Method, device, controller, system and medium for controlling fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a device, a controller, a system and a medium for controlling a fuel cell system. The method includes acquiring a metric associated with the stack when the fuel cell system is in a standby mode and the shut-off valve is in a closed state. The method also includes determining whether the metric value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition. In addition, the method also includes, in response to determining that the metric indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition, introducing oxygen into the cathode of the stack by opening a shut-off valve. According to the scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device can be reduced, and the safety of the fuel cell system is improved. In addition, according to the scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, abrasion of components of the stop valve can be reduced, the service life of the stop valve is prolonged, and the leakage risk is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell system, and more particularly, to a method, an apparatus, a controller, a fuel cell system, and a medium for controlling a fuel cell system. Background Art

[0002] In a fuel cell system (FCS), standby mode (also called idle mode) refers to an operating mode in which the fuel cell system is in a low-power or dormant state. In standby mode, the fuel cell system is still in operation, but the power it generates and the power it consumes are usually reduced to a lower level. In standby mode, the fuel cell system can remain in a state of readiness so that it can be quickly restarted and enter normal operating mode when needed.

[0003] A fuel cell system in standby mode is able to respond to user needs more quickly without requiring a lengthy startup process. In addition, standby mode helps save fuel or power resources because it allows the system to generate less power and consume less fuel, thereby reducing costs and reducing environmental impact. In addition, reducing the operating power consumption of the fuel cell system helps reduce wear on the stack and other key components, thereby extending the life of the fuel cell system. However, when the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operating mode, there may be problems associated with hydrogen emissions. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a method, device, controller, fuel cell system and medium for controlling a fuel cell system. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fuel cell system includes a stack and a shut-off valve that can control oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack. When the fuel cell system is in standby mode, the shut-off valve is closed to isolate the cathode from external oxygen. The embodiments of the present disclosure can monitor the measurement value associated with the stack, and then determine whether the monitored measurement value indicates that the oxygen consumption at the cathode of the stack meets the predetermined condition. If the monitored measurement value indicates that the oxygen consumption at the cathode of the stack meets the predetermined condition, the shut-off valve can be opened to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack. In this way, the embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the accumulation of hydrogen at the cathode of the stack, thereby reducing the concentration of hydrogen discharged from the vehicle through the exhaust device when the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operation mode, and improving the safety of the fuel cell system. At the same time, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also reduce the number of times the shut-off valve is opened, thereby reducing the wear of the shut-off valve components, extending the service life of the shut-off valve, reducing the risk of leakage, and also improving the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell system includes a stack and a shut-off valve for controlling an air system of the fuel cell system, and the method includes obtaining a measurement value associated with the stack when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shut-off valve is in a closed state. The method also includes determining whether the measurement value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition. In addition, the method also includes allowing oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shut-off valve in response to determining that the measurement value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided. The device relates to a fuel cell system, and the fuel cell system includes a stack and a shut-off valve for controlling an air system of the fuel cell system. The device includes a stack measurement acquisition unit, which is configured to acquire a measurement value associated with the stack when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shut-off valve is in a closed state. The device also includes an oxygen consumption determination unit, which is configured to determine whether the measurement value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition. In addition, the device also includes a shut-off valve opening unit, which is configured to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shut-off valve in response to determining that the measurement value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets the predetermined condition.

[0007] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a controller is provided. The controller includes one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, so that the one or more processors implement a method for controlling a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a stack and a shut-off valve for controlling an air system of the fuel cell system, and the method includes obtaining a measurement value associated with the stack when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shut-off valve is in a closed state. The method also includes determining whether the measurement value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition. In addition, the method also includes allowing oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shut-off valve in response to determining that the measurement value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets the predetermined condition.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell system is provided. The fuel cell system includes a stack; a shutoff valve located in a channel connected to a cathode inlet of the stack; an air compressor located in a channel connected to the shutoff valve; an exhaust device located in a channel connected to a cathode outlet of the stack; a bypass valve located in a channel connecting the air compressor and the exhaust device; a main positive relay located in a channel connected to the positive electrode of the stack; a main negative relay located in a channel connected to the negative electrode of the stack; a DC-DC converter located in a channel connected to the main positive relay and a channel connected to the main negative relay; and a controller configured to: when the fuel cell system is in a standby mode and the shutoff valve is in a closed state, obtain a metric value associated with the stack; determine whether the metric value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition; and in response to determining that the metric value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets the predetermined condition, allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shutoff valve.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method provided according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] It should be understood that the contents described in the summary of the invention are not intended to limit the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example fuel cell system in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0013] Figure 2 A flow chart showing a method for controlling a fuel cell system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B A schematic diagram showing an example of controlling the opening of a stop valve based on the voltage of a fuel cell stack and an example of controlling the opening of a stop valve based on the cathode pressure of a fuel cell stack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an example of operating states of multiple subsystems when a fuel cell system is in a standby mode and when switching from the standby mode to a normal operating mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 A flowchart showing the operation process of multiple subsystems when the fuel cell system is in standby mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 A flowchart showing the operation process of multiple subsystems when the fuel cell system switches from a standby mode to a normal operation mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 A block diagram showing an apparatus for controlling a fuel cell system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 8 A block diagram of a device in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather these embodiments are provided for a more thorough and complete understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are only for exemplary purposes.

