Fuel cell starting device and method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel cell starting device and method and a vehicle. The fuel cell starting device comprises a storage battery, a low-pressure air compressor, a high-pressure air compressor, a heating element, a power cell and an electric pile, the storage battery is a power supply of the low-pressure air compressor; the power battery is a power supply of the high-pressure air compressor; the electric pile provides electric energy for the heating element, and the heating element is used for heating the power battery; the first end of the low-pressure air compressor is connected with the first end of the high-pressure air compressor; a first gas transmission channel with an adjustable switch is arranged between the second end of the low-pressure air compressor and the electric pile; and a second gas transmission channel with an adjustable switch is arranged between the second end of the high-pressure air compressor and the electric pile. The fuel cell starting device provided by the invention can realize normal starting operation of the fuel cell vehicle in a low-temperature environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of automobile technology, and in particular to a fuel cell starting device, method and vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of vehicle technology, vehicles have become a necessity in people's lives. With the development of new energy vehicle technology, the market share of new energy vehicles is also increasing, among which fuel cell vehicles are an important member of new energy vehicles.

[0003] In a low temperature environment, the power battery may be unable to discharge outward, which may cause the air compressor in the fuel cell system to fail to work, the battery stack in the fuel cell system to fail to operate, and ultimately cause the fuel cell vehicle to fail to start normally.

[0004] Therefore, the inability of fuel cell vehicles to start normally in low temperature environments is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a fuel cell starting device, method and vehicle to solve the problem in the prior art that fuel cell vehicles cannot start normally in a low temperature environment.

[0006] In a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a fuel cell starting device is provided, the device comprising:

[0007] Batteries, low-pressure air compressors, high-pressure air compressors, heating elements, power batteries, and battery stacks;

[0008] The battery is the power supply for the low-pressure air compressor;

[0009] The power battery is the power supply for the high-voltage air compressor;

[0010] The battery stack provides electrical energy to the heating element, and the heating element is used to heat the power battery;

[0011] The first end of the low-pressure air compressor is connected to the first end of the high-pressure air compressor;

[0012] There is a first gas transmission channel with adjustable switch between the second end of the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack;

[0013] A second gas transmission channel with adjustable switch is provided between the second end of the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack.

[0014] Optionally, two ends of the heating element are connected to two ends of the power battery, and the fuel cell starting device further comprises: a DC conversion element;

[0015] Two ends of the DC conversion element are connected to two ends of the battery stack.

[0016] Optionally, the fuel cell starting device further comprises: a three-way valve;

[0017] The first end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the low-pressure air compressor, the second end of the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack, and the third end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the high-pressure air compressor;

[0018] The first gas transmission channel is turned on and off by controlling the first end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be turned on and off;

[0019] The second gas transmission channel is opened and closed by controlling the third end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be opened and closed.

[0020] In a second aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a fuel cell starting method is provided, the method being applied to the fuel cell starting device as described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present application, the method comprising:

[0021] When the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, the power provided by the battery is used to control the operation of the low-pressure air compressor connected in parallel with the high-pressure air compressor;

[0022] Starting the fuel cell stack using the air supplied by the low-pressure air compressor during operation;

[0023] The power battery is heated by utilizing the electric energy generated by the battery stack.

[0024] Optionally, it also includes:

[0025] When the temperature of the power battery rises above the preset temperature, the low-pressure air compressor is controlled to stop running, and the high-pressure air compressor is controlled to run using the electric energy provided by the power battery;

[0026] The air supplied by the high-pressure air compressor during operation is used to maintain the startup state of the fuel cell stack.

[0027] Optionally, before using the electric energy provided by the battery to control the operation of the low-pressure air compressor connected in parallel with the high-pressure air compressor, the method further includes:

[0028] When a power battery start signal is detected, detecting whether the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature;

[0029] When it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, starting the storage battery;

[0030] Before starting the fuel cell stack using the air supplied by the low-pressure air compressor during operation, the method further includes:

[0031] The first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack is controlled to be conductive, and the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack is kept closed.

