Method and device for detecting the ageing condition of a hydrogen injector

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for detecting an aging condition of a hydrogen sparger. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes determining a coil inductance value and a circuit resistance value of a hydrogen sparger in an anode subsystem of a fuel cell system when the fuel cell system is in a reference operating condition; comparing the coil inductance value and the circuit resistance value to a coil inductance reference value and a circuit resistance reference value corresponding to the reference operating condition; and determining an aging condition of the hydrogen sparger based on a result of the comparison.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to fuel cell systems, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for detecting the aging condition of hydrogen injectors in the anode subsystem of a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device that directly converts the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. The reaction process in a fuel cell does not involve combustion, resulting in a very high energy conversion efficiency, reaching around 70%, far exceeding that of a conventional internal combustion engine, which typically has an efficiency of 30%-40%. Furthermore, the product of the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is water, thus producing no environmentally harmful substances. As a highly efficient and clean energy source, fuel cells have become one of the most promising energy sources and are finding increasing applications in the automotive industry, power generation, and other fields.

[0003] Typically, a fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack (referred to as a "stack"), an anode subsystem (also known as a fuel subsystem, hydrogen subsystem, etc., responsible for supplying hydrogen), a cathode subsystem (also known as an air subsystem, etc., responsible for supplying air), a thermal management subsystem, and a fuel cell control unit (FCCU). The fuel cell control unit, as the "brain" of the entire fuel cell system, is used to perform online monitoring, real-time control, and fault diagnosis of the fuel cell system to ensure that the entire system can operate efficiently and stably.

[0004] The anode subsystem supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell stack with suitable temperature, pressure, and other parameters. The anode inlet pressure is a crucial control variable in the anode subsystem; improper control can lead to hydrogen starvation and damage to the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) due to an inappropriate pressure difference between the anode and cathode. As a core component of the anode subsystem, the hydrogen injector (HGI) is the actuator for controlling the anode inlet pressure. Under the control of the fuel cell control unit, the injection rate of the hydrogen injector is adjusted according to actual operating conditions to supply the required amount of hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, ensuring its efficient and reliable operation.

[0005] Therefore, the proper functioning of the hydrogen injector is crucial for the stable and even safe operation of the fuel cell stack. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the Summary section, some selected concepts are presented in a simplified form, and will be further elaborated in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary section is not intended to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for detecting the aging condition of a hydrogen injector is provided, the method comprising: determining, while the fuel cell system is in a reference operating condition, the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​of a hydrogen injector in the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system; comparing the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​with reference coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​corresponding to the reference operating condition; and determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the result of the comparison.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computing device is provided, the computing device comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor and used to store instructions, wherein, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the at least one processor to perform the methods described in this disclosure.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the methods described in this disclosure.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the methods described in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Implementations of this disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example rather than limitation, and similar reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 A flowchart of an exemplary method according to some implementations of this disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 Block diagrams of exemplary devices according to some implementations of this disclosure are shown; and

[0014] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device according to some implementations of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] In the following sections of the specification, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a more thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, these specific details are merely exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that implementations of this disclosure can be carried out without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to unnecessarily affect the understanding of the specification.

[0016] Throughout this specification, references to "an implementation," "implementation," "exemplary implementation," "some implementations," "various implementations," etc., indicate that the implementations of this disclosure described may include specific features, structures, or characteristics. However, it is not implied that every implementation must include these specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, some implementations may have some, all, or none of the features described for other implementations.

[0017] In a manner most conducive to understanding the claimed subject matter, various operations may be described as multiple discrete actions or processes in sequence. However, the order in which they are described should not be construed as implying that these operations necessarily depend on that order. Rather, these operations may be performed in a different order. In other implementations, various additional operations may be performed, and / or various operations already described may be omitted.

[0018] In the specification and claims, the phrase "A and / or B" may appear to mean one of the following: (A), (B), (A and B). Similarly, the phrase "A, B and / or C" may appear to mean one of the following: (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), (A and B and C).

