Vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid state hydrogen storage system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupling solid hydrogen storage system and method, including fuel cell cooling system;Solid hydrogen storage heating system, the fuel cell cooling system and solid hydrogen storage heating system are countercurrent heat exchange by first heat exchanger, waste heat of fuel cell cooling loop is hydrogen release energy supply for solid hydrogen storage device, and solid hydrogen storage device hydrogen release endothermic synchronously for fuel cell cooling;FCCU controller, the FCCU controller linkage control system valve and water pump, carry out heat, hydrogen, wet, pressure collaborative control, by the countercurrent heat exchange coupling design of fuel cell cooling system and solid hydrogen storage heating system, the waste heat generated by fuel cell operation is directly supplied to the hydrogen release process of solid hydrogen storage device, replaces the electric heater or fuel heater of traditional additional configuration, eliminates the additional energy consumption of hydrogen storage and hydrogen release;While solid hydrogen storage device hydrogen release endothermic characteristics synchronously for fuel cell cooling, reduce fuel cell thermal management energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system and method for automotive fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] With the global energy transition and the advancement of "dual-carbon" goals, new energy vehicles have become the core path for decarbonization in the transportation sector. Among them, fuel cell vehicles are considered an important development direction for future high-end new energy transportation due to their advantages such as zero emissions, long range, and fast charging. As a clean and efficient secondary energy source, the efficiency of hydrogen energy storage and the thermal management of fuel cell systems directly determines the range, operational stability, and industrial feasibility of fuel cell vehicles. Solid-state hydrogen storage technology, with its high hydrogen storage density, strong safety, and compact size, is more suitable for automotive applications than traditional high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage and liquid hydrogen storage, making it a hot research topic in hydrogen storage technology in recent years. However, the hydrogen release process of solid-state hydrogen storage materials requires the absorption of heat within a specific temperature range. Traditional solutions require additional electric heaters or fuel heaters, which not only increases system energy consumption and cost but also suffers from unstable heat source supply. At the same time, fuel cells generate a large amount of waste heat during operation, as the stack operating temperature typically needs to be maintained at 60-80°C. Traditional thermal management systems rely on radiators, cooling fans, and other components for forced heat dissipation, resulting in high energy consumption and energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that: the thermal management energy consumption of existing vehicle fuel cell systems is high, and the waste heat generated during operation is easily wasted. Solid hydrogen storage and release require additional heat sources, which increases energy consumption and cost and the supply is unstable. At the same time, hydrogen temperature and humidity control is independent, and the system integration is low.

