Fuel cell control management system and method thereof
The fuel cell control and management system, which integrates hydrogen storage module, stack heat dissipation module, DC/DC module and FCU control module, solves the problems of complex architecture and insufficient real-time performance of existing systems, realizes fine-grained monitoring and high-reliability management of stack status, and extends the service life of fuel cells.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610191162.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing fuel cell control systems suffer from problems such as fragmented functional modules, a single EMU management strategy, and insufficient real-time performance and reliability. This results in complex system architecture, difficulties in coordinated control, and an inability to actively manage stack performance degradation, making it difficult to meet high real-time requirements.
A fuel cell control and management system is adopted, which integrates a hydrogen storage module, a stack heat dissipation module, a DC/DC module, a motor drive module, and an FCU control module. The FCU control module monitors the hydrogen balance and realizes power supply control and early warning. Combined with an optimized task scheduling mechanism, it realizes fine-grained monitoring and management of the stack status.
The system architecture has been simplified, enabling refined monitoring of the stack status and proactive safety protection, improving the real-time performance and reliability of the system, and extending the service life of the fuel cell.
Smart Images
Figure CN122025702A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell system control technology, specifically to a fuel cell control management system and method. Background Technology
[0002] When a fuel cell system operates, fuel (hydrogen, methanol, etc.) and oxygen (usually air) are fed into the core reaction unit, the fuel cell stack. After chemical reactions, it outputs electrical and thermal energy and eliminates the final products. It is no longer merely a vehicle drive controller, but the "brain" or "energy manager" of a complex energy system. Its primary task is to coordinate the two power sources—fuel cells and lithium batteries—which have vastly different characteristics, to optimize the overall vehicle performance, efficiency, and durability. However, with the development of fuel cell technology, especially automotive fuel cell systems, the requirements for the real-time performance, reliability, safety, and efficiency of system control are increasingly stringent. Existing fuel cell control systems typically suffer from the following problems: Dispersed functional modules: The control functions of fuel cell control systems (such as hydrogen supply and thermal management) are usually implemented by multiple independent controllers or software modules, resulting in complex system architecture, high communication load, and difficulty in coordinated control; EMU Management Strategy is Simple: The management strategy of the electric management unit (EMU, which usually refers to the subsystem responsible for fuel cell stack voltage monitoring, stack health status assessment, etc.) is relatively simple; existing solutions often only focus on the protection of a single fault, lacking proactive management and adaptive adjustment of stack performance degradation and consistency changes, and cannot maximize stack life and system efficiency while ensuring safety. Insufficient real-time performance and reliability: Traditional control software architecture has an imperfect task scheduling mechanism, which is difficult to meet the requirements of high real-time performance of multiple tasks; when the system state changes rapidly or a fault occurs, the response is not timely, which may lead to fuel cell damage or system performance degradation. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a fuel cell control and management system and method, which simplifies the system architecture, enables optimized management of the fuel cell stack status, and ensures real-time performance and operational reliability.
[0004] This invention adopts the following technical solution: a fuel cell control and management system, comprising: A hydrogen storage module, connected to the fuel cell stack, is used to supply hydrogen. The fuel cell stack heat dissipation module is connected to both the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen storage module, and is used to dissipate heat from the fuel cell stack and heat the hydrogen storage module. The DC / DC module is connected to both the fuel cell stack and the lithium battery, and is used to realize voltage-to-current conversion. The motor drive module is connected to both the DC / DC module and the lithium battery, and is used to control the forward and reverse rotation of the motor based on the power supply method of the DC / DC module and the lithium battery. The FCU control module is connected to both the hydrogen storage module and the DC / DC module. It is used to monitor the hydrogen balance of the hydrogen storage module, control the power supply and the DC / DC module, and provide early warning of low hydrogen balance.
