Fuel cell control methods, systems, devices and vehicles

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a fuel cell control method, system, apparatus, and vehicle, and pertains to the field of fuel cells. The method includes: upon receiving a start-up signal from the fuel cell, acquiring the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack; determining the heating power of a heating unit in the fuel cell system based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature; and heating the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen at the heating power using the heating unit to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature meet the operating requirements of the fuel cell. By jointly adjusting the heating power of the heating unit based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature, the operating requirements of the fuel cell are met, thereby extending the lifespan of the fuel cell stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fuel cells, and more specifically, to a fuel cell control method, system, device, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of fuel cell technology, its use in various application scenarios is becoming increasingly widespread. However, fuel cell systems face many challenges in operating under low-temperature conditions. During the operation of a fuel cell system in a low-temperature environment, the entry of low-temperature hydrogen into the fuel cell stack may cause uneven temperature distribution inside the stack, and may even lead to the formation of condensate inside the stack. This can cause many problems such as the deterioration of the internal material properties of the stack and the reduction of the stack reaction efficiency, thereby affecting the normal operation and service life of the stack. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a fuel cell control method, system, device, and vehicle.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell control method is provided, applied to a fuel cell system, the method comprising: When the start signal of the fuel cell is received, the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack are obtained. The heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature. The heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the fuel cell stack with the heating power, so that the hydrogen gas temperature and the stack temperature meet the operating requirements of the fuel cell.

[0005] Optionally, the heating power includes a first heating power and a second heating power. Heating the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen fed into the fuel cell stack using the heating unit at the heating power, so that the hydrogen feed temperature and the stack temperature meet the operating requirements of the fuel cell, includes: The heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the stack at the first heating power. When the hydrogen inlet temperature reaches the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature reaches the stack temperature threshold, the fuel cell is controlled to start. After the fuel cell is started, the heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas entering the stack with the second heating power to maintain the hydrogen gas entering the stack temperature greater than or equal to the entry temperature threshold and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold.

[0006] Optionally, the first heating power and the second heating power are determined based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature.

[0007] Optionally, determining the first heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: The required power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the stack temperature threshold. The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of the hydrogen gas, and the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack.

[0008] Optionally, the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device, and determining the first heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: Determine the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor; The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of hydrogen, the power loss of the fuel cell stack, and the auxiliary heating power.

[0009] Optionally, determining the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The pipeline heat loss power of hydrogen in the pipeline is determined based on the hydrogen temperature in the hydrogen storage cylinder of the fuel cell system and the ambient temperature. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, and the fuel cell stack heat loss power.

[0010] Optionally, the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device, and determining the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: Determine the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor; The second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, the fuel cell stack heat loss power, and the auxiliary heating power.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell system is provided, comprising: a hydrogen storage tank, a first plate heat exchanger, a fuel cell stack, a heating unit, a water pump, and a second plate heat exchanger. The hydrogen storage tank is connected to the first plate heat exchanger, which is connected to the fuel cell stack. The second plate heat exchanger is connected to the first plate heat exchanger. The first plate heat exchanger is used to exchange heat between the circulating liquid from the second plate heat exchanger and the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank. The second plate heat exchanger is connected to the fuel cell stack and is used to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell stack. The heating unit is connected to the second plate heat exchanger, and the water pump is connected to both the heating unit and the second plate heat exchanger to circulate the circulating liquid between the heating unit and the second plate heat exchanger. The fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device for heating the fuel cell stack and regulating the hydrogen inlet temperature of the hydrogen flowing through the first plate heat exchanger.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell control device is provided, applied to a fuel cell system, the device comprising: The acquisition module is used to acquire the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack when the start signal of the fuel cell is received. A determining module is used to determine the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature. The control module is used to heat the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen fed into the fuel cell stack using the heating unit at the heating power, so that the hydrogen feeding temperature and the stack temperature meet the operating requirements of the fuel cell.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, including: the fuel cell control device described in the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] The above technical solution, upon receiving a start-up signal from the fuel cell, acquires the hydrogen inlet temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature. Based on these temperatures, the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined. The heating unit then heats the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen at this power to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature meet the fuel cell's operating requirements. By jointly adjusting the heating power of the heating unit based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature, the operating requirements of the fuel cell are met, extending the stack's lifespan.

