Integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and a control method. The manifold assembly comprises a manifold integration body, a three-way valve, an exhaust valve and a water outlet valve, the manifold integration body is provided with a water cavity, a hydrogen cavity and a cavity which are respectively and directly communicated with corresponding interfaces of a galvanic pile; one end of the hydrogen cavity is connected with an electric pile hydrogen inlet, and the other end of the hydrogen cavity is connected with the hydrogen subsystem; one end of the cavity is connected with the stack air outlet, the other end of the cavity is connected with the input end of the exhaust valve, and the output end of the exhaust valve is connected with the exhaust pipeline; a three-way valve is arranged on one side of the manifold integration body, one end of the three-way valve is connected with the water cavity, the three-way valve is further connected with an electric pile cooling liquid circulation pipeline, and the water outlet valve is arranged on the other side of the manifold integration body and can conduct heat exchange circulation on part of cooling liquid in the water cavity and an air conditioner warm air water tank. And part of heat generated by the fuel cell stack is recovered. The comprehensive utilization rate of heat energy in the fuel cell automobile system can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cell manifolds, and more specifically, to an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and a control method. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cell systems have a large number of components, and the components need to be connected through a large number of pipes and brackets, which makes the system cumbersome and messy, with large flow resistance and leakage risk. A large amount of heat energy is generated during the operation of the fuel cell system. If all of it is taken away through the cooling system, it will not only increase the burden on the cooling system, but also cause energy waste. Through the integrated fuel cell manifold design, the components are directly integrated with the manifold to reduce the number of pipe brackets, but the heat recovery related functions are not integrated, which can easily cause problems such as large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization. Therefore, it is extremely important to integrate the fuel cell manifold to improve the performance and safety of the fuel cell system. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and a control method, which solves the problems of existing fuel cell manifolds that integrate pipelines and brackets but do not integrate heat recovery related functions, have large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate, can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in fuel cell vehicle systems and reduce vehicle energy consumption.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0005] An integrated fuel cell manifold assembly includes: a manifold integrated body, a three-way valve, an exhaust valve and a water outlet valve;

[0006] The manifold integrated body is provided with a water cavity, a hydrogen cavity and a cavity, the water cavity is arranged between the hydrogen cavity and the cavity, and the manifold integrated body is directly connected with the corresponding interface of the fuel cell stack through the water cavity, the hydrogen cavity and the cavity;

[0007] One end of the hydrogen chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the other end of the hydrogen chamber is connected to the hydrogen subsystem;

[0008] One end of the cavity is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack, the other end of the cavity is connected to the input end of the exhaust valve, and the output end of the exhaust valve is connected to the exhaust pipeline;

[0009] The three-way valve is provided on one side of the manifold integrated body, one end of the three-way valve is connected to the water cavity, and the three-way valve is also connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline, and the water outlet valve is provided on the other side of the manifold integrated body, one end of the water outlet valve is connected to the water cavity;

[0010] By controlling the opening of the water outlet valve, part of the coolant in the water cavity is circulated with the air conditioner heater water tank for heat exchange, thereby recovering part of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the water outlet valve is arranged at the water outlet of the water cavity, and the other end of the water outlet valve is provided with a water outlet joint.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes: a silicone hose;

[0013] One end of the silicone hose is connected to the water outlet joint, and the other end of the silicone hose is connected to the air conditioning heater water tank of the vehicle, so that the waste heat of the battery stack recovered by the water cavity can be used for air conditioning heating.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes: a temperature and pressure integrated sensor;

[0015] The integrated temperature and pressure sensors are respectively arranged in the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber, and are used to monitor the corresponding temperatures and pressures of the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber.

[0016] Preferably, the manifold integrated body is formed by PPS+GF40 injection molding.

[0017] The present invention also provides a control method for an integrated fuel cell manifold, using the above-mentioned fuel cell manifold assembly, comprising:

[0018] Get the stack coolant temperature and the setting position of the car air conditioner;

[0019] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 25%;

[0020] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 50%;

[0021] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 75%;

[0022] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 100%;

[0023] If the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is controlled to be closed.

[0024] Preferably, it also includes:

[0025] When the stack coolant temperature T≥90°C, the PTC heating is not started;

[0026] When the stack coolant temperature is 75°C ≤ T < 90°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 25% of the rated power.

[0027] Preferably, it also includes:

[0028] When the stack coolant temperature is 60°C ≤ T < 75°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 50% of the rated power.

[0029] Preferably, it also includes:

[0030] When the stack coolant temperature is 45°C ≤ T < 60°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 75% of the rated power.

