An integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and control method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and control method. The manifold assembly includes: a manifold assembly, a three-way valve, an exhaust valve, and a water outlet valve. The manifold assembly is provided with a water chamber, a hydrogen chamber, and an air chamber, each directly connected to a corresponding interface of the fuel cell stack. 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 air chamber is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack, and the other end of the air chamber is connected to the input end of the exhaust valve. The output end of the exhaust valve is connected to the exhaust pipeline. A three-way valve is provided on one side of the manifold assembly, one end of which is connected to the water chamber and the fuel cell stack coolant circulation pipeline. The water outlet valve is provided on the other side of the manifold assembly, which allows some of the coolant in the water chamber to be exchanged with the air conditioner heater water tank for heat circulation, thereby recovering some of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack. This invention can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in fuel cell vehicle systems.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Fuel cell systems have a large number of components, which must be connected by numerous pipes and brackets, resulting in a complex and cluttered system with high flow resistance and the risk of leakage. Fuel cell systems generate a large amount of heat during operation. If all of this heat is removed through the cooling system, it not only burdens the cooling system but also wastes energy. Integrated fuel cell manifold designs directly integrate components with the manifold, reducing the number of pipes and brackets. However, they lack heat recovery functionality, which can lead to high flow resistance and low waste heat utilization. Therefore, understanding how to integrate fuel cell manifolds to improve the performance and safety of fuel cell systems is extremely important. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and control method, which solves the problems of existing fuel cell manifolds that integrate pipelines and brackets but do not integrate heat recovery-related functions, resulting in large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate. It 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 an air cavity, wherein the water cavity is arranged between the hydrogen cavity and the air cavity, and the manifold integrated body is directly connected to the corresponding interface of the fuel cell stack through the water cavity, the hydrogen cavity and the air 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 which is connected to the water cavity and is also connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline. The water outlet valve is provided on the other side of the manifold integrated body, one end of which 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 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.

[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 injection molded using PPS+GF40.

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

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

[0019] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the opening degree O of the water outlet valve 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. This system sequentially arranges a cavity, a water cavity, and a hydrogen cavity within the manifold assembly. The hydrogen cavity is connected to the hydrogen system, the cavity is connected to the fuel cell stack air system, and the water cavity is positioned between the hydrogen and hydrogen cavities. The water cavity is connected to the fuel cell stack coolant circulation line, and a portion of the coolant is circulated through the air conditioning heater tank for heat exchange to recover some of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack. This system addresses the problems of existing fuel cell manifolds with integrated piping and brackets that lack integrated heat recovery functions, resulting in high flow resistance and low waste heat utilization. This system can improve the comprehensive utilization of thermal energy in fuel cell vehicle systems and reduce vehicle energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0035] Figure 1 This 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 This is a three-dimensional 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 This 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 those 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 with reference to the accompanying drawings and implementation methods.

[0041] In response to the problem that current fuel cell manifolds integrate piping and brackets but do not integrate heat recovery-related functions, the present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly and control method to solve the problems of large flow resistance and low waste heat utilization rate in existing fuel cell manifolds that integrate piping and brackets but do not integrate heat recovery-related functions. This can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in fuel cell vehicle systems and reduce vehicle energy consumption.

[0042] like Figures 1-3 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. The water chamber 12 is arranged between the hydrogen chamber 13 and the cavity 11. The manifold integrated body 1 is directly connected to the corresponding interface of the fuel cell 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 fuel cell 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 fuel cell stack, and the other end of the cavity 11 is connected to the input end of the exhaust valve 3. 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 fuel cell stack. 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 chamber 12. The three-way valve 2 is also connected to the fuel cell stack coolant circulation pipeline. The other side of the manifold integrated body 1 is provided with the water outlet valve 4. One end of the water outlet valve 4 is connected to the water chamber 12. 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, some of the coolant in the water chamber is circulated in a heat exchange cycle with the air conditioner heater water tank, thereby recovering some 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 and does not dissipate heat through the radiator and the fan. Part of the coolant in the water cavity undergoes a heat exchange cycle with the air conditioner heater water tank to achieve heat recovery. The exhaust valve 3 is connected to the manifold cavity 11, and is used to assist in controlling the flow and pressure of the air system in the fuel cell stack and to discharge exhaust gas. The three-way valve is fixed to the right side of the manifold with four bolts to communicate with the water cavity, and the threaded holes of the manifold are in the form of wire threaded sleeves; the exhaust pipe, gasket, exhaust valve and gasket are stacked in sequence, and fixed to the front end face of the manifold with four bolts to communicate with the cavity, and the threaded holes of the manifold are in the form of wire threaded sleeves; the entire manifold assembly is installed on the end plate of the fuel cell stack and sealed by a sealing ring. The shape and size of the manifold hydrogen, air and water interfaces, and the manifold mounting holes can be adjusted according to different fuel cell stack end plates.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cavity is connected to the air intake channel of the air conditioning system through an exhaust pipe. When the automobile air conditioner heats the cockpit or defrosts the glass, the three-way valve is controlled to be connected to the air intake channel of the air conditioning system to send 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 in the water cavity can be used for air conditioning heating.

