FUEL CELL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH USER AUTHENTICATION

Abstract

To provide a power supply system and method for a fuel cell using user authentication in which a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle may be used as an electric energy source, which is a kind of generator, in the case of outdated industrial sites where electricity supply is impossible, or the case of outdoor activities and camping, which are increasing due to changes in lifestyles.SOLUTION: A power supply system of a fuel cell using user authentication may include: a tagging unit (230) that receives input of user information of a user terminal; a user authentication unit (250), which compares the user information inputted through the tagging unit (230) with previously learned authentication information and outputs a use authority signal when the user information matches the authentication information; a fuel cell system (300) that produces electric power by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen; and an integrated vehicle control unit (100) that controls electric power to be outputted through the output terminal when the user authentication unit (250) outputs the use authority signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for supplying fuel cell power through user authentication, and more particularly to a system and method for supplying fuel cell power through user authentication, which uses short-range communication such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication to authenticate the driver, and then enables power to be supplied to loads outside the vehicle without the driver having to be in the vehicle, thereby enabling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to be used as an electric energy source, i.e., a type of generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a special device (stack), and this electrical energy is used to operate the drive motor to propel the vehicle.

[0003] To operate special equipment (Stack), a stack operating device (Balance of Plant) is required, which is composed of the following major categories:

[0004] That is, a fuel cell electric vehicle includes control components such as a stack, BOP (hydrogen / air supply, thermal management), junction box, hydrogen / air supply controller, hydrogen storage device, battery system, and electric power components.

[0005] Existing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles have focused on the vehicle's stable output / efficiency and safety in terms of using hydrogen as a fuel source. Currently, to use a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle as a power source, the user (driver) must insert the key into the vehicle's key set and turn the key to IGN On, or the user must have the FOB-Smart key in an area where short-range communication is permitted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a system and method for supplying fuel cell power through user authentication, which enables power to be supplied to loads outside the vehicle without the driver having to be in the vehicle after authenticating the driver using short-range communication such as NFC or Bluetooth communication, thereby enabling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be used as a type of generator and an electric energy source for outdated industrial sites where electricity supply is not possible, and for outdoor activities and camping that are increasing due to lifestyle changes.

[0007] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A fuel cell power supply system using user authentication according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a tagging unit that receives input of user information from a user terminal, a user authentication unit that compares the user information input through the tagging unit with pre-learned authentication information and outputs a usage authorization signal if the user information matches the authentication information, a fuel cell system that produces electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a battery that receives and charges the electricity produced by the fuel cell system, an output terminal connected to the battery and outputs the electricity stored in the battery, and an integrated vehicle control unit that controls the output of electricity through the output terminal when the user authentication unit outputs the usage authorization signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tagging unit may be an NFC module that performs NFC communication with the user terminal, or a Bluetooth module that performs Bluetooth communication with the user terminal.

[0010] In one embodiment, the battery may include a high-voltage battery that stores relatively high-voltage power via a high-power converter that receives the input of power produced by the fuel cell system and converts it to high voltage, or a low-voltage battery that stores relatively low-voltage power via a low-power converter that receives the input of power produced by the fuel cell system and converts it to low voltage.

[0011] In one embodiment, the output terminal is provided adjacent to the tagging portion and may include a high output terminal connected to the high voltage battery and outputting relatively high voltage power, or a low output terminal connected to the low voltage battery and outputting relatively low voltage power.

[0012] In one embodiment, the integrated vehicle control unit may control the fuel cell system to charge the battery when the charge capacity of the battery is less than a preset reference value.

[0013] In one embodiment, when a discharging vehicle requiring power requests power provision, the integrated vehicle control unit may notify the discharging vehicle whether it is capable of moving.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for supplying power to a fuel cell through user authentication, and the method may include a request step in which an integrated vehicle control unit receives a request for power supply from a discharging vehicle requiring power; an input step in which a tagging unit receives input of user information from a user terminal; an authentication step in which a user authentication unit outputs a usage authorization signal when the user information input through the tagging unit matches pre-learned authentication information; and an output step in which, when the user authentication unit outputs the usage authorization signal, the fuel cell system outputs the power stored in the battery through an output terminal connected to a battery that charges the power produced by the fuel cell system.

