Fuel cell system, control method and device thereof, and apparatus equipped with the system
By controlling the preset operating mode of the hydrogen circulation pump during cold start-up of the fuel cell system, the voltage fluctuation problem caused by condensate was solved, improving the performance and lifespan of the fuel cell stack.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FTXT ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
When a fuel cell system starts up cold, the formation of condensate in the hydrogen circulation pump causes voltage fluctuations in the fuel cell stack, affecting stack performance and lifespan.
By controlling the hydrogen circulation pump to operate according to a preset working mode in the cold start strategy, the pump body temperature is increased to avoid the formation of condensate. This includes continuous operation at a preset speed combined with steps such as hydrogen-nitrogen replacement, hydrogen supply, and air supply.
This effectively prevents liquid water from entering the anode side of the fuel cell stack, reduces voltage fluctuations, and improves the overall quality of the fuel cell system.
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Figure CN122117961A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a fuel cell system, its control method, apparatus, and equipment equipped with the fuel cell system. Background Technology
[0002] With energy and environmental issues becoming increasingly prominent, fuel cells, with their high efficiency and near-zero emissions, are gradually becoming the focus of attention.
[0003] In the field of fuel cells, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a type of fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen and air as fuel. They do not require a hydrogen-oxygen fuel reaction, but instead use a proton exchange membrane as the electrolyte to directly convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. They feature high energy efficiency, zero emissions, low noise, and reliable continuous operation under load. They can be applied not only in special fields such as aerospace and military, but also have great development potential in fuel cell power plants, new energy vehicles, and high-efficiency portable power supplies.
[0004] Currently, taking proton exchange membrane fuel cells as an example, during the startup of a fuel cell system, especially in the initial stage of cold start-up, liquid water present on the anode side of the stack can easily enter the anode, causing voltage fluctuations in the stack. This problem affects stack performance in the short term and, in the long term, affects stack lifespan, thus hindering the improvement of the fuel cell system's overall performance. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a control method for a fuel cell system to reduce voltage fluctuations during the startup of the fuel cell stack and improve the performance of the fuel cell system.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:
[0007] A control method for a fuel cell system, the control method comprising:
[0008] When the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system is determined based on the current operating conditions of the fuel cell system.
[0009] When the determined start-up strategy is a preset cold start strategy, the fuel cell system is controlled to execute the cold start strategy;
[0010] The cold start strategy includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump to operate in a preset working mode after the fuel cell system has completed its startup preparation, so as to raise the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump body to a level that will not cause condensation to form in the hydrogen circulation pump.
[0011] Furthermore, when the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, determining the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on its current operating condition includes:
[0012] When the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, the cooling system in the fuel cell system is turned on, and the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system is obtained;
[0013] When the temperature T of the coolant satisfies the first preset temperature threshold ≤ T ≤ the second preset temperature threshold, the start-up strategy is determined to be the preset cold start strategy.
[0014] Furthermore, after the cooling system is turned on, the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system is obtained, including:
[0015] Obtain the coolant temperature T1 at the fuel cell coolant inlet and the coolant temperature T2 at the fuel cell coolant outlet;
[0016] The temperature T of the coolant can be calculated using the formula T = (T1 + T2) / 2.
[0017] Furthermore, when the temperature T of the coolant satisfies T < a first preset temperature threshold, the fuel cell system is controlled to execute a preset low-temperature start-up strategy.
[0018] When the temperature T of the coolant satisfies T > a second preset temperature threshold, the fuel cell system is controlled to execute a preset thermal engine start-up strategy.
[0019] Furthermore, the preset operating mode includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump to operate continuously at a preset speed for a preset time, so that the gas in the fuel cell anode circulates through the hydrogen circulation pump.
[0020] Furthermore, the preset rotational speed is the maximum permissible rotational speed of the hydrogen circulation pump; and / or,
[0021] The preset time is determined in the following manner:
[0022] The hydrogen circulation pump was placed on a test bench and operated under a preset ambient temperature, preset gas pressure and maximum allowable speed, and the temperature of the pump body was obtained.