[0005] Furthermore, it also includes an IOT module, which is connected to the FCU control module and is used to receive the low hydrogen balance warning signal output by the FCU control module to realize the warning response; The present invention also provides a fuel cell control and management method, comprising the following steps: S1. In the system running state, the acquired voltage of a single fuel cell stack is compared with the first voltage threshold V1. If the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is greater than the first voltage threshold V1, then proceed to step S2; if the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is less than the first voltage threshold V1, then the system enters the standby state. S2. The system applies load current at a load rate N1 until the DC / DC module output power reaches the target power P, and then proceeds to step S3. S3. The system operates at rated power and during operation, the temperature of the fuel stack is compared with the first temperature threshold T1. If it is greater than the first temperature threshold T1, the system performs current derating and returns to step S2; if it is less than the first temperature threshold T1, step S4 is performed. S4. Obtain the hydrogen balance SOC of the hydrogen storage module through the FCU control module and compare it with the hydrogen balance threshold N. If the hydrogen balance SOC is greater than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the system continues to charge the lithium battery at the rated power until the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. At this time, the system enters the shutdown stage. If it is less than the hydrogen balance threshold N, a low hydrogen balance warning is issued.
[0006] Furthermore, in step S1, if the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is less than the first voltage threshold V1, the system enters a standby state and operates at standby power P1. Furthermore, the first voltage threshold V1 is in the range of 0.55V to 0.65V; the standby power P1 is in the range of 20W to 100W; and the target power P is in the range of 100W to 500W. Furthermore, in step S2, after the system draws in the load current at the load speed N1, it also includes: determining whether the output power of the DC / DC module has reached the target power P. If yes, then proceed to step S3; if no, then the system continues to draw in the load current at the load speed N1. Furthermore, in step S3, when the fuel stack temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold T1, the system further includes: the system performs current deloading at a deloading rate N2. At this time, it is determined whether the fuel stack temperature is less than the second temperature threshold T2. If yes, the system returns to step S2; if no, the system continues to perform current deloading at a deloading rate N2. Furthermore, the loading speed N1 ranges from 1A / s to 10A / s; the unloading speed N2 ranges from 5A / s to 10A / s; the first temperature threshold T1 ranges from 60℃ to 70℃; the second temperature threshold T2 ranges from 50℃ to 60℃; the hydrogen balance threshold N ranges from 10% to 20%; and the second voltage threshold V2 ranges from 42V to 52V. Furthermore, in step S4, if the hydrogen balance SOC is less than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the following steps are also included: S4.1 The system actively reduces the load and reports a low hydrogen SOC warning through the FCU control module; S4.2 The system enters the power limiting operation stage and continues to charge the lithium battery; S4.3 Determine whether the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. If yes, the system enters the shutdown phase; otherwise, return to step S4.2. Furthermore, in step S4, if the hydrogen balance SOC is greater than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the system continues to charge the lithium battery at the rated power. At this time, it is determined whether the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. If yes, the system enters the shutdown stage; if no, it returns to step S3.
[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are that it monitors the hydrogen balance of the hydrogen storage module through the FCU control module, realizes power supply control and DC / DC module control, and realizes low hydrogen balance early warning. It not only simplifies the overall architecture of the management system, but also enables fine-grained monitoring of the stack status. Through the optimized architecture and task scheduling mechanism, it ensures the real-time control and system stability, and has good application value. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0009] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a fuel cell control and management system of the present invention includes: The hydrogen storage module, connected to the fuel cell stack, is used to supply hydrogen. The fuel cell stack heat dissipation module is connected to both the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen storage module. It is used to dissipate heat from the fuel cell stack and to heat the hydrogen storage module. The DC / DC module is connected to both the fuel cell stack and the lithium battery to achieve voltage-to-current conversion. The motor drive module is connected to both the DC / DC module and the lithium battery, and is used to achieve forward and reverse rotation control of the motor based on the power supply method of the DC / DC module and the lithium battery. The FCU control module is connected to both the hydrogen storage module and the DC / DC module. It is used to monitor the hydrogen balance of the hydrogen storage module, realize power supply control, control the DC / DC module, communicate with the IoT module, and realize low hydrogen balance early warning. The IOT module connects to the FCU control module and is used to receive the low hydrogen balance warning signal output by the FCU control module to realize the warning response. That is, it receives the operating data output by the FCU control module to realize remote software upgrade, start-stop control and warning of the FCU module.
