Fuel cell temperature control device and fuel cell system using the same

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell temperature control device capable of efficiently controlling the temperature of a fuel cell or a solid hydrogen storage device and a fuel cell system using the same.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a fuel cell temperature control device (100) and a fuel cell system using the same, and may include a temperature control valve (22) for setting a circulation route of cooling water via a fuel cell stack to a first route or a second route, and a control unit (10) for controlling the temperature control valve (22) on the basis of the temperature of the cooling water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell temperature management device for temperature management of a vehicle fuel cell and a fuel cell system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a device that generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, and oxygen. It is attracting attention as a next-generation power generation device because it is relatively efficient compared to existing power generation methods and does not emit pollutants.

[0003] When a fuel cell generates electrical energy, a heat generation reaction occurs due to the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and the heat generation of the fuel cell causes deterioration of the fuel cell stack.

[0004] Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency and stability of fuel cells, the development of technologies that can control the temperature of fuel cells during power generation has been continuously carried out.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell temperature management device that can efficiently control the temperature of a fuel cell or a solid hydrogen storage device, and a fuel cell system using the same.

[0006] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A fuel cell temperature management device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a temperature control valve that sets a circulation path of cooling water passing through a fuel cell stack to a first path or a second path, and a control unit that controls the temperature control valve based on the temperature of the cooling water.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first circulation path may include a solid hydrogen storage device that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control unit may control the temperature control valve to set the circulation path to the first path when the temperature of the cooling water rises above the upper limit of the controlled temperature range.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control unit may control the temperature control valve to set the circulation path to the second path when the temperature of the cooling water is within the controlled temperature range.

[0011] In one embodiment, the fuel cell stack may generate an exothermic reaction when generating electrical energy, and the solid hydrogen storage device may generate an endothermic reaction when supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fuel cell temperature control device may further include a heater in the circulation path and a bypass valve that blocks the flow of the cooling water to the fuel cell stack when the temperature of the cooling water is below the lower limit of the control temperature range.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control unit may, when the temperature of the cooling water is lower than the lower limit of the controlled temperature range, include the heater in the circulation path, control the bypass valve to block the passage of the cooling water through the fuel cell stack, and operate the heater.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the solid hydrogen storage device stores the hydrogen, the control unit may control the bypass valve to block the passage of the cooling water to the fuel cell stack and control the temperature control valve to set the circulation path to the first path.

[0015] A fuel cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a fuel cell stack that generates electrical energy by receiving hydrogen from a solid hydrogen storage device, a bypass valve that transmits cooling water transmitted from a cooling water pump to either the fuel cell stack or a heater, a temperature control valve that allows the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater to flow into the cooling water pump, or allows the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater to flow into the cooling water pump via the solid hydrogen storage device and a radiator, and a control unit that controls the bypass valve and the temperature control valve based on the temperature of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater, the hydrogen storage of the solid hydrogen storage device, and the hydrogen supply of the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack to determine the circulation path of the cooling water.

[0016] In another embodiment, when the fuel cell stack generates the electrical energy, the control unit may, based on the temperature of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater, form a circulation path for the cooling water that is formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack and the temperature control valve, or generate a circulation path for the cooling water that is formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, the solid hydrogen storage device, the radiator and the temperature control valve.

[0017] In another embodiment, the control unit may, when the fuel cell stack generates the electrical energy, and when the temperature of the cooling water circulating through the fuel cell or the heater is within the controlled temperature range, form a circulation path for the cooling water, which is comprised of the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, and the temperature control valve.

[0018] In another embodiment, the control unit may, when the fuel cell stack generates the electrical energy, or when the temperature of the cooling water circulating through the fuel cell or the heater rises above the upper limit of the controlled temperature range, form a circulation path for the cooling water, which is comprised of the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, the solid hydrogen storage device, the radiator, and the temperature control valve.

