An extensible module that can restore fuel cell system performance

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of scalable module that can restore the performance of fuel cell system, including performance recovery module;The performance recovery module is independently arranged outside fuel cell system, including load element, switch element and the control system of performance recovery module;The fuel cell stack is electrically connected with the user load and auxiliary power supply module by the DC / DC module, for user load power supply and charging auxiliary power supply module.The utility model executes performance recovery process by the control system of performance recovery module when detecting that fuel cell stack operating time reaches preset threshold or stack monomer voltage is lower than set threshold, the process includes in turn control DC / DC module closing, switch element closing, load element access and air system stop aeration, carries out performance recovery to stack under air starvation condition, completes stack activation under system continuous operation state, improves the durability and operating continuity of fuel cell system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to an expandable module that can restore the performance of a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells, as efficient and clean power generation devices, are widely used in vehicle power, distributed energy, and backup power. However, the performance of fuel cell stacks gradually degrades after long-term operation or intermittent storage, manifesting as problems such as decreased output voltage and insufficient power.

[0003] In existing technologies, the performance recovery of fuel cells typically relies on the following methods:

[0004] 1. Fixed or integrated recovery devices and modules. This type of solution is usually bound to the overall structure of the fuel cell system and does not have the ability to be disassembled or expanded.

[0005] 2. A separate fuel cell stack activation device periodically restores the fuel cell stack using independent equipment, which is complex to operate and has a long maintenance cycle;

[0006] Third, the standalone software control recovery method relies on the main control strategy of the fuel cell system for programmatic adjustment, which requires modification of the main control system software and is not conducive to system compatibility and promotion.

[0007] To address this, a scalable module is proposed that can restore the performance of a fuel cell system. Utility Model Content

[0008] In view of this, the present invention provides a scalable module that can restore the performance of a fuel cell system, so as to solve or alleviate the technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option.

[0009] The technical solution of this utility model is achieved as follows: an expandable module that can restore the performance of a fuel cell system, including a performance recovery module;

[0010] The performance recovery module is independently located outside the fuel cell system and includes a load element, a switching element, and a control system for the performance recovery module.

[0011] The fuel cell stack is electrically connected to the user load and the auxiliary power supply module through the DC / DC module, and is used to supply power to the user load and charge the auxiliary power supply module.

[0012] The fuel cell system includes a control system, a fuel cell stack, a DC / DC module, a user load, an auxiliary power supply module, an air system, a hydrogen system, and a thermal management system.

[0013] The control system of the performance recovery module is connected to the control system of the fuel cell system through a communication interface. It is used to monitor the running time and the individual voltage of the fuel cell stack during system operation and generate a performance recovery trigger signal.

[0014] The switching element and the load element are connected in series to form a performance recovery branch, and the switching on and off is controlled by the control system of the performance recovery module, so that the load element is connected in parallel to the output terminal of the fuel cell stack in performance recovery mode.

[0015] The performance recovery module's control system has a pre-set performance recovery control program, which executes sequentially when the running time is detected to have reached a preset threshold:

[0016] Turn off the DC / DC module of the fuel cell system;

[0017] Close the switching element and connect the load element;

[0018] Control the air system to stop supplying gas to create an air-starved state, while maintaining a stable hydrogen supply.

[0019] Monitor the battery stack voltage. When the voltage of a single battery stack cell drops to the preset value V1, disconnect the switching element and restart the air system and DC / DC module.

[0020] The system temperature is regulated by the thermal management system, which restores the fuel cell stack to normal power generation status.

[0021] More preferably, the communication method between the control system of the performance recovery module and the main control system is CAN bus or RS485 communication method, used to transmit system running time, voltage and status signals.

[0022] More preferably, the load element is a detachable power resistor module with a resistance range of 1-10Ω.

[0023] More preferably, the switching element is a MOSFET or IGBT power switch, and a PWM control signal is used to achieve rapid turn-on and turn-off.

[0024] More preferably, the control system of the performance recovery module includes a microcontroller control unit, a voltage detection unit, a current sampling unit, a communication interface, and a relay drive circuit. The microcontroller control unit exchanges operating status information with the fuel cell system main controller through the communication interface and controls the operation of the relay drive circuit.

[0025] More preferably, the control system of the performance recovery module has a reserved expansion interface, which is used to realize the expansion connection of load elements. The load elements are combined into multiple detachable power resistors in parallel or series according to the power requirements of the fuel cell system.

[0026] More preferably, the auxiliary power supply module is a lithium battery, lead-acid battery, storage battery or supercapacitor, used to provide power to the user load of the fuel cell system during the performance recovery process.

[0027] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solution:

[0028] I. This utility model, through the control system of the performance recovery module, can execute a performance recovery process when it detects that the fuel cell stack operating time has reached a preset threshold or the voltage of a single stack cell is lower than a set threshold. The process includes sequentially controlling the DC / DC module to shut down, the switching element to close, the load element to connect, and the air system to stop supplying air, thereby restoring the performance of the stack under air starvation conditions. The stack can be activated under continuous operation of the fuel cell system, improving the system's operational continuity and durability.