[0015] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell control device 800 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0026] It is understood that although operations are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this disclosure, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order or serial order shown, or requiring all of the shown operations to be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0027] It should be noted that all actions involving the acquisition of signals, information, or data in this disclosure are carried out in compliance with the relevant data protection laws and policies of the country where the location is situated, and with authorization from the owner of the relevant device.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a fuel cell system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell system includes: a hydrogen storage tank 110, a first plate heat exchanger 120, a fuel cell stack 121, a heating unit 130, a water pump 131, and a second plate heat exchanger 132. The hydrogen storage tank 110 is connected to the first plate heat exchanger 120, which is connected to the fuel cell stack 121. The second plate heat exchanger 132 is connected to the first plate heat exchanger 120. The first plate heat exchanger 120 is used to exchange heat between the circulating liquid from the second plate heat exchanger 132 and the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank 110. The second plate heat exchanger 132 is connected to the fuel cell stack 121 and is used to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell stack 121. The heating unit 130 is connected to the second plate heat exchanger 132, and the water pump 131 is connected to the heating unit 130 and the second plate heat exchanger 132 respectively, for circulating the circulating liquid between the heating unit 130 and the second plate heat exchanger 132. The fuel cell stack 121 includes an auxiliary heating device 122, which is used to heat the fuel cell stack 121 and regulate the hydrogen inlet temperature of the hydrogen flowing through the first plate heat exchanger 120.

[0029] For example, as this Figure 1As shown, the heating unit 130 can be a PTC heating unit, and the hydrogen storage cylinder 110 is connected to the first plate heat exchanger 120 through a pressure reducing valve 111. The hydrogen storage cylinder 110 can be a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder, and the pressure reducing valve 111 is used to reduce the pressure of the hydrogen gas released from the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder. The hydrogen storage cylinder 110 may also include a first temperature sensor 112, which is used to detect the temperature inside the hydrogen storage cylinder 110.

[0030] A second temperature sensor 123 is also included between the first plate heat exchanger 120 and the fuel cell stack 121. The second temperature sensor is used to detect the hydrogen inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack 121.

[0031] The fuel cell stack 121 includes a third temperature sensor 124 for detecting the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack 121 and the first plate heat exchanger 120 also include a fourth temperature sensor 125 and a fifth temperature sensor 126. The fourth temperature sensor 125 is used to detect the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing from the first plate heat exchanger 120 into the fuel cell stack 121, and the fifth temperature sensor 126 is used to detect the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing from the fuel cell stack 121 into the first plate heat exchanger 120.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, this method is applied to, for example Figure 1 The fuel cell system shown in the figure includes the following steps: In step S21, when the start signal of the fuel cell is obtained, the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack are obtained.

[0033] For example, during fuel cell startup, on the one hand, if the fuel cell stack temperature is too low, the water generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack is prone to freezing in the electrodes or proton exchange membrane, blocking the gas diffusion layer and hindering reactant transport, thus causing fuel cell startup failure. Furthermore, an excessively low stack temperature may reduce the activity of the catalyst within the stack, slowing down the hydrogen-oxygen reaction rate and reducing the fuel cell stack efficiency. On the other hand, if the hydrogen entering the fuel cell stack is too cold after startup, it may cause uneven temperature distribution within the stack, thereby shortening the stack's lifespan. In addition, impurities in the low-temperature hydrogen (such as ice particles formed from water vapor condensation) may cause physical damage to pipes and delicate components inside the fuel cell system, affecting the reliability and durability of the fuel cell system. Therefore, when receiving the fuel cell startup signal, the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature can be obtained; for example, in situations such as... Figure 1 In the fuel cell system shown, when the fuel cell system receives the start signal of the fuel cell, the hydrogen inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 can be detected by the second temperature sensor 123; and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 can be detected by the third temperature sensor 124.