[0010] The present invention also provides a fuel cell control and management method, comprising the following steps: S1. In the system running state, the acquired voltage of a single fuel cell stack is compared with the first voltage threshold V1. If the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is greater than the first voltage threshold V1, then proceed to step S2; if the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is less than the first voltage threshold V1, then the system enters the standby state. Furthermore, in step S1, if the voltage of a single fuel stack cell is less than the first voltage threshold V1, the system enters standby mode and operates at standby power P1. S2. The system slowly applies the load current at a load rate of N1 until the output power of the DC / DC module reaches the target power P, and then proceeds to step S3. Furthermore, in step S2, after the system draws in the load current at the load speed N1, it also includes: determining whether the output power of the DC / DC module has reached the target power P. If yes, then proceed to step S3; if no, then the system continues to draw in the load current at the load speed N1. S3. The system operates at rated power and during operation, the temperature of the fuel stack is compared with the first temperature threshold T1. If it is greater than the first temperature threshold T1, the system performs current derating and returns to step S2; if it is less than the first temperature threshold T1, step S4 is performed. Furthermore, in step S3, when the fuel stack temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold T1, the system further includes: reducing the current load at a reduction rate N2. At this time, it is determined whether the fuel stack temperature is less than the second temperature threshold T2. If yes, the system returns to step S2, that is, it resumes the normal load-loading rate N1. If no, the system continues to reduce the current load at a reduction rate N2 until the stack temperature is less than the second temperature threshold T2. S4. Obtain the hydrogen balance SOC of the hydrogen storage module through the FCU control module and compare it with the hydrogen balance threshold N. If the hydrogen balance SOC is greater than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the system continues to charge the lithium battery at the rated power until the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. At this time, the system enters the shutdown stage. If it is less than the hydrogen balance threshold N, a low hydrogen balance warning is issued. Furthermore, in step S4, if the hydrogen balance SOC is less than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the following steps are also included: S4.1 The system actively reduces the load and reports a low hydrogen SOC warning to the IOT module through the FCU control module; S4.2 The system enters the power limiting operation stage and continues to charge the lithium battery; S4.3 Determine whether the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. If yes, the system enters the shutdown phase; otherwise, return to step S4.2. Furthermore, in step S4, if the hydrogen balance SOC is greater than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the system continues to charge the lithium battery at the rated power. At this time, it is determined whether the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. If yes, the system enters the shutdown stage; otherwise, it returns to step S3.
[0011] The first voltage threshold V1 ranges from 0.55V to 0.65V; the standby power P1 ranges from 20W to 100W; the target power P ranges from 100W to 500W; the load-pushing speed N1 ranges from 1A / s to 10A / s; the load-unloading speed N2 ranges from 5A / s to 10A / s; the first temperature threshold T1 ranges from 60℃ to 70℃; the second temperature threshold T2 ranges from 50℃ to 60℃; the hydrogen balance threshold N ranges from 10% to 20%; and the second voltage threshold V2 ranges from 42V to 52V.
[0012] This invention enables efficient coordination of hydrogen-electric and lithium-electric hybrid power, significantly improving the overall range of fuel cell-assisted vehicles and extending the lifespan of fuel cells. Specifically, the hydrogen storage module supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. The heat generated by the fuel cell stack's power generation passes through the stack's heat dissipation module and then heats the hydrogen storage module, achieving heat energy recovery and utilization. The FCU control module monitors the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage module in real time and estimates the hydrogen balance SOC. When the hydrogen balance SOC falls below the hydrogen balance threshold N, a power limiting mechanism is triggered, and the FCU control module reports a low hydrogen SOC warning to the IOT module. The fuel cell stack is connected to a DC / DC module, which controls the charging of the lithium battery and the power supply to the motor drive module via the FCU control module. During the non-starting phase of the fuel cell stack, the lithium battery supplies power to the motor drive module.
[0013] In summary, the present invention has the following technical effects: Functional integration: The core control functions of the fuel cell system are integrated into a single controller (FCU), simplifying the system architecture; Intelligent EMU management: Enables refined monitoring of fuel cell stack status, proactive safety protection, and performance optimization; High system reliability: Through optimized architecture and task scheduling mechanisms, the real-time control and system stability are ensured.