[0019] The anode inlet pressure of a fuel cell stack is a crucial control variable in the anode subsystem. Improper anode inlet pressure control can affect the fuel cell system's output and potentially cause irreversible damage to the stack instantaneously. The hydrogen injector (HGI) is a key component in the hydrogen supply path of the anode subsystem and plays a critical role in controlling the anode inlet pressure. Depending on the operating conditions of the fuel cell system, and controlled by signals from the fuel cell control unit (FCCU), the opening of the HGI changes accordingly to supply the corresponding amount of hydrogen, ensuring that the anode inlet pressure of the stack quickly reaches the required value.

[0020] HGI components also experience aging issues, especially as their operating time increases. Aging of the HGI can lead to a certain degree of performance degradation, causing it to be unable to provide the corresponding injection volume based on the current set by the FCCU (hereinafter referred to as "HGI current"), thus affecting the control of the anode inlet pressure.

[0021] Although the anode inlet pressure can be measured by a pressure sensor installed on the anode inlet side of the anode subsystem to detect changes or anomalies, the anode inlet pressure is also affected by other factors, such as other components in the anode subsystem such as the anode circulation pump (ARB). Therefore, relying solely on monitoring the anode inlet pressure cannot accurately pinpoint whether the changes or anomalies are caused by HGI aging.

[0022] This disclosure provides a mechanism for effectively monitoring the aging status of HGI.

[0023] The following is a reference. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 100 according to some implementations of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that method 100 can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. According to some implementations of this disclosure, method 100 can be implemented in the FCCU of a fuel cell system or a similar entity.

[0024] Method 100 begins at step 110, in which the coil inductance and circuit resistance of the HGI in the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system are determined when the fuel cell system is in a baseline operating condition.

[0025] According to some implementations of this disclosure, the aging of the HGI component can be characterized by the coil inductance value and the circuit resistance value of the HGI. The changing trend and magnitude of these two values ​​can reflect the aging condition of the HGI. Therefore, according to some implementations of this disclosure, the current coil inductance value (hereinafter also referred to as L) of the HGI in the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system is first determined when the entire fuel cell system is under a pre-set reference operating condition. C ) and circuit resistance value (hereinafter also expressed as R) C How much are they respectively?

[0026] In some implementations of this disclosure, the baseline operating condition may include anode purging during the shutdown phase of the fuel cell system. During anode purging during shutdown, the anode subsystem controls (e.g., anode inlet pressure control, ARB speed control, control of drain / vent valves (DP valves), etc.), stack conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) gas diffusivity, etc.), and the state of the HGI itself are relatively stable and fixed, effectively eliminating the influence and interference of other factors on the HGI current. Although anode purging during shutdown is described here as an example, it is also feasible to select other appropriate operating conditions of the fuel cell system as the baseline operating condition.

[0027] Furthermore, in some implementations of this disclosure, the current coil inductance value L of HGI is... C and circuit resistance value RC The determination of L can include: obtaining L through direct measurement. C and R C Alternatively, L can be obtained through calculation based on other obtained parameter values. C and R C .

[0028] Next, method 100 proceeds to step 120, in which the coil inductance value L determined in step 110 is... C and circuit resistance value R C It is compared with the reference value of coil inductance (hereinafter also referred to as L0) and the reference value of circuit resistance (hereinafter also referred to as R0) corresponding to the reference operating condition.

[0029] In some implementations according to this disclosure, the reference value L0 for coil inductance and the reference value R0 for circuit resistance can be obtained by calibration personnel through measurement or calculation under the same reference operating conditions during a prior calibration process. Such reference values ​​L0 and R0 can be provided to the FCCU, for example, stored in a memory (e.g., EEPROM) associated with the FCCU, to facilitate the comparisons described herein.