[0019] In another embodiment, the control unit may configure the cooling water circulation path, which is formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the heater, the solid hydrogen storage device, the radiator, and the temperature control valve, when the solid hydrogen storage device is storing hydrogen.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control unit may, when the temperature of the cooling water circulating through the fuel cell or the heater is lower than the lower limit of the control temperature range, form a circulation path for the cooling water formed by the bypass valve, the heater and the temperature control valve, and operate the heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] This technology has the advantage of being able to control the heat generated when a fuel cell generates electricity by lowering the temperature of the cooling water through the endothermic reaction that occurs when a solid hydrogen storage device supplies hydrogen, and by using the cooling water that controls the temperature of the fuel cell to reduce the heat generated when the solid hydrogen storage device stores hydrogen, thereby improving the thermal management efficiency and power generation efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0022] Furthermore, various other effects that can be directly or indirectly understood from this document are provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a fuel cell temperature control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a fuel cell system using a fuel cell temperature control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining the operation of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining the operation of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When attaching reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Further, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that a specific description of related known configurations or functions hinders the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used. These terms are merely for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, procedure, etc. of the components are not limited by these terms. Also, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in the present application.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0027] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a fuel cell temperature control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, a fuel cell temperature control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be implemented inside a vehicle. Here, the fuel cell temperature control device 100 may be formed integrally with the control unit inside the vehicle, or it may be implemented as a separate device and connected to the vehicle's control unit by a different connection means.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, the fuel cell temperature control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 10, a flow path control device 20, and a temperature control device 30.

[0030] The control unit 10 can receive the temperature of the cooling water (e.g., the stack outlet temperature) that flows through the fuel cell stack 2 (shown in Figure 2).

[0031] The control unit 10 can receive requests that arise when storing hydrogen in the solid hydrogen storage device 1 (shown in Figure 2) or when supplying hydrogen stored in the solid hydrogen storage device 1 (shown in Figure 2) to the fuel cell stack 2 (shown in Figure 2).

[0032] The control unit 10 can control the flow path control device 20 and the temperature control device 30 based on the stack outlet temperature (temperature of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack), the hydrogen supply request (a request that arises when hydrogen stored in the solid hydrogen storage device must be supplied to the fuel cell stack), and the hydrogen storage request (a request that arises when the solid hydrogen storage device must store hydrogen).

[0033] The flow path control device 20 can determine the circulation path of the cooling water under the control of the control unit 10.

[0034] The flow control device 20 may include a bypass valve 21 and a temperature control valve 22.

[0035] The temperature control device 30 can raise or lower the temperature of the cooling water under the control of the control unit 10.

[0036] The temperature control device 30 may include a radiator 31, a cooling fan 32, and a heater 33.

[0037] The bypass valve 21, temperature control valve 22, radiator 31, cooling fan 32, and heater 33 are described in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 2 shows the configuration of a fuel cell system using a fuel cell temperature control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, the fuel cell system 1000 may include a solid hydrogen storage device 1, a fuel cell stack 2, a solid hydrogen temperature sensor 3, a stack inlet temperature sensor 4, a stack outlet temperature sensor 5, a cooling water pump 6, a bypass valve 21, a temperature control valve 22, a radiator 31, a cooling fan 32, and a heater 33.

[0040] The fuel cell system 1000 may further include piping that circulates cooling water to a bypass valve 21, a stack inlet temperature sensor 4, a fuel cell stack 2, a stack outlet temperature sensor 5, a solid hydrogen storage device 1, a solid hydrogen temperature sensor 3, a radiator 31, and a temperature control valve 22, based on a cooling water pump 6; piping that causes cooling water to flow to the stack outlet temperature sensor 5 via a heater 33 under the control of the bypass valve 21; and piping that causes the cooling water that has passed through the stack outlet temperature sensor 5 to flow into the temperature control valve 22.

[0041] Furthermore, the fuel cell system 1000 may further include piping for transferring hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 to the fuel cell stack 2.

[0042] The solid hydrogen storage device 1 may be configured to store solid hydrogen and supply the stored solid hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 2.