[0021] Hydrogen energy vehicles usually include a power battery system and a fuel cell system. When the vehicle starts, if the power battery cannot be charged and discharged normally due to reasons such as low ambient temperature, the fuel cell needs to supply electricity. However, it takes a period of time (for example, several seconds or even tens of seconds) for the fuel cell system to switch from a shutdown state to a normal operating state, which means that the vehicle can only be started after a period of time. When the vehicle is parked at an intersection and the traffic light switches from stop to pass, such a long waiting time is unacceptable. Therefore, in this case, it is more inclined to put the fuel cell system in standby mode (also called idle mode) than in shutdown mode. Standby mode refers to an operating mode in which the fuel cell system is in a low power or dormant state. In standby mode, the fuel cell system is still in operation, but the power and power consumption it generates are usually reduced to a lower level. In standby mode, the fuel cell system can remain in a ready state, so that it can be quickly restarted and enter normal operating mode when needed.

[0022] In standby mode, the hydrogen supply system of the fuel cell system can operate normally, so there will always be hydrogen at the anode of the stack, and the shut-off valve responsible for the air system will be closed to isolate oxygen (or air) from entering the cathode of the stack. At this time, the anode of the stack has a circulating supply of hydrogen, and the cathode has oxygen stored before the shut-off valve is closed. There is a proton exchange membrane between the anode and the cathode of the stack and it can isolate hydrogen and oxygen. However, due to the diffusion phenomenon, the hydrogen at the anode will diffuse to the cathode at a slower rate, and the hydrogen diffused to the cathode will react electrochemically with the oxygen at the cathode to produce water. As oxygen is constantly consumed and no new oxygen enters the cathode due to the closure of the shut-off valve, the oxygen will be completely consumed at a certain moment. Then, as the hydrogen at the anode continues to diffuse to the cathode, more hydrogen will accumulate at the cathode. When the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operation mode, the shut-off valve at the cathode outlet will be opened, so that the hydrogen accumulated at the cathode will go to the exhaust device, so that the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device at this time is higher than the normal level, or even exceeds the safety standard.

[0023] In some traditional solutions, the controller in the fuel cell system can prevent hydrogen from accumulating at the cathode by coordinating the shut-off valve and the air compressor. For example, in standby mode, the controller can periodically open the shut-off valve and increase the speed of the air compressor, so that oxygen can be regularly added to the cathode, thereby reducing the hydrogen concentration at the cathode. However, in these solutions, since the controller cannot accurately determine the opening and closing time of the shut-off valve, the shut-off valve is frequently opened and closed. This process causes wear on the shut-off valve, thereby reducing the life of the shut-off valve. When the shut-off valve leaks, it also increases the risk of accidents.

[0024] To this end, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a scheme for controlling a fuel cell system. The scheme can monitor the measurement value associated with the stack, and then determine whether the monitored measurement value indicates that the oxygen consumption at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition. If the monitored measurement value indicates that the oxygen consumption at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition, the stop valve can be opened to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack. In this way, the embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the accumulation of hydrogen at the cathode of the stack, thereby reducing the concentration of hydrogen discharged from the vehicle through the exhaust device when the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operating mode, and improving the safety of the fuel cell system. At the same time, the embodiment of the present disclosure can also reduce the number of times the stop valve is opened, thereby reducing the wear of the stop valve components, extending the service life of the stop valve, and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example fuel cell system 100 in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell system 100 includes a stack 102, which includes an anode 104, a cathode 106, and a proton exchange membrane 108. The fuel cell system 100 also includes a shutoff valve 110 and a shutoff valve 112, the shutoff valve 110 is located on a channel connected to the inlet of the cathode 106 of the stack 102, and the shutoff valve 112 is located on a channel connected to an exhaust device 118 from the outlet of the cathode 106. The fuel cell system 100 also includes an air compressor 114 and a bypass valve 116, the air compressor 114 is located on a channel connected to the shutoff valve 110, and the bypass valve 116 is located on a channel from the air compressor 114 to the exhaust device 118 and the channel does not pass through the shutoff valve 110, the stack 102, and the shutoff valve 112. The fuel cell system 100 also includes a main positive relay 120 , a main negative relay 122 , and a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) converter 124 , wherein the main positive relay 120 is located on a channel from the fuel cell stack 102 to the DC-DC converter 124 , and the main negative relay 120 is located on another channel from the fuel cell stack 102 to the DC-DC converter 124 .

[0026] In standby mode, the hydrogen supply system of the fuel cell system operates normally, so hydrogen can circulate through the anode 104 of the stack 102. The shut-off valves 110 and 112 are closed so that external oxygen cannot enter the cathode 106, and the oxygen or hydrogen in the cathode 106 cannot be discharged. The air compressor 114 can be kept running at the minimum speed, and the bypass valve 116 can be opened so that the gas in other parts of the fuel cell system can go to the exhaust device 118 with the help of the air compressor 114. The main positive relay 120 and the main negative relay 122 can be closed so that the DC-DC converter can continue to draw current from the stack 102.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, in standby mode, the hydrogen at the anode 104 of the stack 102 will slowly and continuously diffuse to the cathode 106, and react electrochemically with the oxygen at the cathode 106, and this process will continue to consume hydrogen and oxygen and produce water. Since the shut-off valve 110 is closed, the external oxygen cannot enter the cathode 106, so the oxygen at the cathode 106 will be gradually consumed until it is completely consumed. Then, the hydrogen at the anode 104 will continue to diffuse to the cathode 106, and since the shut-off valve 112 is closed, the hydrogen is accumulated at the cathode 106, so that the hydrogen concentration at the cathode 106 gradually increases. When the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operating mode, the shut-off valves 110 and 112 are opened, and the accumulated hydrogen can go to the exhaust device 118 through the shut-off valve 112, resulting in a high hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device 118, which reduces the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the fuel cell control unit can monitor a metric value associated with the stack 102, such as the cathode pressure or voltage of the stack 102, and then control the opening and closing of the shutoff valves 110 and 112 based on the metric value. For example, in some embodiments, the cathode pressure of the stack 102 over a period of time can be monitored. When the change trend of the cathode pressure is from decreasing to increasing or from decreasing to stopping decreasing, it indicates that the oxygen at the cathode 106 has been completely consumed. At this time, the shutoff valves 110 and 112 can be opened to allow oxygen from the air compressor 114 to enter the cathode 106. In other embodiments, the current voltage of the stack 102 can be monitored. When the voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold, it indicates that the oxygen at the cathode 106 will be completely consumed in a short time. At this time, the shutoff valves 110 and 112 can also be opened. After opening the shutoff valves 110 and 112, if the voltage of the stack 102 exceeds another predetermined threshold, the shutoff valves 110 and 112 can be closed and the previous process is repeated. When the fuel cell system switches from the standby mode to the normal operation mode, the air compressor 114 can be operated at a normal speed and the stop valves 110 and 112 can be slowly opened to fully dilute the hydrogen at the cathode 106. At the same time, the bypass valve 116 can be closed later to speed up the discharge of hydrogen at the cathode 106 outlet.