[0032] Optionally, it also includes:

[0033] When a power battery start signal is detected, detecting whether the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature;

[0034] When it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is not lower than the preset temperature, starting the power battery;

[0035] Using the electric energy provided by the power battery to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor;

[0036] Controlling the conduction of the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack, and keeping the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack closed;

[0037] The air supplied by the high-pressure air compressor during operation is used to start the fuel cell stack and maintain the started state of the fuel cell stack.

[0038] Optionally, the step of heating the power battery by utilizing the electric energy generated by the battery stack includes:

[0039] The electric energy generated by the battery stack is converted by using a DC conversion element, and the converted electric energy is transmitted to a heating element;

[0040] The heating element is controlled to heat the power battery.

[0041] Optionally, after controlling the low-pressure air compressor to stop operating, the method further includes:

[0042] Controlling the conduction of the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack, and controlling the closure of the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack;

[0043] The method of controlling the operation of the high-pressure air compressor by utilizing the electric energy provided by the power battery includes:

[0044] Starting the power battery;

[0045] The electric energy provided by the power battery is used to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor.

[0046] In a third aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell starting device as described in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, and the fuel cell starting method as described in the second aspect of the embodiments of the present application is executed in the fuel cell starting device.

[0047] This application has the following advantages:

[0048] The present invention provides a fuel cell starting device, method and vehicle, the device comprising: a storage battery, a low-pressure air compressor, a high-pressure air compressor, a heating element, a power battery, and a stack; the storage battery is a power supply for the low-pressure air compressor; the power battery is a power supply for the high-pressure air compressor; the stack provides electrical energy for the heating element, and the heating element is used to heat the power battery; the first end of the low-pressure air compressor is connected to the first end of the high-pressure air compressor; there is a switch-adjustable first gas transmission channel between the second end of the low-pressure air compressor and the stack; there is a switch-adjustable second gas transmission channel between the second end of the high-pressure air compressor and the stack. By adding a storage battery and a low-pressure air compressor, when the ambient temperature is lower than the operating temperature of the power battery, the heating element can be used to heat the power battery, thereby achieving normal starting and operation of the fuel cell vehicle in a low-temperature environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0050] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a fuel cell starting device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a fuel cell startup method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the steps of another fuel cell startup method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the steps of another fuel cell startup method provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Fuel cells are also called continuous batteries. Because during the operation of the battery, the active substances involved in the electrochemical reaction are mainly hydrogen and oxygen, which can be continuously input into the interior of the battery, and the electrode material in the battery has not changed. Therefore, fuel cells can also be called electrocatalytic batteries. Taking hydrogen and oxygen fuel cells as an example, what occurs is the process of hydrogen being oxidized at the anode and oxygen being reduced at the cathode to generate water. The theoretical open circuit voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode of this process is about 1V. The advantages of fuel cells are obvious. The product is water, which is pollution-free to the environment and has a high thermal energy conversion efficiency (about 80%). However, in some low-temperature environments, the power battery in the fuel cell architecture may not be able to discharge normally, making it impossible for the battery stack to start and maintain stable operation, and ultimately causing the fuel cell system to be unable to start and operate normally in some low-temperature environments.

[0055] The exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided in order to enable a more thorough understanding of the present application and to enable the scope of the present application to be fully communicated to those skilled in the art.

[0056] In a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a fuel cell starting device is provided, wherein the fuel cell starting device is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a battery, a low-pressure air compressor, a high-pressure air compressor, a heating element, a power battery, and a battery stack;

[0057] The battery is the power supply for the low-pressure air compressor;

[0058] The power battery is the power supply for the high-voltage air compressor;

[0059] The battery stack provides electrical energy to the heating element, and the heating element is used to heat the power battery;

[0060] The first end of the low-pressure air compressor is connected to the first end of the high-pressure air compressor;

[0061] There is a first gas transmission channel with adjustable switch between the second end of the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack;

[0062] A second gas transmission channel with adjustable switch is provided between the second end of the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack.

[0063] Specifically, in the present application, the battery is the power supply of the low-pressure air compressor. The battery can be a lead-acid battery or a battery that can discharge normally at a temperature lower than a preset temperature. The working voltage of the low-pressure air compressor matches the battery, for example: 12V;

[0064] Among them, the preset temperature is set manually based on the lowest ambient temperature at which different types of power batteries can discharge normally. The specific number is obtained from experimental tests, for example: -30℃.

