Fuel cell cold start device and fuel cell

Abstract

The application provides a fuel cell cold starting device and a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell cold starting device comprises a shell assembly, the shell assembly is arranged outside a cooling liquid pipeline of the fuel cell; an infrared radiation assembly is connected with the shell assembly and is arranged towards the cooling liquid pipeline of the fuel cell; and a temperature monitoring assembly is connected with the cooling liquid pipeline of the fuel cell and is located between the infrared radiation assembly and a cooling liquid inlet of the fuel cell. The technical scheme of the application effectively solves the problem of low heating efficiency in the cold starting process of the fuel cell in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and more particularly to a fuel cell cold start device and a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a chemical device that uses hydrogen and oxygen as fuel and directly converts the chemical energy of the fuel into electrical energy through a chemical reaction that occurs at the interface between the positive and negative electrodes. With increasing environmental concerns, fuel cells have received widespread attention as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly power generation technology, and are currently widely used in manned spaceflight, underwater submarines, distributed power stations, and rail transportation.

[0003] In environments below 0°C, fuel cell systems, due to the presence of water generated during the reaction, will experience ice formation inside the stack after shutdown. This not only hinders the transport of reactants, leading to cold start failure, but also generates stress that damages the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), causing a reduction in stack lifespan. Consecutive cold start failures are particularly damaging to the fuel cell stack.

[0004] The current common solution is to use electric heating or fuel heating to quickly heat the coolant and exchange heat with the fuel cell stack to raise the internal temperature of the stack and prevent cold start failure. However, the heating efficiency of the above methods is low and not environmentally friendly, such as CA2367128A. Utility Model Content

[0005] One of the technical problems this application aims to solve is the low heating efficiency during the cold start process of fuel cells.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a fuel cell cold start device and a fuel cell.

[0007] A cold start device for a fuel cell according to this application includes: a housing assembly disposed outside the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell; an infrared radiation assembly connected to the housing assembly and disposed facing the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell; and a temperature monitoring assembly connected to the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell and located between the infrared radiation assembly and the coolant inlet of the fuel cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing assembly includes a first end face, a second end face, and a housing structure. The first end face and the second end face are respectively connected to the two ends of the housing structure. The housing structure is a hollow cylinder. The coolant pipeline of the fuel cell passes through the first end face, the housing structure, and the second end face in sequence.

[0009] In some embodiments, the infrared radiation component is disposed between the outside of the coolant piping of the fuel cell and the inside of the housing structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the infrared radiation assembly includes a plurality of infrared radiators, the two ends of which are respectively connected to a first end face and a second end face.

[0011] In some embodiments, multiple infrared radiators are arranged parallel to each other with the coolant lines of the fuel cell.

[0012] In some embodiments, a predetermined distance is maintained between the plurality of infrared radiators and the coolant lines of the fuel cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing assembly further includes a reflective layer structure connected to the inner wall of the housing structure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reflective layer structure employs a heat-reflective coating.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fuel cell cold start device further includes a control component connected to an infrared radiation component and a temperature monitoring component.

[0016] According to another aspect of this application, a fuel cell is also provided, which employs the aforementioned fuel cell cold start device, and the fuel cell has a coolant pipeline, with the housing assembly connected to the outer wall of the coolant pipeline.

[0017] The fuel cell cold start device provided in this application uses an infrared radiation component to heat the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell, and is further insulated by an external shell component to prevent heat loss. A temperature monitoring component is also included to monitor the temperature of the heated coolant pipeline. The heated coolant flows to the fuel cell stack, further warming it and preventing the stack from failing to start properly in low-temperature environments. This technical solution effectively solves the problem of low heating efficiency in the prior art during fuel cell cold start. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure of the fuel cell cold start device disclosed in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A schematic diagram of the left-side cross-sectional structure of a fuel cell cold start device;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the left cross-sectional structure of the fuel cell cold start device disclosed in Embodiment 2 of this application is shown.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 10. Housing assembly; 11. First end face; 12. Second end face; 13. Housing structure; 14. Reflective layer structure; 20. Infrared radiation assembly; 21. Infrared radiator; 30. Temperature monitoring assembly; 40. Control assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application. This application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments of the application herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0025] These embodiments are provided to make the application thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, material composition, numerical expressions, and values ​​illustrated in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the permissible margin of error. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the permissible margin of error. Terms such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well.

[0028] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances. When a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the specific device and the first or second device.

[0029] All terms used in this application have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0030] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fuel cell cold start device disclosed in Embodiment 1 of this application includes: a housing assembly 10, an infrared radiation assembly 20, and a temperature monitoring assembly 30. The housing assembly 10 is disposed outside the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell. The infrared radiation assembly 20 is connected to the housing assembly 10 and is disposed facing the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell. The temperature monitoring assembly 30 is connected to the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell and is located between the infrared radiation assembly 20 and the coolant inlet of the fuel cell.