[0023] The time it takes for the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump body to increase from the preset ambient temperature to the preset temperature threshold is recorded, and this recorded time is determined as the preset time.
[0024] Furthermore, the fuel cell system includes a gas-liquid separator connected to the anode outlet of the fuel cell stack, and the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump is connected to the gas-liquid separator; and / or,
[0025] The cold start strategy also includes, after controlling the hydrogen circulation pump to operate according to the preset working mode, sequentially performing hydrogen-nitrogen replacement at the stack anode, hydrogen supply at the stack anode, air supply at the stack cathode, and establishing open-circuit voltage and load current.
[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0027] The control method for the fuel cell system described in this invention, by operating the hydrogen circulation pump according to a preset working mode in the cold start strategy, raises the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump body to a level that prevents condensation from forming in the hydrogen circulation pump. This prevents the gas exiting the stack anode from condensing at the hydrogen circulation pump, thus avoiding liquid water present on the stack anode side from entering the anode and causing voltage fluctuations in the stack. This helps reduce voltage fluctuations during stack startup and improves the overall performance of the fuel cell system.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a fuel cell system, which includes a determination module and a control module;
[0029] The determining module is used to determine the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on the current operating condition of the fuel cell system when the fuel cell system receives a start-up request.
[0030] The control module is used to control the fuel cell system to execute the cold start strategy when the determined start-up strategy is a preset cold start strategy;
[0031] The cold start strategy includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump to operate in a preset working mode after the fuel cell system has completed its startup preparation, so as to raise the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump body to a level that will not cause condensation to form in the hydrogen circulation pump.
[0032] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell system is equipped with a memory and a processor;
[0033] The memory stores computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the control method for the fuel cell system as described above.
[0034] In addition, the present invention also proposes a device equipped with a fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell system equipped in the device adopts the fuel cell system described above.
[0035] The fuel cell system, the control device for the fuel cell system, and the equipment equipped with the fuel cell system described in this invention have the same beneficial effects as the control method of the fuel cell system described above compared to the prior art, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description
[0036] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:
[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural configuration of the fuel cell system described in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the control method for the fuel cell system described in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 3 This is a logic diagram of the control method for the fuel cell system described in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control device of the fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the memory and processor in the fuel cell system described in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0043] 1. Fuel cell stack; 2. Hydrogen pressure regulating valve; 3. Gas-liquid separator; 4. Hydrogen circulation pump; 5. Drain valve; 6. Nitrogen purging valve; 7. Cooling system; 8. Coolant inlet temperature sensor; 9. Coolant outlet temperature sensor;
[0044] 10. Determine module; 20. Control module;
[0045] 100. Memory; 200. Processor. Detailed Implementation
[0046] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.
[0047] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.
[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationship, is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is also for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0049] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified, the connecting structures between mating components can be conventional in the art. Moreover, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in light of the specific circumstances.
[0050] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0051] Example 1
[0052] This embodiment relates to a control method for a fuel cell system. This control method is applicable to proton exchange membrane fuel cells and helps to reduce voltage fluctuations during stack startup, thereby improving the performance of the fuel cell system.
[0053] In this embodiment, the fuel cell system still takes a proton exchange membrane fuel cell as an example. In this fuel cell system, combined with Figure 1 As shown, it generally includes a fuel cell stack 1, a hydrogen supply system, an air supply system, a control system, a cooling system 7, and an exhaust system, etc.
[0054] As the core component of the fuel cell system, stack 1 generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of fuel (hydrogen) and oxidant (oxygen), and outputs it externally. The hydrogen supply system is used to deliver hydrogen from the hydrogen source to the anode of stack 1, and it continues to operate as... Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen supply system of the fuel cell system mainly includes a hydrogen pressure regulating valve 2, a hydrogen circulation pump 4, a drain valve 5, and a nitrogen discharge valve 6. In this embodiment, a gas-liquid separator 3 is also specially provided in the hydrogen supply system.
