Temperature control system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, system, vehicle, method, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, control device

The temperature control system addresses inefficiencies in fuel cell systems by integrating a feed pump and bypass valve to manage temperature and phase transitions, improving efficiency and thermal management in vehicles.

WO2025149251A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-17ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/084887
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-12
Filing Date
2024-12-05
Publication Date
2025-07-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Fuel cell systems in vehicles face challenges in managing temperature and pressure differences between fuel stored in the fuel reservoir and the operating conditions of the compressor and fuel cell stack, leading to inefficiencies and thermal issues, especially at high ambient temperatures.

Method used

A temperature control system for vehicles that integrates a feed pump, line system, and bypass valve to control the flow of temperature control fluid for cooling and heating, allowing selective heat exchange with the fuel reservoir, thereby managing temperature and phase transitions of the fuel.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively cools BOP components and heats fuel to the required temperature, enhancing efficiency and reducing thermal stress, while optimizing cooling capacity and handling varying load demands.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control system (100) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), wherein the vehicle (200a), in particular the commercial vehicle (200b), comprises a fuel cell system (205), a control device (222), a fuel store (208) for providing a fuel (209) and BOP components (210a) with a compressor arrangement (210) for applying feed air (24) to the fuel cell system (205) on the cathode side, and the temperature control system (100) comprises: a conveying pump (110), which can be controlled by the control device (222), for conveying a temperature control fluid (115); and a line system (120) for conducting the temperature control fluid (115); wherein the temperature control system (100) is configured to cool one of the BOP components (210a) and / or the compressor arrangement (210) by means of the temperature control fluid (115) resulting in the heating of the temperature control fluid (115); the line system (120) comprises a bypass valve (121) which can be controlled by the control device (222); and the bypass valve (121) is configured to selectively conduct the temperature control fluid (115), heated as a result of the cooling, through the fuel store (208) for heat exchange with the fuel (209) and / or to conduct the temperature control fluid (115) so as to bypass the fuel store (208).
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Description

[0001] Temperature control system for a vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle, system, vehicle, method, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, control unit

[0002] The disclosure relates to a temperature control system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, has a fuel cell system, a control unit, a fuel reservoir for providing a fuel, and BOP components with a compressor arrangement for supplying the fuel cell system with supply air on the cathode side. The disclosure also relates to a system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, a method for a temperature control system, a computer program and / or computer-readable medium, and a control unit for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

[0003] Such temperature control systems and fuel cell systems are known from the state of the art.

[0004] Fuel cell systems are well known. Fuel cell systems comprise galvanic cells that can be used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is generated from the so-called fuel cell reaction, a chemical reaction between the supplied fuel, for example, hydrogen, and an oxidizing agent, usually oxygen. To increase energy generation, several fuel cells can be combined in a fuel cell stack.

[0005] In such fuel cell systems, a compressor (also called a compressor) is used to draw in air, compress it, and feed it to a fuel cell inlet on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to carry out the fuel cell reaction. The compressed mixture of substances passes through the fuel cell stack. The mixture of substances remaining after the fuel cell reaction exits the fuel cell stack as a gaseous fluid stream on the cathode side from a fuel cell outlet. However, both the fuel cell stack and the compressor typically have operating points characterized by temperatures and / or pressures that can be very different from the temperature and / or pressure of the fuel stored in the fuel storage.The fuel is typically hydrogen and / or another substance that is stored in the fuel storage unit at comparatively low temperatures and / or under comparatively high pressure. Compared to the temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel storage unit, the operating points are characterized by higher temperatures. Compared to the pressure of the fuel stored in the fuel storage unit, the operating points are characterized by lower pressures. Furthermore, the fuel may be stored in the fuel storage unit as a liquid fuel, with the compressor and the fuel cell stack typically being supplied with a gaseous fuel.

[0006] For example, if hydrogen is stored in liquid form, comparatively low temperatures of -257°C are typically required. For further use of the fuel in the fuel cell system, the liquid and cooled hydrogen must be vaporized and then heated. This heating process turns the hydrogen into a gas, but it still has a temperature of, for example, below -200°C. The hydrogen is therefore still comparatively cold and therefore too cold to be fed to the compressor and / or the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell requires the vaporized, gaseous, and heated hydrogen at a temperature of approximately 20°C.

