Cooperative control method and system for multi-module flexible solid hydrogen storage fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of fuel cells, in particular to a cooperative control method and system for a multi-module flexible solid hydrogen storage fuel cell system. The method comprises the following steps: S1, acquiring pressure signals and temperature signals of at least two hydrogen storage modules arranged in parallel, load signals of fuel cell modules and environment temperature signals in real time; s2, judging whether the system enters a low-temperature starting mode or not, if so, executing a low-temperature starting control sub-process: selecting a target hydrogen storage module, and controlling a heat management subsystem to centrally guide an available heat source to the target module; and if not, executing a normal operation control sub-process: executing main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling according to the pressure signal of each hydrogen storage module so as to determine the current main hydrogen supply module, and controlling the heat management subsystem to perform dynamic heat distribution according to the temperature signal of the main hydrogen supply module and the load signal of the fuel cell module. The system can be reliably and quickly started and operated at low temperature, the energy efficiency of the system is improved, and the overall efficiency and service life of the system are prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a collaborative control method and system for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] Solid-state hydrogen storage technology, due to its high volumetric hydrogen storage density and high safety, is considered an ideal hydrogen storage solution for integration with fuel cells to build compact, mobile power generation units. To meet the capacity requirements of practical applications, the system typically integrates multiple hydrogen storage modules in parallel. In recent years, flexible solid-state hydrogen storage devices have attracted attention due to their ability to adapt to irregular spatial layouts. Connecting multiple such flexible modules in parallel and then connecting them to fuel cells via manifolds constitutes the basic structure of a power generation system with high design freedom.

[0003] However, simply possessing the aforementioned physical structure does not solve the core operational challenges faced by this integrated system: 1. Solid hydrogen storage materials require heat absorption to release hydrogen, and the reaction rate is low at low temperatures, which limits the cold start of the system; 2. Fuel cell power generation generates a large amount of waste heat, and traditional independent heat dissipation designs result in energy waste; 3. Without coordinated management among multiple hydrogen storage modules, problems such as uneven hydrogen supply, overload of a single module, or insufficient utilization may occur, affecting the overall efficiency, lifespan, and stability of hydrogen supply of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the background technology by proposing a collaborative control method and system for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system. This system can reliably and quickly start and operate at low temperatures, utilize waste heat, improve system energy efficiency, and collaboratively control the hydrogen storage module, fuel cell, and thermal management system to ensure uniform, stable, and sufficient hydrogen supply, thereby extending the overall system efficiency and lifespan.

[0005] On the one hand, this invention proposes a collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system, comprising the following steps: S1. Real-time acquisition of pressure and temperature signals from at least two hydrogen storage modules connected in parallel, load signals from fuel cell modules, and ambient temperature signals; S2. Determine if the system has entered low-temperature startup mode: If so, execute the low-temperature start-up control sub-process: select a target hydrogen storage module, control the thermal management subsystem to concentrate available heat sources to the target module, and determine whether the start-up conditions are met based on the temperature and pressure signals of the target module. If they are met, start the fuel cell module. If not, the normal operation control sub-process is executed: the main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling is performed based on the pressure signal of each hydrogen storage module to determine the current main hydrogen supply module, and the thermal management subsystem is controlled to perform dynamic heat distribution based on the temperature signal of the main hydrogen supply module and the load signal of the fuel cell module.

[0006] Preferably, the hydrogen storage module with the highest current pressure is selected as the target module.

[0007] Preferably, the available heat sources include waste heat generated during the startup of the fuel cell module and / or heat generated by the system's built-in auxiliary electric heater.

[0008] Preferably, the main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling steps include: identifying the hydrogen storage module with the highest pressure as the main hydrogen supply module and opening the corresponding electronic control valve; continuously monitoring the pressure of the main hydrogen supply module; and when the pressure is lower than the switching pressure threshold, performing a switch: closing the electronic control valve of the current main hydrogen supply module, identifying the hydrogen storage module with the second highest pressure as the new main hydrogen supply module, and opening the corresponding electronic control valve.

[0009] Preferably, the dynamic heat distribution step includes: controlling the thermal management subsystem to preferentially direct waste heat to the original main hydrogen supply module that has been switched off, and heating and restoring it.