[0034] In step S22, the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature.

[0035] For example, the startup and operation of a fuel cell stack in a low-temperature environment require the stack temperature to reach a threshold temperature for low-temperature startup. Therefore, to maintain the startup and stable operation of the fuel cell system in a low-temperature environment, a heating unit is needed to regulate the hydrogen entering the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell stack to ensure stable operation. Since the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature are key factors affecting the safe operation of the fuel cell system, the heating power of the heating unit can be determined based on these temperatures to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature meet the operating requirements of the fuel cell. For example, in... Figure 1 In the fuel cell system shown, the heating unit can be heating unit 130.

[0036] In step S23, the heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the fuel cell stack with the heating power so that the hydrogen gas temperature or the stack temperature meets the operating requirements of the fuel cell.

[0037] For example, by heating the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the fuel cell stack with the heating power of the heating unit, the problem of uneven internal temperature of the stack caused by the hydrogen gas being fed into the stack due to the low temperature can be avoided, as well as the problem of impurities in the hydrogen gas potentially causing physical damage to the pipes and delicate components inside the fuel cell system. It can also avoid the problem of fuel cell startup failure due to the low stack temperature, and the problem of reduced fuel cell stack efficiency caused by the slowed hydrogen-oxygen reaction rate in the stack.

[0038] The above technical solution, upon receiving a start-up signal from the fuel cell, acquires the hydrogen inlet temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature. Based on these temperatures, the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined. The heating unit then heats the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen at this power to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature meet the fuel cell's operating requirements. By jointly adjusting the heating power of the heating unit based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature, the operating requirements of the fuel cell are met, extending the stack's lifespan.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the heating power includes a first heating power and a second heating power. Step S23 includes the following steps: In step S231, the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the stack are heated by the heating unit with the first heating power.

[0040] In step S232, when the hydrogen inlet temperature reaches the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature reaches the stack temperature threshold, the fuel cell is controlled to start.

[0041] For example, in a low-temperature environment, to ensure the stack efficiency and extend the stack's lifespan, and to prevent physical damage to the pipelines and delicate components inside the fuel cell system caused by impurities in the low-temperature hydrogen entering the stack, it can be seen that if the hydrogen inlet temperature or the stack temperature is too low, the start-up of the fuel cell stack may have a certain impact on the state and lifespan of the fuel cell. Therefore, the stack temperature and the hydrogen inlet temperature can be used as the start-up conditions for the fuel cell. For example, the fuel cell can be started when the stack temperature reaches the low-temperature start-up stack temperature threshold and the hydrogen inlet temperature reaches the inlet temperature threshold. In summary, when a start-up signal for the fuel cell is received, and the hydrogen inlet temperature is lower than the inlet temperature threshold, and / or the fuel cell stack temperature is lower than the low-temperature start-up stack temperature threshold, it can be determined that the fuel cell does not meet the start-up conditions. In this case, the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen can be heated by the heating unit in the fuel cell system with a first heating power so that the hydrogen inlet temperature reaches the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature reaches the stack temperature threshold, thereby controlling the fuel cell to start up.

[0042] In step S233, after the fuel cell is started, the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the stack are heated by the heating unit with the second heating power to maintain the hydrogen gas temperature fed into the stack greater than or equal to the temperature threshold of the hydrogen gas fed into the stack, and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the temperature threshold of the stack.

[0043] For example, when the hydrogen inlet temperature is greater than or equal to the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature is greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold, the fuel cell can be safely started. After the fuel cell stack is started, the hydrogen-oxygen reaction in the fuel cell stack will generate a large amount of heat, and the stack temperature will rise accordingly. Therefore, the first heating power of the heating unit can be reduced, and the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen can be heated with the second heating power to maintain the hydrogen inlet temperature greater than or equal to the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold, thereby meeting the working requirements of the fuel cell.