[0029] In this way, the frequency of opening and closing of the stop valves 110 and 112 can be reduced, the wear of the stop valve components can be reduced, and the risk of leakage can be reduced. In addition, the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device 118 can be reduced, and the safety of the fuel cell system can be improved.

[0030] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method 200 for controlling a fuel cell system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method 200 may be performed by a controller capable of monitoring and controlling the fuel cell system, which may be, for example, a fuel cell system control unit (FCCU), a vehicle control unit, a controller in a fuel cell system, or a controller in a vehicle, etc., and FCCU is used as an example of a controller for illustration herein. FCCU is a central control unit operating in a fuel cell system, and FCCU controls the operation of the fuel cell system and its various subsystems, such as a hydrogen supply system, an air system, a heat and water management system, a power system, and a storage system, etc., and FCCU ensures the normal operation of the system by monitoring various indicators in the fuel cell system.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, in box 202, the method 200 obtains a measurement value associated with the fuel cell stack when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shutoff valve is in a closed state. Figure 1In the fuel system 100 shown, when the fuel cell system 100 is in standby mode, the hydrogen supply system can operate normally, that is, hydrogen can enter the anode 104 from the inlet of the anode 104 of the stack 102, and discharge the anode 104 from the outlet of the anode 104, and then circulate by a device such as a hydrogen circulation pump. For the air system, the stop valve 110 is closed to prevent oxygen (or air) from entering the cathode 106 of the stack 102, and the stop valve 112 is also closed to prevent the gas in the cathode 106 from being discharged. At this time, the hydrogen at the anode 104 may diffuse to the anode 106 through the proton exchange membrane 108, and then at the anode 106, the hydrogen and oxygen undergo an electrochemical reaction to produce water. In this process, the measurement values ​​such as the pressure of the cathode 106 and the voltage of the stack 102 will change accordingly, so the measurement values ​​associated with the stack 102 can be obtained by, for example, the FCCU.

[0032] At block 204, method 200 may determine whether the metric indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition. Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the FCCU can determine whether one or more values ​​such as the pressure of the cathode 106 or the voltage of the stack 102 indicate that the oxygen consumption at the cathode 106 of the stack 102 meets a predetermined condition. For example, the FCCU can predict whether the oxygen at the cathode 106 will be completely consumed in a short time, determine whether the oxygen at the cathode 106 has just been completely consumed, and determine whether the oxygen at the cathode 106 has been completely consumed some time ago.

[0033] At block 206 , in response to determining that the metric indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition, method 200 may allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening a shutoff valve. Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, if the FCCU determines that the acquired metric value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode 106 of the stack 102 meets a predetermined condition, the FCCU can allow oxygen to enter the cathode 106 of the stack 102 by opening the shutoff valve 110, thereby replenishing oxygen to the cathode 106. In this way, the hydrogen diffused from the anode 104 to the cathode 106 through the proton exchange membrane 108 can be continuously consumed by replenishing oxygen, and the hydrogen at the cathode 106 can be diluted, thereby reducing the hydrogen concentration at the cathode 106.

[0034] In this way, the method 200 can reduce the accumulation of hydrogen at the cathode 106 of the fuel cell stack 102, thereby reducing the concentration of hydrogen discharged from the vehicle through the exhaust device 118 when the fuel cell system switches from the standby mode to the normal operation mode, and improving the safety of the fuel cell system. At the same time, the method 20 can also reduce the number of times the shut-off valves 110 and 112 are opened, thereby reducing the wear of the shut-off valve components, extending the service life of the shut-off valves, and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0035] Figures 3A to 3B A schematic diagram of an example 300 of controlling the opening of a stop valve based on the voltage of a stack and a schematic diagram of an example 320 of controlling the opening of a stop valve based on the cathode pressure of a stack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1 Examples 300 and 320 are described. As shown in FIG. 3 , in example 300, a fuel cell system (eg, Figure 1 When the fuel cell system 100 in the fuel cell stack 102 is in standby mode and the shut-off valves 110 and 112 are in a closed state, an oxygen curve 302 representing the oxygen amount change trend at the cathode 106 of the fuel cell stack 102, a hydrogen curve 304 representing the hydrogen amount at the cathode 106, a cathode pressure curve 306 representing the cathode pressure change trend of the fuel cell stack 102, and a voltage curve 308 representing the voltage change trend of the fuel cell stack 102.

