High voltage output management apparatus and high voltage output management device for fuel cell system of vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a high voltage output management device for a fuel cell system of a vehicle, comprising: a fuel cell system control unit (FCCU) configured to control a fuel cell system (FCS) to make the FCS operate normally; a relay module comprising: a pre-charge assembly disposed between the FCS and a high voltage distribution unit of the vehicle, the pre-charge assembly comprising a pre-charge relay (S P ) and a pre-charge resistor (R P ) connected in series for controlling high voltage pre-charge of the FCS; a high voltage relay (S H ) disposed between the FCS and the high voltage distribution unit and connected in parallel with the pre-charge assembly, the FCCU controlling engagement and disengagement of the high voltage relay (S H ) such that the high voltage relay (S H ) is engaged to electrically connect the FCS with the high voltage distribution unit before start-up of the FCS, and the high voltage relay (S H ) is disengaged to disconnect the electrical connection between the FCS and the high voltage distribution unit after shut-down of the FCS. The present disclosure also relates to a power high voltage output management device for a FCS of a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a high-voltage output management device and a high-voltage output management equipment for a fuel cell system (FCS) for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in vehicles using fuel cell systems, the high-voltage output of the fuel cell system is directly connected to the vehicle's high-voltage power distribution unit (HVDC) and is centrally controlled by the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). During vehicle operation, the FCS supplies power to the vehicle's high-voltage components through the HVDC. When the FCS output power is insufficient, it is supplemented by the vehicle's battery. When the FCS output power is excessive, it charges the vehicle's battery. The vehicle's HVDC is typically a multi-one module.

[0003] When a vehicle's FCS shuts down due to a malfunction (such as an insulation fault, engine high-voltage interlock fault, etc.), failure to disconnect the high-voltage output of the FCS may cause an electrical safety accident, preventing the vehicle from continuing to operate.

[0004] Furthermore, after a period of use, the deionizer in a fuel cell system loses its deionizing capacity, leading to an increase in ion concentration in the coolant and a decrease in insulation resistance. When the insulation resistance drops to a certain value (e.g., 1 MΩ), the deionizer needs to be replaced to prevent the risk of electric shock due to low insulation. However, because the high-voltage output of current fuel cell systems is directly connected to the vehicle's high-voltage power distribution unit, the fuel cell system control unit (FCCU) cannot monitor the insulation resistance of the FCS and therefore cannot provide data indication for deionizer replacement.

[0005] Furthermore, current fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) to monitor the vehicle's insulation resistance. When an insulation resistance failure occurs, the FCS (Fuel Cell Controller System) shuts down and the vehicle stops to await repairs. This is highly detrimental to road traffic and vehicle users, as it can lead to traffic congestion and cause users to spend considerable time waiting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a high-voltage output management device for a fuel cell system of a vehicle is provided, comprising: a fuel cell system control unit (FCCU) configured to control the fuel cell system (FCS) to enable normal operation of the fuel cell system; and a relay module comprising: a pre-charge assembly disposed between the fuel cell system and a high-voltage power distribution unit of the vehicle, the pre-charge assembly including a pre-charge relay (S) connected in series. P ) and pre-charge resistor (R P ), used to control the high-voltage pre-charge of the fuel cell system; high-voltage relay (S H The high-voltage relay (S) is located between the fuel cell system and the high-voltage power distribution unit and is connected in parallel with the pre-charge assembly. The fuel cell system control unit controls the high-voltage relay (S). H The engagement and disengagement of the high-voltage relay (S) cause the high-voltage relay to engage before the fuel cell system is started. H This connects the fuel cell system to the high-voltage power distribution unit and disconnects the high-voltage relay (S) after the fuel cell system is shut down. H This disconnects the electrical connection between the fuel cell system and the high-voltage power distribution unit.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a high-voltage output management device for a fuel cell system of a vehicle is also provided, comprising a high-voltage output management device according to the first aspect and a high-voltage power distribution unit of the vehicle.

[0009] According to one aspect of the high-voltage output management device for a fuel cell system based on the present invention, before starting the fuel cell system, the insulation resistance of the fuel cell system is first detected. Only when the insulation resistance of the fuel cell system is determined to be greater than a preset threshold (i.e., the insulation resistance of the fuel cell system is determined to be normal) is the high-voltage relay engaged. Then, the vehicle control unit controls the high-voltage components of the vehicle to open, and only then does the vehicle control unit control the fuel cell system to start. This can avoid high-voltage electrical safety accidents caused by insulation resistance failure of the fuel cell system.

