the running water replenishment conditions. If so, water is replenished to the high-level expansion water tank. The running water replenishment conditions are: the first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor simultaneously send out water shortage signals, and the first low liquid level sensor continuously sends out water shortage signals for a time length that is greater than the first preset time length, and the second low liquid level sensor continuously sends out water shortage signals for a time length that is greater than the first preset time length.

2. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first preset time length is 1 minute.

3. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before adding water to the high-level expansion water tank, first determine whether the low-level liquid storage tank connected to the high-level expansion water tank is in a water shortage state; if not, control the water pump connected to the low-level liquid storage tank to start to add water to the high-level expansion water tank.

4. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When filling water into the high-level expansion water tank, when the filling time reaches a preset threshold, or when the high liquid level sensor of the high-level expansion water tank sends a signal, filling water into the high-level expansion water tank is stopped.

5. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: When replenishing water to the high-level expansion water tank, start the water pump at the first replenishment rate to replenish water. When the water level in the high-level expansion water tank rises to 1 / 2 of the tank capacity, control the water pump at the second replenishment rate to replenish water. When the water level in the high-level expansion water tank reaches 5 / 6 of the tank capacity, control the water pump at the third replenishment rate to replenish water until the high liquid level sensor of the high-level expansion water tank sends a signal.

6. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first water replenishment rate is 1 L / min, the second water replenishment rate is 0.5 L / min, and the third water replenishment rate is 0.1 L / min.

7. The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the vehicle is in the running state, it is determined whether the high-level expansion water tank meets the operating water replenishment conditions. When it is determined that the high-level expansion water tank meets the operating water replenishment conditions, it is determined whether the interval between the current time and the last water replenishment of the high-level expansion water tank is greater than a second preset time. If not, a cooling pipe leakage reminder is issued, and a warning message is displayed to the driver through the vehicle instrument or the cab display screen.

8. The fuel cell high-level expansion tank management method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When a cooling line leakage reminder is issued, the status of the fuel cell is obtained and it is determined whether the fuel cell is in the startup state. If not, a control instruction is generated not to start the fuel cell. If so, the power of the fuel cell is gradually reduced in a 10kw / s mode until the power of the fuel cell is zero.

9. A fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management system, used to execute the fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The fuel cell high-level expansion water tank management system includes a high-level expansion water tank, a low-level liquid storage tank, a water supply pipe and a controller. The high-level expansion water tank is connected to the low-level liquid storage tank through the water supply pipe. A high liquid level sensor, a first low liquid level sensor and a second low liquid level sensor are arranged in the high-level expansion water tank. The first low liquid level sensor and the second low liquid level sensor are arranged at the same height but at different positions in the high-level expansion water tank. A water pump and a third low liquid level sensor are arranged in the low-level liquid storage tank. The high liquid level sensor, the first low liquid level sensor, the second low liquid level sensor, the third low liquid level sensor and the water pump are respectively connected to the controller.

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