[0030] Furthermore, in some implementations of this disclosure, during the calibration process, the calibration personnel measure or calculate the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​of the HGI being calibrated each time the fuel cell system is under a baseline operating condition (e.g., anode purging during shutdown) or when it is placed under the same baseline operating condition again at predetermined intervals or at predetermined times. Accordingly, as a brand-new HGI gradually ages over time and with prolonged operation, a series of coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​can be obtained. Some of these values ​​and / or the magnitude of their changes can be recorded as calibration data reflecting the aging condition of the HGI for use in some of the processes described herein.

[0031] Returning to method 100, in step 130, the aging condition of the HGI is determined based on the comparison results of step 120.

[0032] In some implementations of this disclosure, the calibration data may include a first threshold for the magnitude of change in coil inductance and a second threshold for the magnitude of change in circuit resistance. According to some implementations of this disclosure, step 130 of exemplary method 100, determining the aging condition of the HGI based on the result of the comparison, may include: in response to determining the coil inductance value L... C The amplitude is less than the reference value L0 of the coil inductance (i.e., Δ). L =|L C -L0|) Exceeds the first threshold and / or the circuit resistance value RC The magnitude greater than the circuit resistance reference value R0 (i.e., Δ) R =|R C If -R0|) exceeds the second threshold, an alarm signal is output to indicate that the aging condition of the HGI is unacceptable.

[0033] As the HGI (High-Inductance Gear) ages, the inductance of the HGI coil gradually decreases while the resistance of the HGI circuit gradually increases, affecting the performance of the HGI. In some implementations according to this disclosure, comparisons reveal that the current Δ... L When it becomes greater than the first threshold, or the current Δ R When the aging condition of the HGI exceeds the second threshold, it can be determined that the aging condition has reached an unacceptable level. Accordingly, an alarm signal can be output to notify the relevant operators of the discovery of this serious situation so that appropriate corrective measures can be taken immediately. In other implementations of this disclosure, the aging condition of the HGI can be determined in response to the discovery of the Δ... L Greater than the first threshold and the Δ R The alarm signal is only output when both conditions, which are greater than the second threshold, are met simultaneously.

[0034] In some implementations of this disclosure, the alarm signal can be presented visually, such as through graphics, text, or lights, on the control panel related to the fuel cell system, for example, on the dashboard and / or center console of a fuel cell vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm signal can also be presented audibly. Other presentation methods are also possible.

[0035] Furthermore, according to some implementations of this disclosure, after a preset time following the output of the alarm signal, in response to the detection that the HGI has not been replaced, the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system can be prevented from restarting. If the aging condition of the HGI has been detected and a warning has been issued that it has become unacceptable, and if the HGI has not been replaced after a preset time, the above method can effectively prevent the overly aged HGI from causing serious, or even irreversible, damage to the fuel cell system, especially the fuel cell stack.

[0036] Furthermore, according to some implementations of this disclosure, step 130 of exemplary method 100, which determines the aging condition of the HGI based on the result of the comparison, may include: in response to determining the coil inductance value L C The amplitude Δ is less than the reference value L0 of the coil inductance. L The first threshold value was not exceeded and the circuit resistance value R C The amplitude Δ greater than the reference value R0 of the circuit resistance R It did not exceed the second threshold, depending on the Δ L and the ΔR If at least one of the values ​​falls within one of a plurality of corresponding value ranges, an alert signal is output to indicate that the HGI is at the aging level corresponding to the value range. Similar to the aforementioned alarm signal, the alert signal can also be presented in a visual, audible, and / or other manner.

[0037] In some implementations according to this disclosure, the calibration data, in addition to including a first threshold for the magnitude of change in coil inductance and a second threshold for the magnitude of change in circuit resistance, may also include one or more other thresholds within the range of the first threshold (e.g., a third threshold less than the first threshold, and a fourth threshold between the third and first thresholds), and one or more other thresholds within the range of the second threshold (e.g., a fifth threshold less than the second threshold, and a sixth threshold between the fifth and second thresholds). Thus, when making comparisons, Δ L Δ R By defining multiple possible value ranges, the aging status of HGI can be identified more precisely. For example, differentiating between multiple different aging levels allows for corresponding prompts and appropriate measures to be taken.

