Integrated cooling control valve

Abstract

Integrated cooling control valve (100) used in a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS), wherein the integrated cooling control valve (100) has: a ball valve having at least three layers, wherein the ball valve has: a valve housing (200) having a first opening (210) fluidly connected to a fuel cell stack (10), a second opening (220) coupled to a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater (20), a third opening (230) coupled to an ion filter (50), a fourth opening (240) coupled to a radiator (30), and a fifth opening (250) coupled to a coolant supply pump (40), and a valve plate (300) arranged in the valve housing (200) and comprising at least three layers to open and close the first opening (210), the second opening (220), the third opening (230), the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an integrated cooling control valve.

[0002] In general, a fuel cell system used in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is configured to include a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by means of an electrochemical reaction of a reaction gas, a hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen, i.e., fuel, to the fuel cell stack, an air supply device for supplying air containing oxygen, i.e., an oxidizing agent necessary for an electrochemical reaction, to the fuel cell stack, and a thermal management system (TMS) for optimally controlling the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack by dissipating heat, i.e., byproducts of an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell stack, to the outside and performing a water management function.

[0003] A fuel cell TMS is modularly designed with components such as a pump, a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) heater, an ion filter, valves, a control unit, etc. Accordingly, various circuits, such as a cooling circuit, a heating circuit, a filter circuit, etc., can be implemented, each circulating a coolant in a different way depending on the operating condition of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0004] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a conventional fuel cell TMS. Fig. Reference numeral 1 denotes a fuel cell stack.

[0005] A four-way valve 15, suitable for four-way control, and a three-way valve 60, suitable for three-way control, are coupled to a coolant outlet line 11 and a coolant inlet line 12 of the fuel cell stack 1, respectively. By controlling the four-way valve 15 and the three-way valve 60, the fuel cell TMS can be configured to have a cooling circuit, a heating circuit, and an ion filter circuit.

[0006] The cooling circuit is a coolant circulation circuit for dissipating the heat generated by the fuel cell stack to the outside. The coolant circulation circuit is implemented as follows: a process of cooling a coolant discharged via the coolant outlet line 11 of the fuel cell stack 1 through a first valve control opening 21 of the four-way valve 15 by means of a radiator 3 by driving a pump 4; a process of the coolant passing through the pump 4 via a second valve control opening 22 and a third valve control opening 23 of the four-way valve 15; and a process of supplying the coolant to the fuel cell stack 1 via a first valve control opening 61 and a second valve control opening 62 of the three-way valve 60.

[0007] Furthermore, the heating circuit is a coolant circulation circuit for improving the cold-start capability of a fuel cell vehicle. The heating circuit is implemented such that it includes a process of heating the coolant passing through a third valve control port 63 of the three-way valve 60 by increasing the coolant temperature by means of a COD heater 5, a process of the heated coolant passing through the pump 4 via the third valve control port 23 of the four-way valve 15 by driving the pump 4, and a process of supplying the coolant to the fuel cell stack 1 via the first valve control port 61 and the second valve control port 62 of the three-way valve 60.

[0008] Furthermore, the filter circuit is a circuit for ensuring electrical stability by removing metal ions from the coolant after circulation of the fuel cell stack 1. The filter circuit is implemented such that it comprises a process of removing metal ions from the coolant towards the fuel cell stack 1 by circulating the coolant towards an ion filter 7, a process of the coolant, from which the metal ions have been removed, passing through a fourth valve control port 24 of the four-way valve 15, and a process of supplying the coolant to the fuel cell stack 1 via the first valve control port 61 and the second valve control port 62 of the three-way valve 60.

[0009] As described above, the conventional fuel cell TMS is modularly designed with pump 4, COD heater 5, ion filter 7, valves (including four-way valve 15 and three-way valve 60), a control unit, etc., to implement various circuits such as the cooling circuit, heating circuit, and filter circuit. As described above, two valves—the four-way valve 15 and the three-way valve 60—are used in the conventional fuel cell TMS because heating for the heating circuit and flow ratio control for controlling the coolant flow through a single valve body cannot be implemented.

[0010] However, the conventional fuel cell TMS has a disadvantage in that the volume of a housing for the modularized fuel cell TMS is increased as a result of a separate mounting space for each valve, since two valves, comprising the four-way valve 15 and the three-way valve 60, are mounted separately in the modularized fuel cell TMS, and therefore has a problem in that it acts as an obstacle to achieving weight reduction and compactness of a heat and water management system, i.e. a modularized part of a fuel cell vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, there is a problem due to the complicated valve control logic for flow control, as the first to fourth valve control openings 21 to 24 contained in the existing four-way valve 15 and the first to third valve control openings 61 to 63 contained in the existing three-way valve 60 are controlled in such a way that they are opened and closed individually.

