A control method for a thermal management system and a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a control method and vehicle for a thermal management system, relating to the field of waste heat recovery for fuel cell vehicles. The method comprises: responding to vehicle-side heating demands and obtaining the outlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine; the vehicle-side heating demands include air conditioning heating requests, battery system requests, and heat storage device requests; if the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, obtaining the inlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine, and determining the inlet and outlet water change rate based on the outlet and inlet water temperatures; adjusting the opening of a proportional valve based on the inlet and outlet water change rate; and, based on air conditioning heating requests, battery system requests, or heat storage device requests, controlling the opening of a first water pump in the battery circuit, a second water pump in the heat storage device circuit, or a third water pump in the air conditioning circuit, and adjusting the operating mode of an eight-way valve to implement multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes. The above scheme realizes intelligent heat distribution and reduces vehicle energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of waste heat recovery of fuel cell vehicles, and in particular to a control method for a thermal management system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cell commercial vehicles generate a large amount of waste heat during operation. Existing technologies primarily utilize a small portion of this waste heat through a C2C heat exchanger to heat the cab, reducing cab PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) energy consumption in low-temperature conditions. However, when operating at rated power, commercial vehicle fuel cell engines generate hundreds of kilowatts of waste heat, while actual cab heating requirements are only a few kilowatts. Even after utilizing the waste heat, a significant amount is still directly discharged, leaving the generated waste heat unutilized and resulting in a very low utilization rate. Furthermore, existing technologies consider fixed operating conditions, while fuel cell commercial vehicles face a variety of operating conditions in actual operation, such as high-speed cruising, low-speed climbing, and idling. The heat generation power and heat distribution of the fuel cell system vary significantly under these different operating conditions, resulting in fluctuating cab heating and waste heat utilization. Existing technologies do not plan waste heat utilization solutions tailored to the complex and changing real-world operating scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the first aspect of the present invention proposes a control method for a thermal management system, wherein the thermal management system includes: a fuel cell engine, a heat exchanger, a proportional valve, an eight-way valve, an air-conditioning circuit, a battery circuit, a heat storage device circuit, and a temperature sensor for measuring the inlet and outlet water temperatures of the fuel cell engine; the fuel cell engine is connected in series with the proportional valve and the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger; the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger is connected to the first port and the second port of the eight-way valve; the third port of the eight-way valve is connected to the air-conditioning circuit and the fourth port of the eight-way valve in sequence; the eighth port of the eight-way valve is connected to the battery circuit and the seventh port of the eight-way valve in sequence; the sixth port of the eight-way valve is connected to the heat storage device circuit and the fifth port of the eight-way valve in sequence; the method includes:

[0004] In response to a vehicle-side heating demand, obtaining the outlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine; the vehicle-side heating demand includes an air conditioning heating request, a battery system request, and a heat storage device request;

[0005] If the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, obtaining the inlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine, and determining the inlet and outlet water change rate according to the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature;

[0006] adjusting the opening of the proportional valve based on the change rate of the inlet and outlet water;

[0007] Based on the air conditioning heating request, the battery system request, or the heat storage device request, the first water pump in the battery circuit, the second water pump in the heat storage device circuit, or the third water pump in the air conditioning circuit is controlled to start, and the operating mode of the eight-way valve is adjusted to achieve multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes; the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes utilize the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat at least one of the air conditioning system, the battery system, and the heat storage device.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes: if the outlet water temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold, judging the temperature of the heat storage device; if the temperature of the heat storage device is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, controlling the first water pump, the second water pump or the third water pump to be turned on based on the air conditioning heating request or the battery system request, and adjusting the working mode of the eight-way valve to realize multiple heat storage device heating modes; the multiple heat storage device heating modes are to use the heat stored in the heat storage device to heat at least one of the air conditioning system and the battery system.

[0009] Optionally, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes include a first heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system. The first heating mode includes:

[0010] According to the first target temperature of the air-conditioning heating request, a first temperature difference between the current air-conditioning outlet temperature and the first target temperature is determined to adjust the opening of the proportional valve and the speed of the third water pump.