[0004] The above-mentioned technical problems are solved by the following technical solution: The present invention proposes a thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system and method for vehicle fuel cells, which includes a fuel cell cooling system; The solid hydrogen storage heating system is provided in which the fuel cell cooling system and the solid hydrogen storage heating system exchange heat in countercurrent flow through a first heat exchanger. The waste heat of the fuel cell cooling circuit is used to release hydrogen and supply energy to the solid hydrogen storage device, and the hydrogen release and heat absorption of the solid hydrogen storage device simultaneously cools the fuel cell. The FCCU controller is used to coordinate and regulate the system valves and water pumps to perform coordinated control of heat, hydrogen, humidity, and pressure.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system of the present invention: the fuel cell cooling system includes a stack, a second water pump, a thermostat, a deionizer, an intercooler, and a first three-way valve; The coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to a thermostat via a second water pump. The main outlet of the thermostat is connected to the hot end inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the bypass outlet is connected to a deionizer. The hot end outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the first three-way valve, and its bypass outlet is connected to the intercooler. The coolant from the deionizer, the intercooler, and the outlet of the first three-way valve converges at the fuel cell stack cooling water inlet.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system of the present invention: the solid hydrogen storage heating system includes the integrated heating and humidification device, the solid hydrogen storage device, the PTC heating plate, and the first water pump. The hydrogen released by the solid hydrogen storage device is processed by the integrated heating and humidification device and then transported to the fuel cell stack. The coolant from the outlet of the superheated module in the integrated heating and humidification device enters the solid hydrogen storage device through the second three-way valve. After absorbing heat and cooling down, it is sent to the first heat exchanger by the first water pump to exchange heat with the fuel cell stack coolant.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system of the present invention: the inlet of the solid hydrogen storage device is provided with a second three-way valve, and the outlet of the integrated heating and humidifying device is provided with a first temperature and pressure sensor, a safety valve, a humidity sensor and a pressure reducing valve in sequence. When the hydrogen release pressure of the solid hydrogen storage device exceeds 1 MPa, the safety valve opens and the bypass circuit of the second three-way valve opens, reducing the flow rate of the high-temperature coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system of the present invention: the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack is provided with a recirculation loop, and the flow rate of hot air entering the integrated heating and humidification device is controlled by a solenoid valve; the gas at the anode outlet is guided by an ejector, mixed with the hydrogen released by the solid hydrogen storage device, and then flows back to the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack; both the cathode and anode outlets of the fuel cell stack are provided with back pressure valves.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system of the present invention: the air path of the fuel cell stack includes an air compressor, an intercooler, and a second temperature and pressure sensor. The air entering the fuel cell stack is compressed by the air compressor and cooled by the intercooler before entering the fuel cell stack.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage control method described in this invention: when the device is powered on, the pressure signal P1 of the outlet temperature and pressure sensor of the integrated heating and humidification device is read. When P1 > 1MPa, the safety valve and the three-way valve bypass circuit are opened. If the pressure still exceeds the standard after 10s, the device is shut down. When P1 < 0.3MPa, adjust the three-way valve and PTC heater; when 0.3MPa < P1 < 1MPa, enter the pressure and temperature control process. The PID control valve adjusts the pressure reducing valve to match the fuel cell stack anode pressure P2 to the set pressure Pset. The coolant temperature is regulated by thermostats and water pump speed to ensure that the temperature and pressure of the fuel cell stack meet the operating requirements; Adjust the bypass flow of the humidification module by using a solenoid valve to match the relative humidity of hydrogen H1 with the set humidity Hset; The system ran stably until it received a shutdown command from the FCCU controller.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage control method for vehicles described in this invention: if the T4 detected by the stack coolant inlet temperature sensor exceeds the set range, the temperature is adjusted by the thermostat PID; if the coolant inlet-outlet temperature difference T5-T4 > 10℃, the speed of the second water pump and the bypass opening of the thermostat are simultaneously controlled.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the heating and humidifying device of the present invention: the integrated heating and humidifying device integrates a preheating module, a humidifying module, and a superheating module in series. Both the preheating module and the superheating module are tube-fin heat exchangers. The heat pipes of the preheating module supply hydrogen gas, and the fins supply the cathode exhaust gas of the power stack. The water condensed after heat exchange of the cathode exhaust gas is collected in a storage tank and supplied to the humidifying module through a third water pump. The heat pipes of the superheating module supply the coolant heated by the first heat exchanger and the PTC heating plate. After convective heat exchange with the mixed hydrogen gas, the coolant is guided by a baffle plate.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the heating and humidifying device of the present invention: the humidifying module adopts a membrane humidifying structure, the porous support layer of the humidifying membrane is a polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane, and the humidifying module is provided with a bypass circuit, and the mixing ratio of dry and wet hydrogen is controlled by the opening degree of the solenoid valve. The FCCU controller controls the flow rate and temperature of the coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device by controlling the speed of the first water pump and the bypass opening of the second three-way valve based on the pressure signal from the first hydrogen temperature and pressure sensor. This controls the hydrogen release rate and pressure of the solid hydrogen storage device. The FCCU controller also controls the speed of the second water pump and the opening of the thermostat based on the temperature signal from the stack coolant inlet temperature sensor.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By using the countercurrent heat exchange coupling design of the fuel cell cooling system and the solid hydrogen storage heating system, the waste heat generated by the operation of the fuel cell is directly supplied to the hydrogen release process of the solid hydrogen storage device, replacing the traditional additional electric heater or fuel heater, thus eliminating the additional energy consumption of hydrogen storage and release; at the same time, the hydrogen release heat absorption characteristics of the solid hydrogen storage device simultaneously cool the fuel cell, replacing traditional radiators, cooling fans and other forced heat dissipation components, reducing the energy consumption of fuel cell thermal management, realizing the integrated synergy of waste heat utilization, hydrogen release for energy supply and cooling, and significantly improving the system energy utilization rate.

[0015] The integrated system combines fuel cell thermal management, solid-state hydrogen storage, and hydrogen temperature and humidity control, eliminating redundant components such as hydrogen storage electric heaters, fuel cell radiators, cooling fans, and pressure stabilizing buffer tanks. The integrated heating and humidification device integrates preheating, humidification, and superheating modules in series, simultaneously achieving hydrogen preheating, mist-free humidification, secondary heating, and pressure stabilization. Its compact structure and small footprint perfectly meet the space constraints of automotive applications, simplifying system piping and installation processes.

[0016] The system employs a three-stage hydrogen treatment process: cathode exhaust gas preheating, condensate film humidification, and high-temperature coolant superheating. Combined with the PTFE porous membrane substrate and polyvinyl alcohol hydrophilic coating design of the humidification membrane, it can rapidly increase the humidity of dry hydrogen from 0% to over 90%RH. Furthermore, the bypass circuit precisely controls the mixing ratio of dry and wet hydrogen to ensure that the hydrogen temperature and humidity always match the stack's operating requirements. At the same time, the anode exhaust gas recirculation and fresh hydrogen mixing design not only improves hydrogen utilization but also further optimizes hydrogen humidity and pressure stability, reduces stack degradation, and extends its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Wherein: Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the framework structure of a fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system for vehicles. Figure 2 A diagram of a solid-state hydrogen storage system coupled with a thermal management system for a vehicle fuel cell is shown. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for coupling thermal management of automotive fuel cells with solid-state hydrogen storage is shown. Figure 4 A diagram of an integrated heating and humidification device for a vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system and method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0019] The terminology used in this invention is that which is currently widely used in the art in consideration of the function of the invention; however, these terms may vary according to the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, or new technology in the art. Furthermore, specific terms may be chosen by the applicant, and in such cases, their detailed meanings will be described in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should not be construed as simple names, but rather based on their meanings and the overall description of the invention.