[0055] The aforementioned hydrogen pressure regulating valve 2 is used to control the hydrogen pressure at the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack 1. Normally, the fuel cell system adjusts the opening of the hydrogen pressure regulating valve 2 using PID closed-loop control to ensure a stable hydrogen pressure entering the fuel cell stack 1. The aforementioned gas-liquid separator 3 generally utilizes centrifugal principle to separate the gas and liquid water flowing out of the anode outlet of the fuel cell stack 1. Furthermore, the gas-liquid separator 3 reduces the moisture content in the mixed gas entering the hydrogen circulation pump 4, thus lowering the probability of condensation formation in the hydrogen circulation pump 4. The hydrogen circulation pump 4 is used to circulate hydrogen on the anode side of the fuel cell stack 1, improving hydrogen utilization. The drain valve 5 is used to discharge the liquid water separated from the gas-liquid separator 3, and the nitrogen venting valve 6 is used to discharge nitrogen from the anode.
[0056] The air supply system is used to supply air to the cathode of fuel cell stack 1, and it generally includes an air compressor, an intercooler, a humidifier, and multiple control valves. The control system is used to control the overall operation of the fuel cell system according to preset control commands. In addition to control devices such as the FCU (Fuel-cell Control Unit), the control system also includes many detection and sensing components installed in the system. These detection and sensing components, together with the corresponding controllers, realize the operation control of the fuel cell system.
[0057] The cooling system 7 is mainly used to supply coolant to the fuel cell stack 1 and to dissipate heat from the coolant, preventing the fuel cell stack 1 from overheating and affecting the normal operation of the system. The cooling system 7 is usually equipped with components such as a coolant circulation pump and a radiator. The tail exhaust system is mainly used to discharge various exhaust gases from the system. On the anode side of the fuel cell stack 1, the liquid water discharged by the drain valve 5 in the hydrogen supply system and the nitrogen discharged by the nitrogen vent valve 6 are also discharged through the tail exhaust system.
[0058] It is worth noting that, in addition to Figure 1 The partial structure of the hydrogen supply system shown in the figure, the other structures in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, and the specific structures of the air supply system, control system, cooling system and exhaust system, etc., can all be referred to the relevant structures in the existing fuel cell system, and will not be described again here.
[0059] Based on the above introduction to the structure of the fuel cell system, currently, when the fuel cell system is started up, especially in the initial stage of cold start, due to the low pump body temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump 4, the mixed gas containing water vapor coming out of the anode of the fuel cell stack 1 may condense in the hydrogen circulation pump 4, resulting in liquid water on the anode side of the fuel cell stack 1. After this liquid water enters the anode of the fuel cell stack 1 with the circulating hydrogen, it can easily cause voltage fluctuations in the fuel cell stack 1, which in turn has an adverse effect on the performance and lifespan of the fuel cell stack 1.
[0060] The control method in this embodiment is designed to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, where liquid water easily condenses in the hydrogen circulation pump 4 during cold start-up of the fuel cell system, affecting the performance and lifespan of the fuel cell stack 1. Furthermore, it incorporates... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in terms of overall design, the control method of the fuel cell system in this embodiment includes the following steps.
[0061] Step s1: When the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, determine the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on the current operating conditions of the fuel cell system.
[0062] In step s1, the start-up request received by the fuel cell system is generally sent to the fuel cell system by the device equipped with the fuel cell system. Specifically, taking a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system as an example, the start-up request of the fuel cell system is usually sent by the vehicle's VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) and received by the FCU in the fuel cell system. Then, the FCU can control the fuel cell system to perform the start-up action.
[0063] In this embodiment, when the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, as a preferred implementation, the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system is determined based on the current operating condition of the fuel cell system. For example, when the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, the cooling system 7 in the fuel cell system is turned on, and the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system 7 is obtained. Then, when the temperature T of the coolant satisfies the first preset temperature threshold ≤ T≤ the second preset temperature threshold, the start-up strategy is determined to be a preset cold start strategy.
[0064] The cooling system 7 is generally started by the FCU in the fuel cell system. During the start-up phase of the fuel cell system, after the coolant circulation pump in the cooling system 7 starts to run, the cooling system 7 usually operates in a small circulation mode. That is, the coolant does not pass through the radiator in the cooling system 7, but only circulates between the fuel cell stack 1 and the coolant circulation pump to facilitate the heating of the fuel cell stack 1.