[0029] Second, the control system of the performance recovery module of this utility model interacts with the main control system of the fuel cell system through a standard communication interface, transmitting only the running time, voltage and status information, without changing the control strategy or program logic of the main control system; the control system of the performance recovery module can independently execute the performance recovery control program, achieving a high degree of decoupling from the main system, enabling the module to be quickly connected to different types of fuel cell systems, improving the versatility and ease of operation of the end application.

[0030] Third, the performance recovery module of this utility model adopts an expandable structure, and the load element is a detachable power resistor module. The control system of the performance recovery module has reserved expansion interface, which can be used in parallel with multiple performance recovery modules through cascading. Thus, the number of modules can be flexibly configured according to the power of the fuel cell system, adapting to different power levels and application scenarios. This not only improves the versatility and expandability of the system, but also facilitates later maintenance.

[0031] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0032] 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.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the scalable performance recovery module of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a control flowchart of the performance recovery control method of this utility model.

[0035] Reference numerals: 1. Control system; 2. Fuel cell stack; 3. DC / DC module; 4. User load; 5. Auxiliary power supply module; 6. Performance recovery module; 7. Load element; 8. Switching element; 9. Control system of performance recovery module; 10. Air system; 11. Hydrogen system; 12. Thermal management system. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides an expandable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system, including a performance recovery module 6;

[0039] The performance recovery module 6 is independently located outside the fuel cell system and includes a load element 7, a switching element 8, and a control system 9 for the performance recovery module.

[0040] The fuel cell stack 2 is electrically connected to the user load 4 and the auxiliary power supply module 5 via the DC / DC module 3, which is used to supply power to the external user load and charge the auxiliary power supply module 5 during system operation; the performance recovery module 6 is independently set outside the fuel cell system and is connected to the main control system 1 via a communication interface.

[0041] The performance recovery module 6 mainly consists of a load element 7, a switching element 8, and a control system 9 for the performance recovery module;

[0042] Among them, the load element 7 is a detachable power resistor module with a resistance range of 1Ω to 10Ω, which is used as a load branch to consume the remaining energy of the fuel cell stack during the performance recovery phase; the switching element 8 is a MOSFET or IGBT power switch, which is connected in series with the load element 7 to form a performance recovery branch and is connected to the output terminal of the fuel cell stack 2.

[0043] The control system 9 of the performance recovery module includes a microcontroller control unit, a voltage detection unit, a current sampling unit, a communication interface, and a relay drive circuit, which are used to collect the operating status of the fuel cell system and execute performance recovery control commands.

[0044] The control system 9 of the performance recovery module communicates with the main control system 1 via CAN bus or RS485 to transmit system operating time, voltage, current, and control signals. The control system 9 of the performance recovery module has a pre-set performance recovery control program that automatically triggers the performance recovery mode when the fuel cell system reaches preset conditions. These preset conditions include: the stack operating time reaching a preset time threshold, or the individual stack voltage falling below a set threshold. For example, when the stack operating time reaches 1 hour or 2 hours, or the individual stack voltage falls below 0.6V, the control system 9 of the performance recovery module generates a performance recovery trigger signal, sets the system recovery flag to "ON," and then executes the following control steps sequentially:

[0045] (1) Turn off DC / DC module 3 to disconnect the output of fuel cell stack 2 from user load 4, and the system enters the performance recovery preparation state;

[0046] (2) Close the switch element 8 and connect the load element 7 to the output terminal of the fuel cell stack to form an electrical load branch;

[0047] (3) Shut down the air system 10 and stop the air supply to make the cathode of the fuel cell starved of air, while keeping the hydrogen supply of the hydrogen system 11 stable to prevent anode polarization.

[0048] (4) Monitor the voltage change of the fuel cell stack. Under air starvation conditions, the residual oxygen in the fuel cell stack is gradually consumed by the load element 7, and the voltage of the individual fuel cell stack gradually decreases.

[0049] (5) When the voltage of a single cell of the fuel cell drops to a preset threshold V1 (e.g., 0.05V, corresponding to a stack voltage of about 1.75V for a 35-cell fuel cell), the control system 9 of the performance recovery module outputs a disconnect command, causing the switching element 8 to disconnect and the load element 7 to exit the circuit.

[0050] (6) Restart the air system 10 and DC / DC module 3, and adjust the system temperature through the thermal management system 12 to restore the fuel cell stack 2 to normal power generation operation.

[0051] During the performance recovery process, user load 4 is powered by the auxiliary power supply module, namely auxiliary power supply module 5, to ensure the continuity of power output during system operation; the entire performance recovery process is executed by the control system 9 of the performance recovery module without manual intervention, and the system can complete the fuel cell performance recovery under continuous operation.

[0052] The control system 9 of the performance recovery module has a reserved expansion interface. The expansion interface is used to realize the expansion connection of the load element 7. The load element 7 combines multiple detachable power resistors in parallel or series according to the power requirements of the fuel cell system to adapt to fuel cell systems with different power levels.