[0012] A cooling control valve with three levels is known from DE 10 2017 004 438 A1 and DE 10 2016 102 583 A1. A fuel cell thermal management system is known from US 2016 / 0 164 117 A1.

[0013] The invention relates to an integrated cooling control valve used in a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS). Particular embodiments relate to an integrated cooling control valve suitable for controlling five openings by means of a single actuating device in order to control the flow and direction of a coolant.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention take into account the above points, and one embodiment of the invention provides a single integrated cooling control valve as a valve for controlling different operating ranges of a fuel cell TMS.

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention provides an integrated cooling control valve for controlling a coolant that is supplied and discharged via five openings by a single actuating device.

[0016] The above-mentioned tasks are solved by an integrated cooling control valve according to claim 1, by an integrated cooling control valve according to claim 9, and by an integrated cooling control valve according to claim 14. Further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] Embodiments of the invention provide an integrated cooling control valve. Embodiments of the invention relate to the integrated cooling control valve used in a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS). The integrated cooling control valve comprises a (single) ball valve with at least three layers (or levels or sections). The ball valve has a valve housing comprising a first opening fluidly connected to a fuel cell stack, a second opening coupled to a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater, a third opening coupled to an ion filter, a fourth opening coupled to a radiator (e.g., a cooler), and a fifth opening coupled to a coolant supply pump, and a valve plate arranged in the valve housing comprising at least three layers (or levels or sections).(levels or sections) to open and close the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, the fourth opening, and the fifth opening.

[0018] According to one example, the integrated cooling control valve further comprises an actuating device configured to provide drive power for rotating the valve plate, and a rotating shaft configured to provide the valve plate with the drive power generated by the actuating device. The valve plate as a whole is rotated by the actuating device.

[0019] According to an example, a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, a fourth hole and a fifth hole, through which a coolant flows in conjunction with the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, the fourth opening and the fifth opening, are defined in the valve plate.

[0020] According to one example, the third hole, which is provided in an end of the ball valve corresponding to the third opening, has a central section and a slotted section provided on both sides of the central section. The slotted section has a smaller open area than the central section.

[0021] According to one example, the fourth opening and the fifth opening are coupled with the same layer of the ball valve.

[0022] According to one example, the first opening is coupled to one of the second or third openings and to the same layer of the ball valve.

[0023] According to one example, the other opening, which is not coupled to the first opening, is coupled to the second or third opening only by some layer of the ball valve.

[0024] According to one example, the integrated cooling control valve further comprises a control device configured to control an actuating device for driving the ball valve. The control device manages the opening and closing of the ball valve in a long gradient range (e.g., a long downhill section), a cold start range, a temperature control range, and a high-performance range.

[0025] According to one example, in the long gradient area, the control device controls the valve plate to close the first opening and the third opening, so that coolant introduced from the radiator and the COD heater is directed to the coolant supply pump.

[0026] For example, in the cold start range, the control unit controls the valve plate to close the first opening, the third opening and the fourth opening, so that coolant introduced by the COD heater is directed to the coolant supply pump.

[0027] According to one example, in the temperature control area, the control unit controls the valve plate to close the second opening, so that coolant introduced from the fuel cell stack and the radiator is directed to the coolant supply pump.

[0028] For example, in the high-performance section, the control unit operates the valve plate to close the first, second, and third openings, thus directing coolant supplied by the radiator to the coolant supply pump. A total quantity of coolant discharged from the fuel cell stack flows into the radiator and is cooled.

[0029] For example, the ball valve has a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer of the ball valve is the layer furthest from where an actuating device for driving the ball valve is located. The third layer of the ball valve is the layer closest to the actuating device.

[0030] For example, the first layer has the fourth opening and the fifth opening. The second layer has the third opening. The third layer has the first opening and the second opening.

[0031] For example, the first layer has the fourth opening and the fifth opening. The second layer has the second opening. The third layer has the first opening and the third opening.

[0032] For example, the first layer has the fourth opening and the fifth opening. The second layer has the first opening. The third layer has the second opening and the third opening.