[0065] It is understandable that the temperature of the coolant in the fuel cell system may not be the same as the ambient temperature of the location of the fuel cell system. For example, when the ambient temperature is low, the coolant temperature may still be above 0°C. Therefore, this embodiment obtains the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system 7 and uses the coolant temperature to determine the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system. Compared with the method of determining the start-up strategy by ambient temperature, this method can better reflect the operating conditions of the fuel cell system itself, which helps to improve the accuracy of the start-up strategy selection and thus improve the operating performance of the fuel cell system.
[0066] Furthermore, based on the determination of the start-up strategy through the temperature of the coolant in the cooling system 7, in a preferred embodiment, after the cooling system is turned on, the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system 7 is obtained. This may include obtaining the coolant temperature T1 at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack 1 and the coolant temperature T2 at the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack 1, and then calculating the coolant temperature T using the formula T = T1 + T2 / 2.
[0067] At this time, still refer to Figure 1 As shown, the coolant temperature T1 at the coolant inlet of fuel cell stack 1 and the coolant temperature T2 at the coolant outlet of fuel cell stack 1 can generally be obtained by a coolant inlet temperature sensor 8 installed at the coolant inlet of fuel cell stack 1 and a coolant outlet temperature sensor 9 installed at the coolant outlet of fuel cell stack 1, respectively. Furthermore, after the corresponding coolant temperatures are collected by the coolant inlet temperature sensor 8 and the coolant outlet temperature sensor 9, the relevant modules in the FCU of the fuel cell system can process the data to obtain the required coolant temperature T.
[0068] By calculating the required coolant temperature T from the inlet and outlet temperatures of the coolant in stack 1, it can be understood that this temperature better reflects the coolant temperature in the fuel cell system. In particular, the coolant temperature can be used to characterize the internal temperature of stack 1, which can further improve the accuracy of the fuel cell system start-up strategy judgment and enhance the start-up performance of the fuel cell system.
[0069] In this embodiment, the startup strategy is determined to be a preset cold start strategy only when the obtained coolant temperature T satisfies a first preset temperature threshold ≤ T ≤ a second preset temperature threshold. In practical use, it is worth noting that when the coolant temperature T satisfies T < the first preset temperature threshold, the fuel cell system can generally be controlled to execute a preset low-temperature start strategy; conversely, when the coolant temperature T satisfies T > the second preset temperature threshold, the fuel cell system can be controlled to execute a preset hot start strategy.
[0070] The aforementioned preset low-temperature start-up strategy and preset hot-engine start-up strategy can both draw on the low-temperature start-up strategy and hot-engine start-up strategy commonly used in existing fuel cell systems, and are not limited in this regard. Furthermore, since they are unrelated to the cold-engine start-up strategy in this invention, they will not be described in detail here.
[0071] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned first and second preset temperature thresholds, in specific implementations, those skilled in the art can set them according to the model, specifications, and other actual conditions of the fuel cell system, and this invention does not impose any limitations.
[0072] Furthermore, as an example, the aforementioned first preset temperature threshold can be selected between 0℃ and 10℃, preferably between 0℃ and 5℃, and can be, for example, 0℃, 1℃, 2℃, 2.5℃, 3℃, 3.5℃, 4℃, or 5℃. The aforementioned second preset temperature threshold can be selected between 50℃ and 60℃, and can be, for example, 50℃, 51℃, 52℃, 52.5℃, 53℃, 55℃, 56℃, 58℃, or 60℃.
[0073] In addition, it should be noted in this embodiment that, in addition to determining the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on the temperature of the coolant in the cooling system 7, those skilled in the art can also determine the start-up strategy based on the current operating conditions of other fuel cell systems in specific implementations. This is not a limitation, as long as it enables the fuel cell system to select a more suitable start-up mode, which helps to ensure the working quality of the fuel cell system.
