Fuel cell system power distribution system based on semiconductor device

By using a MOSFET-based HSD chip and CAN module to achieve real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis of the fuel cell system, the problems of non-upgradeability and low waterproof and dustproof rating of the existing power distribution method are solved, thereby improving the system's flexibility and safety.

CN224020749UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-20GUANGDONG YUNTAO HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-23
Publication Date
2026-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fuel cell systems have fixed power distribution functions that cannot be upgraded, high design complexity, high cost, lack of monitoring and fault diagnosis, and low waterproof and dustproof ratings, hindering their marketization process.

Method used

The system employs a MOSFET-based HSD chip for low-current load control, enabling controllable switching and line protection. It integrates a CAN module for real-time monitoring and diagnostics, and optimizes power distribution through communication with the host computer via a central controller, achieving a fully sealed design.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis of fuel cell systems, reduces design complexity and cost, improves usage flexibility, upgrades waterproof and dustproof rating to IP67, and reduces wiring harness design margin.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a fuel cell system power distribution system based on a semiconductor device. The system comprises a central controller, an HSD, an upper computer, a chip and a power supply, the central controller controls the HSD, and meanwhile, the HSD feeds back a communication signal to the central controller; the central controller and the upper computer are mutually connected through CAN communication; the central controller drives the chip, and the power supply supplies power to the central controller and the chip; the central processing unit is integrated with a CAN communication control module, and the upper computer sends a command to the central processing unit through CAN communication, so that HSD driving of each controller pin and power supply driving of parts are carried out. According to the utility model, open-loop decoupling is carried out on power distribution control of the fuel cell system; according to the utility model, the fuel cell system can be monitored, diagnosed and controlled in real time; and the wiring harness design margin of the gas-electricity system is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a power distribution method for a fuel cell system, specifically a power distribution method for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fuel cell systems primarily use the same power distribution methods as traditional vehicles. Their structure is extremely simple, consisting mainly of a distribution box (fuse + relay), representing a basic electrical topology. This method is characterized by fixed distribution box functions, lack of upgradeability, large wiring harness design margins, complex design verification, long testing cycles, and slow update iteration speeds. To ensure compatibility with different vehicle models and configurations, extensive design reserves are required, leading to increased design complexity, high design costs, and poor operational flexibility. Because the distribution box contains only electrical components and no electronic parts or communication, neither fuses nor relays have fault diagnosis capabilities, and the control is open-loop. The distribution box is essentially a black box for the fuel cell system; it cannot be monitored or diagnosed. If no fault is detected, then there is no fault.

[0003] Fuel cell systems have broad application prospects in the energy sector and have attracted much attention due to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, the operation of a fuel cell system is inseparable from the battery plant (BOP) of the fuel cell auxiliary system. The power supply for the BOP accessories is connected to the fuse box of the fuel cell auxiliary system through the vehicle's power supply, and then distributed to various components to complete the power supply.

[0004] Due to limitations in driving capability, the FCU (Fuel Cell Control Unit) in a fuel cell system generally cannot directly drive high-power loads. It only outputs control signals, controlling the load operation through relays in the distribution box. Some fuel cell systems may have an integrated PCB relay in the FCU, allowing direct load driving, but these typically lack protection; protection still relies on fuses in the distribution box, requiring additional wiring. Traditional fuel cell system power distribution methods are passive; fuses and relays are passive components lacking condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. Therefore, traditional fuel cell system power distribution methods are open-loop. The fuse box is essentially a black box for the fuel cell system; it cannot be monitored or diagnosed. If no fault is detected, then there is no fault.

[0005] Currently, the power distribution methods for fuel cell systems on the market are basically traditional, which have many problems. Among them, the inability to meet the IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating is a serious issue, hindering the marketization process. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention relates to a power distribution method for a fuel cell system, which is based on semiconductor devices. It primarily relies on a high-side switch (HSD) chip based on a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) to control a small current load. A single HSD chip can replace one fuse and one relay (e.g., Figure 3 As shown in the image, it simultaneously achieves controllable switching, circuit protection, and diagnostic functions, and is more functional, intelligent, reliable, smaller, and lighter. Furthermore, it communicates with the fuel cell system controller via the chip's internal CAN module, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnostics.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows.

[0008] A power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices includes a central controller, a high-speed automatic storage (HSD), a host computer, a chip, and a power supply. The central controller controls the HSD, and the HSD feeds back communication signals to the central controller. The central controller and the host computer are interconnected via CAN communication. The central controller drives the chip, and the power supply provides power to the central controller and the chip. The HSD optimizes the power distribution of a set of controllers and a set of fuses, transforming passive power supply into active control. The central processing unit integrates a CAN communication control module, and the host computer sends commands to the central controller via CAN communication, thereby driving the HSD on each controller pin and driving the power supply to the components.

[0009] Furthermore, the power supply is a 24V power supply.

[0010] Furthermore, the set of controllers includes one or more of a primary controller and a secondary controller.

[0011] Furthermore, the primary controller includes a main power controller and a valve power controller; the secondary controller includes a water distribution valve temperature controller and a shut-off valve controller.

[0012] Furthermore, a group of insurance policies includes one or more types of primary and secondary insurance policies.

[0013] Furthermore, the fuse is powered by a 9A power chip.

[0014] Furthermore, the components include one of a proportional valve, a water distribution valve, a three-way valve, a caliper, a water pump, and a throttle valve.