[0043] The fuel cell stack 2 may be configured to generate electrical energy when hydrogen supplied from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 reacts with oxygen.

[0044] Here, the fuel cell stack 2 may be configured to generate a high voltage by stacking and connecting multiple unit cells in series.

[0045] When generating electrical energy in the fuel cell stack 2, heat may be generated from the fuel cell stack 2 due to the exothermic reaction. Cooling water can prevent the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 from rising during power generation, thus preventing deterioration of the fuel cell stack 2.

[0046] The solid hydrogen temperature sensor 3 is placed in the piping through which cooling water flows between the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and the radiator 31, and can measure the temperature of the solid hydrogen storage device 1.

[0047] The stack inlet temperature sensor 4 is located in the piping that supplies cooling water to the fuel cell stack 2 and can detect the temperature of the cooling water supplied to the fuel cell stack 2.

[0048] The stack outlet temperature sensor 5 is located in the piping through which the cooling water flows via the fuel cell stack 2, and can detect the temperature of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack 2.

[0049] The cooling water pump 6 can circulate cooling water through piping configured in the fuel cell system 1000.

[0050] For example, the cooling water pump 6 can circulate cooling water through piping connected to the bypass valve 21, fuel cell stack 2, solid hydrogen storage device 1, radiator 31, and temperature control valve 22.

[0051] The bypass valve 21 can be controlled by the control unit 10 (shown in Figure 1) to allow the cooling water supplied from the cooling water pump 6 to flow to the stack inlet temperature sensor 4 or the heater 33.

[0052] Hereinafter, when the cooling water flows to the stack inlet temperature sensor 4 via the bypass valve 21, it will be assumed that it flows in the direction of flow path 1, and when the cooling water flows to the heater 33, it will be assumed that it flows in the direction of flow path 2.

[0053] The temperature control valve 22 receives cooling water that flows in only through the stack outlet temperature sensor 5, as well as cooling water that has further passed through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and the radiator 31, mixes the incoming cooling water, and provides it to the cooling water pump 6.

[0054] The temperature control valve 22, under the control of the control unit 10 (shown in Figure 1), can control the amount of cooling water flowing in only through the stack outlet temperature sensor 5 and the amount of cooling water flowing in further through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and the radiator 31, thereby controlling the temperature of the cooling water supplied to the cooling water pump 6.

[0055] Hereafter, we will assume that the cooling water that flows to the temperature control valve 22 after passing only through the stack outlet temperature sensor 5 flows in the direction of flow path 3, and that the cooling water that flows to the temperature control valve 22 after passing through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and radiator 31 flows in the direction of flow path 4.

[0056] At this time, the control unit 10 can control the bypass valve 21 so that the cooling water flows in the direction of flow path 1 or flow path 2.

[0057] Furthermore, the temperature control valve 22, which controls the amount of cooling water flowing in from channel 3 and the amount of cooling water flowing in from channel 4 to supply cooling water to the cooling water pump 6, can be controlled by the control unit 10.

[0058] The radiator 31 may be configured to transfer heat from the coolant to the outside air (external air) to lower the temperature of the coolant.

[0059] The cooling fan 32 may be configured to supply cool air to the radiator 31 so that the air heated by the radiator 31 does not stagnate.

[0060] In other words, the radiator 31 and the cooling fan 32 are devices for lowering the temperature of the coolant, and may be configured to operate under the control of the control unit 10.

[0061] The heater 33 can raise the temperature of the supplied coolant when coolant is supplied from the bypass valve 21.

[0062] At this time, the cooling water whose temperature has risen can flow into the piping connected to the temperature control valve 22 and the solid hydrogen storage device 1.

[0063] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the operation of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 3 shows the flow of cooling water when the fuel cell stack 2 receives hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and generates electrical energy.

[0065] When the fuel cell stack 2 generates electrical energy, that is, when a request (hydrogen supply request) arises to supply hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 to the fuel cell stack 2, the control unit 10 controls the bypass valve 21 so that the cooling water supplied from the cooling water pump 6 flows to the fuel cell stack 2 (flow path 1).