[0074] Step s2: When the determined start-up strategy is the preset cold start strategy, control the fuel cell system to execute the cold start strategy.
[0075] In step s2, the cold start strategy of this embodiment includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to operate in a preset working mode after the fuel cell system has completed the start-up preparation, so as to raise the temperature of the pump body of the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to a level that will not cause condensation to form in the hydrogen circulation pump 4.
[0076] In this way, by making the hydrogen circulation pump 4 operate according to a preset working mode, the Joule heat generated by the current when the hydrogen circulation pump 4 is running is used to raise the temperature of the pump body of the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to a level that will not cause condensation to form in the hydrogen circulation pump 4. This embodiment can obviously avoid the gas coming out of the anode of the fuel cell stack 1 from condensing at the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to form condensation, and the condensation will enter the anode of the fuel cell stack 1 with the circulating gas in the hydrogen circulation pump 4, causing voltage fluctuation problems in the fuel cell stack 1.
[0077] In specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned preset operating mode may, for example, include controlling only the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to operate continuously at a preset speed for a preset time, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the gas in the anode of the fuel cell stack 1 is circulated through the hydrogen circulation pump 4.
[0078] Of course, since hydrogen is not supplied to the anode of fuel cell stack 1 at this time, the hydrogen circulation pump 4, which has started to operate, can only circulate the gas in the anode of fuel cell stack 1. And while the hydrogen circulation pump 4 drives the gas in the anode side of fuel cell stack 1 to circulate, as mentioned above, the hydrogen circulation pump 4 can use the Joule heat generated during operation to increase its own temperature.
[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that the above only controls the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to run continuously at a preset speed for a preset time. That is, in the cold start strategy of this embodiment, especially when controlling the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to run according to the preset working mode, only the hydrogen circulation pump 4 works in the fuel cell system, while other components do not work, so as to use the single rotation of the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to increase its own temperature.
[0080] In this embodiment, in the above-mentioned preset working mode, preferably, the preset speed is generally the maximum allowable speed of the hydrogen circulation pump 4, which can be more conducive to the hydrogen circulation pump 4 generating heat, so as to quickly increase the temperature of the pump body.
[0081] The aforementioned preset time can be determined in specific implementation, for example, in the following way:
[0082] First, the hydrogen circulation pump 4 is placed on the test bench, allowing it to operate at a preset ambient temperature, preset gas pressure, and maximum permissible speed. The temperature of the pump body is obtained through a temperature sensor installed in the hydrogen circulation pump 4. Then, the time taken for the temperature of the pump body to increase from the preset ambient temperature to a preset temperature threshold is recorded, and this recorded time is determined as the preset time.
[0083] It should be noted that during the bench test of the hydrogen circulation pump 4, multiple preset ambient temperatures can generally be set. Since the gas pressure inside the hydrogen circulation pump 4 has a relatively small impact on the pump body temperature rise, atmospheric pressure can generally be used as the preset gas pressure. The preset temperature threshold can be selected according to the model and specifications of the hydrogen circulation pump 4, and is not limited here. The preset temperature threshold can be, for example, 10℃ or 15℃, as long as it ensures that the gas at the preset ambient temperature does not condense in the hydrogen circulation pump 4 when passing through it.
[0084] By conducting bench tests at multiple preset ambient temperatures, the time it takes for the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to increase from the preset ambient temperature to the preset temperature threshold under different preset ambient temperatures can be obtained, which is also the preset time required at that ambient temperature in this embodiment. Therefore, by conducting as many tests as possible, the obtained preset ambient temperatures and corresponding time values can be used to fit a curve showing the relationship between ambient temperature and preset time within a suitable temperature range (such as -15℃ to 10℃), or a two-dimensional table showing different temperature gradients and corresponding preset times.
[0085] By presetting the obtained relationship curve or two-dimensional table in the corresponding controller (e.g., FCU) of the fuel cell system, the preset time of the above-mentioned preset working mode can be obtained by monitoring the ambient temperature of the location of the fuel cell system during specific implementation. This allows the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to circulate the gas in the anode of the stack 1, thereby increasing the pump body temperature.