[0007] Heat must be supplied to the fuel in order to pressurize the compressor and / or the fuel cell stack. In particular, at full load, a relatively large amount of fuel must be optionally evaporated and heated. On the other hand, thermal problems can arise, for example, in the compressor's power electronics and in the compressor itself during extended periods of full load. In addition, the compressor's efficiency decreases as the operating temperature increases. The compressor and other components therefore need to be cooled, which can lead to waste heat. Fuel cell systems usually have more than one cooling circuit. This can be related to the different operating points and / or the design of the components. For example, the operating temperature of the fuel cell can be between 80°C and 100°C. An operating temperature of around 60°C is intended for the compressor and its power electronics.Therefore, fuel cell systems typically have two cooling circuits. Especially at high ambient temperatures, the temperature difference between the respective operating temperatures and the ambient temperature becomes increasingly smaller, thereby reducing the effective cooling capacity.

[0008] The use of waste heat and cooling is known from the prior art. US 4,554,223 discloses a fuel cell device. In a converter for the catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide and steam into carbon dioxide and hydrogen by an exothermic reaction in a phosphoric acid fuel cell device, the heat generated during the conversion reaction is absorbed during the evaporation of a liquid in a vessel provided with a reactor tube. The catalytic exothermic reaction is carried out with cooling, and therefore, it is not necessary to provide coolers in multiple stages. Waste heat from the fuel cell can be utilized in an absorption cooler to obtain cooled air.

[0009] Against the background of this prior art, one object of the present disclosure is to enrich the prior art and to improve at least the above-mentioned aspects of the prior art. In particular, the object of the disclosure is to provide improved and more effective temperature control for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subclaims contain further developments of the disclosure.

[0011] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by a temperature control system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, has a fuel cell system, a control unit, a fuel reservoir for providing a fuel, and BOP components with a compressor arrangement for supplying the fuel cell system with supply air on the cathode side, and the temperature control system has: a feed pump controllable by the control unit for conveying a temperature control fluid; and a line system for conducting the temperature control fluid; wherein the temperature control system is configured to cool one of the BOP components and / or the compressor arrangement with the temperature control fluid while heating the temperature control fluid; the line system has a bypass valve controllable by the control unit;and the bypass valve is configured to selectively direct the tempering fluid heated by the cooling through the fuel reservoir for heat exchange with the fuel and / or to direct the tempering fluid bypassing the fuel reservoir.;

[0012] It was recognized that it is possible to connect or integrate different temperature control systems with one another. A cooling system for cooling the BOP components and / or the compressor arrangement and a heat input system for inputting heat or heating the fuel can be functionally connected with one another. This makes it possible for various components of the vehicle to be temperature-controlled, i.e. cooled and / or heated, by the temperature control system. Heat can be introduced during the heat exchange with the fuel, for example, to increase the temperature of the fuel and / or trigger a phase transition from liquid to gaseous. At the same time, heat can be dissipated from the compressor arrangement and / or one or more other BOP components.

[0013] The temperature control system enables effective handling or use of the coolant. The coolant can be used to cool one or more of the BOP components, including the compressor. BOP components, so-called "balance-of-plant" components, are also referred to as auxiliary components. BOP components are components that are necessary and / or helpful for the functioning of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system or fuel cell stack itself is typically not referred to as a BOP component. The BOP components control, for example, the supply of fuel and / or oxidant to the fuel cell system. Thus, in addition to the compressor, BOP components can include pumps, in particular recirculation pumps and / or the feed pump, sensors, heat exchangers, charge air coolers, humidifiers and / or a fuel cell control unit.

[0014] The bypass valve enables selective heat exchange between the temperature control fluid and the fuel via the fuel reservoir. In other words, the temperature control system allows heat exchange between the temperature control fluid and the fuel to occur, or prevents heat exchange between the temperature control fluid and the fuel from occurring. The bypass valve can be controlled accordingly by the control unit.