[0011] Optionally, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a second heating mode, wherein the second heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the battery system, and the second heating mode includes:

[0012] A second temperature difference is determined according to the second target temperature requested by the battery system and the acquired current outlet water temperature of the first PTC in the battery circuit to adjust the opening of the proportional valve and the speed of the first water pump.

[0013] Optionally, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a third heating mode, wherein the third heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the heat storage device, and the third heating mode includes:

[0014] A third temperature difference is determined according to the third target temperature requested by the heat storage device and the current temperature of the heat storage device to adjust the opening of the proportional valve and the speed of the second water pump.

[0015] Optionally, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a fourth heating mode, wherein the fourth heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system and the battery system; the fourth heating mode includes:

[0016] The coolant flows from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger to the first port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the third port of the eight-way valve, enters the air-conditioning circuit, flows to the fourth port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the eighth port of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, then flows to the seventh port of the eight-way valve, and then flows out from the second port of the eight-way valve and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger to form a circulation.

[0017] Optionally, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a fifth heating mode, wherein the fifth heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system and the heat storage device; in the fifth heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger, passes through the eight-way valve, first enters the air conditioning circuit, then passes through the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device, and then returns to the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger through the eight-way valve to form a cycle;

[0018] The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a sixth heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the battery system and the heat storage device; in the sixth heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger, passes through the eight-way valve, first enters the battery circuit, then passes through the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device, and then returns to the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger through the eight-way valve to form a cycle.

[0019] Optionally, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a seventh heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air-conditioning system, the battery system and the heat storage device; in the seventh heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger and enters the first port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the third port of the eight-way valve, first enters the air-conditioning circuit, enters the valve from the fourth port of the eight-way valve, then flows out from the eighth port of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, then enters the valve from the seventh port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the sixth port of the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device circuit, enters the valve through the fifth port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the second port of the eight-way valve, and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger to form a cycle.

[0020] Optionally, the multiple heat storage device heating modes include an eighth heating mode, which utilizes the heat stored in the heat storage device to heat the air-conditioning system and the battery system; in the eighth heating mode, the high-temperature coolant flows from the water outlet of the heat storage device to the fifth port of the eight-way valve, enters the valve, flows out from the third port of the eight-way valve, enters the air-conditioning circuit, enters the valve from the fourth port of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit from the eighth port of the eight-way valve, and then enters the valve from the seventh port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the sixth port of the eight-way valve, and enters the water inlet of the heat storage device to form a cycle.

[0021] Optionally, the multiple heat storage device heating modes further include a ninth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is used to heat the air conditioning system; in the ninth heating mode, high-temperature coolant flows out of the water outlet of the heat storage device, passes through the eight-way valve, enters the air conditioning circuit, and then passes through the eight-way valve to enter the water inlet of the heat storage device, thereby forming a cycle;

[0022] The multiple heat storage device heating modes also include a tenth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is used to heat the battery system. In the tenth heating mode, high-temperature coolant flows out of the water outlet of the heat storage device, passes through the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, and then passes through the eight-way valve to enter the water inlet of the heat storage device, thereby forming a cycle.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising a controller, wherein the controller executes the control method of the thermal management system provided in the first aspect.

[0024] The beneficial effects of a control method and vehicle of a thermal management system of the present invention are: responding to the heating demand of the whole vehicle, determining the heating mode to be adopted according to the water outlet temperature of the fuel cell engine and the temperature of the heat storage device under actual operating conditions, controlling the opening and closing of the corresponding water pump, and the working mode of the eight-way valve, to realize graded utilization of heat, and through real-time monitoring, realizing dynamic adjustment of the waste heat recovery strategy, optimizing the overall efficiency of the thermal management system, and ensuring efficient utilization of heat under different working conditions; in addition, the present invention can exchange heat from the heat storage device to the demand end of the whole vehicle when the fuel cell generator is idling or in low power output condition, reducing the volatility of waste heat recovery caused by operating conditions, providing stable heat output when the waste heat supply fluctuates, realizing intelligent heat distribution, and reducing the energy consumption of the whole vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A flow chart of a control method for a thermal management system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2A schematic structural diagram of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Among them, 1- fuel cell engine, 2- heat exchanger, 3- proportional valve, 4- eight-way valve, 41- first port, 42- second port, 43- third port, 44- fourth port, 45- fifth port, 46- sixth port, 47- seventh port, 48- eighth port, 5- temperature sensor, 6- first water pump, 7- second water pump, 8- third water pump, 9- first PTC, 10- cooler, 11- power battery, 12- heat storage device, 13- second PTC, 14- heater, 15- evaporator, 16- blower, 17- compressor, 18- condenser, 19- fuel cell radiator, 20- electronic fan, 21- first electronic expansion valve, 22- second electronic expansion valve, 23- fuel cell engine water pump, 24- cab air conditioner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more. In addition, the use of "based on" or "according to" means openness and inclusiveness, because the process, steps, calculations or other actions "based on" or "according to" one or more of the conditions or values may be based on additional conditions or values beyond the stated in practice.