[0010] Preferably, the normal operation control subprocess also includes a predictive thermal management step: preheating the next hydrogen storage module that may be put into use in advance based on the load change trend of the fuel cell module.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention proposes a system for implementing the above-mentioned collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system, comprising a hydrogen storage module, an electronically controlled valve, a hydrogen supply manifold, a thermal management subsystem, and a system controller; the hydrogen storage module is a flexible solid-state hydrogen storage module, and at least two are arranged in parallel; the electronically controlled valves are correspondingly arranged at the outlet end of each hydrogen storage module; the inlet end of the hydrogen supply manifold is connected to the outlet end of each electronically controlled valve, and the outlet end of the hydrogen supply manifold is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell module; the thermal management subsystem receives the waste heat generated by the fuel cell module and selectively guides the waste heat to different hydrogen storage modules; the system controller is communicatively connected to the electronically controlled valve and the thermal management subsystem, and executes steps S1 and S2.

[0012] Preferably, the hydrogen storage module includes a flexible tube and a hydrogen storage composite material encapsulated within the flexible tube. The hydrogen storage composite material includes a porous foam metal skeleton and solid hydrogen storage alloy particles filling the pores of the porous foam metal skeleton.

[0013] Preferably, the thermal management subsystem includes a waste heat recovery channel, a distribution unit connected to the waste heat recovery channel, and a heat exchange unit corresponding to each hydrogen storage module. The distribution unit is used to regulate the waste heat flow to each heat exchange unit.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Achieved a leap in system-level energy efficiency: The control method uses the waste heat of the fuel cell to meet the heat absorption requirements of the hydrogen storage module, realizing the active circulation and efficient utilization of energy within the system, and significantly improving the overall energy efficiency.

[0015] 2. Breakthrough in low-temperature applications: Concentrate a limited heat source to rapidly increase the temperature of key hydrogen storage modules, ensuring rapid and reliable start-up and operation of the system in frigid environments.

[0016] 3. Ensures long-term operational reliability and lifespan: The main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling combined with the heat recovery strategy after module switching achieves smooth and uninterrupted switching of hydrogen supply pressure, improving reliability. Furthermore, by balancing the workload and charge / discharge cycles of each module, it slows down degradation and extends the overall lifespan of the system.

[0017] 4. Improved dynamic response and adaptive capabilities: Based on dynamic heat distribution with feedback from multiple parameters such as real-time load and temperature, the system can adapt to changes in external operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure and energy flow (waste heat) / mass flow (hydrogen) of the collaborative control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between multiple hydrogen storage modules and the hydrogen supply manifold distributed in parallel in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the collaborative control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a performance comparison between a system employing the collaborative control method of this invention and a conventional system without collaborative control during the low-temperature startup phase. Detailed Implementation

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment proposes a collaborative control system for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system, including a hydrogen storage module, an electronically controlled valve, a hydrogen supply manifold, a thermal management subsystem, and a system controller.

[0020] The hydrogen storage module is a flexible solid-state hydrogen storage module, and at least two are connected in parallel, such as hydrogen storage module A and hydrogen storage module B. Figure 2 As shown, multiple hydrogen storage modules are connected in parallel to the hydrogen supply manifold through multiple branch interfaces. Each hydrogen storage module includes a flexible tube body and a hydrogen storage composite material encapsulated within the flexible tube body. The hydrogen storage composite material includes a porous foam metal skeleton and solid hydrogen storage alloy particles filling the pores of the porous foam metal skeleton. The porous foam metal skeleton can be made of nickel. The hydrogen storage composite material is beneficial for thermal conductivity and resistance to pulverization.

[0021] The electronically controlled valves are installed one-to-one at the outlet of each hydrogen storage module, such as valve A and valve B corresponding to hydrogen storage module A and hydrogen storage module B, respectively.

[0022] The inlet of the hydrogen supply manifold is connected to the outlet of each electronically controlled valve. Hydrogen output from each hydrogen storage module flows into the hydrogen supply manifold through the electronically controlled valve. The outlet of the hydrogen supply manifold is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell module, thereby uniformly delivering hydrogen to the fuel cell module.

[0023] The thermal management subsystem receives waste heat generated by the fuel cell module and selectively directs it to different hydrogen storage modules. The thermal management subsystem includes a waste heat recovery channel, a distribution unit connected to the waste heat recovery channel, and heat exchange units corresponding to each hydrogen storage module. The distribution unit is used to regulate the waste heat flow rate to each heat exchange unit.