[0065] Storage batteries are usually secondary batteries. Compared with the non-reusability of primary batteries, secondary batteries refer to reusable and reversible rechargeable batteries. It mainly refers to reversible batteries that can be used again by activating the active substances by charging them after the battery is discharged (converting electrical energy into chemical energy again). In this way, the battery can be charged by the electricity generated by the fuel cell stack after the fuel cell system is operating normally. In addition, the battery can store the electricity. When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the battery can be used to power the low-pressure air compressor, so that the fuel cell stack can be started normally in an extremely low temperature environment (for example: -30℃).

[0066] The battery can be a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Due to the stability, easy availability and low risk of lead-acid batteries, the 12V electrical system of fuel cell vehicles can also be powered by lead-acid batteries. For example, in some extremely low temperature environments (for example: temperature -30°C), the power battery can no longer work, but the battery can still power low-voltage accessories, which can not only open the door smoothly to avoid being trapped, but also start the low-pressure air compressor and start the battery stack. Therefore, lead-acid batteries are preferred in this embodiment;

[0067] In addition, the battery can also be used when the fuel cell is started or running at a low speed, the car stack does not generate electricity or the voltage is very low. At this time, the power required by the electrical equipment in the car can be supplied by the battery. When the fuel cell is operating normally, the stack supplies power to the electrical equipment in the car and charges the battery at the same time. When the vehicle is in motion, the stack is the power source for the normal driving of the vehicle, and it also bears the power load of the electrical equipment in the car, especially in extremely low temperature environments (for example: temperature -30℃), fuel cell vehicles cannot use the heat generated by the internal combustion engine to heat the interior space like traditional fuel vehicles, so the electrical equipment of the fuel cell vehicle may have excessive power consumption. When it exceeds the power supply capacity that the stack can allocate to the electrical equipment of the fuel cell vehicle, the battery can supply power to the electrical equipment in the car together with the stack. In addition, the battery is also a large-capacity capacitor that can absorb the instantaneous high voltage generated in the circuit in the car, thereby protecting the electrical equipment in the car.

[0068] The power battery is the power supply for the high-voltage air compressor. The power battery is a battery that cannot discharge normally when the temperature is below the preset temperature. The working voltage of the high-voltage air compressor matches the power battery, for example: 48V; the battery stack can only be used to generate electricity, and it uses the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with the catalyst to generate current to achieve trickle voltage stabilization to charge the power battery. The power source to maintain the normal driving of the fuel cell vehicle is the power battery.

[0069] Lithium-ion batteries have great advantages in both volume energy density and mass energy density, and are safer than lithium metal batteries. In addition, compared with other secondary batteries, lithium batteries have better lifespan and environmental performance. Lithium batteries can be divided into lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide and ternary materials according to different positive electrode materials. Considering comprehensive factors such as cost, safety, and performance, in this embodiment, the power battery is preferably a lithium-ion battery.

[0070] In terms of starting and maintaining normal operation of the fuel system, the most important thing to pay attention to is the low-temperature performance of the power battery. For example, if lithium-ion batteries are used as power batteries in the fuel cell system, the discharge performance of lithium-ion batteries is attenuated in a low-temperature environment. They will quickly run out of power at around -10°C, and basically cannot discharge outward at around -30°C. This will result in the power battery being unable to provide power to the high-pressure air compressor if you want to start the fuel cell system in a low-end low-temperature environment (for example: -30°C), causing the high-pressure air compressor to be unable to operate normally to supply air to the stack, which in turn causes the stack to be unable to start, and ultimately causes the fuel cell system to be unable to start and maintain normal operation;

[0071] Unlike the power batteries (e.g., lithium batteries) in existing fuel cell systems, the storage batteries (e.g., lead-acid batteries) added to the existing fuel cell systems in the present application can work normally and discharge to the outside in an extremely low temperature environment of -50°C. In addition, the present application also adds a low-pressure air compressor that matches the storage battery to the existing fuel cell system. The storage battery provides electrical energy to the low-pressure air compressor, so that the low-pressure air compressor can operate normally to supply air to the fuel cell stack, thereby ensuring the normal startup of the fuel cell stack, and finally completing the startup of the fuel cell system and maintaining normal operation.