[0053] In addition, the control system 9 of the performance recovery module can be configured with a data storage unit to record the stack's operating time, performance recovery times, and individual cell voltage change data, which facilitates system maintenance personnel to evaluate the stack's performance status and manage its lifespan. The performance recovery module 6 adopts a modular integrated packaging structure, with power output interface and communication interface set on the shell, which facilitates flexible installation and quick replacement inside or outside the fuel cell system.

[0054] In operation, during normal operation of the fuel cell system, the fuel cell stack 2 provides electrical energy to the user load 4 through the DC / DC module 3, while simultaneously charging the auxiliary power supply module 5. At this time, the performance recovery module 6 is in standby mode, and its internal control system 9 monitors the operating parameters of the fuel cell system in real time, including stack operating time, voltage, and overall operating status.

[0055] When the control system 9 of the performance recovery module detects that the operating time of the fuel cell stack has reached a preset threshold, or the voltage of a single fuel cell stack is lower than the set value, the system generates a performance recovery trigger signal, and the performance recovery module 6 automatically enters the performance recovery mode.

[0056] In performance recovery mode, the control system 9 of the performance recovery module outputs control commands in sequence: First, it controls the DC / DC module 3 to shut down, so that the output of the fuel cell stack 2 is disconnected from the user load 4; then, it controls the switching element 8 to close, so that the load element 7 is connected to the stack output terminal to form an independent electrical load branch.

[0057] At the same time, the control system 9 of the performance recovery module shuts down the air system 10, causing the cathode of the fuel cell to enter an air-starved state.

[0058] Under air-starved conditions, the residual oxygen inside the fuel cell stack is gradually consumed by the load element 7, and the control system 9 of the performance recovery module continuously monitors the voltage changes of individual fuel cell units. When the individual unit voltage drops to a preset threshold V1 (e.g., 0.05V, corresponding to a stack voltage of approximately 1.75V for a 35-cell fuel cell stack), the control system 9 of the performance recovery module immediately outputs a control signal to disconnect the switching element 8 and disconnect the load element 7 from the circuit; at the same time, the air system 10 and the DC / DC module 3 are restarted, restoring the system to normal power generation, and the fuel cell stack resumes power supply to the user load 4 and the auxiliary power supply module 5.

[0059] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system, characterized in that: Includes a performance recovery module (6); The performance recovery module (6) is independently located outside the fuel cell system and includes a load element (7), a switching element (8), and a control system (9) for the performance recovery module. The fuel cell system includes a control system (1), a fuel cell stack (2), a DC / DC module (3), a user load (4), an auxiliary power supply module (5), an air system (10), a hydrogen system (11), and a thermal management system (12). The fuel cell stack (2) is electrically connected to the user load (4) and the auxiliary power supply module (5) through the DC / DC module (3) to supply power to the user load and charge the auxiliary power supply module; The control system (9) of the performance recovery module is connected to the control system (1) of the fuel cell system through a communication interface. It is used to monitor the running time and the individual voltage of the fuel cell stack (2) during system operation and generate a performance recovery trigger signal. The switching element (8) and the load element (7) are connected in series to form a performance recovery branch, and the switching on and off is controlled by the control system (9) of the performance recovery module, so that the load element (7) is connected in parallel to the output terminal of the fuel cell stack (2) in the performance recovery mode. The control system (9) of the performance recovery module has a preset performance recovery control program, which is used to execute sequentially when the running time is detected to have reached a preset threshold: Turn off the DC / DC module of the fuel cell system (3); Close the switch element (8) and connect the load element (7); Control the air system (10) to stop supplying gas to create an air-starved state, while maintaining a stable supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen system (11); Monitor the battery stack voltage. When the voltage of a single battery stack cell drops to the preset value V1, disconnect the switching element (8) and restart the air system (10) and DC / DC module (3). The system temperature is regulated by the thermal management system (12) to restore the fuel cell stack (2) to normal power generation state.

2. The scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication method between the control system (9) of the performance recovery module and the main control system (1) is CAN bus or RS485 communication method, which is used to transmit system running time, voltage and status signals.

3. A scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The load element (7) is a detachable power resistor module with a resistance range of 1-10Ω.

4. A scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching element (8) is a MOSFET or IGBT power switch, and a PWM control signal is used to achieve fast turn-on and turn-off.

5. A scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (9) of the performance recovery module includes a microcontroller control unit, a voltage detection unit, a current sampling unit, a communication interface and a relay drive circuit. The microcontroller control unit exchanges operating status information with the fuel cell system main controller through the communication interface and controls the relay drive circuit to operate.

6. A scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (9) of the performance recovery module has a reserved expansion interface, which is used to realize the expansion connection of the load element (7). The load element (7) combines multiple detachable power resistors in parallel or series according to the power requirements of the fuel cell system.

7. A scalable module for restoring the performance of a fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary power supply module (5) is a lithium battery, lead-acid battery, storage battery or supercapacitor, used to provide power to the user load (4) of the fuel cell system during the performance recovery process.

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