[0032] The technical solution of Embodiment 1 uses infrared radiation component 20 to heat the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell through thermal radiation, and an outer shell component 10 is provided for insulation to prevent heat loss. A temperature monitoring component 30 is also provided to monitor the temperature of the heated coolant pipeline. The heated coolant flows to the fuel cell stack, raising the temperature of the stack and preventing the stack from failing to start normally in low-temperature environments. The technical solution of Embodiment 1 effectively solves the problem of low heating efficiency during the cold start process of fuel cells in the prior art.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the housing assembly 10 includes a first end face 11, a second end face 12, and a housing structure 13. The first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are respectively connected to both ends of the housing structure 13. The housing structure 13 is a hollow cylinder, and the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell passes through the first end face 11, the housing structure 13, and the second end face 12 in sequence. The infrared radiation assembly 20 is installed inside the housing structure 13 and is located between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12. Under the action of the first end face 11, the second end face 12, and the housing structure 13, the infrared radiation assembly 20 is in a relatively sealed environment, and infrared rays are not easily irradiated to the outside, avoiding damage to the health of the staff. At the same time, the housing assembly 10 with this structure has a better heat preservation effect, avoids heat loss, and saves energy.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the infrared radiation component 20 is disposed between the outer side of the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell and the inner side of the housing structure 13. The infrared radiation component 20 uses infrared radiation to rapidly heat up the coolant pipeline located inside, heating the coolant inside. The heated coolant then moves to the fuel cell stack to heat the stack, thereby avoiding the problem of cold start failure of the fuel cell stack.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the infrared radiation component 20 includes multiple infrared radiators 21, with both ends of the multiple infrared radiators 21 connected to the first end face 11 and the second end face 12, respectively. The multiple infrared radiators 21 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell, thereby achieving uniform thermal radiation to the coolant pipeline, uniformly heating the internal coolant, and improving heating efficiency.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, multiple infrared radiators 21 are arranged parallel to each other with the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell. The parallel arrangement of multiple infrared radiators 21 with the coolant pipeline ensures that the distance between the infrared radiators 21 and the coolant pipeline is equal everywhere, further ensuring that the coolant pipeline is heated evenly and the internal coolant is heated uniformly.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, a predetermined distance is maintained between the multiple infrared radiators 21 and the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell. The infrared radiators 21 are not in direct contact with the coolant pipeline, increasing the irradiation area of ​​the infrared radiators 21 and further ensuring uniform heating throughout the coolant pipeline, thus avoiding problems such as localized overheating and excessive temperature differences that could lead to a shorter lifespan for the coolant pipeline.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the housing assembly 10 further includes a reflective layer structure 14, which is connected to the inner wall of the housing structure 13. The reflective layer structure 14 is used to reflect the infrared radiation emitted by the infrared radiator 21 onto the surface of the coolant pipeline, thereby reducing the infrared radiation absorbed by the housing assembly 10, increasing the infrared radiation absorbed by the coolant pipeline, avoiding resource waste, and improving heating efficiency.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the reflective layer structure 14 adopts a heat-reflective coating. The heat-reflective coating can adhere well to the inner wall of the housing assembly 10, and the reflectivity is as high as 95% or more, resulting in good reflection effect.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the fuel cell cold start device further includes a control component 40, which is connected to the infrared radiation component 20 and the temperature monitoring component 30. The control component 40 and the temperature monitoring component 30 are connected by a signal. The temperature monitoring component 30 monitors the temperature of the heated coolant pipeline to determine whether a preset temperature has been reached, ensuring a successful cold start for the fuel cell. After receiving the temperature signal, if the temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the control component 40 sends a signal to the infrared radiation component 20. Upon receiving the signal, the infrared radiation component 20 increases its frequency to emit higher-energy infrared rays, radiating heat to the coolant pipeline until the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring component 30 meets the preset temperature.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the difference between the technical solution of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the infrared radiator 21 is movably connected to the first end face 11 and the second end face 12. By moving the infrared radiator 21, the distance between the infrared radiator 21 and the coolant pipeline can be changed, thereby changing the magnitude of the infrared radiation influence on the coolant pipeline, controlling the heating rate, and realizing the regulation of the internal coolant temperature. The first end face 11 has multiple first elongated holes, each corresponding to one of the multiple infrared radiators 21. The second end face 12 has multiple second elongated holes, each corresponding to one of the multiple infrared radiators 21. By setting first fasteners to connect the first elongated holes to the infrared radiators 21 and second fasteners to connect the second elongated holes to the infrared radiators 21, and by setting both the first and second elongated holes radially, the distance between the infrared radiator 21 and the coolant pipeline can be adjusted to meet the heating requirements in different environments, thus exhibiting strong versatility.