[0072] The first end of the low-pressure air compressor is connected to the first end of the high-pressure air compressor, and the first end of the low-pressure air compressor and the first end of the high-pressure air compressor are both connected to the air intake passage of the vehicle;

[0073] There is a first gas transmission channel with adjustable switch between the second end of the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack, and there is a second gas transmission channel with adjustable switch between the second end of the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack. The first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel are in parallel.

[0074] As the main component of the fuel cell system, the air compressor plays a key role in the normal startup and maintenance of the normal operation of the fuel cell stack. If the fuel cell system is compared to the human body, the fuel cell stack can be compared to the "heart" of the fuel cell, and the air compressor can be called the "lungs" of the fuel cell. Similarly, the high-performance output of the fuel cell system requires a strong "heart-lung function";

[0075] In the fuel cell system, the air compressor is responsible for delivering clean air of a specific pressure and flow rate to the stack, providing the necessary oxygen for the stack reaction, and is the most core component of the fuel cell system besides the stack. In order for the fuel cell system to have a powerful "heart and lung function", the requirements for the air compressor of the fuel cell system are: high efficiency, small size, oil-free, large working flow and pressure range, low noise, resistance to vibration and shock, fast dynamic response, etc. In response to these requirements, in the embodiments of the present application, the preferred air compressor type is a screw, Roots or centrifugal compressor;

[0076] The newly added low-pressure air compressor in the present application is arranged in parallel with the existing high-pressure air compressor. On the basis of the gas transmission channel of the existing fuel cell system stack, a gas transmission channel for the fuel cell system stack is added. Apart from this, there is no need to make any changes to other components or connection methods in the existing fuel cell system. The low-pressure air compressor still supplies air to the existing fuel cell system stack to complete the normal startup of the stack. In this way, with little change to the existing fuel cell system, the fuel cell vehicle can be started normally in an extreme low temperature environment (for example: -30°C), which greatly shortens the development cycle of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0077] The present application adds a gas transmission channel between a low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack so that when the high-pressure air compressor cannot work, the low-pressure air compressor can be started to achieve normal starting of the fuel cell vehicle stack at low temperatures.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown, the two ends of the heating element are connected to the two ends of the power battery, and the fuel cell starting device further includes: a DC conversion element;

[0079] Two ends of the DC conversion element are connected to two ends of the battery stack;

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment, two ends of the DC conversion element are connected to two ends of the battery stack, and are used to convert the current output by the battery stack into a stable and controllable DC power supply;

[0081] The DC conversion element can be a DC / DC converter, and the DC conversion element is an important part of the fuel cell vehicle power system. The main function is to convert the non-adjustable DC power supply into an adjustable DC power supply. How to effectively control the various parameters of the converter is not only related to the normal operation of the fuel cell engine (Fuel Cell Engine, hereinafter referred to as FCE) and the battery management system main control module (Battery Management Unit, hereinafter referred to as BMU), but also related to the power performance, energy utilization efficiency and reliable operation of other control systems of the entire fuel cell car.

[0082] The newly added low-pressure air compressor in the present application is arranged in parallel with the existing high-pressure air compressor. On the basis of the gas transmission channel of the existing fuel cell system stack, a gas transmission channel for the fuel cell system stack is added. Apart from this, there is no need to make any changes to other components or connection methods in the existing fuel cell system. The low-pressure air compressor still supplies air to the existing fuel cell system stack to complete the normal startup of the stack. After the stack starts normally and maintains normal operation, it can output electrical energy to the outside. The DC conversion element can convert the electrical energy output by the stack to meet the electrical energy input requirement for the normal operation of the heating component. In this way, with little change to the existing fuel cell system, the normal startup of the fuel cell vehicle in an extreme low temperature environment (for example: -30°C) can be achieved, which greatly shortens the development cycle of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0083] The two ends of the heating element are connected to the two ends of the power battery, and are used to receive the current converted by the DC conversion element, start working, and heat the power battery so that the power battery can be heated to above a preset temperature.