[0066] At this time, the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack 2 can be supplied back to the water removal pump 6 via the temperature control valve 22 (flow path 3).

[0067] In other words, when the fuel cell stack 2 generates electrical energy, the control unit 10 can control the bypass valve 21 so that the cooling water flowing into the bypass valve 21 flows into the flow path 1, and can control the temperature control valve 22 to provide the cooling water flowing in from the flow path 3 to the cooling water pump 6.

[0068] In other words, when the fuel cell stack 2 is generating power, the cooling water can be circulated so that it flows back into the cooling water pump 6 via the cooling water pump 6, through the bypass valve 21, the fuel cell stack 2, and the temperature control valve 22.

[0069] The circulation of cooling water allows the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2, which generates electrical energy, to be maintained within a controlled temperature range. Here, the controlled temperature range refers to the temperature range in which the fuel cell stack 2 can generate electrical energy normally.

[0070] When generating electrical energy for an extended period, or when generating more electrical energy than a preset amount, the circulation of cooling water alone may not be sufficient to maintain the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 within the control temperature range due to the heat generated from the fuel cell stack 2.

[0071] The control unit 10 can control whether or not to open the flow path 4 of the temperature control valve 22 and the amount of opening, based on the temperature of the cooling water detected by the stack outlet temperature sensor 5, that is, the temperature of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack 2.

[0072] When the cooling water temperature detected by the stack outlet temperature sensor 5 rises above a preset temperature, the control unit 10 opens the flow path 4 of the temperature control valve 22 and controls the amount of opening of the flow path 4 of the temperature control valve 22 in accordance with the rise in the cooling water temperature, thereby adjusting the amount of cooling water flowing in from the flow path 4.

[0073] The temperature control valve 22 can mix the cooling water flowing in from the flow path 3 and the cooling water flowing in from the flow path 4 and transmit the mixture to the cooling water pump 6.

[0074] In other words, when the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the fuel cell stack 2 rises above a preset temperature, the temperature control valve 22 can mix the cooling water flowing in through the fuel cell stack 2 with the cooling water flowing in through the fuel cell stack 2, the solid hydrogen storage device 1, and the radiator 31, and transmit the mixture to the cooling water pump 6.

[0075] The solid hydrogen storage device 1 has the characteristic that an endothermic reaction occurs when the stored hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack 2.

[0076] Therefore, when the cooling water whose temperature has risen passes through the solid hydrogen storage device 1, the temperature of the cooling water decreases.

[0077] The radiator 31 can lower the temperature of the coolant by transferring heat from the coolant to the outside air.

[0078] In other words, the cooling water heated in the fuel cell stack 2 when generating electrical energy becomes colder as it passes through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and the radiator 31.

[0079] When the temperature control valve 22 is open through the flow path 4, the temperature of the cooling water supplied to the cooling water pump 6 is lower than when the flow path 4 is closed.

[0080] Furthermore, the temperature control valve 22, under the control of the control unit 10, can increase the opening amount of the flow path 4 as the temperature of the cooling water passing through the fuel cell stack 2 increases, thereby preventing the temperature of the cooling water transmitted to the cooling water pump 6 from rising.

[0081] Here, the temperature control valve 22 can increase the opening amount of the flow path 4 to its maximum when the temperature of the cooling water passing through the fuel cell stack 2 reaches the upper limit of the controlled temperature range.

[0082] In other words, the fuel cell temperature control device and fuel cell system using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention can maintain the temperature of the circulating cooling water within a controlled temperature range by changing the circulation path of the cooling water so that the cooling water passes through the fuel cell stack 2 to pass through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 when the temperature of the cooling water passing through the fuel cell stack 2 exceeds a preset temperature.

[0083] Furthermore, the fuel cell temperature control device and fuel cell system using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention control the temperature control valve 22 to increase the amount of cooling water passing through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 as the temperature of the cooling water passing through the fuel cell stack 2 rises, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the circulating cooling water is maintained within the control temperature range even when generating electrical energy for a long period of time or when generating an amount of electrical energy greater than a preset amount.