[0024] The system controller communicates with the electronically controlled valves and the thermal management subsystem, collects pressure (P) and temperature (T) sensor signals from each module, load (L) signals from the fuel cell, and ambient temperature signals, and outputs commands to control the opening and closing of each electronically controlled valve and the heat distribution path of the thermal management subsystem.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system executed by the system controller includes the following steps: S1. After the system is powered on, it first performs initialization and collects the pressure and temperature signals of at least two hydrogen storage modules connected in parallel, the load signal of the fuel cell module, and the ambient temperature signal in real time. S2. Determine if the system temperature is below 5°C (this threshold is just an example and can be adjusted according to the characteristics of different hydrogen storage materials): If so, the low-temperature start-up control sub-process is executed: The system controller selects the hydrogen storage module with the highest current pressure as the target module, controls the thermal management subsystem to concentrate available heat sources to the target module, continuously monitors its temperature and pressure, and determines whether the start-up conditions are met based on the temperature and pressure signals of the target module. For example, if the temperature of the target module is found to be above 20°C (this threshold is only an example and can be adjusted according to the characteristics of different hydrogen storage materials) and the pressure is stable, the fuel cell module is started to complete the low-temperature start-up. The single hydrogen storage module is quickly activated by concentrating heat to ensure reliable start-up. The available heat sources include waste heat generated during the start-up of the fuel cell module and / or heat generated by the system's own auxiliary electric heater. If not, or after the low-temperature start-up process is completed, the normal operation control sub-process is executed, which includes two parallel closed-loop processes: 1. Perform main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling based on the pressure signals of each hydrogen storage module to determine the current main hydrogen supply module, and based on the temperature signal of the main hydrogen supply module and the load signal of the fuel cell module. 2. Control the thermal management subsystem to perform dynamic heat distribution.

[0026] 1. The main-backup hydrogen supply scheduling intelligently switches the hydrogen supply source according to the pressure status to maintain pressure stability. The main-backup hydrogen supply scheduling steps include: determining the hydrogen storage module with the highest pressure as the main hydrogen supply module and opening the corresponding electronic control valve; continuously monitoring the pressure of the main hydrogen supply module; when the pressure is lower than the switching pressure threshold (e.g., 65% of the rated working pressure), the switching is performed: closing the electronic control valve of the current main hydrogen supply module, determining the hydrogen storage module with the second highest pressure as the new main hydrogen supply module, and opening the corresponding electronic control valve.

[0027] 2. Dynamic heat distribution precisely allocates waste heat based on the status of the main hydrogen supply module and the power generation load to maintain efficient hydrogen release and enable thermal recovery after module switching. The dynamic heat distribution steps include: the system controller calculates the required auxiliary heating based on the current temperature of the main hydrogen supply module and the fuel cell load, and adjusts the thermal management subsystem to direct an appropriate amount of waste heat to the main hydrogen supply module to maintain its optimal operating temperature. When a hydrogen supply module is switched, the thermal management subsystem prioritizes directing waste heat to the switched-off original main hydrogen supply module for heating and recovery, accelerating the release of residual hydrogen and restoring pressure as quickly as possible in preparation for the next use.

[0028] In addition, the normal operation control sub-process also includes a predictive thermal management step: the system controller analyzes the load change trend of the fuel cell module. If it is determined that the load will continue to rise and the standby module may be activated soon, the next hydrogen storage module that may be put into use will be preheated in advance, and the standby high-pressure module will be lightly preheated to put it in a "thermal ready" state, so as to achieve a faster dynamic response when switching is required.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the experimental data verified the effectiveness of the present invention. Curve A (the system of the present invention) showed a rapid increase in output power to a stable value after low-temperature startup; while curve B (a comparison system with the same hardware but without intelligent collaborative control) exhibited a significant startup delay and slow power ramp-up, fully demonstrating the value of the present invention in improving the overall performance of the system.

[0030] The collaborative control method and system of the multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system in this embodiment deeply integrates the originally independent hydrogen storage module, fuel cell, and thermal management system into an intelligent and collaborative organic whole, enabling deep collaboration among the various parts of the hardware system and forming a closed loop of "state perception - intelligent decision-making - precise execution". This embodiment mainly has the following advantages: 1. Achieved a leap in system-level energy efficiency: The control method transforms the waste heat of the fuel cell from waste to be treated into a precisely delivered resource to meet the heat absorption requirements of the hydrogen storage module, realizing the active circulation and efficient utilization of energy within the system and significantly improving overall energy efficiency.

[0031] 2. Breakthrough in low-temperature applications: Through a dedicated low-temperature start-up control subprocess, the temperature of key hydrogen storage modules is rapidly increased by concentrating limited heat sources, effectively solving the core pain point of slow hydrogen release at low temperatures in solid-state hydrogen storage, and ensuring rapid and reliable start-up and operation of the system in frigid environments.

