Fuel cell air path control method, fuel cell air system, fuel cell system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a fuel cell air path control method which comprises the following steps: when the temperature of a galvanic pile is lower than a preset value, an air compressor purges hot air into a galvanic pile shell; when the temperature of the electric pile reaches a preset value, the air compressor starts to blow air to the intercooler, and meanwhile, cooling liquid provided by the cooling water system enters the air compressor and the intercooler to cool the air compressor and the intercooler. According to the fuel cell air path control method disclosed by the invention, the heating of the electric pile when the air temperature is too low can be realized under the condition of not increasing an external power supply, and the humidity of the fuel cell air path can be effectively controlled. The invention also discloses a fuel cell air system for implementing the fuel cell air path control method, a fuel cell system and a computer readable storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular, relates to a fuel cell air path control method, a fuel cell air system, a fuel cell system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising and popular fuel cell technologies. It has many advantages such as no pollution, high energy conversion rate, short charging time, low operating temperature and low noise. It can be widely used in many fields such as transportation vehicles, cogeneration, fixed base stations, mobile portable devices, drones, military equipment, etc.

[0003] It is of great significance to use green, low-carbon and widely available energy. Hydrogen energy is a secondary energy source. Hydrogen accounts for 75% of the universe and has a very wide range of sources. Its calorific value is three times that of gasoline, and no carbon is generated after combustion or electrochemical reaction. Therefore, it has received more and more attention and promotion. Fuel cell systems, as an important tool for using hydrogen energy, have high efficiency (theoretical efficiency can reach more than 80%), zero emissions and no pollution (the only product is water), good low temperature adaptability (normal use at 10°C), fast energy replenishment and other advantages. They are gradually being widely used in long-distance heavy-load road transportation, rail transportation, ships, aircraft, independent power supplies, combined heat and power, light vehicles (such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers) and other scenarios. Fuel cell vehicles have become a new type of green transportation tool with their advantages of no pollution, zero emissions, high efficiency and fast refueling speed.

[0004] In the prior art, since the air humidity in the fuel cell system is difficult to control, more water is generated inside the stack, the membrane is too wet, or the humidity is insufficient, causing the membrane to be too dry, resulting in low performance and life of the fuel cell. In winter, due to the cold weather, the existing fuel cell cold start method requires the use of external heating tools, or the addition of external power supplies and control loops, which leads to the complication of the fuel cell system. At the same time, the heat generated by the fuel cell cannot be used, resulting in problems such as low energy utilization.

[0005] It is desirable to provide an improved fuel cell air path control method, particularly with regard to how to effectively control the humidity of the fuel cell air path. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a fuel cell air path control method, the purpose of which is to effectively control the humidity of the fuel cell air path.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a fuel cell air path control method, comprising:

[0008] When the temperature of the stack is lower than a preset value, the air compressor blows hot air into the stack shell;

[0009] When the temperature of the fuel cell stack reaches a preset value, the air compressor starts to blow air to the intercooler. At the same time, the coolant provided by the cooling water system enters the air compressor and the intercooler to cool them down.

[0010] The air compressor and the intercooler are connected to the automobile air conditioning system.

[0011] The coolant discharged from the air compressor and the intercooler enters the automobile air conditioning system and is used to heat the automobile passenger compartment.

[0012] The air compressor is connected to the fuel cell stack housing via a first branch, and a first valve is provided in the first branch.

[0013] The intercooler is connected to the main gas circuit, a humidifier and a three-way valve are arranged in the main gas circuit, and the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack.

[0014] The intercooler is connected to the three-way valve through a second branch, and a bypass valve is arranged in the second branch.

[0015] The intercooler is connected to the fuel cell stack via a third branch to purge the inside of the fuel cell stack shell.

[0016] The present invention also provides a fuel cell air system for implementing the fuel cell air path control method, including an air compressor, an intercooler, a humidifier, a three-way valve and an expander, the expander is connected to the fuel cell stack and the three-way valve, and the humidifier is connected to the intercooler and the three-way valve.

[0017] The present invention also provides a fuel cell system, comprising the fuel cell air system.

[0018] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the fuel cell air path control method.

[0019] The fuel cell air path control method of the present invention can achieve heating of the fuel cell stack when the temperature is too low without adding an external power supply, and can effectively control the humidity of the fuel cell air path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a fuel cell air path control method of the present invention;

[0021] The marks in the above figure are: DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The specific implementation methods of the present invention are further explained in detail below by describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, with the aim of helping those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the concept and technical solution of the present invention and facilitating its implementation.

[0023] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower" and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only.

[0024] It should be noted that, in the following embodiments, the “first”, “second” and “third” mentioned do not represent an absolute distinction in structure and / or function, nor do they represent a sequence of execution, but are merely for the convenience of description.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly connected by technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terminology used in the specification of the present invention is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, a fuel cell air path control method includes:

[0027] When the temperature of the stack is lower than a preset value, the air compressor blows hot air into the stack shell;

[0028] When the temperature of the fuel cell stack reaches the preset value, the air compressor starts to blow air to the intercooler. At the same time, the coolant provided by the cooling water system enters the air compressor and the intercooler to cool them down.