[0038] As an example, Δ can be calculated using the three values ​​of the third threshold, fourth threshold, and first threshold, which are from smallest to largest. L Four possible value ranges are defined, and Δ can also be obtained by using the third threshold, the sixth threshold, and the second threshold, which are three values ​​from smallest to largest. R Four possible value ranges are defined. In some implementations, when Δ L When the threshold is less than or equal to the third threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the first aging stage; when Δ L When the threshold is greater than the third threshold and less than or equal to the fourth threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the second aging stage; when Δ L When the threshold is greater than the fourth threshold and less than or equal to the first threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the third aging stage; while when Δ L When the threshold exceeds the first threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the fourth aging stage, which is the unacceptable state described earlier. Similarly, in some implementations, when Δ... R When the threshold is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the first aging stage; when Δ R When the threshold is greater than the fifth threshold and less than or equal to the sixth threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the second aging stage; when Δ R When the threshold is greater than the sixth threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the third aging stage; while when Δ R When the threshold exceeds the second threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the fourth aging stage, which is the unacceptable condition described earlier. Furthermore, in some implementations, only when Δ...L Less than or equal to the third threshold and at the same time Δ R When the threshold is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, HGI can be considered to be in the first aging stage; and so on, to determine whether HGI is in the second, third, or fourth aging stage.

[0039] Furthermore, according to some implementations of this disclosure, step 130 of exemplary method 100, which determines the aging condition of the HGI based on the result of the comparison, may include: in response to determining the coil inductance value L C The amplitude Δ is less than the reference value L0 of the coil inductance. L The first threshold value was not exceeded and the circuit resistance value R C The amplitude Δ greater than the reference value R0 of the circuit resistance R It did not exceed the second threshold, based on the Δ L and the Δ R The injection quantity characteristic curve of the HGI is then corrected.

[0040] In some implementations of this disclosure, in addition to diagnosing the aging condition of the HGI and issuing reminders or warnings accordingly, measures can be taken to ensure that the HGI, which may have aged to some extent but is still within an acceptable range, can still accurately provide the hydrogen injection volume required by the actual operating conditions of the fuel cell system, provided that the aging condition of the HGI is found to be acceptable.

[0041] The injection quantity characteristic curve of the HGI reflects the relationship between the HGI current and the injection quantity. The FCCU of the fuel cell system provides the HGI with the current I corresponding to the required injection quantity Q from the injection quantity characteristic curve, based on the actual operating requirements of the system. Ideally, the HGI should be able to supply the required injection quantity Q; however, as the HGI ages, relying on the original HGI current I... A It may be impossible to achieve the corresponding injection volume Q. A The mechanism described in this disclosure utilizes the current coil inductance value L of the HGI. C The amplitude Δ is less than the corresponding coil inductance reference value L0 L And the current circuit resistance value R of HGI C The magnitude Δ is greater than the corresponding circuit resistance reference value R0. R To characterize the aging status of the HGI, and also to utilize Δ L and Δ R This makes it possible to correct the injection quantity characteristic curve of the HGI. It is understood that correction of the injection quantity characteristic curve can include translation or other forms of deformation of the curve. For example, depending on Δ... L and Δ RThe specific value or range of the value can change the correspondence between HGI current and injection quantity from the original I A →Q A Revised to I B →Q A Here I B It is greater than I A The current value.