[0015] In one embodiment, the requesting step may include, when receiving a request for power provision from a discharging vehicle that needs power, notifying the discharging vehicle whether it is available for movement.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inputting step may include performing NFC communication with the user terminal via an NFC module, or performing Bluetooth communication with the user terminal via a Bluetooth module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the output step may include a step of storing relatively high voltage power in a high voltage battery via a high power converter that receives input power produced by the fuel cell system and converts it to high voltage, or a step of storing relatively low voltage power in a low voltage battery via a low power converter that receives input power produced by the fuel cell system and converts it to low voltage.

[0018] In one embodiment, the output step may include outputting relatively high voltage power through a high output terminal connected to the high voltage battery, or outputting relatively low voltage power through a low output terminal connected to the low voltage battery.

[0019] In one embodiment, the output step can include a step of controlling the fuel cell system to charge the battery when the charge capacity of the battery is smaller than a preset reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] This technology uses short-range communication such as NFC or Bluetooth to authenticate the driver, and then supplies power to loads outside the vehicle without the driver having to be in the vehicle. This has the effect of enabling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be used as a type of generator and electric energy source in outdated industrial sites where electricity supply is not possible, and for outdoor activities and camping, which are increasing due to changing lifestyles. In addition, this document may provide a variety of other benefits that may be perceived directly or indirectly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell power supply system using user authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the supply of high voltage in a fuel cell power supply method based on user authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the supply of low voltage in a fuel cell power supply method based on user authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to exemplary drawings. When referring to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are referred to by the same reference numerals whenever possible, even when they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of related well-known structures or functions is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0023] In describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)" may be used. These terms are merely used to distinguish a component from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as meanings consistent with the meanings they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell power supply system using user authentication according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a flowchart for explaining the supply of high voltage in a fuel cell power supply method using user authentication according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a flowchart for explaining the supply of low voltage in a fuel cell power supply method using user authentication according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a fuel cell power supply system with user authentication according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a tagging unit including an NFC module 210 and a Bluetooth module (Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE) 230, a user authentication unit (Identity Authentication Unit, IAU) 250, a fuel cell system (Power Module Complete, PMC) 300, a battery including a high-voltage battery 511 and a low-voltage battery 531, output terminals including a high-output terminal 515 and a low-output terminal 535, and an integrated body control unit (IBU) 100.

[0026] The NFC module 210 can perform NFC communication with a user terminal such as a smartphone and receive input of user information from the user terminal, and the Bluetooth module 230 can perform Bluetooth communication with a user terminal such as a smartphone and receive input of user information from the user terminal. The NFC module 210 and the Bluetooth module 230 may be provided on the side of the vehicle.

[0027] The user authentication unit 250 compares the user information input via the NFC module 210 or the Bluetooth module 230 with pre-learned authentication information, and if the user information and the authentication information match, outputs a usage authorization signal.

[0028] The fuel cell system 300 produces electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and may include a fuel cell stack (STACK) 330 in which fuel cells each composed of a polymer electrolyte membrane, a fuel electrode, and a cathode are electrically connected in series, and an operating device (Balance of Plant, BOP) 310 for operating the fuel cell system 300.

[0029] The operating device 310 may include an air processing system (APS) 311 , a hydrogen supply system (Fuel Processing System (FPS)) 313 , and a thermal management system (TMS) 315 .

[0030] Hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen supply system 313 passes through a hydrogen shutoff valve and a solenoid valve for pressure control and is supplied to the fuel cell stack 330 to cause an electrochemical reaction.

[0031] The power generated by the fuel cell stack 330 may be approximately 250V to 450V. A high voltage junction box (HV_J / box) 350 is connected to the fuel cell system 300, and a high power converter (bidirectional high voltage DC / DC converter, BHDC) 510 and a low power converter (low-voltage DC-DC, LDC) 530 can be connected to the high voltage junction box 350.