[0031] Preferably, it also includes:

[0032] When the stack coolant temperature T is less than 45° C., the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is the rated power.

[0033] The present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and control method, wherein a cavity, a water cavity and a hydrogen cavity are sequentially arranged in the manifold integrated body, the hydrogen cavity is connected to the hydrogen system, the cavity is connected to the stack air system, the water cavity is arranged between the hydrogen cavity and the cavity, the water cavity is connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline, and part of the coolant is circulated with the air conditioning heater water tank for heat exchange to recover part of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack. The existing fuel cell manifold integrated pipeline and bracket are solved, but the heat recovery related function is not integrated, there are large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate, and the comprehensive utilization rate of heat energy in the fuel cell vehicle system can be improved, and the energy consumption of the vehicle can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below.

[0035] Figure 1 It is an exploded schematic diagram of an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly provided by the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a back exploded schematic diagram of an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly provided by the present invention

[0037] Figure 3 It is a stereoscopic diagram of an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly provided by the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connection between the manifold assembly and the fuel cell stack provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of integrated fuel cell manifold control provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to enable persons skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and implementation modes.

[0041] In view of the problem that the current fuel cell manifold integrates pipelines and brackets but does not integrate heat recovery related functions, the present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and a control method to solve the problems that the existing fuel cell manifold integrates pipelines and brackets but does not integrate heat recovery related functions, has large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate, can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in the fuel cell vehicle system and reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly includes: a manifold integrated body 1, a three-way valve 2, an exhaust valve 3 and a water outlet valve 4. The manifold integrated body is provided with a water chamber 12, a hydrogen chamber 13 and a cavity 11, wherein the water chamber 12 is arranged between the hydrogen chamber 13 and the cavity 11, and the manifold integrated body 1 is directly connected to the corresponding interface of the stack through the water chamber 12, the hydrogen chamber 13 and the cavity 11. One end of the hydrogen chamber 13 is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the stack, and the other end of the hydrogen chamber 13 is connected to the hydrogen subsystem. One end of the cavity 11 is connected to the air outlet of the stack, and the other end of the cavity 11 is connected to the input end of the exhaust valve 3, and the output end of the exhaust valve 3 is connected to the exhaust pipeline, which is used to control the flow and pressure of the air system in the stack of the fuel cell. The three-way valve 2 is provided on one side of the manifold integrated body 1, one end of the three-way valve 2 is connected to the water cavity 12, and the three-way valve 2 is also connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline. The water outlet valve 4 is provided on the other side of the manifold integrated body 1, one end of the water outlet valve 4 is connected to the water cavity 12, and the three-way valve 2 is used to control the switching between the coolant large circulation mode and the coolant small circulation mode. By controlling the opening of the water outlet valve, part of the coolant in the water cavity is heat-exchanged and circulated with the air conditioning heater water tank, thereby recovering part of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack.

[0043] Specifically, the manifold integrated body is a cavity structure, which is provided with a water cavity, a hydrogen cavity and a cavity. One side of the manifold integrated body is connected to one end of the three-way valve, so that the three-way valve 2 is connected to the manifold water cavity 12. After the fuel cell stack coolant flows into the manifold water cavity, it participates in the large cycle / small cycle control of the cooling system by controlling the opening of the three-way valve. The large cycle of the cooling system refers to the cycle in which the coolant dissipates heat through the radiator and the fan, and the small cycle of the cooling system refers to the cycle in which the coolant circulates in the coolant pipeline without passing through the radiator and the fan for heat dissipation. Part of the coolant in the water cavity is heat exchanged with the air conditioner heater water tank to achieve heat recovery. The exhaust valve 3 is connected to the manifold cavity 11, which is used to assist in controlling the flow and pressure of the air system in the fuel cell stack and discharge exhaust gas. The three-way valve is fixed to the right side of the manifold by 4 bolts to communicate with the water cavity, and the threaded hole of the manifold adopts a wire threaded sleeve form; the exhaust pipe, gasket, exhaust valve and gasket are stacked in sequence, and fixed to the front end face of the manifold by 4 bolts to communicate with the cavity, and the threaded hole of the manifold adopts a wire threaded sleeve form; the entire manifold assembly is installed on the end plate of the fuel cell stack and sealed by a sealing ring, wherein the shape and size of the manifold hydrogen, air and water interfaces, and the manifold installation fixing holes can be adjusted according to different fuel cell stack end plates.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cavity is connected to the air intake passage of the air conditioning system through an exhaust pipe. When the automobile air conditioning heats the cockpit or defrosts the glass, the three-way valve is controlled to be connected to the air intake passage of the air conditioning system to deliver the hot air generated by the reaction on the anode side of the fuel cell system into the air conditioning system, thereby realizing waste heat utilization.