[0086] In this embodiment, continue as follows Figure 3 As shown, in addition to controlling the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to execute the preset working mode after the start-up preparation, the above-mentioned cold start strategy also includes, after controlling the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to operate in the preset working mode, sequentially performing hydrogen-nitrogen replacement at the anode of the fuel cell stack 1, hydrogen supply at the anode of the fuel cell stack 1, air supply at the cathode of the fuel cell stack 1, and establishing open-circuit voltage and load current until the fuel cell system completes the start-up.
[0087] At this point, the aforementioned processes include hydrogen-nitrogen replacement at the anode of fuel cell stack 1, hydrogen supply to the anode of fuel cell stack 1, air supply to the cathode of fuel cell stack 1, and the establishment of open-circuit voltage and load current. Of course, there are also the start-up preparations performed by the fuel cell system before controlling the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to execute the preset operating mode. These are all routine start-up operations for existing fuel cell systems; therefore, these start-up procedures can be found in the relevant procedures of existing fuel cell systems and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0088] The control method of the fuel cell system in this embodiment adopts the above design. In the cold start strategy, the hydrogen circulation pump 4 is operated according to a preset working mode to raise the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump 4 body to a level that will not form condensate in the hydrogen circulation pump 4. This prevents the gas coming out of the anode of the fuel cell stack 1 from condensing at the hydrogen circulation pump 4 and generating condensate. It can also prevent liquid water present on the anode side of the fuel cell stack 1 from entering the anode and causing voltage fluctuation problems in the fuel cell stack 1. This helps to reduce voltage fluctuation problems during the start-up of the fuel cell stack 1 and contributes to the improvement of the quality of use of the fuel cell system.
[0089] Example 2
[0090] This embodiment relates to a control device for a fuel cell system. This control device is based on the control method described in Embodiment 1, and combines... Figure 4As shown, the control device in this embodiment includes a determination module 10 and a control module 20.
[0091] Specifically, the determining module 10 is used to determine the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on its current operating conditions when the fuel cell system receives a start-up request. The control module 20 is used to control the fuel cell system to execute the cold start-up strategy when the determined start-up strategy is a preset cold start strategy.
[0092] It should be noted that, as described in Embodiment 1, the cold start-up strategy of this embodiment includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump 4 to operate in a preset working mode after the fuel cell system has completed its start-up preparation, so as to raise the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump 4 body to a level that will not cause condensation to form in the hydrogen circulation pump 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific content of the preset working mode can still be found in the relevant description in Embodiment 1.
[0093] Furthermore, in the control device of this embodiment, in specific implementation, the above-mentioned modules can be existing module products with data transmission, storage or computing functions. At the same time, the above-mentioned modules in this embodiment can be set up separately, or preferably, they can be integrated into the controller (such as FCU) of the fuel cell system.
[0094] In practical applications, the control process of the control device in this embodiment for the fuel cell system during startup can still be referred to the relevant description in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.
[0095] The control device of the fuel cell system in this embodiment, by executing the control method corresponding to Embodiment 1, can prevent liquid water present on the anode side of the fuel cell stack 1 from entering the anode and causing voltage fluctuations in the fuel cell stack 1 when the fuel cell system is started up. This helps to reduce voltage fluctuations when the fuel cell stack 1 is started up and improves the quality of use of the fuel cell system.
[0096] Example 3
[0097] This embodiment relates to a fuel cell system, combined with... Figure 5 As shown, the fuel cell system includes a memory 100 and a processor 200.
[0098] The memory 100 stores computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor 200, enable the control method of the fuel cell system in Embodiment 1.
[0099] In specific implementation, the structure of the fuel cell system of this embodiment can refer to existing fuel cell systems, and the memory 100 and processor 200 can generally be integrated into the controller (such as FCU) of the fuel cell system.
[0100] Furthermore, this embodiment also relates to a device equipped with a fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell system equipped in the device adopts the aforementioned fuel cell system.