[0033] For example, the first layer has the fourth opening and the fifth opening. The second layer has the first opening and the third opening. The third layer has the second opening.

[0034] For example, the first layer has the first opening and the third opening. The second layer has the fourth opening and the fifth opening. The third layer has the second opening.

[0035] For example, the first layer has the first opening and the third opening. The second layer has the second opening. The third layer has the fourth opening and the fifth opening.

[0036] For example, the first opening is through which coolant is introduced from the fuel cell stack. The second opening is through which coolant is introduced from the COD heater. The third opening is through which coolant is introduced from the ion filter. The fourth opening is through which coolant is introduced from the radiator. The fifth opening is through which the coolant is directed towards the coolant supply pump.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a conventional fuel cell TMS; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a fuel cell TMS according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an integrated cooling control valve according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a valve plate according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in a long gradient area according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the long gradient area according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in a cold start area according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the cold start area according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in a temperature control range according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the temperature control range according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in a high-performance range according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 12 a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the high-performance range according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] It is understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various preferred features, which illustrate the basic principles of the embodiments of the invention. The specific design features of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, which include, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, are partly determined by the intended application and environment of use.

[0039] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the embodiments of the present invention across the individual figures of the drawing.

[0040] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The elements depicted in the accompanying drawings may differ from the actual forms realized, as they are schematic drawings intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Advantages and characteristics of embodiments of the invention, and a measure for achieving these advantages and characteristics, become clearer from the embodiments, which are described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but can be implemented in various ways. The embodiments are provided merely to complete the present disclosure and to enable technically skilled persons to fully understand the category of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is defined by the claims. Throughout the description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar elements.

[0042] Furthermore, in this description, the designations of elements are divided into first, second, etc., to distinguish between elements with the same relationship. In the following description, the designations of elements are not strictly limited to a corresponding sequence.

[0043] The above detailed description explains aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the above description explains preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and contexts. That is to say, the present invention can be modified or adapted within the scope of a concept of the invention disclosed in this description, the scope of disclosure and equivalent scopes thereof, and / or the scope of the art or technical knowledge. The embodiments mentioned above describe the best state for realizing the technical scope of the present invention and may include various modifications necessary for a detailed range of applications and uses of the present invention.Accordingly, the detailed description of the present disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed realization state. Furthermore, the attached claims should be interpreted as encompassing other realization states.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS) according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 2. The fuel cell TMS can comprise a fuel cell stack 10, a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater 20, a radiator 30, a coolant supply pump 40, an ion filter 50, and an integrated cooling control valve 100. The fuel cell TMS is designed to dissipate heat from a reaction of the fuel cell stack 10 to the outside of the fuel cell TMS via a coolant, control an operating temperature of the fuel cell stack 10, and perform a water management function.

[0046] The fuel cell stack 10 can generate electricity through a chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen supplied to it. A coolant can be introduced into the fuel cell stack 10 to dissipate heat, i.e., byproducts generated by a chemical reaction within the fuel cell stack 10.

[0047] The COD heater 20 can consume power generated by the fuel cell stack 10 to increase the coolant temperature when necessary or to reduce the voltage of the fuel cell stack 10. In particular, the COD heater 20 can operate by consuming power generated by the fuel cell stack 10 when the fuel cell TMS is switched on or off and during continuous regenerative braking, provided the state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage battery is sufficient.

[0048] The radiator 30 can cool the heated coolant again after a chemical reaction in the fuel cell stack 10. The cooled coolant can then flow into the integrated cooling control valve 100.

[0049] The coolant supply pump 40 can supply the coolant supplied by the integrated cooling control valve 100 to the fuel cell stack 10 or the COD heater 20.

[0050] The ion filter 50 can remove ions contained in the coolant. The ion filter 50 can remove ions present in the coolant supplied by the coolant supply pump 40. The coolant, from which the ions have been removed, can then be supplied to the integrated cooling control valve 100.