[0030] The embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a thermal management system, such as Figure 1 As shown, refer to Figure 2The thermal management system includes: a fuel cell engine 1, a heat exchanger 2, a proportional valve 3, an eight-way valve 4, an air-conditioning circuit, a battery circuit, a heat storage device circuit, and a temperature sensor 5 for measuring the inlet and outlet water temperatures of the fuel cell engine; the fuel cell engine 1 is connected in series with the proportional valve 3 and the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger 2; the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger 2 is connected to the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the eight-way valve; the third port 43 of the eight-way valve 4 is connected to the air-conditioning circuit and the fourth port 44 of the eight-way valve in sequence; the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve is connected to the battery circuit and the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve in sequence; the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve is connected to the heat storage device circuit and the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve in sequence.

[0031] Specifically, the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger 2 is located on the left side of the heat exchanger 2, and the low-temperature side is located on the right side of the heat exchanger 2. The air-conditioning circuit includes a third water pump 8, a second PTC 13, and a heater 14. The battery circuit includes a first water pump 6, a first PTC 9, a cooler 10, and a power battery 11. The heat storage device circuit includes a second water pump 7 and a heat storage device 12. The heat storage device 12 can be a PCM heat storage device, a water-based heat storage device, or a solid heat storage material. The cab air conditioner 24 includes a blower 16, an evaporator 15, and a heater 14. When the air conditioner is heating, the heat in the heater 14 is blown into the cab through the blower 16 in the air-conditioning circuit. It should be noted that the heater 14 is the heater in the air-conditioning core.

[0032] The system also includes a first electronic expansion valve 21, a second electronic expansion valve 22, a compressor 17, a condenser 18, a fuel cell radiator 19, an electronic fan 20, and a fuel cell engine water pump 23. The fuel cell radiator 19 is connected to the high-temperature side of the proportional valve 3 and the heat exchanger 2. It is also connected to the water inlet and outlet of the fuel cell engine 1. The condenser 18 is sequentially connected to the first electronic expansion valve 21, the evaporator 15, and the compressor 17. The condenser 18 is also sequentially connected to the second electronic expansion valve 22 and the cooler 10. The evaporator 15 and the first electronic expansion valve 21 together convert high-pressure liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, absorbing heat to lower the refrigerant and evaporator temperatures. The condenser 18 converts the high-pressure gas output by the compressor 17 into liquid. The fuel cell engine water pump 23 is located within the fuel cell engine 1. The electronic fan 20 increases the wind speed of the fuel cell radiator 19, thereby enhancing its heat dissipation capacity.

[0033] The method comprises:

[0034] 101. Respond to a vehicle-side heating demand and obtain the outlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine 1; the vehicle-side heating demand includes an air conditioning heating request, a battery system request, and a heat storage device request.

[0035] Specifically, the outlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine 1 depends on the vehicle's operating conditions. This embodiment of the present invention utilizes waste heat in a tiered manner. The first tier prioritizes ensuring cab heating and maintaining cab comfort. The second tier optimizes the operating temperature of the power battery, heating it with waste heat. The third tier stores excess heat and releases it during low-power operation of the fuel cell engine 1 for cab heating or battery insulation and heating.

[0036] 102. If the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, obtain the inlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine 1, and determine the inlet and outlet water change rate according to the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature.