[0015] Based on this power distribution method, the power distribution box can be designed to be fully sealed, offering a higher level of protection. For example, the original power distribution box was simply a plastic box with a plastic lid and a few clips, offering protection only up to IP54. The new power distribution box is fully sealed, achieving an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. This means that even if water enters the engine compartment, it won't be a problem, ensuring the safety of the fuel cell system's power supply. This is especially important for commercial vehicles equipped with fuel cell systems operating in harsh environments. For users, this means the power distribution box won't be damaged after being submerged in water, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0017] This invention implements open-loop decoupling for the power distribution control of a fuel cell system; it can monitor, diagnose, and control the fuel cell system in real time; and it reduces the wiring harness design margin of the fuel cell system.

[0018] This invention can reduce the design complexity of gas-fired power systems, reduce the design cost of gas-fired power systems, improve the flexibility of gas-fired power systems, reduce the need for insurance and maintenance of gas-fired power systems, and allow for independent control of each line. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of specific power distribution operations;

[0020] Figure 2 This is the control and power distribution diagram for a gas-fired power system.

[0021] Figure 3 This is the power distribution equivalent diagram;

[0022] The components in the diagram are as follows: Central Controller 1, HSD 2, Host Computer 3, Chip 4, Power Supply 5. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This embodiment is based on the basic power distribution of the fuel cell system, and a completely new power distribution is achieved by adding chip control to the fuel cell system.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, a power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices includes a central controller 1, an HSD 2, a host computer 3, a chip 4, and a power supply 5 (24V power supply). The central controller 1 controls the HSD 2, while the HSD 2 feeds back communication signals to the central controller 1. The central controller 1 and the host computer 3 are interconnected via CAN communication. The central controller 1 drives the chip 4, and the power supply provides power to both the central controller 1 and the chip 4. The HSD optimizes the power distribution of a set of controllers and a set of fuses, transforming passive power supply into active control. In this embodiment, the set of controllers includes one or more of a primary controller and a secondary controller. The primary controller includes a main power controller and a valve power controller; the secondary controller includes a water distribution valve temperature controller and a shut-off valve controller.

[0025] In this embodiment, the set of fuses includes one or more of a primary fuse and a secondary fuse. The fuses are powered by a 9A power chip.

[0026] The central processing unit 1 integrates a CAN communication control module. The host computer 3 sends commands to the central controller 1 through CAN communication, thereby driving the HSD of each controller pin and driving the power supply of components.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the components in this embodiment include one of the following: a proportional valve, a water distribution valve, a three-way valve, a caliper, a water pump, and a throttle valve.

[0028] In this embodiment, the vehicle battery supplies power to the system FCU, valves, and electrical appliances; the BOP components of the fuel cell system are powered by primary control and secondary fuses respectively. The shut-off valve and the PTC water distribution valve are under secondary control and then powered; the primary and secondary control are performed by the FCU program, which sends low-side drive signals.

[0029] The use of MOSFET-based HSD chips can optimize power distribution for a set of controls and fuses, transforming passive power supply into active control. Both primary and secondary controls are implemented using HSD chips, including primary controls such as main power control, appliance power control, and valve power control, as well as secondary controls such as water distribution valve temperature control and shut-off valve control. Primary and secondary fuses are driven by a 9A power chip, providing power output for loads such as proportional valves, water distribution valves, three-way valves, inspection valves, water pumps, and throttle valves.

[0030] The fuel cell system is powered by the vehicle's battery. A 24V power supply enters the vehicle's fuse box and powers the central processing unit (CPU) and drive chips. The CPU integrates a CAN communication control module; the host computer sends commands to the CPU via CAN communication, thereby driving the HSD (Hardware-Supported Activated Drive) pins and powering the components.

[0031] The control logic is as follows: the host computer sends commands to the central controller via CAN communication, and the controller controls the HSD chips (Highside switches) K1, K2, K3, K4, and K6. When K3 is activated, the proportional valve and the water distribution valve are powered; when K3 and K2 are activated, the water distribution valve's PTC is powered; when K3 and K1 are activated, the shut-off valve is activated; when K4 is activated, the remaining components are powered; and when K6 is activated, the high-side switches are powered by the main power supply. Thus, the fuel cell system controller can individually power and drive the components of each circuit via CAN communication, achieving open-loop decoupling of the fuel cell system control.

[0032] Based on the above methods, the fuse box of the gas-fired power system can be developed and designed, using a connector to power each pin, thereby indirectly improving the IP (waterproof and dustproof) rating of the power distribution box.

[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices, characterized in that, The system includes a central controller (1), an HSD (2), a host computer (3), a chip (4), and a power supply (5); the central controller (1) controls the HSD (2), and the HSD (2) feeds back communication signals to the central controller (1); the central controller (1) and the host computer (3) are interconnected via CAN communication; the central controller (1) drives the chip (4), and the power supply provides power to the central controller (1) and the chip (4); the HSD optimizes the power distribution of a set of controllers and a set of fuses, transforming passive power supply into active control; The central controller (1) integrates a CAN communication control module. The host computer (3) sends commands to the central controller (1) through CAN communication, thereby driving the HSD of each controller pin and driving the power supply of components.

2. The power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply (5) is a 24V power supply.

3. The power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set of controllers includes one or more of a primary controller and a secondary controller.

4. The power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices according to claim 3, characterized in that, The primary controller includes a main power controller and a valve power controller; the secondary controller includes a water distribution valve temperature controller and a shut-off valve controller.

5. The power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, A group of insurance policies includes one or more types of primary and secondary insurance.

6. The power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuse is powered by a 9A power chip.

7. The power distribution system for a fuel cell system based on semiconductor devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The components include one of the following: proportional valve, water distribution valve, three-way valve, inspection valve, water pump, and throttle valve.