[0084] The heating element can be a heater (PTC, hereinafter referred to as Positive Temperature Coefficient). The engine of a traditional fuel vehicle will generate a lot of heat when it is started. The engine heat is usually used to heat the car, air conditioning, defrosting, defogging, seat heating, etc., while the fuel cell vehicle directly converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. In this way, in some cold weather, the traditional vehicle can be heated by the air conditioning system including the internal combustion engine, while the fuel cell vehicle can only rely on the heating element to meet the vehicle's heating needs. In an environment where the power battery can discharge outward, the power battery can be used to provide electrical energy to the heating element after the fuel cell is started and maintains normal operation. In a low temperature environment, the discharge performance of the power battery is in a decaying decrease. It will quickly run out of power at about -10°C and basically cannot be discharged outward at about -30°C. This will result in the power battery being unable to provide electrical energy to the high-pressure air compressor if you want to start the fuel cell system in a low-end low temperature environment (for example: -30°C), causing the high-pressure air compressor to be unable to operate normally to supply air to the stack, which in turn causes the stack to fail to start, and ultimately causes the fuel cell system to fail to start and maintain normal operation;

[0085] The battery (for example, lead-acid battery) added to the existing fuel cell system in the present application can work normally and discharge to the outside in an extremely low temperature environment of -50°C. In addition, the present application also adds a low-pressure air compressor matched with the battery to the existing fuel cell system. The battery provides electrical energy to the low-pressure air compressor, so that the low-pressure air compressor can operate normally to supply air to the fuel cell stack, ensure the normal startup of the fuel cell stack, and finally complete the startup of the fuel cell system and maintain normal operation.

[0086] In addition, the newly added low-pressure air compressor in the present application is arranged in parallel with the existing high-pressure air compressor. On the basis of the gas transmission channel of the existing fuel cell system stack, a gas transmission channel for the fuel cell system stack is added. Apart from this, no changes are required to other components or connection methods in the existing fuel cell system. The low-pressure air compressor still supplies air to the stack of the existing fuel cell system to complete the normal startup of the stack. After the stack starts normally and maintains normal operation, it can output electrical energy to the outside. The DC conversion element can convert the electrical energy output by the stack to meet the electrical energy input requirement for the normal operation of the heating element. After the heating element operates normally, it can heat the power battery to a temperature at which it can operate normally and discharge to the outside. The power battery can provide electrical energy to the high-pressure air compressor, so that the high-pressure air compressor can operate normally and supply air to the stack to complete the startup of the stack. In this way, with little change to the existing fuel cell system, the normal startup and smooth operation of fuel cell vehicles in extreme low temperature environments (for example: -30°C) can be achieved, greatly shortening the development cycle of fuel cell vehicles.

[0087] The present application adds a gas transmission channel between a low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack so that when the high-pressure air compressor cannot work, the low-pressure air compressor can be started to achieve normal start-up of the fuel cell vehicle stack at low temperatures. Moreover, after the fuel cell vehicle stack starts normally and operates normally, the output electric energy of the stack is converted by a DC conversion component and output to a heating element so that the heating element can heat the power battery to a temperature at which it can operate normally and discharge outward. After the power battery can discharge normally to the outside, the power battery can provide the fuel cell with the energy required for driving. Furthermore, the power battery can also provide electric energy for high-pressure air compressors, heating elements and other equipment in the fuel cell vehicle.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment, continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell starting device further includes: a three-way valve;

[0089] The first end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the low-pressure air compressor, the second end of the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack, and the third end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the high-pressure air compressor;

[0090] The first gas transmission channel is turned on and off by controlling the first end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be turned on and off;

[0091] The second gas transmission channel is opened and closed by controlling the third end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be opened and closed.

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the low-pressure air compressor, the first end of the three-way valve is the gas inlet end of the three-way valve, and the second end of the low-pressure air compressor is the gas outlet end of the low-pressure air compressor;

[0093] The second end of the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack, and the second end of the three-way valve is a gas discharge end of the three-way valve;

[0094] The third end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the high-pressure air compressor, the third end of the three-way valve is the gas inlet end of the three-way valve, and the second end of the high-pressure air compressor is the gas outlet end of the high-pressure air compressor;

[0095] The first end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve are arranged on the first gas transmission channel, and the first gas transmission channel is opened and closed by controlling the first end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be opened and closed;

[0096] The third end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve are arranged on the second gas transmission channel, and the second gas transmission channel is opened and closed by controlling the third end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be opened and closed;

[0097] The first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel are arranged in parallel. By controlling the conduction and closing of the first end, the second end and the third end of the three-way valve, the intake channel of the fuel cell stack can switch between the first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel.