[0037] Specifically, the operating conditions of the entire vehicle determine the engine output power, and the engine output power has a corresponding engine water temperature. By judging the outlet water temperature, if the outlet water temperature is greater than the preset first temperature threshold, the inlet and outlet water change rate is calculated. The change rate here is calculated by the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature, and the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature can be measured by the temperature sensor 5.

[0038] 103. Adjust the opening of the proportional valve based on the change rate of the inlet and outlet water.

[0039] Specifically, while ensuring fuel cell system stability, the opening of proportional valve 3 is gradually adjusted according to a preset algorithm to achieve heat exchange on the low-temperature side of heat exchanger 2. Fuel cell system stability here means that the rate of change of inlet and outlet water is less than a preset rate of change threshold. The rate of change threshold and the preset algorithm can be set by the implementer during implementation.

[0040] 104. Based on the air conditioning heating request, the battery system request, or the heat storage device request, control the first water pump 6 in the battery circuit, the second water pump 7 in the heat storage device circuit, or the third water pump 8 in the air conditioning circuit to start, and adjust the operating mode of the eight-way valve 4 to achieve multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes; the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes utilize fuel cell engine waste heat to heat at least one of the air conditioning system, the battery system, and the heat storage device 12.

[0041] Collect the heat demand at each level, adjust the working mode of the eight-way valve and the speed of the water pump, and transfer the heat of the high-temperature deionized water in the fuel cell cooling circuit to the coolant through the heat exchanger 2, thereby realizing the hierarchical utilization of heat.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: if the outlet water temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, determining the temperature of the heat storage device; if the temperature of the heat storage device is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, controlling the first water pump 6, the second water pump 7, or the third water pump 8 to be turned on based on the air conditioning heating request or the battery system request, and adjusting the working mode of the eight-way valve 4 to achieve multiple heat storage device heating modes; the multiple heat storage device heating modes utilize the heat stored in the heat storage device 12 to heat at least one of the air conditioning system and the battery system.

[0043] Specifically, when the temperature of the heat storage device is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, heat is released through the heat storage device, and the released heat is used for heating the cab and heat preservation and heating of the battery.

[0044] In one possible embodiment, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes include a first heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system. The first heating mode includes:

[0045] According to the first target temperature of the air conditioning heating request, a first temperature difference between the current air conditioning outlet temperature and the first target temperature is determined to adjust the opening of the proportional valve 3 and the speed of the third water pump 8.

[0046] Specifically, the first heating mode means that only the air conditioning system on the vehicle is requesting heating. At this point, the eight-way valve 4 enters the first heating mode, with the first and third ports 41, 43, and the fourth and second ports 44, 42 connected. Water from the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger enters the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, exits the third port 43, enters the air conditioning circuit, enters the valve through the fourth port 44, and exits the second port 42 to enter the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger, completing the cycle. Simultaneously, the third water pump 8 remains on, driven by the blower 16 in the air conditioning circuit, blowing heat from the heater 14 into the cab.

[0047] The above method realizes the single-stage recovery of waste heat from the fuel cell engine in the air-conditioning system. Based on the first temperature difference, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the third water pump are adjusted according to a preset algorithm to realize closed-loop control.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a second heating mode, wherein the second heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the battery system, and the second heating mode includes:

[0049] According to the second target temperature requested by the battery system and the acquired current outlet water temperature of the first PTC in the battery circuit, a second temperature difference is determined to adjust the opening of the proportional valve 3 and the speed of the first water pump 6 .

[0050] Specifically, adopting the second heating mode means that at this time, the heating demand on the vehicle side is only for the battery system, and the eight-way valve 4 enters the second heating mode, that is, the first port 41 and the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve are connected, and the seventh port 47 and the second port 42 of the eight-way valve are connected. The water outlet on the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger enters the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, exits from the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, enters the valve through the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve, and then exits from the second port 42 and enters the water inlet on the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger, forming a complete cycle. At the same time, the first water pump 6 is turned on, and heat is brought into the battery system through the liquid cooling plate in the battery circuit. The liquid cooling plate is located in the power battery 11 and is a heat dissipation component that transfers heat when the power battery dissipates heat.