[0051] The integrated cooling control valve 100 can control the opening and closing of a valve based on a control mode of the fuel cell TMS. The integrated cooling control valve 100 can be a five-way valve. Coolant can be introduced into the integrated cooling control valve 100 from the fuel cell stack 10, the COD heater 20, the radiator 30, and the ion filter 50. The coolant can flow from the integrated cooling control valve 100 to the coolant supply pump 40. The flow and direction of the coolant can be controlled by opening and closing the integrated cooling control valve 100.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the integrated cooling control valve 100 can be provided in the fuel cell TMS, in which valves for controlling the flow and direction of a coolant are integrated into a single valve. The costs incurred in forming the valves can be reduced, since the fuel cell TMS can be controlled by the single integrated cooling control valve 100.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the integrated cooling control valve according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a valve plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] With regard to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. The integrated cooling control valve 100 can comprise a ball valve having a valve body 200 and a valve plate 300, and an actuating device 400. The ball valve can have at least three layers. A layer furthest from the position of the actuating device 400 can be a first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve. A layer closest to the actuating device 400 can be a third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve 200. A second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve can be arranged between the first layer 110, 310 and the third layer 150, 350. The first layer 110, 310, the second layer 130, 330, and the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve can be interconnected.

[0055] The ball valve can have a valve housing 200 and a valve plate 300. The valve housing 200 can be an element that encloses the valve plate 300. The opening and closing of the ball valve can be determined by the rotation of the valve plate 300, which is arranged in the valve housing 200. The valve plate 300 can be coupled to the actuating device 400 via a rotary shaft 405. The rotary shaft 405 can provide the valve plate 300 with a drive force generated by the actuating device 400. The valve plate 300 can be integrated with the actuating device 400 and rotated by driving the actuating device 400. The valve plate 300 as a whole is rotated by the actuating device 400.

[0056] The valve housing 200 can have a first opening 210 coupled to the fuel cell stack 10, a second opening 220 coupled to the COD heater 20, a third opening 230 coupled to the ion filter 50, a fourth opening 240 coupled to the radiator 30, and a fifth opening 250 coupled to the coolant supply pump 40. Specifically, the first opening 210 can be an opening through which coolant is introduced from the fuel cell stack 10 into the integrated cooling control valve 100. The second opening 220 can be an opening through which coolant is introduced from the COD heater 20 into the integrated cooling control valve 100. The third opening 230 can be an opening through which coolant is introduced from the ion filter 50 into the integrated cooling control valve 100.The fourth opening 240 can be an opening through which the coolant is introduced from the radiator 30 into the integrated cooling control valve 100. The fifth opening 250 can be an opening through which the coolant is conveyed from the integrated cooling control valve 100 to the coolant supply pump 40. The fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the same layer of the ball valve. The first opening 210 can be coupled to the second opening 220 or the third opening 230 and the same layer of the ball valve. In this case, the other opening belonging to the second opening 220 or the third opening 230 and not coupled to the first opening 210 can be coupled to any layer of the ball valve alone. Preferably, the third opening 230 can be coupled to any layer of the ball valve alone.

[0057] For example, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve. The third opening 230 can be coupled to the second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve. The first opening 210 and the second opening 220 can be coupled to the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve.

[0058] As another example, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve. The second opening 220 can be coupled to the second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve. The first opening 210 and the third opening 230 can be coupled to the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve.

[0059] As another example, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve. The first opening 210 can be coupled to the second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve. The second opening 220 and the third opening 230 can be coupled to the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve.

[0060] As another example, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve. The first opening 210 and the third opening 230 can be coupled to the second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve. The second opening 220 can be coupled to the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve.

[0061] As another example, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve. The first opening 210 and the third opening 230 can be coupled to the first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve. The second opening 220 can be coupled to the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve.

[0062] As another example, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be coupled to the third layer 150, 350 of the ball valve. The second opening 220 can be coupled to the second layer 130, 330 of the ball valve. The first opening 210 and the third opening 230 can be coupled to the first layer 110, 310 of the ball valve.

[0063] The valve plate 300 is arranged in the valve housing 200 and can have at least three layers to open and close the first opening 210, the second opening 220, the third opening 230, the fourth opening 240, and the fifth opening 250. A layer furthest from the location of the actuating device 400 can be the first layer 310 of the valve plate 300. A layer closest to the actuating device 400 can be the third layer 350 of the valve plate 300. The second layer 330 of the valve plate 300 can be arranged between the first layer 310 and the third layer 350. The first layer 310, the second layer 330, and the third layer 350 of the valve plate 300 can be connected to each other.