[0020] Reference Figures 1-2 and Figure 4 This embodiment provides a vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system, including a fuel cell cooling system 1, a solid hydrogen storage heating system 2, and an FCCU controller 3. The three form a closed-loop collaborative mechanism, and the core coupling logic runs through heat exchange, medium transmission, and parameter control.

[0021] The fuel cell cooling system 1 is responsible for the temperature regulation of the fuel cell stack 12. It removes the waste heat generated during the operation of the fuel cell stack through coolant circulation, and at the same time provides energy support for the solid hydrogen storage system.

[0022] Solid-state hydrogen storage heating system 2 and fuel cell cooling system 1 exchange heat with solid-state hydrogen storage heating system 2 in a counter-current manner via first heat exchanger 11. The waste heat from the fuel cell cooling circuit provides energy for the release of hydrogen by solid-state hydrogen storage device 21, while the heat absorption during hydrogen release by solid-state hydrogen storage device 21 simultaneously cools the fuel cell. Solid-state hydrogen storage heating system 2 is responsible for the release, heating, humidification, and transportation of hydrogen. It exchanges heat with fuel cell cooling system 1 in a counter-current manner via first heat exchanger 11, achieving bidirectional energy transfer. The waste heat from the fuel cell cooling circuit provides the necessary heat for the hydrogen release process of solid-state hydrogen storage device 21, while the heat absorption characteristics of solid-state hydrogen storage device 21 during hydrogen release simultaneously cool the fuel cell, achieving integrated synergy of waste heat utilization, hydrogen release for energy supply, and cooling and heat dissipation.

[0023] The FCCU controller 3, as the core of the system control, collects signals from various sensors in real time and coordinates the operation of all valves, water pumps and heating components in the system to accurately achieve coordinated control of four key parameters: heat, hydrogen, humidity and pressure, ensuring the adaptability and stability of the system under different working conditions.

[0024] Reference Figure 2 As an optional embodiment, the fuel cell cooling system 1 includes a stack 12, a second water pump 13, a thermostat 14, a deionizer 15, an intercooler 16, and a first three-way valve 17. The coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack 12 is connected to the thermostat 14 via the second water pump 13. The main outlet of the thermostat 14 is connected to the hot end inlet of the first heat exchanger 11, and the bypass outlet is connected to the deionizer 15. The main circulation path of the coolant is that the coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack 12 is sealed to the inlet of the second water pump 13 through a pipe. The second water pump 13 provides the power source for the coolant circulation, and its outlet is connected to the inlet of the thermostat 14 through a pipe. The thermostat 14, as the core component for temperature regulation, has a main outlet and a bypass outlet. The main outlet is connected to the hot end inlet of the first heat exchanger 11 through a pipe, which is used to transport the high-temperature coolant to the first heat exchanger 11 for heat exchange and cooling. The bypass outlet is connected to the inlet of the deionizer 15 through a pipe to realize the purification and diversion of the coolant.

[0025] The hot end outlet of the first heat exchanger 11 is connected to the first three-way valve 17, and its bypass outlet is connected to the intercooler 16. The coolant from the outlets of the deionizer 15, intercooler 16, and first three-way valve 17 converges at the cooling water inlet of the fuel cell stack 12. The coolant return flow path is that the hot end outlet of the first heat exchanger 11 is connected to the inlet of the first three-way valve 17 via a pipe. The first three-way valve 17 has a main outlet and a bypass outlet. The bypass outlet is connected to the inlet of the intercooler 16 via a pipe for auxiliary heat dissipation of some coolant. The coolant purified by the deionizer 15, the coolant cooled by the intercooler 16, and the coolant flowing out of the main outlet of the first three-way valve 17 converge at the cooling water inlet of the fuel cell stack 12 through the confluence pipe and flow back into the fuel cell stack 12, forming a complete cooling circulation loop to ensure that the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack 12 is maintained within the set range.

[0026] Reference Figure 2 As an optional embodiment, the solid-state hydrogen storage heating system 2 includes an integrated heating and humidification device 22, a solid-state hydrogen storage device 21, a PTC heating plate 23, and a first water pump 24. The hydrogen released by the solid-state hydrogen storage device 21 is processed by the integrated heating and humidification device 22 and then transported to the fuel cell stack 12. The hydrogen processing and transportation path is that the solid-state hydrogen storage device 21 is used to store hydrogen energy, and the hydrogen released by it is transported to the integrated heating and humidification device 22 through a hydrogen transportation pipeline. After three stages of preheating, humidification, and superheating, it becomes a hydrogen source that meets the reaction requirements of the fuel cell stack 12, and is then transported to the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack 12 through a subsequent pipeline.