[0010] According to another aspect of the high-voltage output management device for the fuel cell system of the present invention, after the fuel cell system is shut down, the insulation resistance of the fuel cell system is monitored. If the insulation resistance is lower than a preset threshold, the driver is reminded to replace the deionizer of the fuel cell system. Therefore, the deionizer can be replaced promptly when it fails to meet usage requirements, thereby avoiding potential malfunctions in the fuel cell system and improving the safety and user experience of fuel cell electric vehicles.

[0011] According to another aspect of the high-voltage output management device for the fuel cell system of the present invention, when the fuel cell system shuts down due to a failure in the vehicle's insulation resistance, the insulation resistance of the vehicle can be detected again after the high-voltage relay is disconnected. If the insulation resistance of the vehicle is normal after the high-voltage relay is disconnected, the vehicle can continue to drive for a period of time powered by the power battery to a service area, repair station, or charging station, instead of stopping to wait for repairs. This improves the user experience of fuel cell electric vehicles.

[0012] According to another aspect of the high-voltage output management device for the fuel cell system of the present invention, when the vehicle's fuel cell system shuts down due to a fault (serious fault in the stack or auxiliary system, engine high-voltage interlock fault, etc.), the high-voltage output of the fuel cell system is disconnected by disconnecting the high-voltage relay, thereby preventing electrical safety accidents. Furthermore, the vehicle can continue driving for a period of time powered by the battery to a service area, repair station, or charging station, instead of stopping to wait for repairs. This improves the user experience of fuel cell electric vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0013] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 An HV architecture of a vehicle with a fuel cell system, including a high-voltage output management device according to one embodiment, is illustrated by way of example.

[0015] Figure 2 An exemplary flowchart of the process by which the vehicle control unit controls the start-up of the vehicle's fuel cell system is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the normal vehicle shut-off process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as an example.

[0017] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart of vehicle operation when the insulation resistance of a vehicle fails is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 An exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of a fuel cell system in the event of a serious malfunction, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0019] Other objects and features of the embodiments described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Figure 1An exemplary high-voltage (HV) architecture 100 of a vehicle with a fuel cell system, including a high-voltage output management device according to one embodiment, is shown. Here, high voltage refers to the voltage value on the high-voltage network to which the vehicle's high-voltage bus is connected, and the high-voltage range is typically approximately 300V to 800V.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the high-voltage architecture 100 includes a fuel cell system (FCS) 10 and a high-voltage power distribution unit 20 electrically connected to the FCS 10. The high-voltage power distribution unit 20 is, for example, a multi-one module. The high-voltage power distribution unit 20 is electrically connected to the vehicle's high-voltage components 30 and to the vehicle's power battery 40.

[0022] The high-voltage output management device according to the present invention includes a fuel cell system control unit (FCCU) 101 of the FCS 10, configured to control the FCS to enable normal operation of the FCS. Furthermore, the high-voltage output management device includes a high-voltage relay S disposed between the FCS 10 and the high-voltage power distribution unit 20. H FCCU101 controls high-voltage relay S H The engagement and disengagement of the high-voltage relay (S) are such that the high-voltage relay is engaged before the FCS10 is started. H This connects FCS10 to the high-voltage distribution unit 20, and disconnects the high-voltage relay (S) after FCS10 is turned off. H This disconnects the electrical connection between FCS10 and the high-voltage distribution unit 20. In other words, FCCU101 controls the high-voltage relay S based on the status of FCS10. H The joining and disconnection.

[0023] According to one example, during FCS startup, after the FCS self-test is successful (e.g., the insulation resistance of the FCS is detected to be normal), FCCU101 activates the high-voltage relay S. H Engagement, as described later. According to another example, after the FCS shutdown is complete, FCCU101 activates the high-voltage relay S. H Disconnect, as described below.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, a high-voltage relay S is installed between FCS10 and the high-voltage power distribution unit 20. H In addition, it is also equipped with a high-voltage relay S H A parallel-connected pre-charge assembly is used for high-voltage pre-charging of the fuel cell system. By incorporating this pre-charge assembly, it is possible to prevent instantaneous high currents in the load circuit under any circumstances, thereby avoiding load damage. Figure 1 In the middle, the pre-charge component is a pre-charge relay S connected in series. P and pre-charge resistor RP .