[0042] Furthermore, according to some implementations of this disclosure, the correction may include: determining the coil inductance value L based on pre-stored calibration data. C The amplitude Δ is less than the reference value L0 of the coil inductance. L and the circuit resistance value R C The amplitude Δ greater than the reference value R0 of the circuit resistance R A corresponding correction factor is applied to the injection quantity characteristic curve of the hydrogen injector. In some implementations of this disclosure, a correspondence can be established through a calibration process between the magnitude by which the coil inductance value of the calibrated HGI is less than the corresponding coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value of the HGI is greater than the corresponding circuit resistance reference value, and a correction factor. Such a correspondence can be stored as calibration data (e.g., it can be constructed as a MAP) in the FCCU or in a memory (e.g., EEPROM) associated with the FCCU. Accordingly, this can be achieved by utilizing Δ L and Δ R The corresponding correction factor is determined by searching the MAP chart and applied to the injection rate characteristic curve to achieve correction. The FCCU can then use this dynamically corrected injection rate characteristic curve to accurately control the amount of hydrogen required for an acceptable level of HGI aging.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary device 200 according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The exemplary device 200 is used to implement the mechanism described herein for detecting the aging condition of a hydrogen injector. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device 200 can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. According to some implementations of the present disclosure, the device 200 can be included in the FCCU or similar entity of a fuel cell system.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the device 200 may include module 210 for determining the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​of the hydrogen injector in the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system when the fuel cell system is under a reference operating condition. The device 200 may also include module 220 for comparing the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​with reference coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​corresponding to the reference operating condition. Furthermore, the device 200 may include module 230 for determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the comparison result.

[0045] In some implementations of this disclosure, the above-described or additional modules of the device 200 can be used to perform other operations already described in the specification, such as in conjunction with Figure 1 The operations described are illustrated in the flowchart of exemplary operation 100 and its various variations. Furthermore, in some implementations, the various modules of device 200 may be combined or separated as needed without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device 300 according to some implementations of this disclosure is shown. The exemplary computing device 300 is used to implement the mechanism described herein for detecting the aging condition of a hydrogen injector. According to some implementations of this disclosure, the computing device 300 may be included in the FCCU or similar entity of a fuel cell system.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, computing device 300 may include at least one processor 310. Processor 310 may include any type of general-purpose processing unit (such as CPU, GPU), dedicated processing unit, core, circuitry, controller, etc. Furthermore, computing device 300 may also include memory 320. Memory 320 may include any type of medium that can be used to store data. In some implementations, memory 320 is configured to store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 310, cause processor 310 to perform the operations described herein, for example, in conjunction with... Figure 1 The flowcharts of exemplary operation 100 and those operations described therein are as follows.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above description of the structure of computing device 300 is merely exemplary and not restrictive, and other structures are also feasible.

[0049] Various implementations of this disclosure may include or operate on multiple components, parts, units, modules, instances, or mechanisms that can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Examples of hardware may include, but are not limited to: devices, processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.), integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), memory cells, logic gates, registers, semiconductor devices, chips, microchips, chipsets, etc. Examples of software may include, but are not limited to: software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software interfaces, application programming interfaces (APIs), instruction sets, computer code, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an implementation is accomplished using hardware, software, and / or firmware can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as desired compute speed, power level, thermal tolerance, processing cycle budget, input data rate, output data rate, memory resources, data bus speed, and other design or performance constraints, as is expected of a given implementation.

[0050] Some implementations described herein may include an article of writing. The article of writing may include a storage medium. Examples of storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (e.g., computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Storage media may include, but are not limited to: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other semiconductor memory, optical disc (CD), digital multi-disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing information. In some implementations, the article of writing may store executable computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processing units, cause the processing units to perform the operations described herein. Executable computer program instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. Executable computer program instructions can be implemented using any appropriate high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming language.

[0051] Some exemplary implementations of this disclosure are described below.

[0052] Example 1 describes a method for detecting the aging condition of a hydrogen injector, the method comprising: determining, with the fuel cell system in a reference operating condition, the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​of a hydrogen injector in the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system; comparing the coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​with reference coil inductance and circuit resistance values ​​corresponding to the reference operating condition; and determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the result of the comparison.