[0036] As shown in FIG3 , since the shut-off valves 110 and 112 are in a closed state, external oxygen cannot enter the cathode 106, and the gas in the cathode 106 (e.g., may include oxygen, hydrogen, and other gases) cannot go to the exhaust device 118. At this time, the hydrogen at the anode 104 of the stack 102 can diffuse to the cathode 106 via the proton exchange membrane 108, and the hydrogen and oxygen react electrochemically at the cathode 106 to produce water. In this process, for oxygen, the oxygen at the cathode 106 is continuously consumed until it is completely consumed. In this process, as Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 3 , the oxygen curve 302 continuously decreases from a higher position and then remains at a lower position. For hydrogen, before the oxygen is completely consumed, the hydrogen diffused to the cathode 106 will be consumed by the oxygen at the cathode 106. In this process, Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 3 , the hydrogen curve 304 is maintained at a low position. After the oxygen at the cathode 106 is completely consumed, the hydrogen diffused to the cathode 106 cannot be consumed and accumulates at the cathode 106. In this process, as Figure 3A As shown, the hydrogen curve 304 gradually rises.

[0037] As for the pressure at the cathode 106, before the oxygen is completely consumed, the hydrogen diffused into the cathode 106 is consumed simultaneously with the oxygen previously stored at the cathode 106, so the gas volume at the cathode 106 is reduced, resulting in a decrease in the cathode pressure. Figure 3A As shown, the cathode pressure curve 306 continues to decrease. When the oxygen at the cathode 106 is completely consumed, the pressure at the cathode 106 drops to the minimum, and the slope (or derivative) of the tangent of the cathode pressure curve 306 is zero at this time. Then, as the hydrogen at the anode 104 continues to diffuse to the cathode 106, the gas volume at the cathode 106 continues to increase, and the pressure continues to rise. In this process, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A As shown, cathode pressure curve 306 continues to rise.

[0038] As for the voltage of the stack 102, before the oxygen is completely consumed, the voltage is generated due to the continuous electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. However, as the oxygen at the cathode 106 continues to decrease, the generated voltage will continue to decrease until the oxygen at the cathode 106 is completely consumed, the electrochemical reaction stops, and the voltage of the stack 102 drops to the minimum. In this process, Figure 3A As shown, the voltage curve 308 continuously decreases from a higher position until it drops to a minimum and remains at the minimum.

[0039] In example 300, the voltage of the stack 102 can be obtained, and the shutoff valve 110 can be opened based on the voltage. Example 300 can predetermine a lower threshold 310 for the voltage. When the voltage of the stack 102 is less than the lower threshold 310, it indicates that the oxygen at the cathode 106 has been almost completely consumed. It can be predicted that in a short period of time in the future, the oxygen at the cathode 106 will be completely consumed and hydrogen will begin to accumulate. Therefore, when it is determined that the voltage of the stack 102 is less than the threshold 310, it can be determined that the voltage of the stack 102 indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode 106 of the stack 102 meets the predetermined condition, so that oxygen can be allowed to enter the cathode 106 of the stack 102 by opening the shutoff valve 110. Figure 3A As shown, in example 300, at time 312, the voltage of the stack 102 drops to less than the threshold 310, so the shut-off valve 110 can be opened at time 312 to allow oxygen to enter the cathode 106. In this way, the hydrogen diffused from the anode 104 through the proton exchange membrane 108 to the cathode 106 can be continuously consumed by supplementing oxygen, and the hydrogen at the cathode 106 can be diluted, thereby reducing the hydrogen concentration at the cathode 106.

[0040] In this way, whether the oxygen at the cathode 106 will be completely consumed can be determined based on the voltage of the battery stack 102, and the stop valve 110 is opened only when the oxygen at the cathode 106 is completely consumed, thereby reducing the frequency of opening and closing the stop valve 110, reducing the wear of the stop valve components, extending the service life of the stop valve, and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0041] In some embodiments, multiple cathode pressures of the stack may be determined over a period of time, and then the changing trend of the multiple cathode pressures may be determined. If the changing trend is from decreasing to increasing or from decreasing to stopping decreasing, it may be determined that the multiple cathode pressures of the stack indicate that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode meets a predetermined condition. Then, the shut-off valve may be opened to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack.

[0042] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of an example 320 of controlling the opening of a shutoff valve based on the cathode pressure of a stack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG3 , in the example 320, an oxygen curve 302, a hydrogen curve 304, a cathode pressure curve 306, and a voltage curve 308 of the stack are Figure 3A The example 300 shown is the same. However, in the example 320, the pressure at the cathode 106 of the stack 102 can be continuously monitored instead of the voltage of the stack 102. When the change trend of the cathode pressure of the stack 102 in the past period of time is from decreasing to stopping decreasing (that is, when the slope of the tangent of the cathode pressure curve 306 is zero), it means that the oxygen at the cathode 106 has been completely consumed. If the shut-off valve 110 is kept closed, hydrogen will accumulate at the cathode 106. Therefore, the shut-off valve 110 can be opened to allow oxygen to enter the cathode 106. Figure 3B As shown, at time 322, the cathode pressure changes from decreasing to stopping decreasing (i.e., the slope of the tangent of the cathode pressure curve 306 at time 322 is zero), so the stop valve 110 can be opened at time 322 to allow external oxygen to enter the cathode 106. Figure 3A Compared to the example 300 shown, Figure 3B The example 320 shown opens the stop valve at a time 322 later than Figure 3A The example 300 shown opens the shutoff valve at time 312 because the oxygen consumption at the cathode 106 is determined with greater accuracy based on the cathode pressure of the stack 102. In some embodiments, the shutoff valve 110 may be opened when it is determined that the cathode pressure trend is from decreasing to increasing.