[0032] The high voltage battery 511 receives the power generated through the fuel cell stack 330 and can store relatively high voltage power through the high power converter 510, which converts the power generated by the fuel cell stack 330 into a voltage higher than that of the power generated by the fuel cell stack 330.

[0033] The high-power converter 510 is connected to a motor control unit (MCU) 550 of a motor that drives a vehicle, and can supply necessary power to the motor control unit (MCU) 550.

[0034] The low voltage battery 531 receives the power generated through the fuel cell stack 330 and can store relatively low voltage power through the low power converter 530, which converts the power into a voltage lower than that of the power generated by the fuel cell stack 330.

[0035] The high-voltage battery 511 and the low-voltage battery 531 may further include a BMS (Battery Management System), and the state of charge (SOC) of the power charged from the fuel cell stack 330 to the high-voltage battery 511 and the low-voltage battery 531 may be monitored via the BMS.

[0036] The high-power terminal 515 is provided in proximity to the NFC module 210 and the Bluetooth module 230, is connected to the high-voltage battery 511, and can output high-voltage power charged in the high-voltage battery 511, and the low-power terminal 535 is provided in proximity to the NFC module 210 and the Bluetooth module 230, is connected to the low-voltage battery 531, and can output low-voltage power charged in the low-voltage battery 531.

[0037] High power terminal 515 and low power terminal 535 may be provided on the side of the vehicle adjacent to NFC module 210 and Bluetooth module 230 .

[0038] When the user authentication unit 250 outputs the use authorization signal, the integrated vehicle control unit 100 can control the power to be output through the high output terminal 515 or the low output terminal 535 .

[0039] If the charge capacity charged to the high-voltage battery 511 or the low-voltage battery 531 is less than a preset reference value, the integrated vehicle control unit 100 can control the fuel cell system 300 to produce electricity and charge the high-voltage battery 511 or the low-voltage battery 531 after driving the fuel cell system 300.

[0040] As described above, the fuel cell power supply system with user authentication according to the present invention can output the power charged to the high-voltage battery 511 through the high-output terminal 515 and the power charged to the low-voltage battery 531 through the low-output terminal 535, and therefore can function as a mobile power generator.

[0041] For example, an electric vehicle equipped with a telematics device may run out of battery charge while traveling and search for a charging station. Even if a charging station is found, there may be a case where the remaining charge is not enough to reach the charging station. In this case, the telematics device can be used to search for nearby hydrogen vehicles equipped with telematics devices.

[0042] If no hydrogen vehicles are found within a close radius of the electric vehicle, such as a 500m radius, a 1km radius, or a 1.5km radius, the search can be continued by gradually increasing the distance.

[0043] The search process for a hydrogen vehicle may be repeated a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time, and the search process may be interrupted if no hydrogen vehicle is found after a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time.

[0044] Next, when a hydrogen vehicle is searched, it can be requested whether it is possible to provide power to the hydrogen vehicle, and when the hydrogen vehicle receives a request for power from the electric vehicle (S101), it can decide whether to provide power.

[0045] Next, when the hydrogen vehicle is unable to provide power (S102), it can transmit a message to the electric vehicle using the telematics device to the effect that it is unable to provide power (S103).

[0046] Furthermore, when the hydrogen vehicle is able to provide electric power (S102), it can transmit a message to the electric vehicle that it is able to provide electric power using the telematics device (S104). The electric vehicle can then travel to where the hydrogen vehicle was located, or the hydrogen vehicle can travel to where the electric vehicle was located.

[0047] The driver of the hydrogen vehicle can perform a user authentication process by touching a user terminal such as a smartphone to the NFC module 210 or by pairing with the Bluetooth module 230 (S105).

[0048] Next, the user authentication unit 250 compares the user information with pre-learned authentication information, and if the user information and the authentication information match, it can output a usage authorization signal (S106). The integrated vehicle control unit 100 can then control the power to be output via the high output terminal 515 or the low output terminal 535 .