[0032] 3. Ensures long-term operational reliability and lifespan: The main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling combined with the heat recovery strategy after module switching not only achieves smooth and uninterrupted switching of hydrogen supply pressure, improving reliability, but also slows down degradation and extends the overall lifespan of the system by balancing the workload and charge-discharge cycles of each module.

[0033] 4. Enhanced dynamic response and adaptive capabilities: Dynamic heat distribution based on real-time load, temperature, and other multi-parameter feedback enables the system to adapt to changes in external operating conditions. Predictive preheating further improves the system's response speed to load demands.

[0034] This invention was implemented in a hydrogen power system for an unmanned patrol vehicle. The system is equipped with four flexible LaNi5 hydrogen storage modules, a 1.2kW fuel cell stack, and an intelligent thermal management system based on coolant circulation. In a -5°C environmental test, the system controller automatically entered a low-temperature start-up mode, using an electric heater to centrally heat the highest-pressure hydrogen storage module (Module 1). After approximately 180 seconds, the temperature of Module 1 reached the target, and the fuel cell successfully started. During operation, when the pressure of Module 1 drops to the switching threshold, the system controller seamlessly switches to Module 2 for hydrogen supply and immediately redirects waste heat to Module 1 for thermal recovery. Throughout the process, the output voltage fluctuation is less than ±1.5 V, and the vehicle's power is undetectably interrupted. Compared to the old, fixed control program, the new system reduces the low-temperature start-up time by approximately 60% and improves the pressure balance between modules by 40%.

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Real-time acquisition of pressure and temperature signals from at least two hydrogen storage modules connected in parallel, load signals from fuel cell modules, and ambient temperature signals; S2. Determine if the system has entered low-temperature startup mode: If so, execute the low-temperature start-up control sub-process: select a target hydrogen storage module, control the thermal management subsystem to concentrate available heat sources to the target module, and determine whether the start-up conditions are met based on the temperature and pressure signals of the target module. If they are met, start the fuel cell module. If not, the normal operation control sub-process is executed: the main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling is performed based on the pressure signal of each hydrogen storage module to determine the current main hydrogen supply module, and the thermal management subsystem is controlled to perform dynamic heat distribution based on the temperature signal of the main hydrogen supply module and the load signal of the fuel cell module.

2. The collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage module with the highest current pressure was selected as the target module.

3. The collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Available heat sources include waste heat generated during the startup of the fuel cell module and / or heat generated by the system's built-in auxiliary electric heater.

4. The collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main-standby hydrogen supply scheduling steps include: identifying the hydrogen storage module with the highest pressure as the main hydrogen supply module and opening the corresponding electronic control valve; continuously monitoring the pressure of the main hydrogen supply module; and when the pressure is lower than the switching pressure threshold, performing a switch: closing the electronic control valve of the current main hydrogen supply module, identifying the hydrogen storage module with the second highest pressure as the new main hydrogen supply module, and opening the corresponding electronic control valve.

5. The collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dynamic heat distribution process includes: controlling the thermal management subsystem to prioritize the redirection of waste heat to the original main hydrogen supply module that has been switched off, and then heating and restoring it.

6. The collaborative control method for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The normal operation control subprocess also includes a predictive thermal management step: preheating the next hydrogen storage module that may be put into use based on the load change trend of the fuel cell module.

7. A collaborative control system for a multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system, used to execute the collaborative control method for the multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: At least two flexible solid-state hydrogen storage modules are connected in parallel; One-to-one correspondence between the electrically controlled valves installed at the outlet end of each hydrogen storage module; The hydrogen supply manifold has its inlet end connected to the outlet end of each electronically controlled valve, and its outlet end connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell module. The thermal management subsystem receives waste heat generated by the fuel cell module and selectively directs the waste heat to different hydrogen storage modules. The system controller, which is communicatively connected to the electrically controlled valve and the thermal management subsystem, performs steps S1 and S2 of claim 1.

8. The collaborative control system of the multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage module includes a flexible tube and a hydrogen storage composite material encapsulated within the flexible tube. The hydrogen storage composite material includes a porous foam metal skeleton and solid hydrogen storage alloy particles filling the pores of the porous foam metal skeleton.

9. The collaborative control system for the multi-module flexible solid-state hydrogen storage fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thermal management subsystem includes a waste heat recovery channel, a distribution unit connected to the waste heat recovery channel, and heat exchange units corresponding to each hydrogen storage module. The distribution unit is used to regulate the waste heat flow to each heat exchange unit.

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