[0029] The air compressor and the intercooler are connected to the automobile air conditioning system.

[0030] The coolant discharged from the air compressor and the intercooler enters the automobile air conditioning system and is used to heat the automobile passenger compartment.

[0031] The air compressor is connected to the fuel cell stack housing via a first branch, and a first valve is provided in the first branch.

[0032] The intercooler is connected to the main gas circuit, a humidifier and a three-way valve are arranged in the main gas circuit, and the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack.

[0033] The intercooler is connected to the three-way valve through a second branch, and a bypass valve is arranged in the second branch.

[0034] The intercooler is connected to the fuel cell stack via a third branch to purge the inside of the fuel cell stack shell.

[0035] The present invention also provides a fuel cell air system for implementing the fuel cell air path control method, including an air compressor, an intercooler, a humidifier, a three-way valve and an expander, the expander is connected to the fuel cell stack and the three-way valve, and the humidifier is connected to the intercooler and the three-way valve.

[0036] The present invention also provides a fuel cell system, comprising the fuel cell air system.

[0037] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the fuel cell air path control method.

[0038] Example

[0039] In a first aspect of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell air path control method, comprising:

[0040] When the temperature of the stack is lower than a preset value, the air compressor blows hot air into the stack shell;

[0041] When the temperature of the fuel cell stack reaches the preset value, the air compressor starts to blow air to the intercooler. At the same time, the coolant provided by the cooling water system enters the air compressor and the intercooler to cool them down.

[0042] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, a system control method for controlling the humidity of the air path of a fuel cell is provided. This is a control method to solve the problem that when the stack is cold started, the temperature inside the stack is too low, causing ice crystals in the air path or the hydrogen path, resulting in damage to the membrane electrode. It is also a control method to solve the problem that the heat generated by the stack cannot be utilized.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the air compressor and intercooler are connected to the automobile air conditioning system. The air compressor forms two air flows, one flowing into the car and the other flowing to the battery stack housing. The coolant discharged from the air compressor and intercooler enters the automobile air conditioning system and can be used to heat the passenger compartment of the car.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air compressor is connected to the battery stack housing through a first branch, and a first valve is provided in the first branch, and the first valve is used to control the on-off of the first branch. The air compressor is connected to an air filter, and the air passes through the air filter to reach the air compressor. The air filter is used to filter impurities in the air to ensure the quality of air entering the air compressor. When the temperature of the battery stack is lower than a predetermined value, the first valve opens, and the air compressor blows hot air into the battery stack housing through the first branch to heat the battery stack until the temperature of the battery stack reaches a predetermined value. During this process, the air compressor rotates at a relatively slow speed to ensure the stability and accuracy of temperature control.

[0045] When the temperature of the battery stack reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed, the first branch is interrupted, and the air compressor starts to blow air to the intercooler. At the same time, the coolant provided by the cooling water system flows through the air compressor and the intercooler to cool the air compressor and the intercooler. After the coolant absorbs heat in the air compressor and the intercooler, the temperature rises, and the coolant coming out of the air compressor and the intercooler has a higher temperature. The coolant coming out of the air compressor and the intercooler enters the automobile air-conditioning system. When the weather is cold, the heat energy generated by the air compressor and the intercooler is used to provide a heat source for the automobile air-conditioning system to heat up the interior of the vehicle, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the entire vehicle, reducing energy waste and emissions, and being more environmentally friendly.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the intercooler is connected to the main gas circuit, a humidifier and a three-way valve are arranged in the main gas circuit, the humidifier and the three-way valve are connected to the battery stack, the three-way valve is connected to the battery stack, the three-way valve is located between the humidifier and the battery stack, and the humidifier is located between the three-way valve and the intercooler.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the intercooler is connected to the three-way valve through the second branch, and a bypass valve is provided in the second branch to control the on-off of the second branch. The air in the main gas path can enter the fuel cell stack through the humidifier and the three-way valve in turn.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the intercooler is connected to the stack through the third branch to purge the stack shell. The intercooler provides air to the stack shell through the third branch to purge the stack shell to prevent the hydrogen concentration in the stack shell from being too high.

[0049] When the humidity of the fuel cell stack membrane exceeds the set value, the port connecting the three-way valve to the humidifier is closed, and the port connecting the three-way valve to the second branch is opened to prevent further moisture from entering the fuel cell stack. At the same time, the bypass valve is opened, and the air from the intercooler directly enters the fuel cell stack through the second branch and the three-way valve to regulate the humidity inside the fuel cell stack and ensure the safe operation of the system.