[0064] A first hole 301, a second hole 302, a third hole 303, a fourth hole 304, and a fifth hole 305, through which the coolant flows by connecting to the first opening 210, the second opening 220, the third opening 230, the fourth opening 240, and the fifth opening 250, can be defined in the valve plate 300. The first hole 301 and the second hole 302 can be connected to the first opening 210 and the second opening 220, respectively. For example, by rotating the valve plate 300, the first hole 301 and the first opening 210 can be connected to each other, and the first hole 301 and the second opening 220 can be connected to each other. Furthermore, by rotating the valve plate 300, the second hole 302 and the first opening 210 can be connected to each other, and the second hole 302 and the second opening 220 can be connected to each other.The third hole 303 can be connected to the third opening 230. The fourth hole 304 and the fifth hole 305 can be connected to the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250, respectively. For example, by rotating the valve plate 300, the fourth hole 304 can be connected to the fourth opening 240, and the fourth hole 304 can be connected to the fifth opening 250. By rotating the valve plate 300, the fifth hole 305 can be connected to the fourth opening 240, and the fifth hole 305 and the fifth opening 250 can be connected to each other.

[0065] The fourth hole 304 and the fifth hole 305 can be defined in the first layer 310 of the valve plate 300. The third hole 303 can be defined in the second layer 330 of the valve plate 300. The first hole 301 and the second hole 302 can be defined in the third layer 350 of the valve plate 300. In this case, the positions of the holes 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305, which are defined in the layers of the valve plate 300, can differ depending on which layers of the ball valve the first to fifth openings 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are coupled to.

[0066] Each of the first through fifth holes 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305 can represent a space open for coolant flow. For example, each of the first through fifth holes 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305 can represent a space open in a shape such as a circle or a rectangle. In particular, the open space of the third hole 303 can be divided into a central section 303a and a slotted section 303b provided on both sides of the central section 303a. The slotted section 303b can have a smaller open area than the central section 303a. If the slotted section 303b, with its relatively small open area, overlaps the third opening 230, the flow of coolant introduced into the integrated cooling control valve 100 can be less than 100%.This means that the flow of coolant introduced into the integrated cooling control valve 100 via the third opening 230 can be controlled by adjusting the open area of ​​the slot section 303b.

[0067] A long downhill gradient can refer to an area where a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell performs regenerative braking. Specifically, the long downhill gradient can refer to an area where the vehicle is braking or a regenerative braking zone. Within this long downhill gradient, a battery must be charged with electricity generated by the fuel cell stack, or the battery, when fully charged, must utilize the electricity generated by the fuel cell stack through the COD heater. Accordingly, to increase the coolant flow from the COD heater to the integrated cooling control valve, an opening (e.g., the second opening 220 in) can be used. Fig. 3) of the integrated cooling control valve, which is coupled to the COD heater, must be open.

[0068] In a cold start range, when the fuel cell stack is switched on in a state where the coolant temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined cold start temperature, the COD heater can operate using the current generated by the fuel cell stack. As the coolant temperature increases, an opening (e.g., the second opening 220 in) can be opened to allow the coolant to flow into the fuel cell stack. Fig. 3) of the integrated cooling control valve, which is coupled to the COD heater, will gradually close, and an opening (e.g. the first opening 210 in Fig. 3) of the integrated cooling control valve, which is coupled to the fuel cell stack, can be opened.

[0069] A temperature control range can refer to a range in which the fuel cell stack operates at full capacity after the cold start phase. For this purpose, the coolant supply pump can be driven. To cool the coolant at a temperature increased by driving the fuel cell stack, an opening (e.g., the fourth opening 240 in) can be used. Fig. 3) the integrated cooling control valve, which is coupled to the radiator, will be gradually opened.

[0070] A high-performance range can refer to a range in which the fuel cell stack operates at maximum capacity. In this high-performance range, to cool the coolant, which has been elevated in temperature by the fuel cell stack's operation, the entire quantity of coolant discharged by the fuel cell stack can flow into the radiator. Accordingly, an opening (e.g., the fourth opening 240 in Fig. 3) of the integrated cooling control valve, which is coupled to the radiator, can be opened to its maximum. Furthermore, an opening (e.g., the first opening 210 in) can be opened. Fig. 3) of the integrated cooling control valve, which is connected to the fuel cell stack, will be closed.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, to control the flow and direction of a coolant, the integrated cooling control valve 100, which is suitable for controlling the five openings, can be used in the fuel cell TMS. In this case, only a single actuating device 400 needs to be provided when designing the integrated cooling control valve 100. Since the valve plate 300, which forms the ball valve, is integrated and rotates, only a single actuating device 400 is necessary, and all five openings 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 can be controlled by rotating the three-layered valve plate 300. The costs incurred in forming the valves can be reduced because the fuel cell TMS can be controlled by the single integrated cooling control valve 100.Furthermore, the number of actuators 400 required to implement the fuel cell TMS can be reduced, as only one actuator 400 is used with the single integrated cooling control valve 100. Consequently, the overall system costs can be reduced. Additionally, the installation can be more compact, since the number of actuators 400, which occupy a relatively large volume, is reduced.