[0043] In this way, the time to open the stop valve 110 can be further delayed, thereby further reducing the frequency of opening and closing the stop valve 110, reducing the wear of the stop valve components, extending the service life of the stop valve, and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0044] In addition, when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shutoff valve is in a closed state, in some embodiments, the relay in the fuel cell system can be closed, and the output current of the fuel cell system can be adjusted to zero by the DC-DC converter in the fuel cell system. In some embodiments, the air compressor in the fuel cell system can be operated at a minimum speed. In addition, after the shutoff valve is opened, the appropriate shutoff valve closing time can be further determined. In some embodiments, when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shutoff valve is in an open state, the voltage of the stack can be obtained, and then the voltage is compared with another predetermined threshold. If the voltage of the stack is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the shutoff valve is closed.

[0045] When the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operation mode, in some embodiments, a target speed for opening the shutoff valve can be determined, the target speed being less than another predetermined threshold, and then the shutoff valve can be opened at the target speed. In some embodiments, the target speed for opening the shutoff valve can be determined based on the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device in the fuel cell system. In some embodiments, a bypass valve in the fuel cell system can be opened after a predetermined delay time.

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an example 400 of operating states of multiple subsystems when a fuel cell system is in standby mode and when switching from standby mode to normal operating mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, example 400 shows a graph of various components associated with a fuel cell system changing over time during a standby mode phase 401 and a normal operating mode phase 402. In example 400, a graph representing an air compressor (e.g., Figure 1 The speed curve 404 of the air compressor 114 in FIG. 1 represents the speed of the bypass valve (eg, Figure 1 4, and a bypass valve curve 408 showing the opening and closing of the bypass valve 116 in FIG. Figure 1 The shut-off valve curve 410 of the opening and closing of the shut-off valves 110 and 112 in the stack represents the cathode of the stack (eg, Figure 1 a cathode pressure curve 412 representing the pressure of the cathode 106 of the stack 102 in the fuel cell, an oxygen curve 414 representing the amount of oxygen at the cathode of the fuel cell, a current curve 416 representing the stack current, a power curve 420 representing the stack power, and a main relay (e.g., Figure 1 A main relay curve 422 representing the opening and closing of the main positive relay 102 and the main negative relay 122 in the fuel cell system, a thermal management system curve 424 representing the thermal management system of the fuel cell system, and a hydrogen supply system curve 426 representing the hydrogen supply system of the fuel cell system.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, between time 432 and time 434, the fuel cell system may be in a normal operating mode, for example, and at time 434, the fuel cell system enters a standby mode. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system may enter the standby mode in response to receiving a request to enter the standby mode. Figure 4 As shown, during the standby mode stage 401, the main relay curve 422, the thermal management system curve 424 and the hydrogen supply system curve 426 are all presented as straight lines, which indicates that the hydrogen supply system and the thermal management system of the fuel cell system are operating normally, and the main positive relay and the main negative relay are both kept closed, so that the DC-DC converter can obtain current from the stack at any time. However, as shown in the current curve 416 and the power curve 420, since the current fuel cell system is in standby mode, the current obtained by the DC-DC converter from the stack will remain zero, so that the power output of the stack is also zero.

[0048] Between time 434 and time 436, as shown in the air compressor curve 404 and the bypass valve curve 408, the air compressor will drop from the normal operating speed to the minimum operating speed, and the bypass valve remains open, so that the air from the air compressor can pass through the bypass valve to other parts of the fuel cell system. As shown in the stop valve curve 410, the cathode pressure curve 412, the oxygen curve 414 and the voltage curve 418, the stop valve is in a closed state, and because the hydrogen at the anode of the stack diffuses to the cathode, the oxygen at the cathode is continuously consumed, and the decrease in the amount of oxygen can cause the cathode pressure of the stack and the voltage of the stack to continue to decrease.

[0049] At time 436, if the FCCU monitors that the cathode pressure of the fuel cell stack has a changing trend from decreasing to stopping decreasing, or monitors that the voltage of the fuel cell stack is less than a predetermined threshold, the shut-off valve can be opened to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the fuel cell stack. After the shut-off valve is opened, the amount of oxygen at the cathode continues to rise, causing the cathode pressure of the fuel cell stack to continue to rise. Since oxygen is replenished, oxygen restarts to electrochemically react with hydrogen at the cathode, so the voltage also continues to rise. In order to determine the time to close the shut-off valve, the voltage of the fuel cell stack can be monitored after the shut-off valve is opened. When the voltage of the fuel cell stack is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (the predetermined threshold is different from the predetermined threshold when determining to open the shut-off valve), the shut-off valve can be closed. For example, Figure 4 As shown, at time 438, the FCCU may determine that the voltage of the fuel cell stack is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, thereby closing the shut-off valve to prevent external oxygen from entering the cathode of the fuel cell stack.