[0098] The present application adds a gas transmission channel between a low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack so that when the high-pressure air compressor cannot work, the low-pressure air compressor can be started to achieve normal start-up of the fuel cell vehicle stack at low temperatures. Moreover, after the fuel cell vehicle stack starts normally and operates normally, the output electric energy of the stack is converted by a DC conversion component and output to a heating element so that the heating element can heat the power battery to a temperature at which it can operate normally and discharge to the outside. The power battery is used to supply power to the high-pressure air compressor. After the stack operates normally, the air supply of the stack is switched back from the low-pressure air compressor to the high-pressure air compressor to meet the requirements for the output power of the fuel cell stack during normal driving of the fuel cell vehicle. After the power battery can discharge normally to the outside, the power battery can be used to provide the fuel cell with the energy required for driving. Moreover, the power battery can also provide electrical energy for high-pressure air compressors, heating elements and other equipment in the fuel cell vehicle.

[0099] In a second aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a fuel cell starting method is provided, wherein the method is applied to the fuel cell starting device as described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0100] Step S101, detecting the temperature of the power battery.

[0101] Step S102, when it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is lower than a preset temperature, the battery is started, and the electric energy provided by the battery is used to control the operation of the low-pressure air compressor connected in parallel with the high-pressure air compressor.

[0102] Step S103, when it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is higher than a preset temperature, the power battery is started, and the electric energy provided by the power battery is used to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor connected in parallel with the low-pressure air compressor.

[0103] Specifically, in the present application, when a power battery start signal is detected, whether the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature is detected, and when it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is not lower than the preset temperature, the power battery is started;

[0104] When a power battery start signal is detected, it is detected whether the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, and when it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, the storage battery is started.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment, Figure 3 The flowchart of the fuel cell startup method provided in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 3 :

[0106] Step S201, when it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, starting the battery.

[0107] Specifically, in the present application, a storage battery is a battery that can discharge normally below a preset temperature. The preset temperature is the lowest temperature at which the power battery can discharge normally, and the preset temperature is obtained through experimental testing.

[0108] Step S202, controlling the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack to be turned on, and keeping the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack closed.

[0109] Specifically, in the present application, the first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel are arranged in parallel, and the first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel are intake channels of the fuel cell stack.

[0110] Step S203, using the electric energy provided by the battery to control the operation of the low-pressure air compressor.

[0111] Specifically, in the present application, a low-pressure air compressor is arranged in parallel with a high-pressure air compressor, and the low-pressure air compressor supplies air to the fuel cell stack during operation.

[0112] Step S204, starting the fuel cell stack using the air supplied by the low-pressure air compressor during operation.

[0113] Specifically, in the present application, the low-pressure air compressor can work normally below a preset temperature, the fuel cell stack can start normally below a preset temperature, and the fuel cell stack can start normally only after the low-pressure air compressor works normally;

[0114] Furthermore, usually, when the low-pressure air compressor supplies air to the fuel cell stack, the electric power output by the fuel cell stack is relatively small and is only required to meet the input electric power demand of the heating element of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0115] Step S205, using a DC conversion element to convert the electric energy generated by the battery stack, and transmitting the converted electric energy to a heating element.

[0116] Specifically, in the present application, the electric energy generated by the battery stack cannot be transmitted to the heating element, and the electric energy must be converted and processed by the DC conversion element to meet the requirements for normal and stable operation of the heating element.

[0117] Step S206: controlling the heating element to heat the power battery.

[0118] Specifically, in the present application, the heating element may be used to provide heat to the power battery alone, or it may satisfy the heating demand of the fuel cell vehicle while providing heat to the power battery. This embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0119] Step S207: using the heating element to heat the power battery, so that the power battery is continuously heated up.

[0120] Specifically, in the present application, as the temperature of the power battery continues to rise, the temperature of the power battery can be continuously monitored, and the output power of the heating element can be controlled in real time according to the temperature rise curve of the power battery.