[0084] Figure 4 shows the flow of cooling water when the solid hydrogen storage device 1 receives a supply of hydrogen for storage.

[0085] When the solid hydrogen storage device 1 receives hydrogen from an external source for storage, heat may be generated.

[0086] At this time, the control unit 10 can control the bypass valve 21 so that the cooling water supplied from the cooling water pump 6 flows into the flow path 2 (heater 33).

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can open the flow path 4 of the temperature control valve 22, thereby preventing the heater 33 from operating.

[0088] In other words, when the solid hydrogen storage device 1 receives a supply of hydrogen and stores it, a path is formed in which cooling water circulates from the cooling water pump 6 through the bypass valve 21, heater 33, solid hydrogen storage device 1, radiator 31, and temperature control valve 22 back to the cooling water pump 6.

[0089] Therefore, the heat generated when the solid hydrogen storage device 1 stores hydrogen can be removed by the circulating cooling water.

[0090] Furthermore, in the fuel cell temperature control device and fuel cell system using the same according to the embodiment of the present invention, if the cooling water temperature falls below the lower limit of the control temperature range due to the surrounding environment such as the external temperature, the control unit 10 can open the flow path 2 of the bypass valve 21, open the flow path 3 of the temperature control valve 22, and operate the heater 33.

[0091] In such cases, a path is formed through which the cooling water circulates from the cooling water pump 6 back to the cooling water pump 6 via the bypass valve 21, heater 33, and temperature control valve 22. The cooling water, whose temperature has been raised by the heater 33, can maintain its temperature within the control temperature range.

[0092] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the fuel cell stack 2 receives hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and generates electrical energy.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5, a cooling water temperature control method for a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first cooling water temperature comparison step (S1), a first cooling water temperature control step (S2), a second cooling water temperature comparison step (S3), a second cooling water temperature control step (S4), a third cooling water temperature control step (S5), and a fourth cooling water temperature control step (S6).

[0095] The first cooling water temperature comparison step (S1) may include a step of comparing the cooling water temperature (stack outlet temperature) detected by the stack outlet temperature sensor 5 with the lower limit of the control temperature range.

[0096] If, in the first coolant temperature comparison step (S1), the coolant temperature is lower than the lower limit of the control temperature range (Yes), then the first coolant temperature control step (S2) can be performed.

[0097] On the other hand, if the cooling water temperature is higher than the lower limit of the control temperature range in the first cooling water temperature comparison step (S1) (No), the second cooling water temperature comparison step (S3) can be performed.

[0098] The first cooling water temperature control step (S2) may include opening the flow path 2 of the bypass valve 21, operating the heater 33, and opening the flow path 3 of the temperature control valve 22.

[0099] In this case, cooling water at a temperature lower than the lower limit of the controlled temperature range is heated by the heater 33, and the heated cooling water can circulate through the heater 33, temperature control valve 22, cooling water pump 6, and bypass valve 21. In other words, the cooling water can circulate at a temperature within the controlled temperature range through the circulation path formed by the heater 33, temperature control valve 22, cooling water pump 6, and bypass valve 21.

[0100] The second cooling water temperature comparison step (S3) may include a step of comparing the cooling water temperature with the upper limit of the control temperature range.

[0101] If, in the second coolant temperature comparison step (S3), the coolant temperature is lower than the upper limit of the control temperature range (Yes), then the second coolant temperature control step (S4) can be performed.

[0102] On the other hand, in the second cooling water temperature comparison step (S3), if the cooling water temperature is higher than the upper limit of the control temperature range (No), the third cooling water temperature control step (S5) can be performed.

[0103] The second cooling water temperature control step (S4) may include opening the flow path 1 of the bypass valve 21 and opening the flow path 3 of the temperature control valve 22.