[0051] The above method realizes the single-stage recovery of waste heat of the fuel cell engine in the battery system. Based on the second temperature difference, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the first water pump 6 are adjusted according to a preset algorithm to realize closed-loop control.

[0052] In one possible embodiment, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a third heating mode, wherein the third heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the heat storage device 12, and the third heating mode includes:

[0053] A third temperature difference is determined according to the third target temperature requested by the heat storage device and the current temperature of the heat storage device 12 to adjust the opening of the proportional valve 3 and the rotation speed of the second water pump 7 .

[0054] Specifically, in the third heating mode, the vehicle's heating demand is limited to the heat storage device 12. The eight-way valve 4 enters the third heating mode, connecting the first port 41 and the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve, and the second port 42 and the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve. Water from the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger enters the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, exits the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device circuit, enters the valve through the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, and then exits the second port 42 to enter the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger, completing the cycle. Simultaneously, the second water pump 7 is turned on, storing heat in the heat storage device circuit through the heat exchanger 2.

[0055] The above method completes the single-stage recovery of the waste heat of the fuel cell engine in the heat storage device. At the same time, according to the third temperature difference, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the second water pump 7 are adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a fourth heating mode, wherein the fourth heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system and the battery system; the fourth heating mode includes:

[0057] The coolant flows from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger 2 to the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, flows out from the third port 43 of the eight-way valve, enters the air-conditioning circuit, flows to the fourth port 44 of the eight-way valve, flows out from the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, then flows to the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve, and then flows out from the second port 42 of the eight-way valve to enter the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger 2 to form a circulation.

[0058] Specifically, in the fourth heating mode, the vehicle's heating needs are for the air conditioning system and the battery system. Eight-way valve 4 enters the fourth heating mode, connecting first port 41 to third port 43, second port 42 to seventh port 47, and fourth port 44 to eighth port 48. At the same time, first water pump 6 and third water pump 8 are turned on to achieve heat exchange between the air conditioning system and the battery system.

[0059] Through the above method, the waste heat of the fuel cell engine is recovered in the air-conditioning system and the battery system at two stages. At the same time, according to the difference between the target temperature requested by the air-conditioning system and the battery system and the current temperature, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the first water pump 6 and the third water pump 8 are adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0060] In one possible embodiment, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes further include a fifth heating mode, wherein the fifth heating mode utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system and the heat storage device 12; in the fifth heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger 2, passes through the eight-way valve 4, first enters the air conditioning circuit, then passes through the eight-way valve 4, enters the heat storage device 12, and then returns to the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger 2 through the eight-way valve 4, thereby forming a cycle;

[0061] The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a sixth heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the battery system and the heat storage device 12; in the sixth heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger 2, passes through the eight-way valve 4, first enters the battery circuit, then passes through the eight-way valve 4, enters the heat storage device 12, and then returns to the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger 2 through the eight-way valve 4 to form a cycle.

[0062] Specifically, in the fifth heating mode, the vehicle's heating demand is for the air conditioning system and heat storage device 12. The eight-way valve 4 enters the fifth heating mode, i.e., the first port 41 and the third port 43 of the eight-way valve are connected, the fourth port 44 and the sixth port 46 are connected, and the second port 42 and the fifth port 45 are connected. Water from the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger enters the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, exits the third port 43 of the eight-way valve, enters the air conditioning circuit, enters the valve through the fourth port 44 of the eight-way valve, exits the sixth port 46, enters the heat storage circuit, enters the valve through the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, exits the second port 42, and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger, completing the cycle. Simultaneously, the second water pump 7 and the third water pump 8 are turned on to achieve heat exchange between the air conditioning system and the heat storage device system.

[0063] The above method completes the two-stage recovery of the waste heat of the fuel cell engine in the air-conditioning system and the heat storage device 12. At the same time, according to the difference between the target temperature requested by the air-conditioning system and the heat storage device and the current temperature, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the third water pump 8 and the second water pump 7 are adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0064] In the sixth heating mode, the vehicle's heating demand is for the battery system and heat storage device 12. The eight-way valve 4 enters the sixth heating mode, i.e., the first port 41 and the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve are connected, the seventh port 47 and the sixth port 46 are connected, and the second port 42 and the fifth port 45 are connected. Water from the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger enters the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, exits from the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, enters the valve through the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve, exits from the sixth port 46, enters the heat storage device circuit, enters the valve through the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, exits from the second port 42, and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger, completing the cycle. Simultaneously, the first water pump 6 and the second water pump 7 are turned on to achieve heat exchange between the battery system and the heat storage device system.