[0121] Step S208, detecting whether the temperature of the power battery is higher than the preset temperature.

[0122] If the temperature of the power battery is higher than the preset temperature, continue to execute step S209 and subsequent steps;

[0123] If the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, steps S205 to S208 are repeatedly performed until the temperature of the power battery is higher than the preset temperature.

[0124] Specifically, in the present application, the preset temperature is usually the lowest temperature at which the power battery can discharge normally. The preset temperature is usually set in advance based on experimental test data before the fuel cell vehicle leaves the factory.

[0125] Step S209, when the temperature of the power battery rises to above the preset temperature, controlling the low-pressure air compressor to stop operating.

[0126] Specifically, in the present application, after the low-pressure air compressor stops running, the battery and the low-pressure air compressor can continue to maintain a conductive state, so as to achieve the purpose of quickly starting the low-pressure air compressor in a complex environment.

[0127] Step S210, controlling the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack to be turned on, and keeping the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack closed.

[0128] Specifically, in the present application, the first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel are usually arranged in parallel, and, usually, at the same time, when one gas transmission channel is in an on state, the other gas transmission channel is in a off state.

[0129] Step S211, using the electric energy provided by the power battery to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor.

[0130] Specifically, in the present application, the high-pressure air compressor and the low-pressure air compressor can be arranged in parallel. Usually, at the same time, when one air compressor is in operation, the other gas air compressor is in a closed state;

[0131] Moreover, the fuel cell stack can usually only be started normally after any of the above-mentioned air compressors is in operation and working normally.

[0132] Step S212, using the air supplied by the high-pressure air compressor during operation to start the fuel cell stack and maintain the started state of the fuel cell stack.

[0133] Specifically, in this application, under normal circumstances, the battery stack can be started either below a preset temperature or above a preset temperature;

[0134] Moreover, under normal circumstances, when the high-pressure air compressor supplies air to the fuel cell stack, the electric power output by the fuel cell stack is relatively large to meet the driving needs of the fuel cell vehicle and other functional modules. For the input electric energy demand, after the power battery can be discharged normally to the outside, the power battery can provide the fuel cell with the energy required for driving. In addition, the power battery can also provide electric energy for the high-pressure air compressor, heating elements and other equipment in the fuel cell vehicle.

[0135] In an alternative embodiment, Figure 4 The flowchart of the fuel cell startup method provided in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 4 :

[0136] Step S301: when it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is higher than the preset temperature, start the power battery.

[0137] Specifically, in the present application, the power battery is a battery that can discharge normally above a preset temperature. The preset temperature is the lowest temperature at which the power battery can discharge normally. The preset temperature is obtained through experimental testing.

[0138] Step S302, controlling the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack to be turned on, and keeping the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack closed.

[0139] Specifically, in the present application, the first gas transmission channel and the second gas transmission channel are usually arranged in parallel, and, usually, at the same time, when one gas transmission channel is in an on state, the other gas transmission channel is in a off state.

[0140] Step S303, using the electric energy provided by the power battery to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor.

[0141] Specifically, in the present application, the high-pressure air compressor and the low-pressure air compressor can be arranged in parallel. Usually, at the same time, when one air compressor is in operation, the other gas air compressor is in a closed state;

[0142] Moreover, the fuel cell stack can usually only be started normally after any of the above-mentioned air compressors is in operation and working normally.

[0143] Step S304, using the air supplied by the high-pressure air compressor during operation to start the fuel cell stack and maintain the fuel cell stack in a started state.

[0144] Specifically, in this application, under normal circumstances, the battery stack can be started either below a preset temperature or above a preset temperature;

[0145] Moreover, under normal circumstances, when the high-pressure air compressor supplies air to the fuel cell stack, the electric power output by the fuel cell stack is relatively large to meet the driving needs of the fuel cell vehicle and other functional modules. For the input electric energy demand, after the power battery can be discharged normally to the outside, the power battery can provide the fuel cell with the energy required for driving. In addition, the power battery can also provide electric energy for the high-pressure air compressor, heating elements and other equipment in the fuel cell vehicle.

[0146] In a third aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell starting device as described in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, and the fuel cell starting method as described in the second aspect of the embodiments of the present application is executed in the fuel cell starting device.