[0044] For example, in such Figure 1In the fuel cell system shown, the heating unit 130 can be used to heat the circulating liquid in the fuel cell system and deliver it to the second plate heat exchanger via the water pump 131. The second plate heat exchanger 132 is connected to the first plate heat exchanger 120 and the fuel cell stack 121. The first plate heat exchanger 120 is used to exchange heat between the circulating liquid from the second plate heat exchanger and the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank 110 to heat the hydrogen entering the fuel cell stack. The second plate heat exchanger 132 is also used to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 to raise its temperature. Therefore, the heat generated by the heating unit 130 can be provided to the fuel cell stack 121 and the hydrogen entering the fuel cell stack 121. Therefore, when the second temperature sensor 123 detects that the hydrogen inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 is less than the inlet temperature threshold, and / or when the third temperature sensor 124 detects that the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 is less than the stack temperature threshold, the heating unit 130 can heat the inlet hydrogen and the stack of the fuel cell stack 121 with the first heating power. When the second temperature sensor 123 detects that the hydrogen inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 is greater than or equal to the inlet temperature threshold, and when the third temperature sensor 124 detects that the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack 121 is greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold, the fuel cell system is controlled to start, and after startup, the heating unit 130 heats the inlet hydrogen and the stack of the fuel cell stack 121 with the second heating power to maintain the hydrogen inlet temperature greater than or equal to the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the fuel cell system.

[0045] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the first heating power and the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature.

[0046] For example, during the startup and operation of a fuel cell system, the lower the ambient temperature, the greater the heat loss of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen fed into the stack to the environment. Therefore, in order to ensure the startup and stable operation of the fuel cell system, under the influence of ambient temperature, the first heating power and the second heating power can be determined based on at least one of the hydrogen feeding temperature, the feeding temperature threshold, the stack temperature, the stack temperature threshold, and the ambient temperature.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, step S231 includes the following steps: In step S2311, the required power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the stack temperature threshold.

[0048] In step S2312, the required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen infeed temperature and the infeed temperature threshold.

[0049] In step S2313, the heat loss power of the fuel cell is determined based on the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the ambient temperature.

[0050] In step S2314, the first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of the hydrogen gas, and the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack.

[0051] For example, in order to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature is greater than or equal to the inlet temperature threshold and the fuel cell stack temperature is greater than or equal to the fuel cell stack temperature threshold, at least the fuel cell stack power required to reach the fuel cell stack temperature threshold and the hydrogen power required to reach the hydrogen inlet temperature threshold should be considered. Therefore, the first heating power can be equal to the sum of the fuel cell stack power requirement and the hydrogen power requirement. However, fuel cell stacks typically experience heat loss to the environment; therefore, the first heating power can be equal to the sum of the fuel cell stack power requirement, the hydrogen power requirement, and the fuel cell stack heat loss power.

[0052] The power requirement of the fuel cell stack can be determined by the difference between the stack temperature threshold and the stack temperature. For example, the power requirement of the fuel cell stack can be determined by the following formula (1):

[0053] This indicates the power requirement of the fuel cell stack. Indicates the fuel cell stack mass. This indicates the specific heat capacity of the fuel cell stack material. The temperature threshold of the fuel cell stack, This indicates the temperature of the fuel cell stack; The required power for hydrogen can be determined by the difference between the reactor inlet temperature threshold and the reactor inlet temperature. For example, the required power for hydrogen can be determined by the following formula (2):

[0054] This indicates the power required for the hydrogen gas. This indicates the mass flow rate of hydrogen. This indicates the specific heat capacity of hydrogen at constant pressure. This indicates the infeed temperature threshold. This indicates the temperature at which the hydrogen enters the reactor; The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack can be estimated using Newton's law of cooling and determined by the following formula (3):

[0055] This indicates the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack. thermal convection coefficient, This represents the surface area of ​​the fuel cell stack. This indicates the temperature of the fuel cell stack. Indicates ambient temperature; The first heating power corresponding to the heating unit can be determined by the following formula (4):

[0056] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device. Step S2314 includes the following steps: In step S23141, the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor is determined.

[0057] In step S23142, the first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of hydrogen, the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack, and the auxiliary heating power.