[0065] The above method completes the dual-stage recovery of waste heat from the fuel cell engine in the battery system and the heat storage device. At the same time, based on the difference between the target temperature requested by the battery system and the heat storage device and the current temperature, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the first water pump 6 and the second water pump 7 are adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0066] In one possible embodiment, the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a seventh heating mode, which uses the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air-conditioning system, the battery system and the heat storage device 12; in the seventh heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger 2 and enters the first port 41 of the eight-way valve, flows out from the third port 43 of the eight-way valve, first enters the air-conditioning circuit, enters the valve from the fourth port 44 of the eight-way valve, then flows out from the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, then enters the valve from the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve, flows out from the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device circuit, enters the valve through the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, flows out from the second port 42 of the eight-way valve, and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger 2 to form a cycle.

[0067] Specifically, in the seventh heating mode, the vehicle's heating requirements are for the air conditioning system, battery system, and heat storage device 12. Eight-way valve 4 enters the seventh heating mode, connecting first port 41 to third port 43, fourth port 44 to eighth port 48, seventh port 47 to sixth port 46, and fifth port 45 to second port 42. Simultaneously, first water pump 6, second water pump 7, and third water pump 8 are activated, enabling heat exchange among the air conditioning system, battery system, and heat storage device.

[0068] Through the above method, the waste heat of the fuel cell engine is recovered in three stages: the air-conditioning system, the battery system, and the heat storage device. At the same time, based on the difference between the target temperature requested by the air-conditioning system, the battery system, and the heat storage device and the current temperature, the proportional valve opening and the speed of the first water pump 6, the second water pump 7, and the third water pump 8 are adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0069] In one possible embodiment, the multiple heat storage device heating modes include an eighth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device 12 is used to heat the air-conditioning system and the battery system; in the eighth heating mode, the high-temperature coolant flows from the water outlet of the heat storage device to the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, enters the valve, flows out from the third port 43 of the eight-way valve, enters the air-conditioning circuit, enters the valve from the fourth port 44 of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit from the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve, and then enters the valve from the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve, flows out from the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve, and enters the water inlet of the heat storage device 12 to form a cycle.

[0070] Specifically, in the eighth heating mode, the vehicle's heating needs are for the air conditioning system and the battery system. The operating mode of eight-way valve 4 is adjusted, that is, the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve is connected to the third port 43, the fourth port 44 is connected to the eighth port 48, and the seventh port 47 is connected to the sixth port 46. Simultaneously, the first water pump 6, the second water pump 7, and the third water pump 8 are turned on to achieve heat exchange in the air conditioning system and the battery system.

[0071] The waste heat of the heat storage device is recovered in the air-conditioning system and the battery system in the above manner. At the same time, according to the target temperature requested by the air-conditioning system and the battery system, the difference between the current collected temperature and the target temperature is calculated, and the speed of the first water pump 6, the second water pump 7, and the third water pump 8 is adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0072] In a possible embodiment, the multiple heat storage device heating modes also include a ninth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device 12 is used to heat the air-conditioning system; in the ninth heating mode, the high-temperature coolant flows out from the water outlet of the heat storage device 12, passes through the eight-way valve 4, enters the air-conditioning circuit, and then passes through the eight-way valve 4 to enter the water inlet of the heat storage device 12 to form a circulation.

[0073] Specifically, in the ninth heating mode, the vehicle's heating demand is solely for the air conditioning system. The operating mode of the eight-way valve 4 is adjusted, with the fifth port 45 and third port 43 of the eight-way valve connected, and the fourth port 44 and sixth port 46 connected. High-temperature coolant flows from the outlet of the heat storage device 12 to the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, enters the valve, exits through the third port 43 of the eight-way valve, enters the air conditioning circuit, reenters the valve through the fourth port 44 of the eight-way valve, and enters the water inlet of the heat storage device through the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve, thus completing a circulation cycle.