[0104] At this time, cooling water at a temperature higher than the lower limit of the controlled temperature range and lower than the upper limit of the controlled temperature range, i.e., within the controlled temperature range, can be circulated through the circulation path formed by the cooling water pump 6, bypass valve 21, fuel cell stack 2, and temperature control valve 22.

[0105] The heat generated when the fuel cell stack 2 produces electrical energy is absorbed by the cooling water. Therefore, if the cooling water temperature is within the controlled temperature range, it means that the fuel cell stack 2 is operating at a temperature at which it can normally produce electrical energy.

[0106] The third cooling water temperature control step (S5) may include opening the flow path 1 of the bypass valve 21 and opening the flow path 4 of the temperature control valve 22 to its maximum extent.

[0107] At this time, cooling water at a temperature higher than the upper limit of the controlled temperature range can be circulated through a circulation path formed by the cooling water pump 6, bypass valve 21, fuel cell stack 2, solid hydrogen storage device 1, radiator 31, and temperature control valve 22.

[0108] The third coolant temperature control step (S5), which is performed when the coolant temperature is higher than the upper limit of the control temperature range, may be a step in which the coolant is controlled to circulate through the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and the radiator 31, as in the second coolant temperature control step (S4).

[0109] If the cooling water temperature exceeds the upper limit of the controlled temperature range, it may be because the fuel cell stack 2 generates electrical energy for an extended period of time, or because the amount of electrical energy generated exceeds a preset amount of electrical energy.

[0110] The fuel cell stack 2 receives hydrogen stored from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 and generates electrical energy.

[0111] At this time, when the solid hydrogen storage device 1 supplies the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 2, an endothermic reaction occurs.

[0112] A fuel cell temperature control device and a fuel cell system using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention can cool the cooling water so that its temperature is below the upper limit of the control temperature range by lowering the temperature of the cooling water through the endothermic reaction of the solid hydrogen storage device that occurs when the fuel cell stack generates electrical energy, i.e., when the solid hydrogen storage device provides stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, and by transferring the heat of the cooling water to the outside air via the radiator 31.

[0113] The fourth coolant temperature control step (S6) is a step performed after the third coolant temperature control step (S5), and may include the step of operating the cooling fan 32 so that the radiator 31 can lower the coolant temperature more easily than when the cooling fan 32 is not operating, by circulating outside air through the radiator 31.

[0114] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention when the solid hydrogen storage device 1 receives a supply of hydrogen for storage.

[0115] Referring to Figure 6, when the solid hydrogen storage device stores hydrogen, the temperature control method for the solid hydrogen storage device of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first circulation path setting step (S11), a second circulation path setting step (S12), and a cooling water cooling step (S13).

[0116] The first circulation path setting step (S11) may include the step of opening the flow path 2 of the bypass valve 21.

[0117] In this case, the first circulation path setting step (S11) may further include a step of detecting whether the heater 33 is operating and turning off the heater 33 so that it does not operate.

[0118] The second circulation path setting step (S12) is a step of opening the flow path 4 of the temperature control valve 22, and in the second circulation path setting step (S12), the amount of opening of the flow path 4 opened by the temperature control valve 22 can be set to the maximum.

[0119] In this process, during the first and second circulation path setting steps (S11 and S12), a path can be formed in which the cooling water circulates through the cooling water pump 6, the bypass valve 21, the turned-off heater 33, the solid hydrogen storage device 1, the radiator 31, and the temperature control valve 22.

[0120] The cooling water cooling step (S13) may include a step of operating the cooling fan 32.

[0121] At this time, by operating the cooling fan 32 to circulate outside air to the radiator 31, the cooling water that has absorbed the heat generated from the solid hydrogen storage device 1 can release the heat through the radiator 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the cooling water from rising.

[0122] A fuel cell temperature control device and a fuel cell system using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent the temperature of the cooling water from rising by utilizing the endothermic reaction of the solid hydrogen storage device when the fuel cell stack generates electrical energy, and can use the cooling water to prevent the temperature of the fuel cell stack from rising to absorb the heat generated from the solid hydrogen storage device when hydrogen is stored in the solid hydrogen storage device.