[0014] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0015] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A fuel cell control and management system, characterized in that: It includes: A hydrogen storage module, connected to the fuel cell stack, is used to supply hydrogen. The fuel cell stack heat dissipation module is connected to both the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen storage module, and is used to dissipate heat from the fuel cell stack and heat the hydrogen storage module. The DC / DC module is connected to both the fuel cell stack and the lithium battery, and is used to realize voltage-to-current conversion. The motor drive module is connected to both the DC / DC module and the lithium battery, and is used to control the forward and reverse rotation of the motor based on the power supply method of the DC / DC module and the lithium battery. The FCU control module is connected to both the hydrogen storage module and the DC / DC module. It is used to monitor the hydrogen balance of the hydrogen storage module, control the power supply and the DC / DC module, and provide early warning of low hydrogen balance.
2. The fuel cell control and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an IOT module, which is connected to the FCU control module and is used to receive the low hydrogen balance warning signal output by the FCU control module to realize the warning response.
3. A fuel cell control and management method, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. In the system running state, the acquired voltage of a single fuel cell stack is compared with the first voltage threshold V1. If the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is greater than the first voltage threshold V1, then proceed to step S2; if the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is less than the first voltage threshold V1, then the system enters the standby state. S2. The system applies load current at a load rate N1 until the DC / DC module output power reaches the target power P, and then proceeds to step S3. S3. The system operates at rated power and during operation, the temperature of the fuel stack is compared with the first temperature threshold T1. If it is greater than the first temperature threshold T1, the system performs current derating and returns to step S2; if it is less than the first temperature threshold T1, step S4 is performed. S4. Obtain the hydrogen balance SOC of the hydrogen storage module through the FCU control module and compare it with the hydrogen balance threshold N. If the hydrogen balance SOC is greater than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the system continues to charge the lithium battery at the rated power until the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. At this time, the system enters the shutdown stage. If it is less than the hydrogen balance threshold N, a low hydrogen balance warning is issued.
4. The fuel cell control and management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S1, if the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is less than the first voltage threshold V1, the system enters standby mode and operates at standby power P1.
5. The fuel cell control and management method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first voltage threshold V1 ranges from 0.55V to 0.65V; the standby power P1 ranges from 20W to 100W; and the target power P ranges from 100W to 500W.
6. The fuel cell control and management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S2, after the system draws in the load current at a load rate N1, it further includes: determining whether the output power of the DC / DC module has reached the target power P. If yes, then proceed to step S3; if no, then the system continues to draw in the load current at a load rate N1.
7. The fuel cell control and management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S3, when the fuel cell stack temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold T1, the system further includes: the system performs current reduction at a reduction rate N2. At this time, it is determined whether the fuel cell stack temperature is less than the second temperature threshold T2. If yes, the system returns to step S2; if no, the system continues to perform current reduction at a reduction rate N2.
8. The fuel cell control and management method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The loading speed N1 ranges from 1A / s to 10A / s; the unloading speed N2 ranges from 5A / s to 10A / s; the first temperature threshold T1 ranges from 60℃ to 70℃; the second temperature threshold T2 ranges from 50℃ to 60℃; the hydrogen balance threshold N ranges from 10% to 20%; and the second voltage threshold V2 ranges from 42V to 52V.
9. A fuel cell control and management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S4, if the hydrogen balance SOC is less than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the following steps are also included: S4.1 The system actively reduces the load and reports a low hydrogen SOC warning through the FCU control module; S4.2 The system enters the power limiting operation stage and continues to charge the lithium battery; S4.3 Determine whether the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. If yes, the system enters the shutdown stage; otherwise, return to step S4.
2.
10. A fuel cell control and management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S4, if the hydrogen balance SOC is greater than the hydrogen balance threshold N, the system continues to charge the lithium battery at the rated power. At this time, it is determined whether the lithium battery voltage is greater than the second voltage threshold V2. If yes, the system enters the shutdown stage; otherwise, it returns to step S3.