[0074] At the same time, the second water pump 7 and the third water pump 8 are turned on to achieve heat exchange in the air-conditioning system.

[0075] The waste heat of the heat storage device is recovered in the air-conditioning system in the above manner. At the same time, according to the target temperature requested by the air-conditioning system, the difference between the current collected temperature and the target temperature is calculated, and the speed of the second water pump 7 and the third water pump 8 is adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0076] The multiple heat storage device heating modes also include a tenth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device 12 is used to heat the battery system. In the tenth heating mode, high-temperature coolant flows out from the water outlet of the heat storage device, passes through the eight-way valve 4, enters the battery circuit, and then passes through the eight-way valve 4 to enter the water inlet of the heat storage device to form a cycle.

[0077] Specifically, in the tenth heating mode, the vehicle's heating demand is solely for the battery system. The operating mode of the eight-way valve 4 is adjusted, with the fifth port 45 and the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve connected, and the seventh port 47 and the sixth port 46 connected. The high-temperature coolant flows from the outlet of the heat storage device to the fifth port 45 of the eight-way valve, enters the valve, exits through the eighth port 48 of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, enters the valve through the seventh port 47 of the eight-way valve, and enters the water inlet of the heat storage device through the sixth port 46 of the eight-way valve, thus completing a circulation cycle.

[0078] The first water pump 6 and the second water pump 7 are turned on at the same time to achieve heat exchange in the battery system.

[0079] The waste heat of the heat storage device is recovered in the battery system in the above manner. At the same time, according to the target temperature requested by the battery system, the difference between the current collected temperature and the target temperature is calculated, and the speed of the first water pump 6 and the second water pump 7 is adjusted according to the preset algorithm to achieve closed-loop control.

[0080] In summary, in an embodiment of the present invention, in response to the heating demand of the entire vehicle, the heating mode to be adopted is determined according to the water outlet temperature of the fuel cell engine and the temperature of the heat storage device 12 under actual operating conditions, and the opening and closing of the corresponding water pump and the working mode of the eight-way valve 4 are controlled to realize graded utilization of heat. Through real-time monitoring, the waste heat recovery strategy is dynamically adjusted according to internal acquisition parameters such as ambient temperature, operating conditions, other external factors, and battery temperature, and the overall efficiency of the thermal management system is optimized to ensure efficient utilization of heat under different operating conditions. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can exchange heat from the heat storage device to the demand side of the entire vehicle when the fuel cell generator is idling or in low power output conditions, thereby reducing the volatility of waste heat recovery caused by operating conditions, providing stable heat output when the waste heat supply fluctuates, realizing intelligent heat distribution, and reducing the energy consumption of the entire vehicle.

[0081] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a controller, wherein the controller executes the control method of the thermal management system provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a thermal management system, characterized in that: The thermal management system includes: a fuel cell engine, a heat exchanger, a proportional valve, an eight-way valve, an air conditioning circuit, a battery circuit, a heat storage device circuit, and a temperature sensor for measuring the inlet and outlet temperatures of the fuel cell engine; the fuel cell engine is connected in series with the proportional valve and the high-temperature side of the heat exchanger; the low-temperature side of the heat exchanger is connected to the first port and the second port of the eight-way valve; the third port of the eight-way valve is connected to the air conditioning circuit and the fourth port of the eight-way valve in sequence; the eighth port of the eight-way valve is connected to the battery circuit and the seventh port of the eight-way valve in sequence; the sixth port of the eight-way valve is connected to the heat storage device circuit and the fifth port of the eight-way valve in sequence; the method includes: In response to a vehicle-side heating demand, obtaining the outlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine; the vehicle-side heating demand includes an air conditioning heating request, a battery system request, and a heat storage device request; If the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, obtaining the inlet water temperature of the fuel cell engine, and determining the inlet and outlet water change rate according to the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature; adjusting the opening of the proportional valve based on the change rate of the inlet and outlet water; Based on the air conditioning heating request, the battery system request, or the heat storage device request, the first water pump in the battery circuit, the second water pump in the heat storage device circuit, or the third water pump in the air conditioning circuit is controlled to start, and the operating mode of the eight-way valve is adjusted to achieve multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes; the multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes utilize the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat at least one of the air conditioning system, the battery system, and the heat storage device.

2. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: If the outlet water temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, the temperature of the heat storage device is determined; if the temperature of the heat storage device is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, the first water pump, the second water pump, or the third water pump is controlled to be turned on based on the air conditioning heating request or the battery system request, and the operating mode of the eight-way valve is adjusted to achieve multiple heat storage device heating modes; the multiple heat storage device heating modes utilize heat stored in the heat storage device to heat at least one of the air conditioning system and the battery system.

3. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes include a first heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system. The first heating mode includes: According to the first target temperature of the air-conditioning heating request, a first temperature difference between the current air-conditioning outlet temperature and the first target temperature is determined to adjust the opening of the proportional valve and the speed of the third water pump.

4. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a second heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the battery system. The second heating mode includes: A second temperature difference is determined according to the second target temperature requested by the battery system and the acquired current outlet water temperature of the first PTC in the battery circuit to adjust the opening of the proportional valve and the speed of the first water pump.

5. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a third heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the heat storage device. The third heating mode includes: A third temperature difference is determined according to the third target temperature requested by the heat storage device and the current temperature of the heat storage device to adjust the opening of the proportional valve and the speed of the second water pump.

6. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a fourth heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system and the battery system; the fourth heating mode includes: The coolant flows from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger to the first port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the third port of the eight-way valve, enters the air-conditioning circuit, flows to the fourth port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the eighth port of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, then flows to the seventh port of the eight-way valve, and then flows out from the second port of the eight-way valve and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger to form a circulation.

7. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a fifth heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air conditioning system and the heat storage device. In the fifth heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger, passes through the eight-way valve, first enters the air conditioning circuit, then passes through the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device, and then returns to the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger through the eight-way valve to form a cycle. The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a sixth heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the battery system and the heat storage device; in the sixth heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger, passes through the eight-way valve, first enters the battery circuit, then passes through the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device, and then returns to the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger through the eight-way valve to form a cycle.

8. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fuel cell engine waste heat heating modes also include a seventh heating mode, which utilizes the waste heat of the fuel cell engine to heat the air-conditioning system, the battery system and the heat storage device; in the seventh heating mode, the coolant flows out from the low-temperature side water outlet of the heat exchanger and enters the first port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the third port of the eight-way valve, first enters the air-conditioning circuit, enters the valve from the fourth port of the eight-way valve, then flows out from the eighth port of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, then enters the valve from the seventh port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the sixth port of the eight-way valve, enters the heat storage device circuit, enters the valve through the fifth port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the second port of the eight-way valve, and enters the low-temperature side water inlet of the heat exchanger to form a cycle.

9. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multiple heat storage device heating modes include an eighth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is used to heat the air conditioning system and the battery system. In the eighth heating mode, the high-temperature coolant flows from the water outlet of the heat storage device to the fifth port of the eight-way valve, enters the valve, flows out from the third port of the eight-way valve, enters the air conditioning circuit, enters the valve from the fourth port of the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit from the eighth port of the eight-way valve, then enters the valve from the seventh port of the eight-way valve, flows out from the sixth port of the eight-way valve, and enters the water inlet of the heat storage device, thereby forming a cycle.

10. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multiple heat storage device heating modes also include a ninth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is used to heat the air conditioning system. In the ninth heating mode, high-temperature coolant flows out of the water outlet of the heat storage device, passes through the eight-way valve, enters the air conditioning circuit, and then passes through the eight-way valve to enter the water inlet of the heat storage device, thereby forming a cycle. The multiple heat storage device heating modes also include a tenth heating mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is used to heat the battery system. In the tenth heating mode, high-temperature coolant flows out of the water outlet of the heat storage device, passes through the eight-way valve, enters the battery circuit, and then passes through the eight-way valve to enter the water inlet of the heat storage device, thereby forming a cycle.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: The thermal management system comprises a controller, wherein the controller executes the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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