[0123] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs could make various modifications and alterations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0124] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the appended claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A temperature control valve that sets the circulation path of the cooling water via the fuel cell stack to either a first path or a second path, A control unit that controls the temperature control valve based on the temperature of the cooling water, Includes, The aforementioned circulation path is Includes a solid hydrogen storage device that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, The control unit, A fuel cell temperature control device characterized in that, when the solid hydrogen storage device stores hydrogen, it forms a circulation path for the cooling water, which is formed by a cooling water pump, a bypass valve, a heater, the solid hydrogen storage device, a radiator, and a temperature control valve.

2. The control unit, The fuel cell temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the temperature of the cooling water rises above the upper limit of the control temperature range, the temperature control valve is controlled to set the circulation path to the first path.

3. The control unit, The fuel cell temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the temperature of the cooling water is within the control temperature range, the temperature control valve is controlled to set the circulation path to the second path.

4. The aforementioned fuel cell stack is When electrical energy is generated, an exothermic reaction occurs. The solid hydrogen storage device is The fuel cell temperature control device according to claim 3, characterized in that an endothermic reaction occurs when the hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

5. The fuel cell temperature control device according to claim 1, further comprising the heater in the circulation path and the bypass valve that blocks the passage of the cooling water to the fuel cell stack when the temperature of the cooling water is lower than the lower limit of the control temperature range.

6. The control unit, If the temperature of the cooling water is lower than the lower limit of the control temperature range, the heater is included in the circulation path and the bypass valve is controlled to block the passage of the cooling water through the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell temperature control device according to claim 5, characterized in that it operates the heater.

7. The control unit, The fuel cell temperature control device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the solid hydrogen storage device stores the hydrogen, the bypass valve is controlled to block the passage of the cooling water through the fuel cell stack, and the temperature control valve is controlled to set the circulation path to the first path.

8. A fuel cell stack that generates electrical energy by receiving hydrogen from a solid hydrogen storage device, A bypass valve that transmits the cooling water from the cooling water pump to either the fuel cell stack or the heater, A temperature control valve that causes the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater to flow into the cooling water pump, or causes the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater to flow into the cooling water pump via the solid hydrogen storage device and the radiator, A control unit that controls the bypass valve and the temperature control valve to determine the circulation path of the cooling water based on the temperature of the cooling water via the fuel cell stack or the heater, the hydrogen storage of the solid hydrogen storage device, and the hydrogen supply of the solid hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack, Includes, The control unit, A fuel cell system characterized in that, when the solid hydrogen storage device stores hydrogen, a cooling water circulation path is formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the heater, the solid hydrogen storage device, the radiator, and the temperature control valve.

9. The control unit, When the fuel cell stack generates the electrical energy, a circulation path for the cooling water is formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, and the temperature control valve based on the temperature of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell stack or the heater, or The fuel cell system according to claim 8, characterized in that it generates a circulation path for the cooling water formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, the solid hydrogen storage device, the radiator, and the temperature control valve.

10. The control unit, The fuel cell system according to claim 9, characterized in that when the fuel cell stack generates the electrical energy, and the temperature of the cooling water circulating through the fuel cell stack or the heater is within a controlled temperature range, the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, and the temperature control valve form a circulation path for the cooling water.

11. The control unit, The fuel cell system according to claim 9, characterized in that when the fuel cell stack generates the electrical energy, and the temperature of the cooling water circulating through the fuel cell stack or the heater rises above the upper limit of the controlled temperature range, a circulation path for the cooling water is formed by the cooling water pump, the bypass valve, the fuel cell stack, the solid hydrogen storage device, the radiator, and the temperature control valve.

12. The control unit, If the temperature of the cooling water passing through the fuel cell stack or the heater is lower than the lower limit of the control temperature range, the circulation path of the cooling water formed by the bypass valve, the heater and the temperature control valve is formed. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, characterized in that the heater is operated.

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