[0072] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in the long gradient area according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the long gradient range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are representations that depict an operating mechanism based on the one described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Describe the structure of the ball valve shown in section 4.

[0073] With regard to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. A control device 80 can be provided for controlling the integrated cooling control valve 100. The control device 80 can control the opening and closing of the ball valve in the long-fall range, the cold-start range, the temperature control range, and the high-performance range.

[0074] In the long gradient section, the control device 80 can open the second opening 220 coupled to the COD heater 20, the fourth opening 240 coupled to the radiator 30, and the fifth opening 250 coupled to the coolant supply pump 40, and close the first opening 210 coupled to the fuel cell stack 10. The fourth hole 304 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the fourth opening 240, and therefore the coolant can flow through it. The fifth hole 305 of the valve plate 300 overlaps the fifth opening 250, and therefore the coolant can flow through it. Preferably, the fourth opening 240 and the fifth opening 250 can be fully open. The second hole 302 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the second opening 220, and therefore the coolant can flow through it. Preferably, the second opening 220 can be fully open.The first hole 301 of the valve plate 300 does not overlap the first opening 210, and the third layer 350 of the valve plate 300 can block the first opening 210. Consequently, the coolant cannot flow from the fuel cell stack 10 to the integrated cooling control valve 100.

[0075] Only part of the third opening 230 coupled to the ion filter 50 can be open. The slotted section 303b of the third hole 303 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the third opening 230. Some of the coolant, from which ions have been removed by the ion filter 50, can flow into the integrated cooling control valve 100. That is, the central section 303a of the third hole 303 cannot overlap the third opening 230.

[0076] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in the cold start range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the cold start range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are representations that depict an operating mechanism based on the one described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Describe the structure of the ball valve shown in section 4.

[0077] With regard to the Fig. 7 and Fig. The control unit 80 can be used to control the integrated cooling control valve 100. The control unit 80 can control the opening and closing of the ball valve in the long-fall range, the cold-start range, the temperature control range, and the high-performance range.

[0078] In the cold start range, the control unit 80 can open the second opening 220, coupled to the COD heater 20, and the fifth opening 250, coupled to the coolant supply pump 40, and close the first opening 210, coupled to the fuel cell stack 10, and the fourth opening 240, coupled to the radiator 30. Accordingly, the COD heater 20 can raise the coolant temperature to a temperature suitable for driving the fuel cell stack 10. The first layer 310 of the valve plate 300 can overlap and close the fourth opening 240. The fifth hole 305 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the fifth opening 250, allowing coolant to flow through it. Accordingly, coolant can flow from the integrated cooling control valve 100 to the coolant supply pump 40.

[0079] The second hole 302 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the second opening 220, allowing the coolant to flow through it. Preferably, the second opening 220 can be fully open. The first hole 301 of the valve plate 300 can be closed, and the valve plate 300 can close the first opening 210. Accordingly, the coolant cannot flow from the fuel cell stack 10 to the integrated cooling control valve 100.

[0080] Only part of the third opening 230 coupled to the ion filter 50 can be open. The slotted section 303b of the third hole 303 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the third opening 230. Some of the coolant, from which ions have been removed by the ion filter 50, can flow into the integrated cooling control valve 100. That is, the central section 303a of the third hole 303 cannot overlap the third opening 230.

[0081] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in the temperature control range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the temperature control range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are representations that depict an operating mechanism based on the one described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Describe the structure of the ball valve shown in section 4.

[0082] With regard to the Fig. 9 and Fig. The control unit 80 can be used to control the integrated cooling control valve 100. The control unit 80 can control the opening and closing of the ball valve in the long-fall range, the cold-start range, the temperature control range, and the high-performance range.