[0049] When the electric vehicle requires high voltage power and the charging plug of the electric vehicle is connected to the high output terminal 515, the integrated vehicle control unit 100 checks the state of charge (SOC) of the high voltage battery 511 and determines whether the state of charge of the high voltage battery 511 is greater than the reference state of charge (S107).

[0050] The reference charge amount is the charge amount required to maintain the performance of the battery, and may be about 30% of a fully charged battery, but this may be changed depending on the situation. Next, if the charge amount of the high voltage battery 511 is greater than the reference charge amount, power is outputted through the high output terminal 515 to charge the electric vehicle (S110).

[0051] On the other hand, if the charge level of the high-voltage battery 511 is lower than the reference charge level, the output of power via the high-power terminal 515 is cut off, making it impossible to charge the electric vehicle.

[0052] Therefore, if the charge amount of the high-voltage battery 511 is less than the reference charge amount (S107), the fuel cell system 300 is driven (S108) to generate electricity through the fuel cell stack 330, thereby charging the high-voltage battery 511 (S109).

[0053] Similarly, when an electric vehicle requires low-voltage power and the electric vehicle's charging plug is connected to the low-output terminal 535, the integrated vehicle control unit 100 checks the state of charge (SOC) of the low-voltage battery 531 and determines whether the state of charge of the low-voltage battery 531 is greater than the reference state of charge (S207).

[0054] Next, if the charge amount of the low voltage battery 531 is greater than the reference charge amount, power is output through the low output terminal 535 to charge the electric vehicle (S210).

[0055] On the other hand, if the charge level of the low voltage battery 531 is lower than the reference charge level, the output of power via the low output terminal 535 is cut off, making it impossible to charge the electric vehicle.

[0056] Therefore, if the charge amount of the low-voltage battery 531 is less than the reference charge amount (S207), the fuel cell system 300 is driven (S208) to generate electricity through the fuel cell stack 330, thereby charging the low-voltage battery 531 (S209).

[0057] The fuel cell power supply system and method using user authentication according to the present invention as described above authenticates the driver using short-range communication such as NFC or Bluetooth communication, and then supplies power to loads outside the vehicle without the driver having to be in the vehicle. This has the effect of enabling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be used as a type of generator and an electric energy source in outdated industrial sites where electricity supply is not possible, or during outdoor activities and camping, which are becoming more common due to changing lifestyles.

[0058] Furthermore, by using solar power as an efficient energy source for outdoor activities and camping, such as SUVs, which are becoming increasingly popular as they are integrated into modern lifestyles, it will be possible to increase revenues through increased marketability and diversify industries by selling back the electricity produced.

[0059] As mentioned above, when camping, it can not only operate household appliances (electric heaters, audio and video systems, and light bulbs), but can also drive industrial power tools (cutters, water pumps, drills, etc.) that require 380V three-phase high voltage in industrial sites in remote areas where electricity supply is difficult.

[0060] Furthermore, there is ample potential for hydrogen fuel cell power systems to be used in agriculture. As is well known, agricultural sites are far from electricity sources, so in most cases internal combustion engines are used to drive pumps to spray pesticides or to run generators to power the farm machinery needed for production.

[0061] At worst, it is highly inefficient to bring the produce home to thresh or perform the corresponding additional work. If hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are used in agricultural fields as a power source for agricultural machinery, a diverse range of demand can be secured, making it possible to set up hydrogen charging stations all over the country. This will have the positive effect of resolving the concerns of customers who are hesitant to purchase vehicles due to the lack of hydrogen charging stations.

[0062] In addition, the electric vehicle market is growing in South Korea, but the rate of growth is slower than in other countries. The biggest concern for potential customers who are hesitant to buy an electric vehicle is the lack of electric charging stations, which are not sufficient across the country.

[0063] However, if hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are used as a power source to charge electric vehicles with a 380V three-phase high-voltage output, it is believed that this will partially resolve the shortage of electric charging stations, which is an obstacle to the growth of the electric vehicle market, and contribute to the growth of the environmentally friendly automobile industry.