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), only a high-voltage relay S may be provided between FCS10 and high-voltage distribution unit 20. H Without setting a precharge relay S P and pre-charge resistor R P This is because the power battery itself has a pre-charge circuit, so as long as the high-voltage relay S is activated before the power battery is pre-charged to 40%, H If the load is engaged, a large current will not be generated, so this is also acceptable. However, according to the present invention, a pre-charge relay S is preferably provided. P and pre-charge resistor R P In this way, the pre-charging of the load is not limited by when the power battery 40 is pre-charged.

[0026] As mentioned earlier, the high-voltage power distribution unit 20 is electrically connected to the high-voltage components 30 of the vehicle to supply power to the high-voltage components 30. The high-voltage components 30 may be, for example, a drive motor or the vehicle's thermal management system (e.g., air conditioning). Furthermore, the high-voltage power distribution unit 20 is electrically connected to the vehicle's power battery 40. During normal operation of the FCS 10, the high-voltage electricity output by the FCS 10 is distributed to the high-voltage components 30 via the high-voltage power distribution unit 20, and can also charge the power battery 40. A relay S is provided between the high-voltage power distribution unit 20 and the power battery 40. D1 and S D2 Engage relay S D1 and S D2 Used to supply high-voltage power to the vehicle's high-voltage network before FCS startup; disconnect relay S D1 and S D2 It is used to cut off the high voltage of the vehicle's high voltage network after the FCS is shut down.

[0027] According to the present invention, a high-voltage relay S is provided between the FCS10 and the high-voltage power distribution unit 20. H Therefore, by properly engaging or disengaging the high-voltage relay S H This can improve vehicle safety and provide users with a better driving experience, as described below.

[0028] The following is combined with Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the FCS10 startup process of a vehicle controlled by a VCU according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0029] First, in step 200, start the vehicle. For example, you can start it with a key, or you can start it with other electronic devices (such as a smartphone).

[0030] In step 210, the vehicle control unit (VCU) wakes up the FCCU101.

[0031] In step 220, FCCU101 monitors the insulation resistance R of FCS10. FCS .

[0032] In step 230, the insulation resistance R of FCS10 is... FCS With the preset FCS resistance threshold R TF Compare and determine the insulation resistance R of FCS10. FCS Is it greater than or equal to the FCS resistance threshold R? TF If so, that is, R FCS ≥R TF If the condition is met, proceed to step 240. Otherwise, proceed to step 270. FCCU101 determines that the insulation resistance of FCS10 is not functioning properly, and FCCU101 does not allow FCS10 to be started. FCS resistance threshold R TF It can usually be set to 1MΩ.

[0033] In step 240, FCCU101 controls the high-voltage relay S H Engagement.

[0034] In step 250, the VCU controls the high-voltage component 30 of the vehicle to start.

[0035] In step 260, the VCU sends a command to the FCCU101 to control the FCS10 to start successfully.

[0036] According to this embodiment, since the insulation resistance of FCS10 has been checked before startup, high-voltage electrical safety accidents caused by insulation resistance failure of FCS can be avoided.

[0037] The following is combined with Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the normal closing process of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0038] First, in step 300, the VCU sends a command to the FCCU101 to control the FCS10 to shut down normally.

[0039] In step 310, the FCS10 shutdown is complete.

[0040] In step 320, the VCU controls the high-voltage component 30 of the vehicle to shut down.

[0041] In step 330, FCCU101 controls the high-voltage relay S H disconnect.

[0042] In step 340, the FCCU monitors the insulation resistance R of FCS10. FCS .

[0043] In step 350, the insulation resistance R of FCS10 is... FCS With the preset FCS resistance threshold R TF Compare and determine the insulation resistance R of FCS10. FCS Is it less than or equal to the FCS resistance threshold R? TF If so, that is, R FCS ≤R TF If the condition is met, proceed to step 360; otherwise, proceed to step 370. Typically, the FCS resistance threshold R... TF It can be 1MΩ.

[0044] In step 360, FCCU101 sends a signal to the corresponding control unit of the vehicle (e.g., Instrument Control Unit ICU) to remind the user to replace the deionizer as soon as possible. According to one embodiment, the signal reminding the user to replace the deionizer can be a visual signal, such as displaying a highlighted or flashing icon of the deionizer on the vehicle's display, or displaying a text prompt. According to one embodiment, the signal can also be an acoustic signal, such as automatically broadcasting a voice reminder to the user via a speaker. According to one embodiment, the signal can also be a combination of visual and acoustic signals.