[0045] Furthermore, one end of the water outlet valve 4 is arranged at the water outlet of the water cavity 12, and the other end of the water outlet valve is provided with a water outlet joint.

[0046] The assembly also includes: a silicone hose; one end of the silicone hose is connected to the water outlet joint, and the other end of the silicone hose is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning heater water tank, so that the waste heat of the battery stack recovered by the water cavity can be used for air conditioning heating.

[0047] In actual application, the water outlet valve is used to adjust the water flow of the heating water tank and the heating PTC power to meet the air conditioning temperature adjustment requirements. The other end of the silicone hose can be connected to the heating pipeline around the heating PTC and the air conditioning heating water tank, thereby realizing the waste heat recovery of the coolant in the water cavity. When installing the water outlet valve, the water outlet joint, gasket, water outlet valve and gasket are stacked in sequence, and fixed to the left side of the manifold with 4 bolts to communicate with the water cavity. The threaded hole of the manifold adopts the form of a wire thread sleeve.

[0048] The assembly also includes: a temperature-pressure integrated sensor 7; the temperature-pressure integrated sensor 7 is respectively arranged in the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber, and is used to monitor the corresponding temperature and pressure of the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber.

[0049] In practical applications, two integrated temperature and pressure sensors 7 are installed on the front end of the manifold, communicating with the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber respectively, and are used to monitor the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber of the manifold.

[0050] Furthermore, the manifold integrated body is injection molded by PPS+GF40.

[0051] In practical applications, an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly includes a PPS+GF40 injection-molded manifold and its EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) sealing ring, a PPS+GF40 injection-molded exhaust pipe, two two-way solenoid valves and their sealing gaskets, joints, a three-way solenoid valve and its sealing ring, and two integrated temperature and pressure sensors.

[0052] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the manifold integrated body is connected to the corresponding interface of the stack through the stack end plate, and a manifold integrated body is provided on both sides of the stack end plate. The stack hydrogen subsystem is connected to the stack hydrogen inlet through the hydrogen cavity of the right manifold integrated body, and the stack hydrogen outlet is connected to the stack hydrogen subsystem through the hydrogen cavity of the left manifold integrated body. The air subsystem is connected to the stack air inlet through the cavity of the left manifold integrated body. After the air reacts in the stack, it is discharged into the cavity of the right manifold integrated body through the stack air outlet, and then discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust valve and the exhaust pipe. The stack cooling system is connected to the stack cooling inlet through the water cavity of the left manifold integrated body. After the coolant absorbs heat from the stack, it enters the water cavity of the right manifold integrated body through the stack cooling outlet. A three-way valve is provided on one side of the water cavity of the right manifold integrated body, and a water outlet valve is provided on the other side. The three-way valve is connected to the cooling system, and the water outlet valve is connected to the automobile air conditioning system.

[0053] It can be seen that the present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly, by sequentially setting a cavity, a water cavity and a hydrogen cavity in the manifold integrated body, the hydrogen cavity is connected to the hydrogen system, the cavity is connected to the stack air system, the water cavity is arranged between the hydrogen cavity and the cavity, the water cavity is connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline, and part of the coolant is circulated with the air conditioning heater water tank for heat exchange to recover part of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack. The existing fuel cell manifold integrated pipeline and bracket, but no integrated heat recovery related functions, has large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate, can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in the fuel cell vehicle system, and reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0054] Accordingly, if Figure 5 The present invention also provides a control method for an integrated fuel cell manifold, using the above-mentioned fuel cell manifold assembly, comprising:

[0055] Get the stack coolant temperature and the setting position of the car air conditioner;

[0056] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 25%;

[0057] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 50%;

[0058] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 75%;

[0059] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 100%;

[0060] If the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is controlled to be closed.

[0061] The control method also includes:

[0062] When the stack coolant temperature T≥90°C, the PTC heating is not started;

[0063] When the stack coolant temperature is 75°C ≤ T < 90°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 25% of the rated power.

[0064] The control method also includes: when the temperature of the stack coolant is 60°C ≤ T < 75°C, the heating PTC is started, and the working power P is 50% of the rated power.

[0065] The control method also includes: when the temperature of the stack coolant is 45°C≤T<60°C, the heating PTC is started, and the working power P is 75% of the rated power.

[0066] The control method also includes: when the temperature T of the stack coolant is less than 45° C., the heating PTC is started, and the working power P is the rated power.