[0064] On the other hand, the method for supplying power to a fuel cell through user authentication, which is performed in steps S101 to S210 according to the present invention, can be programmed and stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0065] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0066] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention should not be limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims set forth below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a tagging unit that receives input of user information from a user terminal; a user authentication unit that compares the user information input via the tagging unit with pre-learned authentication information, and outputs a usage authorization signal if the user information matches the authentication information; A fuel cell system that produces electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen; a battery that is charged by receiving the power produced by the fuel cell system; an output terminal connected to the battery and configured to output the power stored in the battery to a load external to the vehicle; an integrated vehicle control unit that controls power to be output through the output terminal when the user authentication unit outputs a usage authority signal; Including, The battery comprises: a high-voltage battery that receives the power generated by the fuel cell system, converts the power into high voltage, and stores the high-voltage power through a high-power converter; and a low-voltage battery that receives the power generated by the fuel cell system, converts it into low voltage, and stores the relatively low-voltage power through a low-voltage converter; Including, The output terminal is The tagging portion is provided adjacent to the tagging portion. a high output terminal connected to the high voltage battery and configured to output relatively high voltage power to a load external to the vehicle; and A fuel cell power supply system with user authentication, comprising: a low output terminal connected to the low voltage battery and outputting relatively low voltage power to a load outside the vehicle.

2. The tagging unit an NFC module for performing NFC communication with the user terminal; or 2. The fuel cell power supply system with user authentication according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal is a Bluetooth module that performs Bluetooth communication with the user terminal.

3. The integrated vehicle control unit 2. The fuel cell power supply system with user authentication according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the charge capacity of the battery is smaller than a preset reference value, the fuel cell system is driven and controlled to charge the battery.

4. The integrated vehicle control unit When a discharging vehicle that needs power requests power provision, 2. The fuel cell power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the system informs the discharging vehicle whether it is allowed to move.

5. receiving a request for provision of power from a discharging vehicle requiring power by an integrated vehicle control unit; A step in which a tagging unit receives input of user information of a user terminal; a user authentication unit outputting a usage authorization signal when the user information input via the tagging unit matches pre-learned authentication information; When the user authentication unit outputs a usage authorization signal, the fuel cell system outputs the power stored in the battery to a load outside the vehicle through an output terminal connected to the battery, which charges the power generated by the fuel cell system; Including, The output terminal is a high output terminal connected to a high voltage battery that stores relatively high voltage power and outputs the relatively high voltage power to a load outside the vehicle; and a low output terminal connected to a low voltage battery that stores relatively low voltage power and that outputs the relatively low voltage power to a load outside the vehicle; an output step of outputting the power stored in the battery to a load outside the vehicle through an output terminal connected to a battery that charges the power generated by the fuel cell system when the user authentication unit outputs a use authorization signal, receiving the power generated by the fuel cell system and converting it into a high voltage through a high power converter, and storing the relatively high voltage power in a high voltage battery; receiving the power generated by the fuel cell system and converting it into a low-voltage power through a low-voltage converter, and storing the relatively low-voltage power in a low-voltage battery; outputting relatively high voltage power to a load external to the vehicle through the high output terminal connected to the high voltage battery; and outputting relatively low voltage power to a load external to the vehicle through the low output terminal connected to the low voltage battery; 10. A method for supplying power to a fuel cell through user authentication, comprising:

6. The step of receiving a request for power provision from a discharging vehicle requiring power by the integrated vehicle control unit includes:

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of notifying the discharging vehicle whether it is capable of moving when a request for power provision is received from the discharging vehicle requiring power.

7. The step of receiving input of user information of a user terminal by the tagging unit includes: performing NFC communication with the user terminal via an NFC module; or 6. The method for supplying power to a fuel cell through user authentication according to claim 5, further comprising the step of performing Bluetooth communication with the user terminal via a Bluetooth module.

8. outputting the power stored in the battery to a load outside the vehicle through an output terminal connected to a battery that charges the power generated by the fuel cell system when the user authentication unit outputs a use authorization signal; 6. The method for supplying power to a fuel cell through user authentication according to claim 5, further comprising a step of controlling the fuel cell system to drive and charge the battery when the charge capacity of the battery is smaller than a preset reference value.

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