[0083] In the temperature control range, the control device 80 can partially open the first opening 210 coupled to the fuel cell stack 10 and the fourth opening 240 coupled to the radiator 30, fully open the third opening 230 coupled to the ion filter 50 and the fifth opening 250 coupled to the coolant supply pump 40, and close the second opening 220 coupled to the COD heater 20. In the temperature control range, the control device 80 can control a coolant temperature based on the degree to which the first opening 210 and the fourth opening 240 are open. The first layer 310 of the valve plate 300 can partially close the fourth opening 240. The fifth hole 305 of the valve plate 300 can partially overlap the fourth opening 240, allowing the coolant to flow through it. The fourth hole 304 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the fifth opening 250, allowing the coolant to flow through it.Preferably, the fifth opening 250 can be fully open. The third hole 303 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the third opening 230, allowing the coolant to flow through it. Preferably, the third opening 230 can be fully open. The third layer 350 of the valve plate 300 can partially close the first opening 210 and fully close the second opening 220. The first hole 301 of the valve plate 300 can partially overlap the first opening 210, allowing the coolant to flow through it. Consequently, the degree of opening of the first opening 210 and the fourth opening 240 can be controlled by rotating the valve plate 300, thus controlling the coolant temperature.

[0084] Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the fuel cell TMS in the high-performance range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic representation of an operating mechanism of the integrated cooling control valve in the high-performance range according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are representations that depict an operating mechanism based on the one described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Describe the structure of the ball valve shown in section 4.

[0085] With regard to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. The control device 80 can be used to control the integrated cooling control valve 100. The control device 80 can control the opening and closing of the ball valve in the long-fall range, the cold-start range, the temperature control range, and the high-performance range.

[0086] In the high-performance range, the control unit 80 can close the first opening 210 coupled to the fuel cell stack 10 and the second opening 220 coupled to the COD heater 20, and fully open the fourth opening 240 coupled to the radiator 30 and the fifth opening 250 coupled to the coolant supply pump 40. The fifth hole 305 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the fourth opening 240, allowing coolant to flow through it. The fourth hole 304 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the fifth opening 250, allowing coolant to flow through it. The third layer 350 of the valve plate 300 can close the first opening 210 and the second opening 220. This means that the first hole 301 and the second hole 302 of the valve plate 300 cannot overlap the first opening 210 and the second opening 220.

[0087] Only part of the third opening 230 coupled to the ion filter 50 can be open. The slotted section 303b of the third hole 303 of the valve plate 300 can overlap the third opening 230. Some of the coolant, from which ions have been removed by the ion filter 50, can flow into the integrated cooling control valve 100. That is, the central section 303a of the third hole 303 cannot overlap the third opening 230.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, to control the flow and direction of a coolant, the integrated cooling control valve, which is suitable for controlling the five orifices, can be used in a fuel cell TMS. Since the valve plate forming the ball valves is integrated and rotatable, only a single actuating device is required, and all five orifices can be controlled by rotating the three-layer valve plate. The costs incurred in forming the valves can be reduced because the fuel cell TMS can be controlled by the single integrated cooling control valve.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, since a single actuating device is used in the integrated cooling control valve, the number of actuating devices required to implement a fuel cell TMS can be reduced, and the costs for implementing the entire system can be lowered. Furthermore, the housing can be compact because the number of relatively large actuating devices is reduced.