[0045] In step 370, the vehicle is shut down normally.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the deionizer can be replaced in a timely manner when it fails to meet the usage requirements, thereby avoiding potential malfunctions of the FCS and improving the vehicle safety and user experience of FCEV users.

[0047] The following is combined with Figure 4 This document describes a flowchart illustrating vehicle operation when the insulation resistance of a vehicle fails, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] First, in step 400, during normal vehicle operation, the VCU monitors the vehicle's insulation resistance R in real time. VP1 .

[0049] In step 410, the insulation resistance R of the vehicle is... VP1 With the preset first resistance threshold R TV1 Compare and determine the vehicle's insulation resistance R. VP1 Is it less than or equal to the first resistance threshold R? TV1 If so, that is, R VP1 ≤R TV1 If the condition is met, proceed to step 420; otherwise, return to step 400 and continue monitoring the vehicle's insulation resistance R. VP1 First resistance threshold R TV1 This refers to the threshold used to determine whether the insulation resistance of a vehicle is normal before the FCS is turned off; it is typically 150Ω / V.

[0050] In step 420, the VCU determines that the vehicle's insulation resistance is abnormal and sends a command to the FCCU101 to control the FCS10 to shut down in an emergency.

[0051] In step 430, the FCS10 shutdown is complete.

[0052] In step 440, FCCU101 controls the high-voltage relay S H disconnect.

[0053] In step 450, the VCU monitors the high-voltage relay S H Insulation resistance R of the vehicle after disconnection VP2 .

[0054] In step 460, the insulation resistance R of the vehicle is... VP2 With the preset second resistance threshold R TV2 Compare and determine the vehicle's insulation resistance R. VP2 Is it greater than or equal to the second resistance threshold R? TV2 If so, that is, R VP1 ≥R TV1 If the condition is met, proceed to step 470; otherwise, proceed to step 480. Second resistance threshold R TV2 This refers to the threshold used to determine whether the insulation resistance of a vehicle is normal after the FCS is turned off; it is typically 200Ω / V.

[0055] In step 470, the vehicle continues to travel powered by the power battery 40.

[0056] In step 480, the VCU shuts down and disconnects the high-voltage component 30 of the vehicle, then controls the vehicle to lose high voltage and wait for maintenance.

[0057] According to this embodiment, when the vehicle's insulation resistance fails and causes the FCS to shut down, the vehicle's insulation resistance can be checked again after the high-voltage relay is disconnected. If the vehicle's insulation resistance is normal after disconnecting the high-voltage relay, the vehicle can continue to drive for a period of time using the power battery to reach a service area, repair shop, or charging station, instead of stopping to wait for repairs. This improves the user experience for FCEV users.

[0058] Figure 5 An exemplary flowchart of vehicle operation when a serious malfunction occurs in the FCS is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] First, in step 500, FCCU101 detects a fault in FCS10 that could lead to safety issues, such as a serious fault in the fuel cell stack or auxiliary system (BOP), or a fault in the engine high-voltage interlock.

[0060] In step 510, FCCU101 controls FCS10 to shut down in an emergency and simultaneously sends relevant fault information (such as fault codes or fault levels) of FCS10 to VCU.

[0061] In step 520, the FCS10 shutdown is complete.

[0062] In step 530, FCCU101 controls the high-voltage relay S H disconnect.

[0063] In step 540, the vehicle continues to travel powered by the power battery 40.

[0064] According to this embodiment, when the vehicle's FCS shuts down due to a malfunction (serious failure of the fuel cell stack or auxiliary systems, engine high-voltage interlock failure, etc.), the high-voltage output of the FCS is disconnected by disconnecting the high-voltage relay, thereby preventing electrical safety accidents. Furthermore, the vehicle can continue driving for a period of time powered by the battery to a service area, repair shop, or charging station, instead of stopping to wait for repairs. This improves the user experience for FCEV users.

[0065] It is understood that the high-voltage output management device of the present invention can be implemented on the same chip or on different chips. In one embodiment, the high-voltage output management device is located in the vehicle control unit, for example, in the vehicle's domain controller or the controller of the intelligent braking system. According to another embodiment, the high-voltage output management device is a separate control device connected to the vehicle control unit.

[0066] The high-voltage output management device of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. For the hardware implementation, it can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), data signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic units designed to perform their functions, or combinations thereof. For the software implementation, it can be implemented using microcode, program code, or code segments, and can also be stored in a machine-readable storage medium such as a storage component.