[0058] For example, when the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device, the auxiliary heating device can be used to heat the fuel cell stack, such as... Figure 1 In the fuel cell system shown, the auxiliary heating device 122 can also transfer the generated heat to the first plate heat exchanger 120 to provide auxiliary heating for the hydrogen flowing through the first plate heat exchanger 120. Therefore, when determining that the heating unit heats at the first heating power, in addition to considering the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of the hydrogen, and the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack, the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the stack should also be considered. The auxiliary heating power can be determined by the following formula (5):

[0059] This indicates the auxiliary heating power. This indicates the mass flow rate of the circulating fluid. This indicates the isobaric specific heat capacity of the circulating fluid. This indicates the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing into the fuel cell stack from the first plate heat exchanger. This indicates the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing from the fuel cell stack into the first plate heat exchanger; for example... This can be obtained through the fourth temperature sensor 125. This can be obtained through the fifth temperature sensor 126.

[0060] Therefore, the first heating power corresponding to the PTC heating unit can also be determined by the following formula (6):

[0061] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, step S233 includes the following steps: In step S2331, the required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen infeed temperature and the infeed temperature threshold.

[0062] In step S2332, the pipeline heat loss power of hydrogen in the pipeline is determined based on the hydrogen temperature of the hydrogen storage tank in the fuel cell system and the ambient temperature.

[0063] In step S2333, the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0064] In step S2334, the second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, and the fuel cell stack heat loss power.

[0065] For example, after the fuel cell is started, the fuel cell stack temperature will generate a certain amount of heat due to the hydrogen-oxygen reaction in the stack. The stack temperature can be maintained by the heat generated by the hydrogen-oxygen reaction, so the fuel cell stack will no longer need to be heated by the first heating unit. Therefore, the second heating power can be the sum of the hydrogen demand power and the stack heat loss power. In addition, hydrogen needs to flow from the hydrogen storage tank to the fuel cell stack. During the process of hydrogen flowing to the fuel cell stack, the hydrogen will generate heat loss to the environment in the pipeline of the fuel cell system. Therefore, when determining the second heating power, at least the pipeline heat loss power generated when hydrogen flows in the pipeline of the fuel cell, the stack heat loss power of the fuel cell stack to the environment, and the hydrogen demand power from the hydrogen inlet temperature to the inlet temperature threshold (the hydrogen demand power can be determined according to the difference between the inlet temperature threshold and the hydrogen inlet temperature) should be considered. For example, the second heating power can be the sum of the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power and the stack heat loss power; whereby the stack heat loss power can be determined by the above formula (3), the hydrogen demand power can be determined by the above formula (2), and the pipeline heat loss power can be determined by the following formula (7):

[0066] This indicates the heat loss power of the pipeline. Indicates the overall heat transfer coefficient of the pipeline; Indicates the surface area of ​​the pipeline; This indicates the temperature of the hydrogen gas inside the hydrogen storage tank. Indicates ambient temperature; Therefore, the second heating power corresponding to this heating unit can be determined by the following formula (8):

[0067] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell control method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device. Step S2334 includes the following steps: In step S23341, the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor is determined.

[0068] In step S23342, the second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, the fuel cell stack heat loss power, and the auxiliary heating power.

[0069] For example, based on and Figure 5 Following the same principle as the embodiment, the auxiliary heating power can be determined by the above formula (5). Therefore, the second heating power corresponding to the PTC heating unit can also be determined by the following formula (9):

[0070] Furthermore, during the operation of the fuel cell system, to ensure stable and efficient operation while maintaining the hydrogen inlet temperature within a safe and suitable range, the acceptable power of the fuel cell system can be determined by the hydrogen temperature in the hydrogen storage tank (this acceptable power is the power required to keep the hydrogen inlet temperature above the minimum temperature limit). This acceptable power can then be compared with the target power of the fuel cell, and the smaller value is selected as the final output power of the fuel cell. This ensures that the fuel cell system will not experience excessively low inlet temperatures due to excessively high output power. If the fuel cell needs to operate within a large target power range, and the current hydrogen tank temperature is low, operating at the vehicle's target power may not guarantee that the inlet temperature remains above the minimum limit, potentially triggering a malfunction and affecting fuel cell performance and normal vehicle operation. By selecting the smaller value, the safe and stable operation of the fuel cell system can be prioritized while meeting the basic operational requirements of the vehicle, avoiding potential malfunctions caused by inlet temperature issues.