[0027] The coolant from the outlet of the superheated module 1-3 in the integrated heating and humidifying device 22 enters the solid hydrogen storage device 21 through the second three-way valve 18. After absorbing heat and cooling down, it is sent to the first heat exchanger 11 by the first water pump 24 to exchange heat with the coolant of the fuel cell stack 12. The coolant heat exchange circulation path is through the superheating module 1-3 built into the integrated heating and humidifying device 22. The coolant outlet of this module is connected to the inlet of the second three-way valve 18 through a pipe. The outlet of the second three-way valve 18 is connected to the coolant channel of the solid hydrogen storage device 21 through a pipe. When the high-temperature coolant flows through the solid hydrogen storage device 21, it releases heat, providing energy for the hydrogen release of the hydrogen storage material, while being cooled down itself. The cooled coolant flows out through the outlet of the solid hydrogen storage device 21 and is connected to the inlet of the first water pump 24 through a pipe. The first water pump 24 drives the coolant to flow into the cold end inlet of the first heat exchanger 11. After completing countercurrent heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant of the fuel cell cooling system 1, it flows back to the superheating module 1-3 of the integrated heating and humidifying device 22, forming a coolant circulation loop on the solid hydrogen storage side.

[0028] The inlet of the solid hydrogen storage device 21 is equipped with a second three-way valve 18, and the outlet of the integrated heating and humidifying device 22 is equipped with a first temperature and pressure sensor 25, a safety valve 26, a humidity sensor 27 and a pressure reducing valve 28 in sequence. When the hydrogen release pressure of the solid hydrogen storage device 21 exceeds 1 MPa, the safety valve 26 opens and the bypass circuit of the second three-way valve 18 opens, reducing the flow rate of the high-temperature coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device 21. For comprehensive protection and pressure regulation, a second three-way valve 18 is installed at the coolant inlet of the solid hydrogen storage device 21 to regulate the flow rate of coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device 21. The hydrogen outlet of the integrated heating and humidifying device 22 is sequentially connected with a first temperature and pressure sensor 25, a safety valve 26, a humidity sensor 27, and a pressure reducing valve 28. The first temperature and pressure sensor 25 is used to detect the temperature and pressure parameters of the hydrogen in real time, the humidity sensor 27 is used to detect the relative humidity of the hydrogen, and the pressure reducing valve 28 is used to regulate the hydrogen delivery pressure. When the first temperature and pressure sensor 25 detects that the hydrogen release pressure of the solid hydrogen storage device 21 exceeds 1 MPa, the safety valve 26 automatically opens to release pressure. Simultaneously, the bypass circuit of the second three-way valve 18 opens, allowing some high-temperature coolant to bypass the solid hydrogen storage device 21 directly, reducing the flow rate of high-temperature coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device 21, thereby suppressing the hydrogen release rate of the hydrogen storage material and ensuring stable system pressure.

[0029] The cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 12 is equipped with a recirculation loop. The flow rate of hot air entering the integrated heating and humidifying device 22 is controlled by the solenoid valve 121. The gas at the anode outlet is guided by the ejector 122, mixed with the hydrogen released by the solid hydrogen storage device 21, and then flows back to the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack 12. Both the cathode and anode outlets of the fuel cell stack 12 are equipped with back pressure valves 123. Gas recirculation and auxiliary functions are provided by a recirculation loop pipe at the cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack 12. A solenoid valve 121 is connected in series in this loop. By adjusting the opening of the solenoid valve 121, the flow rate of hot air from the cathode outlet into the integrated heating and humidifying device 22 can be precisely controlled, realizing the recovery and utilization of waste heat from the cathode exhaust gas. The anode outlet of the fuel cell stack 12 is also equipped with a recirculation loop. The outlet gas is guided by the ejector 122, mixed with the fresh hydrogen released and treated by the solid hydrogen storage device 21, and then flows back to the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack 12. This not only realizes the recycling of hydrogen but also helps to regulate the humidity and pressure of the hydrogen at the anode inlet. In addition, both the cathode and anode outlets of the fuel cell stack 12 are equipped with back pressure valves 123 to maintain the pressure balance at the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack and ensure the stable progress of the electrochemical reaction.

[0030] The air path of the stack 12 includes an air compressor 124, an intercooler 16, and a second temperature and pressure sensor 125. The air entering the stack 12 is compressed by the air compressor 124 and cooled by the intercooler 16 before entering the stack 12. The air supply path is that the air path of the stack 12 includes the air compressor 124, the intercooler 16, and the second temperature and pressure sensor 125. After the outside air is compressed by the air compressor 124 to the working pressure required by the stack 12, it enters the intercooler 16 for heat dissipation and temperature reduction to prevent the high-temperature compressed air from affecting the reaction efficiency of the stack. After the air processed by the intercooler 16 passes the parameter detection of the second temperature and pressure sensor 125, it is introduced into the cathode inlet of the stack 12 to provide oxygen for the electrochemical reaction.