[0042] According to another aspect of this application, a fuel cell is also provided. The fuel cell employs the aforementioned fuel cell cold start device. The fuel cell has a coolant pipeline, and the housing assembly 10 is connected to the outer wall of the coolant pipeline. By installing the fuel cell cold start device of this application on the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell, the coolant is heated. The heated coolant flows through the fuel cell stack, avoiding the problem of internal liquid freezing in cold environments, which leads to starting difficulties.

[0043] In summary, the technical solution of this invention is as follows: The fuel cell cold start device includes a fuel cell stack, a fuel cell controller, a power supply, a water pump, and an infrared heating device. The power supply is an external power source, connected to the water pump and the infrared heating device, and provides them with electrical energy. The fuel cell controller is connected to and communicates with the fuel cell stack and the infrared heating device. Solenoid valves, temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the hydrogen inlet pipe, hydrogen outlet pipe, air inlet pipe, air outlet pipe, coolant inlet pipe, and coolant outlet pipe of the fuel cell stack. Each solenoid valve and sensor is communicatively connected to the controller, which controls the on / off state and opening degree of each solenoid valve. The infrared heating device of this application includes a controller (control component 40), a power supply, a temperature sensor (temperature monitoring component 30), and a heating chamber. The heating chamber mainly consists of an infrared heating tube (infrared radiator 21), a reflective layer (reflective layer structure 14), an outer shell (shell structure 13), and a coolant channel. The controller receives signals from the fuel cell system controller and can adjust the switching of the infrared heating tube and the heating power. A temperature sensor is integrated at the outlet to monitor the outlet coolant temperature. The infrared heating element is located in the cavity between the outer wall of the coolant channel and the inner wall of the housing, and the inner wall of the housing is coated with a reflective layer to concentrate infrared light onto the coolant channel for heating.

[0044] Fuel Cell Low-Temperature Start-up Method: The fuel cell system controller acquires the stack cooling inlet temperature T. If T < -5℃, the fuel cell enters cold start mode. Otherwise, it enters the normal start-up process. The fuel cell controller determines the water pump speed and controls its operation based on the stack coolant inlet and outlet temperatures. Simultaneously, the controller determines the stack discharge current and frequency based on the cooling inlet temperature, controlling the stack to discharge intermittently, keeping the voltage of each stack cell below 0.25V. The fuel cell controller sends the target coolant temperature to the infrared heating device controller, and the infrared heating device controls its heating power based on the deviation between the outlet temperature sensor reading and the target value. When the controller detects that the stack cooling inlet temperature T > 10℃, it executes the normal start-up process.

[0045] The beneficial effects of this application are: it solves the problem of difficult cold start of fuel cells. The infrared heating device has the characteristics of high heating efficiency and fast response speed. The controller can adjust the infrared radiation power according to the state of the fuel cell system, improving energy utilization efficiency. During the cold start process, the controller can regulate the stack discharge current and discharge frequency, enabling the fuel cell to discharge with a large current. Because the voltage of a single stack cell is below 0.25V, at this time, a small portion of the energy from the hydrogen reaction is converted into electrical energy, mainly generating Joule heat to rapidly heat up the stack, thus allowing the stack to reach normal operating temperature in a short time.

[0046] The embodiments of this application have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this application, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions of this application based on the above description.

[0047] While specific embodiments of this application have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any manner.

Claims

1. A fuel cell cold start device, characterized in that, include: Housing assembly (10), the housing assembly (10) being disposed outside the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell; An infrared radiation component (20) is connected to the housing assembly (10) and is disposed toward the coolant line of the fuel cell; A temperature monitoring component (30) is connected to the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell and is located between the infrared radiation component (20) and the coolant inlet of the fuel cell.

2. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) includes a first end face (11), a second end face (12), and a housing structure (13). The first end face (11) and the second end face (12) are respectively connected to the two ends of the housing structure (13). The housing structure (13) is a hollow column. The coolant pipeline of the fuel cell passes through the first end face (11), the housing structure (13), and the second end face (12) in sequence.

3. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared radiation component (20) is disposed between the outside of the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell and the inside of the housing structure (13).

4. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared radiation component (20) includes a plurality of infrared radiators (21), and the two ends of the plurality of infrared radiators (21) are respectively connected to the first end face (11) and the second end face (12).

5. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple infrared radiators (21) are arranged parallel to each other with the coolant pipeline of the fuel cell.

6. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of infrared radiators (21) are at a predetermined distance from the coolant lines of the fuel cell.

7. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) further includes a reflective layer structure (14) connected to the inner wall of the housing structure (13).

8. The fuel cell cold start device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reflective layer structure (14) is coated with a heat-reflective coating.

9. The fuel cell cold start device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The fuel cell cold start device also includes a control component (40), which is connected to the infrared radiation component (20) and the temperature monitoring component (30).

10. A fuel cell, characterized in that, The fuel cell employs the fuel cell cold start device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the fuel cell has a coolant pipeline, and the housing assembly (10) is connected to the outer wall of the coolant pipeline.

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