[0050] In the embodiment of the present invention, by precisely controlling the opening and closing states of the three-way valve and the bypass valve, the humidity inside the stack is precisely regulated, which avoids the performance degradation and failure that may be caused by excessive humidity of the stack membrane, and improves the stability and reliability of the system.

[0051] When the humidity of the stack membrane is lower than the set value, the port connected to the humidifier by the three-way valve is opened, and the valve at the air outlet of the stack is opened, so that the air in the stack can directly enter the humidifier. The humidifier humidifies the air for the second time, and then the humidified air enters the stack through the main gas path. The humidified air has a higher humidity level to supplement the humidity inside the stack. Appropriate humidity helps maintain the performance and stability of the stack and avoids performance degradation and failure caused by too low humidity. By maintaining an appropriate humidity level, the service life of the stack and other related components can be extended.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell stack is connected to the inlet end of the expander, and the outlet end of the expander is connected to the three-way valve. The expander is a device that can convert the pressure energy of gas into mechanical energy.

[0053] When the fuel cell stack operates normally, the air discharged from the air outlet of the fuel cell stack enters the expander, and the air in the expander enters the fuel cell stack through the three-way valve. The energy of the gas at the air side outlet of the fuel cell stack can be effectively recovered through the expander, thereby reducing the power consumption of system accessories and improving system efficiency.

[0054] During this process, the air exhausted by the fuel cell stack is supplied to the expander volute through the air inlet of the expander. The air generates its own energy, which can drive the expander impeller to rotate, and then the expander impeller drives the rotor of the motor (the motor is used to drive the air compressor) to rotate, reducing the energy consumption of the motor and achieving the purpose of energy recovery.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the air compressor is connected to the expander through a fourth branch, a second valve is arranged in the fourth branch, and the second valve is used to control the on-off of the fourth branch.

[0056] When the temperature of the stack is lower than the preset value, the second valve opens, and the air compressor is directly connected to the expander through the fourth branch. The air from the air compressor enters the expander through the fourth branch to prevent ice crystals from forming at the stack air outlet due to low temperature from damaging the expander. At the same time, the fourth branch also mitigates the impact of compressor surge. When the impurities in the air outlet of the stack are too high, the tail gas valve is opened and discharged directly into the atmosphere.

[0057] The above fuel cell air path control method has the following advantages:

[0058] 1. The stack can be heated when the temperature is too low without adding external power supply;

[0059] 2. It solves the problem that the heat generated by the stack cannot be utilized, and improves the utilization rate of the fuel cell system to a certain extent;

[0060] 3. The humidity of the fuel cell air path can be precisely controlled.

[0061] In a second aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel cell air system for implementing a fuel cell air path control method, comprising an air compressor, an intercooler, a humidifier, a three-way valve and an expander, wherein the expander is connected to the fuel cell stack and the three-way valve, and the humidifier is connected to the intercooler and the three-way valve.

[0062] In a third aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel cell system, comprising the fuel cell air system of the above structure.

[0063] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to enable a computer to execute a fuel cell air path control method.

[0064] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0065] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the disclosed method above may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware and appropriate combinations thereof. Some physical components or all physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, a digital signal processor or a microprocessor, or may be implemented as hardware, or may be implemented as an integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include a computer storage medium (or a non-transitory medium) and a communication medium (or a temporary medium). As known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired information and may be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media.

[0066] The present invention is described above by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned method. As long as various non-substantial improvements are made using the method concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the concept and technical solution of the present invention are directly applied to other occasions without improvement, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell air path control method, characterized in that: include: When the temperature of the stack is lower than a preset value, the air compressor blows hot air into the stack shell; When the temperature of the fuel cell stack reaches a preset value, the air compressor starts to blow air to the intercooler. At the same time, the coolant provided by the cooling water system enters the air compressor and the intercooler to cool them down.

2. The fuel cell air path control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air compressor and the intercooler are connected to the automobile air conditioning system.

3. The fuel cell air path control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The coolant discharged from the air compressor and the intercooler enters the automobile air conditioning system and is used to heat the automobile passenger compartment.

4. The fuel cell air path control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The air compressor is connected to the fuel cell stack housing via a first branch, and a first valve is provided in the first branch.

5. The fuel cell air path control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The intercooler is connected to the main gas circuit, a humidifier and a three-way valve are arranged in the main gas circuit, and the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack.

6. The fuel cell air path control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The intercooler is connected to the three-way valve through a second branch, and a bypass valve is arranged in the second branch.

7. The fuel cell air path control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The intercooler is connected to the fuel cell stack via a third branch to purge the inside of the fuel cell stack shell.

8. A fuel cell air system implementing the fuel cell air path control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The system comprises an air compressor, an intercooler, a humidifier, a three-way valve and an expander. The expander is connected with the fuel cell stack and the three-way valve, and the humidifier is connected with the intercooler and the three-way valve.

9. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: Comprising the fuel cell air system of claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the fuel cell air path control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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