[0071] The above technical solution, upon receiving a start-up signal from the fuel cell, acquires the hydrogen inlet temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature. Based on these temperatures, the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined. The heating unit then heats the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen at this power to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature meet the fuel cell's operating requirements. By jointly adjusting the heating power of the heating unit based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature, the operating requirements of the fuel cell are met, extending the stack's lifespan.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a fuel cell control device 800 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 is applied to a fuel cell system. The device 800 includes: an acquisition module 810, a determination module 820, and a control module 830. The acquisition module 810 is used to acquire the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack when the start signal of the fuel cell is received. The determining module 820 is used to determine the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature. The control module 830 is used to heat the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen fed into the fuel cell stack through the heating unit with the heating power, so that the hydrogen feeding temperature and the stack temperature meet the operating requirements of the fuel cell.

[0073] Optionally, the heating power includes a first heating power and a second heating power, and the control module 830 includes: a first control submodule, a second control submodule and a third control submodule; The first control submodule is used to heat the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the stack through the heating unit at the first heating power. The second control submodule is used to control the fuel cell to start when the hydrogen infeed temperature reaches the infeed temperature threshold and the fuel cell stack temperature reaches the fuel cell stack temperature threshold. The third control submodule is used to heat the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the stack by the heating unit with the second heating power after the fuel cell is started, so as to maintain the hydrogen gas temperature fed into the stack greater than or equal to the temperature threshold of the hydrogen gas fed into the stack, and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the temperature threshold of the stack.

[0074] Optionally, the control module 830 is further configured to determine the first heating power and the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature.

[0075] Optionally, the first control submodule is also used for: The required power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the stack temperature threshold. The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of the hydrogen, and the power loss of the fuel cell stack.

[0076] Optionally, the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device, and the first control submodule is further used for: Determine the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor; The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of hydrogen, the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack, and the auxiliary heating power.

[0077] Optionally, the third control submodule is also used for: The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The pipeline heat loss power of hydrogen in the pipeline is determined based on the hydrogen temperature of the hydrogen storage tank in the fuel cell system and the ambient temperature. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, and the fuel cell stack heat loss power.

[0078] Optionally, the fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device, and the third control submodule is further used for: Determine the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor; The second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, the fuel cell stack heat loss power, and the auxiliary heating power.

[0079] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0080] The above technical solution, upon receiving a start-up signal from the fuel cell, acquires the hydrogen inlet temperature and the fuel cell stack temperature. Based on these temperatures, the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined. The heating unit then heats the fuel cell stack and the inlet hydrogen at this power to ensure that the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature meet the fuel cell's operating requirements. By jointly adjusting the heating power of the heating unit based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature, the operating requirements of the fuel cell are met, extending the stack's lifespan.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the electronic device 900 may include a processor 901 and a memory 902. The electronic device 900 may also include one or more of a multimedia component 903, an input / output (I / O) interface 904, and a communication component 905.

[0082] The processor 901 controls the overall operation of the electronic device 900 to complete all or part of the steps in the aforementioned fuel cell control method. The memory 902 stores various types of data to support the operation of the electronic device 900. This data may include, for example, instructions for any application or method operating on the electronic device 900, and application-related data such as contact data, sent and received messages, pictures, audio, video, etc. The memory 902 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The multimedia component 903 may include a screen and audio components. The screen may be, for example, a touchscreen, and the audio component is used to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component may include a microphone for receiving external audio signals. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 902 or transmitted via communication component 905. The audio component also includes at least one speaker for outputting audio signals. I / O interface 904 provides an interface between processor 901 and other interface modules, such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, etc. These buttons may be virtual or physical buttons. Communication component 905 is used for wired or wireless communication between the electronic device 900 and other devices. Wireless communication may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), 2G, 3G, or 4G, or a combination of these. Therefore, the corresponding communication component 905 may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, or an NFC module.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 900 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the fuel cell control method described above.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium including program instructions is also provided, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the fuel cell control method described above. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be the memory 902 including program instructions, which may be executed by the processor 901 of the electronic device 900 to complete the fuel cell control method described above.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, which includes a computer program executable by a processor, which, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the fuel cell control method described above.