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, after closing the stop valve, the states of the various parts in the fuel cell system are similar to those from time 434 to time 436. Until time 440, the FCCU again determines that the trend of the change in cathode pressure or the voltage of the stack indicates that the oxygen consumption meets the predetermined conditions, so that the stop valve is opened again to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack. Then, at time 442, the voltage of the stack is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, so the stop valve is closed. When the fuel cell system is in standby mode, the above process will be repeated until it is switched to other modes. In this way, in addition to delaying the time of opening the stop valve, the time of closing the stop valve can also be delayed as much as possible, so that the time period for the stop valve to remain open becomes longer, and more oxygen enters the cathode, thereby further delaying the time of opening the stop valve next time, and further reducing the frequency of opening and closing the stop valve, reducing the wear of the stop valve.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 4 At time 444, in response to a request to switch from standby mode to normal operating mode, the fuel cell system enters normal operating mode stage 402 from standby mode stage 401. In some embodiments, between time 444 and time 446, the shutoff valve may be slowly opened to allow air to slowly enter the cathode of the stack. In some embodiments, a target speed for opening the shutoff valve may be determined, the target speed being less than a predetermined threshold, and then the shutoff valve may be slowly opened at the target speed. In some embodiments, the shutoff valve may be slowly opened based on an exhaust device (e.g., Figure 1 The target speed is determined based on the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device 118 in the fuel cell. For example, when the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device is high, the target speed for opening the stop valve can be reduced, and when the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device is low, the target speed for opening the stop valve can be appropriately increased. In this way, when the hydrogen at the cathode is discharged, the hydrogen can be mixed with more air, so that the hydrogen can be more fully diluted, the concentration of the discharged hydrogen can be reduced, and the safety of the fuel cell system can be improved.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, between time 444 and time 446, the bypass valve may also be closed with a delay. In some embodiments, the bypass valve may be opened after a predetermined delay time. During this period, the air compressor returns to normal operating speed, so that the air mass flow rate to the exhaust device through the bypass valve increases. In this way, since the shut-off valve is opened, the increase in the air mass flow rate to the exhaust device can speed up the speed at which the hydrogen discharged from the cathode of the stack is transmitted to the exhaust device, thereby enabling the diluted hydrogen to be discharged quickly, reducing the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device, and improving the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0053] Figure 5FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process 500 for operating multiple subsystems when a fuel cell system is in standby mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, at box 502, the fuel cell system enters standby mode. For example, the fuel cell system may receive a request to enter standby mode, and then switch to standby mode in response to receiving the request. Boxes 504, 514, 516, and 518 respectively represent operations performed by the air system, hydrogen supply system, thermal management system, and power system of the fuel cell system after the fuel cell system enters standby mode. For the air system, at box 504, process 500 may open a bypass valve and keep the air compressor running at a minimum speed. For example, at Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the air compressor 114 can be kept running at a minimum speed, and the bypass valve 116 can be opened so that the air from the air compressor 114 can pass through the bypass valve 116 to other parts of the fuel cell system (e.g., the exhaust device 118). In this way, when the fuel cell system switches from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, the air compressor 114 can quickly enter the normal speed operating state, thereby reducing the time for the fuel cell to restart.

[0054] At block 506, process 500 may close the shutoff valve at the cathode. Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the shutoff valves 110 and 112 can be closed so that the outside air cannot enter the cathode 106 of the stack 102, and the gas at the cathode 106 (including the accumulated hydrogen) cannot be discharged. Figure 5 Block 506 is shown as being after block 504 , but the operations of blocks 504 and 506 may also be performed simultaneously.

[0055] At block 508, process 500 may obtain a metric associated with the stack and determine whether the metric indicates that oxygen consumption at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition. Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, multiple cathode pressures of the stack 102 in the past period of time can be obtained, and then it is determined whether the change trend of the multiple cathode pressures is from falling to rising or from falling to stopping falling, which indicates that the oxygen at the cathode 106 has been completely consumed. Alternatively, the current voltage of the stack 102 can also be obtained, and then it is determined whether the voltage of the stack 102 is less than a predetermined threshold. The voltage of the stack 102 is less than the predetermined threshold, indicating that the oxygen at the cathode 106 will be completely consumed. If it is determined that the change trend of the multiple cathode pressures is from falling to rising or from falling to stopping falling, or it is determined that the voltage of the stack 102 is less than the predetermined threshold, the process 500 proceeds to 510, otherwise the process 500 returns to box 506.

[0056] At block 510, process 500 may open a shutoff valve to allow external oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack. Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the shutoff valves 110 and 112 can be opened to allow oxygen to enter the cathode 106 of the stack 102. At box 512, the process 500 can determine whether the voltage of the stack is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. For example, the process 500 can determine whether the voltage of the stack 102 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, which is different from the predetermined threshold used at box 508 to determine whether to open the shutoff valve, and the predetermined threshold used to determine whether to close the shutoff valve can be greater than the predetermined threshold used to determine whether to open the shutoff valve. If the voltage of the stack 102 is greater than the predetermined threshold, the process 500 returns to box 506, that is, the shutoff valve is closed; otherwise, the process 500 returns to box 510 and keeps the shutoff valve open.

[0057] Returning to box 502, for the hydrogen supply system, the process 500 proceeds to box 514, and in box 514, the hydrogen supply system maintains a normal operating state. For the thermal management system, the process 500 proceeds from box 502 to box 516, and in box 516, the thermal management system can maintain minimum power operation. For the power system, the process 500 proceeds from box 502 to box 518, and in box 518, the process 500 can keep the main positive relay and the main negative relay in a closed state, and make the current drawn from the battery stack by the DC-DC converter zero. For example, in Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the main positive relay 120 and the main negative relay 122 can be kept in a closed state, so that the DC-DC converter 124 can obtain current from the stack 102. However, since the current fuel cell system is in standby mode, the current obtained by the DC-DC converter 124 from the stack 102 can be made zero. In this way, when the fuel cell switches from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, the DC-DC converter can quickly obtain the required current from the stack 102, thereby reducing the time consumed in switching modes and allowing the fuel cell system to enter the normal operating mode more quickly.

[0058] In this way, process 500 can reduce the accumulation of hydrogen at the cathode of the fuel cell stack, thereby reducing the concentration of hydrogen discharged from the vehicle through the exhaust device when the fuel cell system switches from the standby mode to the normal operation mode, thereby improving the safety of the fuel cell system. At the same time, process 500 can also reduce the opening and closing frequency of the stop valve, thereby reducing the wear of the stop valve components, extending the service life of the stop valve, and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0059] Figure 6FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process 600 of operating multiple subsystems when a fuel cell system switches from a standby mode to a normal operating mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, in box 602, the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operating mode. For example, the fuel cell system may receive a request to enter normal operating mode, and then switch from standby mode to normal operating mode in response to receiving the request. Boxes 604, 614, 616, and 618 respectively represent the operations performed by the air system, hydrogen supply system, thermal management system, and power system of the fuel cell system after the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operating mode. For the air system, in box 604, process 600 may cause the air compressor to operate at a normal speed and slowly open the shut-off valve. For example, in Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, the air compressor 114 can be operated at a normal speed, and the shut-off valves 110 and 112 can be slowly opened, so that air can slowly enter the cathode 106 of the fuel cell stack 102. In this way, when the hydrogen at the cathode 106 is discharged, the hydrogen can be mixed with more air, so that the hydrogen can be more fully diluted, the concentration of the discharged hydrogen can be reduced, and the safety of the fuel cell system can be improved.