[0053] Example 2 may include the subject matter described in Example 1, wherein determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the result of the comparison includes: in response to determining that the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value by an amount exceeding a first threshold and / or the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value by an amount exceeding a second threshold, outputting an alarm signal to indicate that the aging condition of the hydrogen injector is unacceptable.

[0054] Example 3 may include the subject matter described in Example 2, wherein the method further includes: after a preset time following the output of the alarm signal, in response to detecting that the hydrogen injector has not been replaced, preventing the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system from restarting.

[0055] Example 4 may include the subject matter described in Example 2, wherein determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the comparison results includes: in response to determining that the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value does not exceed a first threshold and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value does not exceed a second threshold, correcting the injection quantity characteristic curve of the hydrogen injector based on the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value.

[0056] Example 5 may include the subject matter described in Example 6, wherein correcting the injection quantity characteristic curve of the hydrogen injector based on the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value includes: determining, based on pre-stored calibration data, a correction factor corresponding to the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value; and applying the determined correction factor to the injection quantity characteristic curve of the hydrogen injector.

[0057] Example 6 may include the subject matter described in Example 2, wherein determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the result of the comparison includes: in response to determining that the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value does not exceed a first threshold and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value does not exceed a second threshold, depending on at least one of the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value is in one of a plurality of corresponding value intervals, outputting a prompt signal to indicate that the hydrogen injector is in an aging degree corresponding to the value interval.

[0058] Example 7 may include the subject matter described in Example 1, wherein the baseline condition includes anode purging during a shutdown phase.

[0059] Example 8 describes a computing device comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor and used to store instructions, wherein, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the preceding Examples 1-7.

[0060] Example 9 describes a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the preceding Examples 1-7.

[0061] Example 10 describes a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the preceding Examples 1-7.

[0062] Example 11 describes an apparatus comprising a module for performing the method described in any one of Examples 1-7 above.

[0063] The above description includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is certainly impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components and / or methods, but those skilled in the art will understand that many other combinations and permutations are also possible. Therefore, this novel architecture is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the aging condition of a hydrogen injector, the method comprising: When the fuel cell system is under baseline operating conditions, determine the coil inductance and circuit resistance of the hydrogen injector in the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system. The coil inductance value and the circuit resistance value are compared with the coil inductance reference value and the circuit resistance reference value corresponding to the reference operating condition; as well as The aging condition of the hydrogen injector is determined based on the results of the comparison.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the results of the comparison includes: In response to determining that the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value by an amount exceeding a first threshold and / or the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value by an amount exceeding a second threshold, an alarm signal is output to indicate that the aging condition of the hydrogen injector is unacceptable.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: After a preset time following the output of the alarm signal, in response to the detection that the hydrogen injector has not been replaced, the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system is prohibited from restarting.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the results of the comparison includes: In response to determining that the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value does not exceed the first threshold and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value does not exceed the second threshold, the injection quantity characteristic curve of the hydrogen injector is corrected based on the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The correction of the hydrogen injector's injection quantity characteristic curve based on the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value includes: Based on pre-stored calibration data, determine correction factors corresponding to the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value; and The determined correction factor is applied to the injection quantity characteristic curve of the hydrogen injector.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Determining the aging condition of the hydrogen injector based on the results of the comparison includes: In response to determining that the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value does not exceed the first threshold and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value does not exceed the second threshold, depending on whether at least one of the magnitude by which the coil inductance value is less than the coil inductance reference value and the magnitude by which the circuit resistance value is greater than the circuit resistance reference value is in one of a plurality of corresponding value intervals, an alert signal is output to indicate that the hydrogen injector is in an aging degree corresponding to the value interval.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The baseline operating conditions include anode purging during the shutdown phase.

8. A computing device, the computing device comprising: At least one processor; as well as A memory coupled to the at least one processor and used to store instructions, wherein, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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