[0067] The present invention also provides a machine-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon for a computer to perform the steps of the method according to the present invention described above. The machine-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a material composition affecting machine-readable propagation signals, or one or more combinations thereof.

[0068] The present invention also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the method according to the present invention.

[0069] The present invention also provides a domain controller comprising at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the at least one processor, implements the method according to the present invention.

[0070] While the features of the embodiments described herein have been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art may omit, substitute, and modify the form, details, and operation of the illustrated methods, and the order of steps of the methods described above is merely exemplary. Adjustments to the steps of the methods of the present invention are possible while still achieving the functionality of the invention. For example, all combinations of method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result are equivalent.

Claims

1. A high-voltage output management device for a fuel cell system in a vehicle, comprising: A fuel cell system control unit (FCCU) configured to control the fuel cell system (FCS) to enable the fuel cell system to operate normally; The relay module includes: A pre-charging assembly is disposed between the fuel cell system and the high-voltage power distribution unit of the vehicle, the pre-charging assembly including a pre-charging relay (S) connected in series. P ) and pre-charge resistor (R P ), used to control the high-voltage pre-charging of the fuel cell system; High voltage relay (S) H The high-voltage relay (S) is located between the fuel cell system and the high-voltage power distribution unit and is connected in parallel with the pre-charge assembly. The fuel cell system control unit controls the high-voltage relay (S). H The engagement and disengagement of the high-voltage relay (S) cause the high-voltage relay to engage before the fuel cell system is started. H This connects the fuel cell system to the high-voltage power distribution unit and disconnects the high-voltage relay (S) after the fuel cell system is shut down. H This disconnects the electrical connection between the fuel cell system and the high-voltage power distribution unit.

2. The high-voltage output management device according to claim 1, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is configured such that, during the normal vehicle shutdown process, the vehicle's vehicle control unit (VCU) sends a command to the fuel cell system control unit to control the fuel cell system shutdown. After the fuel cell system shutdown is completed, the electrical connection between the high-voltage power distribution unit and the high-voltage components of the vehicle is disconnected. Then, the fuel cell system control unit controls the high-voltage relay (S... H ) disconnected, and in the high-voltage relay (S) H After disconnection, the fuel cell system control unit monitors the insulation resistance (R) of the fuel cell system. FCS If the insulation resistance (R) of the fuel cell system is monitored, FCS The resistance threshold (R) of the fuel cell system is less than that of the fuel cell system. TF If the fuel cell system control unit sends a signal to the vehicle control unit requesting the replacement of the deionizer, then the fuel cell system control unit will send a signal to the vehicle control unit requesting the replacement of the deionizer.

3. The high-voltage output management device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is configured such that, before the fuel cell system starts, the fuel cell system control unit detects the insulation resistance of the fuel cell system; if the insulation resistance is determined to be normal, the high-voltage relay (S) is engaged. H Then the vehicle's vehicle control unit (VCU) sends a command to the fuel cell system control unit to control the start of the fuel cell system.

4. The high-voltage output management device according to any one of claims 3, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is configured such that if the insulation resistance of the fuel cell system is determined to be abnormal, the fuel cell system control unit will not allow the fuel cell system to be started.

5. The high-voltage output management device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is configured such that: the VCU monitors the vehicle's insulation resistance in real time; when the vehicle's insulation resistance fails, the fuel cell system shuts down; and after the fuel cell system shuts down, the fuel cell system control unit controls the high-voltage relay (S... H )disconnect.

6. The high-voltage output management device according to claim 5, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is further configured such that the VCU monitors the high-voltage relay (S H The insulation resistance of the vehicle after disconnection, if the high-voltage relay (S) H If the insulation resistance of the vehicle is normal after disconnection, the vehicle continues to drive powered by the power battery.

7. The high-voltage output management device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is configured such that when the fuel cell system control unit detects a fault in the fuel cell system and shuts it down, the fuel cell system control unit controls the high-voltage relay (S). H )disconnect.

8. The high-voltage output management device according to claim 7, wherein, The high-voltage output management device is further configured to: in the high-voltage relay (S H After disconnection, the vehicle continues to operate powered by the power battery.

9. The high-voltage output management device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The high-voltage power distribution unit is a multi-one module.

10. A power high-voltage output management device for a fuel cell system in a vehicle, comprising a high-voltage output management device according to any one of claims 1-9 and a high-voltage power distribution unit of the vehicle.

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