[0060] At block 606, process 600 may maintain the bypass valve in an open state. Figure 1 In the fuel cell system 100 shown, after switching from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, the bypass valve 116 can be kept in an open state. In the conventional scheme, when the fuel cell system switches from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, the bypass valve 116 will be closed immediately. However, in order to reduce the concentration of hydrogen discharged from the exhaust device 118, the bypass valve 116 can be closed with a delay. At this time, the air compressor 114 is increased to run at a normal speed, and the stop valves 110 and 112 are slowly opened, so that the gas at the cathode 106 will pass through the stop valve 112 to the exhaust device 118. Keeping the bypass valve 116 open can make the air from the air compressor 114 merge with the gas discharged from the cathode 106 through the bypass valve 116, and speed up the speed at which the gas discharged from the cathode 116 is discharged through the exhaust device 118, thereby reducing the amount of hydrogen transmitted to the exhaust device 118 per unit time and reducing the concentration of hydrogen discharged from the exhaust device 118.

[0061] In box 608, process 600 can determine the time that the bypass valve remains open since the fuel cell system switches to the normal operation mode, and determine whether the time that the bypass valve remains open is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If the time that the bypass valve remains open is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, process 600 can proceed to box 610, and close the bypass valve at box 610, so that the air from the air compressor will not be diverted by the bypass where the bypass valve is located; otherwise, process 600 returns to box 606, so that the bypass valve continues to remain open.

[0062] Returning to box 602, for the hydrogen supply system, the process 600 proceeds to box 614, and in box 614, the hydrogen supply system maintains a normal operating state. For the thermal management system, the process 600 proceeds from box 602 to box 616, and in box 616, the thermal management system can operate normally. For the power system, the process 600 proceeds from box 602 to box 618, and in box 618, the process 600 can cause the DC-DC converter to draw current from the stack until the voltage of the stack is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0063] In this way, when the fuel cell system switches from standby mode to normal operation mode, the shutoff valve can be slowly opened and the bypass valve can be closed with a delay, thereby reducing the speed at which air enters the cathode, diluting the hydrogen at the cathode of the stack more fully, and accelerating the speed at which hydrogen is discharged after it is discharged from the cathode with the help of the airflow to the exhaust device through the bypass valve. Therefore, the hydrogen concentration at the exhaust device can be reduced, improving the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0064] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an apparatus 700 for controlling a fuel cell system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, the device 700 includes a metric value acquisition unit 702, which is configured to acquire a metric value associated with the stack when the fuel cell system is in standby mode and the shut-off valve is in a closed state. The device 700 also includes a metric value determination unit 704, which is configured to determine whether the metric value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition. The device 700 also includes a shut-off valve opening unit 706, which is configured to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shut-off valve in response to determining that the metric value indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets the predetermined condition.

[0065] In some embodiments, the metric includes a plurality of cathode pressures of the stack over a period of time.

[0066] In some embodiments, the metric value determination unit 704 is further configured to determine a change trend of the plurality of cathode pressures. In addition, the metric value determination unit 704 is further configured to determine that the plurality of cathode pressures of the stack indicate that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack meets a predetermined condition in response to the change trend of the plurality of cathode pressures being from decreasing to increasing or from decreasing to stopping decreasing.

[0067] In some embodiments, the metric includes a first voltage of the stack.

[0068] In some embodiments, the metric value determination unit 704 is further configured to determine whether the first voltage of the stack is less than a first predetermined threshold. In addition, the metric value determination unit 704 is further configured to determine that the first voltage of the stack indicates that the consumption of oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition in response to determining that the first voltage of the stack is less than the first predetermined threshold.

[0069] In some embodiments, the metric value determination unit 704 is further configured to determine whether the metric value indicates that oxygen at the cathode of the stack will be completely consumed.

[0070] In some embodiments, the device 700 further includes a stop valve closing unit configured to obtain a second voltage of the battery stack. The stop valve closing unit is further configured to compare the second voltage with a second predetermined threshold. In addition, the stop valve closing unit is further configured to close the stop valve in response to the second voltage being greater than or equal to the second predetermined threshold.

[0071] In some embodiments, the device 700 further includes a relay closing unit configured to close a relay in the fuel cell system. In addition, the relay closing unit is further configured to adjust the output current of the fuel cell system to zero by a DC-DC converter in the fuel cell system.

[0072] In some embodiments, the device 700 further includes an air compressor operating unit configured to operate the air compressor in the fuel cell system at a minimum speed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the device 700 further includes a stop valve slow opening unit configured to determine a target speed for opening the stop valve in response to the fuel cell system switching from the standby mode to the normal operation mode, the target speed being less than a third predetermined threshold. In addition, the stop valve slow opening unit is further configured to open the stop valve at the target speed.

[0074] In some embodiments, the shut-off valve slow opening unit is further configured to determine a target speed for opening the shut-off valve based on a concentration of hydrogen gas at an exhaust device in the fuel cell system.

[0075] In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 further includes a bypass valve closing unit configured to close a bypass valve in the fuel cell system after a predetermined delay time in response to the fuel cell system switching from the standby mode to the normal operation mode.