[0067] Specifically, when the stack coolant temperature T≥90°C, the gear position of the air conditioner is determined. When the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is 25%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is 50%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is 75%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is 100%; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is closed.

[0068] When the stack coolant temperature is 75℃≤T<90℃, the heating PTC starts with power P=25%Pe (rated power). Then the gear position of the air conditioner is determined. When the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is 25%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is 50%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is 75%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is 100%; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is closed.

[0069] When the stack coolant temperature is 60℃≤T<75℃, the heating PTC starts with power P=50%Pe (rated power). Then the gear position of the air conditioner is determined. When the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is 25%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is 50%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is 75%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is 100%; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is closed.

[0070] When the stack coolant temperature is 45℃≤T<60℃, the heating PTC starts with power P=75%Pe (rated power). Then the gear position of the air conditioner is determined. When the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is 25%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is 50%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is 75%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is 100%; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is closed.

[0071] When the stack coolant temperature T is less than 45°C, the heating PTC starts, and the power P=Pe (rated power). Then the gear position of the air conditioner is determined. When the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is 25%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is 50%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is 75%; when the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is 100%; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is closed.

[0072] It can be seen that the present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold control method, which controls the outlet valve opening and the heating PTC power through the air conditioning gear and the stack coolant temperature to improve the energy recovery performance of the fuel cell stack. It solves the problem that the existing fuel cell manifold integrates pipelines and brackets, but does not integrate heat recovery related functions, has large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate, can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in the fuel cell vehicle system, and reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0073] The above describes in detail the structure, features and effects of the present invention based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the drawings. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, which still do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and drawings, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated fuel cell manifold assembly, characterized in that: include: Manifold integrated body, three-way valve, exhaust valve and water outlet valve; The manifold integrated body is provided with a water cavity, a hydrogen cavity and a cavity, the water cavity is arranged between the hydrogen cavity and the cavity, and the manifold integrated body is directly connected with the corresponding interface of the fuel cell stack through the water cavity, the hydrogen cavity and the cavity; One end of the hydrogen chamber is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the other end of the hydrogen chamber is connected to the hydrogen subsystem; One end of the cavity is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack, the other end of the cavity is connected to the input end of the exhaust valve, and the output end of the exhaust valve is connected to the exhaust pipeline; The three-way valve is provided on one side of the manifold integrated body, one end of the three-way valve is connected to the water cavity, and the three-way valve is also connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline, and the water outlet valve is provided on the other side of the manifold integrated body, one end of the water outlet valve is connected to the water cavity; By controlling the opening of the water outlet valve, part of the coolant in the water cavity is circulated with the air conditioner heater water tank for heat exchange, thereby recovering part of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack.

2. The integrated fuel cell manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the water outlet valve is arranged at the water outlet of the water cavity, and the other end of the water outlet valve is provided with a water outlet joint.

3. The integrated fuel cell manifold assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: Silicone hose; One end of the silicone hose is connected to the water outlet joint, and the other end of the silicone hose is connected to the air conditioning heater water tank of the vehicle, so that the waste heat of the battery stack recovered by the water cavity can be used for air conditioning heating.

4. The integrated fuel cell manifold assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Temperature and pressure integrated sensor; The integrated temperature and pressure sensors are respectively arranged in the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber, and are used to monitor the corresponding temperatures and pressures of the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber.

5. The integrated fuel cell manifold assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The manifold integrated body is injection molded by PPS+GF40.

6. A method for controlling an integrated fuel cell manifold, using the fuel cell manifold assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: include: Get the stack coolant temperature and the setting position of the car air conditioner; If the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 25%; If the air conditioner is in heating mode 2, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 50%; If the air conditioner is in heating mode 3, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 75%; If the air conditioner is in heating mode 4, the water outlet valve opening O is controlled to be 100%; If the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water outlet valve is controlled to be closed.

7. The control method of the integrated fuel cell manifold according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: When the stack coolant temperature T≥90°C, the PTC heating is not started; When the stack coolant temperature is 75°C ≤ T < 90°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 25% of the rated power.

8. The control method of the integrated fuel cell manifold according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: When the stack coolant temperature is 60°C ≤ T < 75°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 50% of the rated power.

9. The control method of the integrated fuel cell manifold according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes: When the stack coolant temperature is 45°C ≤ T < 60°C, the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is 75% of the rated power.

10. The control method of the integrated fuel cell manifold according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: When the stack coolant temperature T is less than 45° C., the heating PTC starts and the operating power P is the rated power.

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