[0047] In practice, the outlet valve regulates the water flow to the heating water tank and adjusts the PTC power to meet air conditioning temperature requirements. The other end of the silicone hose connects to the PTC peripheral heating piping and the air conditioning heating water tank, thereby recovering waste heat from the coolant in the water chamber. To install the outlet valve, stack the outlet connector, gasket, outlet valve, and gasket in sequence. Secure it to the left side of the manifold with four bolts, connecting it to the water chamber. The manifold threaded holes use steel threaded sleeves.

[0048] The assembly further includes: a temperature-pressure integrated sensor 7; the temperature-pressure integrated sensor 7 is respectively arranged in the hydrogen chamber and the water chamber, for monitoring 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 using PPS+GF40.

[0051] In actual 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, connectors, 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 assembly connects to the corresponding stack interfaces via the stack end plates. A manifold assembly is located on each side of the stack end plates. The stack hydrogen subsystem communicates with the stack hydrogen inlet through the hydrogen chamber of the right manifold assembly, while the stack hydrogen outlet communicates with the stack hydrogen subsystem through the hydrogen chamber of the left manifold assembly. The air subsystem communicates with the stack air inlet through the cavity of the left manifold assembly. After reacting within the stack, air is discharged through the stack air outlet into the cavity of the right manifold assembly, where it is then discharged into the atmosphere through an exhaust valve and exhaust pipe. The stack cooling system connects to the stack cooling inlet through the water chamber of the left manifold assembly. After absorbing heat from the stack, the coolant enters the water chamber of the right manifold assembly through the stack cooling outlet. The water chamber of the right manifold assembly is equipped with a three-way valve on one side and a water outlet valve on the other. The three-way valve is connected to the cooling system, and the water outlet valve is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system.

[0053] As can be seen, the present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold assembly. By sequentially disposing a cavity, a water cavity, and a hydrogen cavity within the manifold body, the hydrogen cavity is connected to the hydrogen system, the cavity is connected to the stack air system, and the water cavity is disposed between the hydrogen and cavity cavities. The water cavity is connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline, and a portion of the coolant is circulated through heat exchange with the air conditioning heater water tank to recover some of the heat generated by the fuel cell stack. This solves the problems of existing fuel cell manifolds with integrated piping and brackets but without integrated heat recovery functions, resulting in high flow resistance and low waste heat utilization. This can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of thermal energy in fuel cell vehicle systems and reduce vehicle energy consumption.

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

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

[0056] If the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the opening degree O of the water outlet valve 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 further 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 further includes: when the temperature of the stack coolant is 60°C ≤ T < 75°C, the heating PTC is started, and the operating power P is 50% of the rated power.

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

[0066] The control method further includes: when the temperature T of the stack coolant is less than 45° C., the heating PTC is started, and the operating 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] As can be seen, the present invention provides an integrated fuel cell manifold control method that controls the outlet valve opening and PTC heating power based on the air conditioning gear position and the stack coolant temperature, thereby improving the energy recovery performance of the fuel cell stack. This method addresses the problems of existing fuel cell manifolds that integrate piping and brackets but lack integrated heat recovery functions, resulting in high flow resistance and low waste heat utilization. It can improve the comprehensive thermal energy utilization rate in fuel cell vehicle systems and reduce vehicle energy consumption.

[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 scope of implementation of the present invention is not limited to what is 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 do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and drawings, should be within the scope of protection 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 an air cavity, wherein the water cavity is arranged between the hydrogen cavity and the air cavity, and the manifold integrated body is directly connected to the corresponding interface of the fuel cell stack through the water cavity, the hydrogen cavity and the air 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 which is connected to the water cavity and is also connected to the stack coolant circulation pipeline. The water outlet valve is provided on the other side of the manifold integrated body, one end of which 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 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.

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 using 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 car air conditioner setting; If the air conditioner is in heating mode 1, the opening degree O of the water outlet valve 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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