[0076] It can be understood that, by using the device 700 of the present disclosure, at least one of the advantages that can be achieved by the method or process described above can be achieved. For example, the device 700 can reduce the frequency of opening and closing of the stop valve in the standby mode, thereby reducing the wear of the stop valve components, extending the service life of the stop valve, and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0077] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of an example device 800 that can be used to implement an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A controller for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure may be, for example, device 800. As shown, device 800 includes a computing unit 801, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to computer program instructions stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 802 or computer program instructions loaded from a storage unit 808 into a random access memory (RAM) 803. In RAM 803, various programs and data required for the operation of device 800 may also be stored. Computing unit 801, ROM 802, and RAM 803 are connected to each other via bus 804. Input / output (I / O) interface 805 is also connected to bus 804.

[0078] A number of components in the device 800 are connected to the I / O interface 805, including: an input unit 806, such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output unit 807, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; a storage unit 808, such as a disk, an optical disk, etc.; and a communication unit 809, such as a network card, a modem, a wireless communication transceiver, etc. The communication unit 809 allows the device 800 to exchange information / data with other devices through a computer network such as the Internet and / or various telecommunication networks.

[0079] The computing unit 801 may be a variety of general and / or special processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of the computing unit 801 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various computing units running machine learning model algorithms, digital signal processors (DSPs), and any appropriate processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc. The computing unit 801 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as method 200. For example, in some embodiments, the method 200 may be implemented as a computer software program, which is tangibly contained in a machine-readable medium, such as a storage unit 808. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program may be loaded and / or installed on the device 800 via ROM 802 and / or communication unit 809. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 803 and executed by the computing unit 801, one or more steps of the method 200 described above may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the computing unit 801 may be configured to perform the method 200 in any other appropriate manner (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0080] The functions described above herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include: field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chip systems (SOCs), load programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like.

[0081] The program code for implementing the method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine as a stand-alone software package, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0082] In the context of the present disclosure, a machine-readable medium may be a tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or equipment. A machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A more specific example of a machine-readable storage medium may include an electrical connection based on one or more lines, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In addition, although each operation is depicted in a specific order, this should be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or requiring that all illustrated operations should be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in a single implementation in combination. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0083] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological logical actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. On the contrary, the specific features and actions described above are merely example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a fuel cell system, the fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a shutoff valve for controlling an air system of the fuel cell system, the method comprising: When the fuel cell system is in a standby mode and the shutoff valve is in a closed state, obtaining a metric value associated with the fuel cell stack; determining whether the metric indicates that consumption of oxygen at a cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition; as well as In response to determining that the metric indicates that consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition, oxygen is allowed to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shutoff valve. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the metric comprises a plurality of cathode pressures of the stack over a past period of time.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether the metric value indicates that the consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition comprises: determining a change trend of the plurality of cathode pressures; as well as In response to the changing trends of the plurality of cathode pressures being from decreasing to increasing or from decreasing to stopping decreasing, determining that the plurality of cathode pressures of the stack indicates that the consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metric value comprises a first voltage of the stack.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining whether the metric value indicates that the consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition comprises: determining whether the first voltage of the battery stack is less than a first predetermined threshold; as well as In response to determining that the first voltage of the stack is less than the first predetermined threshold, determining that the first voltage of the stack indicates that consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the metric value indicates that the consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition comprises: A determination is made as to whether the metric indicates that oxygen at a cathode of the stack will be completely consumed.

7. The method according to claim 3 or 5, further comprising: Acquiring a second voltage of the battery stack; comparing the second voltage to a second predetermined threshold; as well as In response to the second voltage being greater than or equal to the second predetermined threshold, the shutoff valve is closed.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: closing a relay in the fuel cell system; as well as The output current of the fuel cell system is adjusted to zero by the DC-DC converter in the fuel cell system.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to the fuel cell system switching from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, determining a target speed for opening the shutoff valve, wherein the target speed is less than a third predetermined threshold; and The shutoff valve is opened at the target speed.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the target speed for opening the shutoff valve comprises: The target speed for opening the shutoff valve is determined based on a concentration of hydrogen gas at an exhaust in the fuel cell system.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to the fuel cell system switching from the standby mode to the normal operating mode, a bypass valve in the fuel cell system is closed after a predetermined delay time.

12. A device for controlling a fuel cell system, the fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a shutoff valve for controlling an air system of the fuel cell system, the device comprising: a metric value acquisition unit, configured to acquire a metric value associated with the fuel cell stack when the fuel cell system is in a standby mode and the shutoff valve is in a closed state; a metric value determination unit configured to determine whether the metric value indicates that consumption of oxygen at a cathode of the stack satisfies a predetermined condition; as well as The shutoff valve opening unit is configured to allow oxygen to enter the cathode of the stack by opening the shutoff valve in response to determining that the measurement value indicates that the consumption of the oxygen at the cathode of the stack satisfies the predetermined condition.

13. A controller comprising: at least one processor; as well as A memory coupled to the at least one processor and having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the controller to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

14. A fuel cell system comprising: Battery stack; a shutoff valve located in a first channel connected to a cathode inlet of the stack; an air compressor located in the second passage connected to the shutoff valve; an exhaust device located in a third channel connected to a cathode outlet of the stack; a bypass valve located in a fourth passage connecting the air compressor and the exhaust device; a main positive relay located in a fifth channel connected to the positive electrode of the battery stack; a main negative relay located in a sixth channel connected to the negative pole of the battery stack; a DC-DC converter located at the seventh channel connected to the main positive relay and the eighth channel connected to the main negative relay; as well as A controller according to claim 13.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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