[0031] Referring to Figures 2-3 , in an embodiment provided by the present application, the valves and water pumps of the fuel cell cooling system 1 and the solid hydrogen storage heating system 2 are controlled by the FCCU controller 3, and the control strategy of the FCCU controller 3 is as follows: S1: When the fuel cell is started, the FCCU controller 3 reads the pressure signal P1 of the first temperature and pressure sensor 25 and enters the judgment process. If P1 > 1 MPa, the safety valve 26 is opened, and at the same time, the bypass circuit of the second three-way valve 18 is opened, the solenoid valve 121 is closed, and the PTC heating plate 23 is closed. If P1 > 1 MPa after 10 s, the fuel cell is shut down; if P1 < 1 MPa, it enters S2; S2: The solenoid valve 121 is reset. When P1 < 0.3 MPa, the second three-way valve 18 performs PID adjustment, and the PTC heater performs PID adjustment; if 0.3 MPa < P1 < 1 MPa, it enters the S3 and S4 processes.

[0032] S3: The FCCU controller 3 reads the anode pressure P2 of the stack 12 and the set pressure signal Pset. If P2 = Pset, it enters the S7 link; otherwise, the anode pressure P2 is adjusted by PID through the pressure reducing valve 28.

[0033] S4: The FCCU controller 3 reads the coolant inlet temperature signal T4 of the coolant temperature sensor 31 of the stack 12. If T4 is within the temperature range of the stack 12, that is, Tmin < T4 < Tmax, it enters S5; otherwise, the thermostat 14 performs PID adjustment on the coolant inlet temperature T4.

[0034] S5: The FCCU controller 3 reads the signals T4 and T5 of the temperature sensors 31 at the inlet and outlet of the coolant of the stack 12. If T5 - T4 > 10, the rotational speed PID of the first water pump 24 and the bypass PID of the thermostat 14 are respectively performed; otherwise, it enters the S6 link.

[0035] S6: The fuel cell stack 12 performs pressure closed-loop control and temperature closed-loop control. If the gas temperature and pressure meet the conditions, the stack 12 operates stably; otherwise, the temperature and pressure are adjusted again.

[0036] S7: The FCCU controller 3 reads the relative humidity H1 and fuel cell set humidity Hset from the anode humidity sensor 27 of the fuel cell stack 12. If H1 = Hset, the fuel cell stack 12 can operate stably; otherwise, it is adjusted by the PID control of the solenoid valve 121.

[0037] S8: The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid hydrogen storage system operates stably until a shutdown command is received from FCCU controller 3, at which point the fuel cell shuts down.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some implementations, if the T4 detected by the fuel cell stack coolant inlet temperature sensor exceeds the set range, the temperature is adjusted by the thermostat PID control; if the coolant inlet-outlet temperature difference T5-T4 > 10°C, the speed of the second water pump and the bypass opening of the thermostat are controlled simultaneously.

[0039] The temperature stability of the fuel cell stack 12 is achieved through fine closed-loop control. The temperature sensor 31 installed at the coolant inlet of the fuel cell stack collects the coolant inlet temperature signal T4 in real time. The FCCU controller 3 compares the signal with the preset operating temperature range of the fuel cell stack 12 in real time. If T4 is detected to be outside the set range, i.e., T4≤Tmin or T4≥Tmax, the PID control mode of the thermostat 14 is immediately activated. When T4≥Tmax, the main circuit opening of the thermostat 14 is increased and the bypass opening is decreased, so that more high-temperature coolant flows into the first heat exchanger 11 for heat exchange and cooling. When T4 ≤ Tmin, the main circuit opening is reduced and the bypass opening is increased to reduce the heat exchange flow rate and quickly raise the coolant temperature, ensuring that the temperature of the fuel cell stack 12 reaches the target quickly during startup or low-load operation. At the same time, the FCCU controller 3 synchronously collects the coolant outlet temperature signal T5 of the fuel cell stack 12 and calculates the inlet and outlet temperature difference ΔT = T5 - T4. If ΔT > 10℃, it indicates that the heat generation rate of the fuel cell stack is significantly higher than the heat dissipation rate. At this time, dual-parameter regulation will be started simultaneously: on the one hand, the speed of the second water pump 13 is adjusted to increase the coolant circulation flow rate by increasing the pump speed, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency per unit time; on the other hand, the bypass opening of the thermostat 14 is adjusted to further optimize the coolant diversion ratio and quickly control the temperature difference within 10℃ to avoid local overheating of the fuel cell stack or uneven temperature distribution affecting the reaction stability.

[0040] The integrated heating and humidifying device 22 integrates a preheating module 1-1, a humidifying module 1-2, and a superheating module 1-3 in series. Both the preheating module 1-1 and the superheating module 1-3 are tube-fin heat exchangers. The heat pipe I of the preheating module 1-1 supplies hydrogen gas, and the fin II supplies the cathode exhaust gas of the power stack 12. The water condensed after the cathode exhaust gas heats up is collected by the liquid storage tank 4 and supplied to the humidifying module 1-2 through the third water pump 5. The heat pipe I of the superheating module 1-3 supplies the coolant heated by the first heat exchanger 11 and the PTC heating plate 23. After heat exchange with the mixed hydrogen gas, the coolant is guided by the baffle plate III.