[0086] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is also provided, the vehicle including as follows Figure 8 The fuel cell control device 800 shown is shown.

[0087] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0088] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0089] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel cell control method characterized by, The method, applied to a fuel cell system, includes: When the start signal of the fuel cell is received, the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack are obtained. The heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature; the heating power includes a first heating power and a second heating power. The heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the fuel cell stack at the first heating power. When the hydrogen inlet temperature reaches the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature reaches the stack temperature threshold, the fuel cell is controlled to start. After the fuel cell is started, the heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas entering the stack with the second heating power to maintain the hydrogen gas entering the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold. Furthermore, the first heating power and the second heating power are determined based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature. Determining the first heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: The required power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the stack temperature threshold. The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of the hydrogen gas, and the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device. Determining the first heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: Determine the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor; The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of hydrogen, the power loss of the fuel cell stack, and the auxiliary heating power.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The pipeline heat loss power of hydrogen in the pipeline is determined based on the hydrogen temperature of the hydrogen storage cylinder in the fuel cell system and the ambient temperature. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, and the fuel cell stack heat loss power.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device. Determining the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen inlet temperature, inlet temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: Determine the auxiliary heating power of the auxiliary heating device for the hydrogen entering the reactor; The second heating power is determined based on the hydrogen demand power, the pipeline heat loss power, the fuel cell stack heat loss power, and the auxiliary heating power.

5. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, The system is applied to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the system comprises: a hydrogen storage tank, a first plate heat exchanger, a fuel cell stack, a heating unit, a water pump, and a second plate heat exchanger; The hydrogen storage tank is connected to the first plate heat exchanger, which is connected to the fuel cell stack. The second plate heat exchanger is connected to the first plate heat exchanger. The first plate heat exchanger is used to exchange heat between the circulating liquid from the second plate heat exchanger and the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank. The second plate heat exchanger is connected to the fuel cell stack and is used to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell stack. The heating unit is connected to the second plate heat exchanger, and the water pump is connected to both the heating unit and the second plate heat exchanger to circulate the circulating liquid between the heating unit and the second plate heat exchanger. The fuel cell stack includes an auxiliary heating device for heating the fuel cell stack and regulating the temperature of hydrogen flowing through the first plate heat exchanger.

6. A fuel cell control device, characterized in that, The device, used in a fuel cell system, includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature of the fuel cell stack when the start signal of the fuel cell is received. The determining module is used to determine the heating power of the heating unit in the fuel cell system based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the stack temperature; the heating power includes a first heating power and a second heating power; The control module is used to heat the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas fed into the fuel cell stack at the first heating power through the heating unit; When the hydrogen inlet temperature reaches the inlet temperature threshold and the stack temperature reaches the stack temperature threshold, the fuel cell is controlled to start. After the fuel cell is started, the heating unit heats the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen gas entering the stack with the second heating power to maintain the hydrogen gas entering the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold and the stack temperature greater than or equal to the stack temperature threshold. And the determining module is used to determine the first heating power and the second heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature. Determining the first heating power based on at least one of the hydrogen infeed temperature, infeed temperature threshold, stack temperature, stack temperature threshold, and ambient temperature includes: The required power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the stack temperature threshold. The required hydrogen power is determined based on the hydrogen inlet temperature and the inlet temperature threshold. The heat loss power of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the stack temperature and the ambient temperature. The first heating power is determined based on the power demand of the fuel cell stack, the power demand of the hydrogen gas, and the heat loss power of the fuel cell stack.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell control device as described in claim 6.

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