[0147] Each embodiment in this specification focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0148] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, devices, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application can be in the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware.

[0149] The embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the flowcharts of the methods and terminal devices (systems) according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process in the flowchart and the combination of the processes in the flowchart can be implemented by computer program instructions.

[0150] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0151] Finally, it should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or terminal device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device including the elements.

[0152] The above is a detailed introduction to a fuel cell starting device, method and vehicle provided. Specific examples are used in this article to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present application and its core idea; at the same time, for general technical personnel in this field, according to the idea of ​​the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

Claims

1. A fuel cell starting device, characterized in that: The device comprises: Batteries, low-pressure air compressors, high-pressure air compressors, heating elements, power batteries, and battery stacks; The battery is the power supply for the low-pressure air compressor; The power battery is the power supply for the high-voltage air compressor; The battery stack provides electrical energy to the heating element, and the heating element is used to heat the power battery; The first end of the low-pressure air compressor is connected to the first end of the high-pressure air compressor; There is a first gas transmission channel with adjustable switch between the second end of the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack; A second gas transmission channel with adjustable switch is provided between the second end of the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack.

2. The fuel cell starting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the heating element are connected to the two ends of the power battery, and the fuel cell starting device further includes: a DC conversion element; Two ends of the DC conversion element are connected to two ends of the battery stack.

3. The fuel cell starting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Three-way valve; The first end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the low-pressure air compressor, the second end of the three-way valve is connected to the fuel cell stack, and the third end of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the high-pressure air compressor; The first gas transmission channel is turned on and off by controlling the first end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be turned on and off; The second gas transmission channel is opened and closed by controlling the third end of the three-way valve and the second end of the three-way valve to be opened and closed.

4. A fuel cell startup method, characterized in that: The method is applied to the fuel cell starting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the method comprises: When the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, the power provided by the battery is used to control the operation of the low-pressure air compressor connected in parallel with the high-pressure air compressor; Starting the fuel cell stack using the air supplied by the low-pressure air compressor during operation; The power battery is heated by utilizing the electric energy generated by the battery stack.

5. The fuel cell startup method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the temperature of the power battery rises above the preset temperature, the low-pressure air compressor is controlled to stop running, and the high-pressure air compressor is controlled to run using the electric energy provided by the power battery; The air supplied by the high-pressure air compressor during operation is used to maintain the startup state of the fuel cell stack.

6. The fuel cell startup method according to claim 4, characterized in that: Before using the electric energy provided by the storage battery to control the operation of the low-pressure air compressor connected in parallel with the high-pressure air compressor, the method further includes: When a power battery start signal is detected, detecting whether the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature; When it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature, starting the storage battery; Before starting the fuel cell stack using the air supplied by the low-pressure air compressor during operation, the method further includes: The first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack is controlled to be conductive, and the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack is kept closed.

7. The fuel cell startup method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When a power battery start signal is detected, detecting whether the temperature of the power battery is lower than the preset temperature; When it is detected that the temperature of the power battery is not lower than the preset temperature, starting the power battery; Using the electric energy provided by the power battery to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor; Controlling the conduction of the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack, and keeping the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack closed; The air supplied by the high-pressure air compressor during operation is used to start the fuel cell stack and maintain the started state of the fuel cell stack.

8. The fuel cell startup method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The step of utilizing the electric energy generated by the battery stack to heat the power battery comprises: The electric energy generated by the battery stack is converted by using a DC conversion element, and the converted electric energy is transmitted to a heating element; The heating element is controlled to heat the power battery.

9. The fuel cell startup method according to claim 5, characterized in that: After controlling the low-pressure air compressor to stop operating, the method further includes: Controlling the conduction of the second gas transmission channel between the high-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack, and controlling the closure of the first gas transmission channel between the low-pressure air compressor and the fuel cell stack; The method of controlling the operation of the high-pressure air compressor by utilizing the electric energy provided by the power battery includes: Starting the power battery; The electric energy provided by the power battery is used to control the operation of the high-pressure air compressor.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell starting device as described in any one of claims 1-3, and the fuel cell starting method as described in any one of claims 4-9 is executed in the fuel cell starting device.

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