Claims

[1] Integrated cooling control valve (100) used in a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS), wherein the integrated cooling control valve (100) has: a ball valve having at least three layers, wherein the ball valve has: a valve housing (200) having a first opening (210) fluidly connected to a fuel cell stack (10), a second opening (220) coupled to a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater (20), a third opening (230) coupled to an ion filter (50), a fourth opening (240) coupled to a radiator (30), and a fifth opening (250) coupled to a coolant supply pump (40), and a valve plate (300) arranged in the valve housing (200) and comprising at least three layers to open and close the first opening (210), the second opening (220), the third opening (230), the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250). [2] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuating device (400) configured to provide drive power for rotating the valve plate (300), and a rotary shaft (405) configured to supply the valve plate (300) with the drive power generated by the actuating device (400), wherein the valve plate (300) as a whole is configured to be rotated by the actuating device (400). [3] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first hole (301), a second hole (302), a third hole (303), a fourth hole (304) and a fifth hole (305), through which a coolant flows in conjunction with the first opening (210), the second opening (220), the third opening (230), the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), are defined in the valve plate (300). [4] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the third hole (303), which is provided in a plane corresponding to the third opening (230) of the ball valve, has a central section (303a) and a slotted section (303b) which is provided on both sides of the central section (303a), and the slot section (303b) has a smaller open area than the central section (303a). [5] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250) are coupled with the same layer of the ball valve. [6] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first opening (210) is connected to one of the second opening (220) or the third opening (230) and is coupled to the same layer of the ball valve as one of the second opening (220) or the third opening (230). [7] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 6, wherein the second opening (220) or the third opening (230), which is not connected to the first opening (210), is coupled to any layer of the ball valve alone. [8] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the first opening (210) is an opening through which a coolant is introduced from the fuel cell stack (10), the second opening (220) is an opening through which the coolant is introduced from the COD heater (20), the third opening (230) is an opening through which the coolant is introduced from the ion filter (50), the fourth opening (240) is an opening through which the coolant is introduced from the radiator (30), and the fifth opening (250) is an opening through which the coolant is directed towards the coolant supply pump (40). [9] Integrated cooling control valve (100) used in a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS), wherein the integrated cooling control valve (100) has: a ball valve having at least three layers, wherein the ball valve has: a valve housing (200) having a first opening (210) fluidly connected to a fuel cell stack (10), a second opening (220) coupled to a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater (20), a third opening (230) coupled to an ion filter (50), a fourth opening (240) coupled to a radiator (30), and a fifth opening (250) coupled to a coolant supply pump (40), and a valve plate (300) arranged in the valve housing (200) and comprising at least three layers to open and close the first opening (210), the second opening (220), the third opening (230), the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), and a control device (80) configured to control an actuating device (400) for driving the ball valve, wherein the control device (80) is configured to control the opening and closing of the ball valve in a long slope range, a cold start range, a temperature control range and a high-performance range. [10] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 9, wherein in the long slope area the control device (80) is configured to control the valve plate (300) to close the first opening (210) and the third opening (230) so that a coolant introduced from the radiator (30) and the COD heater (20) is directed to the coolant supply pump (40). [11] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein in the cold start range the control device (80) is configured to control the valve plate (300) to close the first opening (210), the third opening (230) and the fourth opening (240) so that coolant introduced by the COD heater (20) is directed to the coolant supply pump (40). [12] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in the temperature control range the control device (80) is configured to control the valve plate (300) to close the second opening (220) so that a coolant introduced from the fuel cell stack (10) and the radiator (30) is directed to the coolant supply pump (40). [13] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: In the high-performance area, the control device (80) is configured to control the valve plate (300) to close the first opening (210), the second opening (220) and the third opening (230), so that coolant introduced from the radiator (30) is directed to the coolant supply pump (40), and a total quantity of the coolant discharged from the fuel cell stack (10) is configured such that it flows into the radiator (30) and is cooled. [14] Integrated cooling control valve (100) used in a fuel cell thermal management system (TMS), wherein the integrated cooling control valve (100) has: a ball valve, comprising: a first layer (110), a second layer (130) and a third layer (150), wherein the first layer (110) of the ball valve is a layer furthest from a place where an actuating device (400) for actuating the ball valve is arranged, and the third layer (150) of the ball valve is a layer closest to the actuating device (400), a valve housing (200) having a first opening (210) fluidly connected to a fuel cell stack (10), a second opening (220) coupled to a cathode oxygen consumption (COD) heater (20), a third opening (230) coupled to an ion filter (50), a fourth opening (240) coupled to a radiator (30), and a fifth opening (250) coupled to a coolant supply pump (40), and a valve plate (300) arranged in the valve housing (200) and having at least three layers (310, 330, 350) to open and close the first opening (210), the second opening (220), the third opening (230), the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250). [15] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 14, wherein: the first layer (110) is provided with the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), the second layer (130) is provided with the third opening (230), and the third layer (150) is provided with the first opening (210) and the second opening (220). [16] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 14, wherein: the first layer (110) is provided with the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), the second layer (130) is provided with the second opening (220), and the third layer (150) is provided with the first opening (210) and the third opening (230). [17] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 14, wherein: the first layer (110) is provided with the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), the second layer (130) is provided with the first opening (210), and the third layer (150) is provided with the second opening (220) and the third opening (230). [18] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 14, wherein: the first layer (110) is provided with the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), the second layer (130) is provided with the first opening (210) and the third opening (230), and the third layer (150) is provided with the second opening (220). [19] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 14, wherein: the first layer (110) is provided with the first opening (210) and the third opening (230), the second layer (130) is provided with the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250), and the third layer (150) is provided with the second opening (220). [20] Integrated cooling control valve (100) according to claim 14, wherein: the first layer (110) is provided with the first opening (210) and the third opening (230), the second layer (130) is provided with the second opening (220), and the third layer (150) is provided with the fourth opening (240) and the fifth opening (250).

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