[0041] The integrated heating and humidifying device 22, as the core component of hydrogen treatment, adopts a series integrated design, which integrates the preheating module 1-1, the humidifying module 1-2 and the superheating module 1-3 into one unit, realizing continuous processing of hydrogen preheating, humidification and superheating, and greatly improving space utilization and processing efficiency. Both the preheating module 1-1 and the superheating module 1-3 adopt a tube-fin heat exchanger structure, which has the advantages of large heat exchange area and high heat transfer efficiency. The heat pipe I of the preheating module 1-1 is a hydrogen flow channel, and the low-temperature dry hydrogen gas released by the solid hydrogen storage device 21 flows through the interior of the heat pipe I. The fin II is a cathode tail gas flow channel of the fuel cell stack 12. The high-temperature tail gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell stack flows through the fin II. Through heat conduction and convection heat exchange between the heat pipe and the fin, the residual heat in the tail gas is transferred to the hydrogen, realizing the initial preheating of the hydrogen. At the same time, the tail gas temperature decreases, and the water vapor in it condenses to form liquid water. The condensate is collected in the liquid storage tank 4 through the guide pipe at the bottom of the device and then transported by the third water pump 5 as the water source for the humidification module 1-2, realizing the recycling and reuse of water resources. The heat pipe I of the overheating module 1-3 is a high-temperature coolant flow channel. After the coolant absorbs the waste heat of the fuel cell through the first heat exchanger 11, it is further heated by the PTC heating plate 23, which has a stable heat supply capacity. The hydrogen entering the overheating module 1-3 is a mixture of wet hydrogen treated by the humidification module 1-2 and dry hydrogen from the bypass circuit. It flows through the channel between the outside of the heat pipe I and the fins II, and performs convective heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant. At the same time, under the guiding effect of the baffle plate III, the hydrogen flow path is optimized into a tortuous flow state, which prolongs the heat exchange time and improves the heat exchange uniformity. Finally, the hydrogen temperature rises to the operating temperature required by the fuel cell stack 12, and the wet hydrogen is prevented from bringing in condensate and affecting the fuel cell stack reaction.

[0042] Humidification module 1-2 adopts a membrane humidification structure. The porous support layer of humidification membrane IV is a polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane. Humidification module 1-2 is equipped with a bypass circuit, and the mixing ratio of dry and wet hydrogen is controlled by the opening degree of solenoid valve 121. Humidification module 1-2 adopts a high-efficiency membrane humidification structure. The core component is humidification membrane IV, whose porous support layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane. This material has the characteristics of high porosity, strong chemical stability and good air permeability. To improve humidification efficiency, a 1-5μm thick polyvinyl alcohol hydrophilic coating is coated on the water side of the support layer. The hydrophilic groups on the surface of the coating can quickly capture the condensate molecules transported by the liquid storage tank 4, and then, with the help of capillary action, push the water molecules through the micropores of the support layer and migrate directionally to the dry hydrogen side, realizing mist-free humidification of hydrogen. The water vapor transmission rate of this structure can reach 8-12kg / (m²・h), which can quickly increase the humidity of dry hydrogen from 0 to above 90%RH, meeting the stringent requirements of fuel cell stack 12 for hydrogen humidity. Meanwhile, the humidification module 1-2 is equipped with a bypass circuit, which is directly connected to the outlet of the preheating module 1-1 and the inlet of the superheating module 1-3. By adjusting the opening of the solenoid valve 121 connected in series in the bypass circuit, the flow rate of bypass dry hydrogen and the mixing ratio of wet hydrogen after humidification can be precisely controlled, thereby achieving precise control of hydrogen humidity and adapting to the humidity requirements of the fuel cell stack under different loads.

[0043] The FCCU controller 3 controls the flow rate and temperature of the coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device 21 by controlling the speed of the first water pump 24 and the opening of the bypass passage of the second three-way valve 18 based on the pressure signal of the first hydrogen temperature and pressure sensor 25. In turn, it controls the hydrogen release rate and pressure of the solid hydrogen storage device 21. The FCCU controller 3 controls the speed of the second water pump 13 and the opening of the thermostat 14 based on the temperature signal of the coolant inlet temperature sensor 31 of the fuel cell stack 12.

[0044] As the central nervous system of the system, the FCCU controller 3 achieves coordinated matching of heat, hydrogen, humidity, and pressure through multi-parameter linkage control. In terms of hydrogen pressure and hydrogen release rate control, the FCCU controller 3 reads the hydrogen pressure signal collected by the first temperature and pressure sensor 25 in real time. Combined with the hydrogen demand of the fuel cell stack 12, it adjusts the speed of the first water pump 24 and the bypass opening of the second three-way valve 18 through a PID algorithm. When the fuel cell stack is operating under high load and the hydrogen demand increases, the speed of the first water pump 24 is increased to increase the flow rate of high-temperature coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device 21. At the same time, the bypass opening of the second three-way valve 18 is reduced to increase the hydrogen release rate and pressure of the hydrogen storage material. When the pressure approaches the 1MPa safety threshold, the bypass opening is increased and the pump speed is reduced to suppress the hydrogen release rate and ensure that the hydrogen pressure is stable within the set range. In terms of stack temperature control, the FCCU controller 3 receives the coolant inlet temperature signal T4 of the stack 12 collected by the temperature sensor 31 in real time. By adjusting the speed of the second water pump 13, the coolant circulation flow rate is changed. At the same time, the opening degree of the main circuit and bypass of the thermostat 14 is adjusted to optimize the heat exchange ratio, so that the temperature of the stack 12 is always maintained within the optimal operating range of Tmin~Tmax. This achieves dynamic adaptation between thermal management and the hydrogen storage system, ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the entire system.