[0101] Specifically, the device equipped with the fuel cell system in this embodiment can be, for example, a fixed electrical device, such as a fuel cell power generation device. However, besides being a fixed electrical device, the device in this embodiment can preferably also be a mobile transportation device, such as a new energy vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system, and there is no limitation on this.
[0102] The fuel cell system of this embodiment, and the equipment equipped with the fuel cell system, can prevent liquid water present on the anode side of the fuel cell stack 1 from entering the anode and causing voltage fluctuations in the fuel cell stack 1 by executing a preset cold start strategy when the fuel cell system is started. This helps to reduce voltage fluctuations when the fuel cell stack 1 is started, and thus helps to improve the quality of use of the fuel cell system.
[0103] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A control method for a fuel cell system, characterized in that, The control method includes: When the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system is determined based on the current operating conditions of the fuel cell system. When the determined start-up strategy is a preset cold start strategy, the fuel cell system is controlled to execute the cold start strategy; The cold start strategy includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to operate in a preset working mode after the fuel cell system has completed the start-up preparation, so as to raise the temperature of the pump body of the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to a level that will not form condensate in the hydrogen circulation pump (4).
2. The control method for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, determining the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on its current operating condition includes: When the fuel cell system receives a start-up request, the cooling system (7) in the fuel cell system is turned on, and the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system (7) is obtained; When the temperature T of the coolant satisfies the first preset temperature threshold ≤ T ≤ the second preset temperature threshold, the start-up strategy is determined to be the preset cold start strategy.
3. The control method for a fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the cooling system is turned on, the temperature T of the coolant in the cooling system (7) is obtained, including: The coolant temperature T1 at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack (1) and the coolant temperature T2 at the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack (1) are obtained. The temperature T of the coolant can be calculated using the formula T = (T1 + T2) / 2.
4. The control method for a fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the temperature T of the coolant satisfies T < a first preset temperature threshold, the fuel cell system is controlled to execute a preset low-temperature start-up strategy; When the temperature T of the coolant satisfies T > a second preset temperature threshold, the fuel cell system is controlled to execute a preset thermal engine start-up strategy.
5. The control method for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset working mode includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to run continuously for a preset time at a preset speed, so that the gas in the anode of the fuel cell stack (1) circulates through the hydrogen circulation pump (4).
6. The control method for a fuel cell system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The preset rotational speed is the maximum permissible rotational speed of the hydrogen circulation pump (4); and / or, The preset time is determined in the following manner: The hydrogen circulation pump (4) is placed on the test bench and operated at a preset ambient temperature, preset gas pressure and maximum allowable speed, and the temperature of the pump body of the hydrogen circulation pump (4) is obtained. Record the time it takes for the temperature of the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to increase from the preset ambient temperature to the preset temperature threshold, and determine the recorded time as the preset time.
7. The control method for a fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The fuel cell system is provided with a gas-liquid separator (3) connected to the anode outlet of the fuel cell stack (1), and the inlet of the hydrogen circulation pump (4) is connected to the gas-liquid separator (3); and / or, The cold start strategy also includes, after controlling the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to operate in the preset working mode, sequentially performing hydrogen-nitrogen replacement at the anode of the fuel cell stack (1), hydrogen supply at the anode of the fuel cell stack (1), air supply at the cathode of the fuel cell stack (1), and establishing open-circuit voltage and load current.
8. A control device for a fuel cell system, characterized in that: It includes a determination module (10) and a control module (20); The determining module (10) is used to determine the start-up strategy of the fuel cell system based on the current operating condition of the fuel cell system when the fuel cell system receives a start-up request. The control module (20) is used to control the fuel cell system to execute the cold start strategy when the determined start-up strategy is a preset cold start strategy; The cold start strategy includes controlling the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to operate in a preset working mode after the fuel cell system has completed the start-up preparation, so as to raise the temperature of the pump body of the hydrogen circulation pump (4) to a level that will not form condensate in the hydrogen circulation pump (4).
9. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: The fuel cell system includes a memory (100) and a processor (200); The memory (100) stores computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor (200), implement the control method of the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
10. A device equipped with a fuel cell system, characterized in that: The fuel cell system installed in the device is the fuel cell system described in claim 9.