[0045] The system achieves integrated control of heat, hydrogen, humidity, and pressure through the coordinated operation of the fuel cell cooling system 1, the solid hydrogen storage heating system 2, and the FCCU controller 3.

[0046] The core coupling logic is that the fuel cell stack 12 of the fuel cell cooling system 1 generates waste heat during operation, which is transported to the hot end of the first heat exchanger 11 via coolant. It exchanges heat countercurrently with the coolant of the solid hydrogen storage heating system 2, and the waste heat is transferred to the solid hydrogen storage device 21 to provide the heat required for hydrogen release. At the same time, the solid hydrogen storage device 21 absorbs heat from the coolant during hydrogen release, and the coolant is cooled down and then flows back to the first heat exchanger 11 to cool the fuel cell stack 12 simultaneously, forming a heat cycle.

[0047] In the cooling circuit of fuel cell stack 12, the coolant is driven by the second water pump 13 and the flow is distributed by the thermostat 14. The main path enters the first heat exchanger 11 for heat exchange, and the bypass circuit is purified by the deionizer 15. After heat exchange, the coolant is diverted by the first three-way valve 17, and part of it is assisted in heat dissipation by the intercooler 16. Finally, it merges with the coolant at the outlet of the deionizer 15 and the three-way valve 17 and flows back to the fuel cell stack 12 to ensure the temperature of the fuel cell stack 12 is stable.

[0048] In the solid-state hydrogen storage heating system 2, the hydrogen released from the solid-state hydrogen storage device 21 first enters the integrated heating and humidification device 22, and is preheated by heat exchange with the cathode tail gas of the fuel cell stack 12 via the preheating module 1-1. Then, it is humidified by the tail gas condensate film through the humidification module 1-2, and finally, it is reheated by the high-temperature coolant through the heat module 1-3. After temperature and pressure detection, safety protection, and pressure regulation, the treated hydrogen is mixed with the anode return gas of the fuel cell stack 12 and sent into the fuel cell stack 12. The high-temperature coolant from the outlet of the superheating module 1-3 enters the solid-state hydrogen storage device 21 through the second three-way valve 18. After absorbing heat and cooling down, it is sent to the first heat exchanger 11 by the first water pump 24 to complete the heat exchange cycle. When the hydrogen release pressure of the hydrogen storage device exceeds 1 MPa, the safety valve 26 opens and the bypass circuit of the second three-way valve 18 opens, reducing the input of high-temperature coolant and suppressing the hydrogen release rate.

[0049] The air supply for fuel cell stack 12 is compressed by air compressor 124 and cooled by intercooler 16 before being supplied. Waste heat from cathode exhaust gas is recovered for hydrogen preheating, and anode exhaust gas is returned and reused via ejector 122. FCCU controller 3 collects signals from first temperature and pressure sensor 25, humidity sensor 27, temperature sensor 31, etc. in real time, and dynamically matches the temperature, anode pressure, and hydrogen humidity requirements of fuel cell stack 12 by adjusting the opening of second three-way valve 18, thermostat 14, each water pump, and solenoid valve 121 through PID control, ensuring stable and efficient operation of the system under different operating conditions until a shutdown command is received.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the methods and devices described in detail above are merely embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify these embodiments in different ways as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system for vehicles, characterized in that: include, Fuel cell cooling system (1); Solid hydrogen storage heating system (2), the fuel cell cooling system (1) and solid hydrogen storage heating system (2) exchange heat in countercurrent through the first heat exchanger (11), the waste heat of the fuel cell cooling circuit is used to release hydrogen and supply energy to the solid hydrogen storage device (21), and the solid hydrogen storage device (21) releases hydrogen and absorbs heat to cool the fuel cell simultaneously. The FCCU controller (3) is used to control the system valves and water pumps in conjunction with each other to perform coordinated control of heat, hydrogen, humidity and pressure.

2. The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel cell cooling system (1) includes a stack (12), a second water pump (13), a thermostat (14), a deionizer (15), an intercooler (16), and a first three-way valve (17). The coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack (12) is connected to the thermostat (14) via the second water pump (13). The main outlet of the thermostat (14) is connected to the hot end inlet of the first heat exchanger (11), and the bypass outlet is connected to the deionizer (15). The hot end outlet of the first heat exchanger (11) is connected to the first three-way valve (17), and its bypass outlet is connected to the intercooler (16). The coolant from the outlets of the deionizer (15), the intercooler (16) and the first three-way valve (17) converges at the cooling water inlet of the fuel cell stack (12).

3. The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The solid hydrogen storage heating system (2) includes the integrated heating and humidification device (22), the solid hydrogen storage device (21), the PTC heating plate (23), and the first water pump (24). The hydrogen released by the solid hydrogen storage device (21) is processed by the integrated heating and humidification device (22) and then transported to the fuel cell stack (12). The coolant from the outlet of the superheated module (1-3) in the integrated heating and humidifying device (22) enters the solid hydrogen storage device (21) through the second three-way valve (18), and after absorbing heat and cooling down, it is sent to the first heat exchanger (11) by the first water pump (24) to exchange heat with the coolant of the fuel cell stack (12).

4. The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The solid hydrogen storage device (21) is equipped with a second three-way valve (18) at its inlet, and the integrated heating and humidifying device (22) is equipped with a first temperature and pressure sensor (25), a safety valve (26), a humidity sensor (27), and a pressure reducing valve (28) at its outlet. When the hydrogen release pressure of the solid hydrogen storage device (21) exceeds 1 MPa, the safety valve (26) opens and the bypass circuit of the second three-way valve (18) is opened, reducing the flow rate of the high-temperature coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device (21).

5. The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack (12) is equipped with a recirculation loop. The flow rate of hot air entering the integrated heating and humidifying device (22) is controlled by the solenoid valve (121). The gas at the anode outlet is guided by the ejector (122), mixed with the hydrogen released by the solid hydrogen storage device (21), and then flows back to the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack (12). The cathode and anode outlet of the fuel cell stack (12) are both equipped with back pressure valves (123).

6. The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air path of the fuel cell stack (12) includes an air compressor (124), an intercooler (16), and a second temperature and pressure sensor (125). The air entering the fuel cell stack (12) is compressed by the air compressor (124) and cooled by the intercooler (16) before entering the fuel cell stack (12).

7. A method for controlling the thermal management of a vehicle fuel cell coupled with solid-state hydrogen storage, applied to the vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled with solid-state hydrogen storage system as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include, When the device is powered on, read the pressure signal P1 from the outlet temperature and pressure sensor of the integrated heating and humidifying device. If P1 > 1MPa, open the safety valve and the bypass circuit of the three-way valve. If the pressure still exceeds the standard after 10 seconds, the device will be shut down. When P1 < 0.3MPa, adjust the three-way valve and PTC heater; when 0.3MPa < P1 < 1MPa, enter the pressure and temperature control process. The PID control valve adjusts the pressure reducing valve to match the fuel cell stack anode pressure P2 to the set pressure Pset. The coolant temperature is regulated by thermostats and water pump speed to ensure that the temperature and pressure of the fuel cell stack meet the operating requirements; Adjust the bypass flow of the humidification module by using a solenoid valve to match the relative humidity of hydrogen H1 with the set humidity Hset; The system ran stably until it received a shutdown command from the FCCU controller.

8. The vehicle fuel cell thermal management coupled solid-state hydrogen storage system and method according to claim 7, characterized in that: If the T4 detected by the fuel cell coolant inlet temperature sensor exceeds the set range, the temperature is adjusted by the thermostat via PID control; if the temperature difference between the coolant inlet and outlet T5-T4 is greater than 10℃, the speed of the second water pump and the bypass opening of the thermostat are adjusted synchronously.

9. The heating and humidifying device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The integrated heating and humidifying device (22) integrates a preheating module (1-1), a humidifying module (1-2), and a superheating module (1-3) in series. Both the preheating module (1-1) and the superheating module (1-3) are tube-fin heat exchangers. The heat pipe (Ⅰ) of the preheating module (1-1) supplies hydrogen gas, and the fins (Ⅱ) supply the cathode tail gas of the power stack (12) for circulation. The water condensed after the cathode tail gas heats up is collected by the liquid storage tank (4) and supplied to the humidifying module (1-2) through the third water pump (5). The heat pipe (Ⅰ) of the superheating module (1-3) supplies the coolant heated by the first heat exchanger (11) and the PTC heating plate (23) for circulation. After convective heat exchange with the mixed hydrogen gas, it is guided by the baffle plate (Ⅲ).

10. The heating and humidifying device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The humidification module (1-2) adopts a membrane humidification structure. The porous support layer of the humidification membrane (Ⅳ) is a polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane. The humidification module (1-2) is equipped with a bypass circuit, and the mixing ratio of dry and wet hydrogen is controlled by the opening degree of the solenoid valve (121). The FCCU controller (3) controls the flow rate and temperature of the coolant entering the solid hydrogen storage device (21) by controlling the speed of the first water pump (24) and the bypass opening of the second three-way valve (18) according to the pressure signal of the first hydrogen temperature and pressure sensor (25). The FCCU controller (3) controls the speed of the second water pump (13) and the opening of the thermostat (14) according to the temperature signal of the coolant inlet temperature sensor (31) of the fuel cell stack (12).

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