[0015] Optionally, the piping system includes a storage control valve that can be controlled by the control unit. The storage control valve is designed to control the flow of tempering fluid through the fuel storage tank. It was recognized that the tempering fluid can be controlled more versatilely and effectively if the storage control valve is included. The storage control valve can be used to influence the flow of tempering fluid, for example, the volumetric flow of the tempering fluid, through the fuel storage tank. This allows the heat exchange, i.e., the amount of heat introduced by the tempering fluid, to be continuously adjusted.

[0016] Optionally, the temperature control system and / or the fuel storage unit comprises a fuel heating device that can be supplied with temperature control fluid heated by the cooling; the line system comprises a heating control valve that can be controlled by the control unit; and the heating control valve is configured to control a flow of temperature control fluid through the fuel heating device. It has been recognized that the heat exchange between the temperature control fluid and the fuel can be improved if a dedicated fuel heating device is provided. The fuel heating device can, for example, heat a predetermined amount or a portion of the fuel that can be stored in the fuel cell storage unit. The heating control valve can influence the flow of temperature control fluid, i.e., for example, the volume flow of the temperature control fluid, through the fuel storage unit.In this way, the heat exchange, i.e. the amount of heat introduced by the temperature control fluid, can be continuously adjusted.

[0017] Optionally, the control unit is configured to determine the heat quantity required to heat the fuel based on a load demand and to control the piping system based on this heat quantity. It has been recognized that the load demand correlates with the amount of fuel. The load demand can thus correspond to the amount of fuel to be heated, which is to be heated based on the load demand by applying the heat quantity. The heat quantity can thus influence the flow of the temperature control fluid through the piping system.

[0018] Optionally, the temperature control system is configured to vaporize liquid fuel and / or heat gaseous fuel. This allows the temperature control system to be used for so-called cryogenic tanks, pressure storage tanks, and / or hybrid storage systems, where a hybrid storage system comprises, for example, a liquid hydrogen tank and a pressure tank.

[0019] Optionally, the temperature control system includes a coolant temperature sensor, internal tank temperature sensor, internal tank pressure sensor, heating temperature sensor, and / or power electronics temperature sensor, each of which is communicatively connected to the control unit for transmitting sensor data. The control unit is configured to control the temperature control system based on the sensor data. Using these sensors, the temperature control system can control the heat flow, heat exchange, and / or heat exchange effects. This allows the temperature control system to be controlled more precisely and reliably.

[0020] Optionally, the temperature control system includes a cooling device for cooling the temperature control fluid; the cooling device is arranged downstream of the feed pump and upstream of the fuel storage tank. In other words, the fuel storage tank can be arranged fluidically downstream of the cooling device or cooler. Since the temperature control fluid downstream of the cooler or cooling device usually has a relatively constant temperature, optionally set by a thermostat, this simplifies the subsequent regulation or control of the temperature control fluid and / or the associated heat exchange. However, it is also possible to integrate the fuel storage tank at a different location in the temperature control system.

[0021] Optionally, the temperature control system is configured to cool additional vehicle components. It was recognized that, in addition to the BOP components, other vehicle components can also be cooled. Other vehicle components could include, for example, a DC-DC converter, an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, and / or drive components. This allows additional heat to be absorbed by the temperature control fluid through cooling to warm the fuel.

[0022] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided, wherein the system comprises a fuel cell system, a control unit, a fuel storage device for providing a fuel, BOP components with a compressor arrangement for supplying the fuel cell system with supply air on the cathode side, and the temperature control system described above. Optionally, the temperature control system comprises one or more of the features described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0023] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided, comprising the system described above. Optionally, the system and / or its temperature control system comprises one or more of the features described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0024] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method for the temperature control system described above is provided, the method comprising: cooling one of the BOP components and / or the compressor assembly with the temperature control fluid while heating the temperature control fluid; and selectively passing the temperature control fluid heated by the cooling for heat exchange with the fuel through the fuel reservoir and / or the temperature control fluid, bypassing the fuel reservoir. Optionally, the method is carried out such that one or more of the features described as optional and / or advantageous are implemented to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0025] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a computer program and / or a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprise instructions that, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method according to the disclosure and / or steps thereof. Optionally, the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprise instructions that, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform advantageous or optional method steps in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0026] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a control unit for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out the method described above. Optionally, the control unit is configured to implement one or more of the features described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0027] In the following, one embodiment is described with reference to the figures.

[0028] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 2 schematically shows a system and a temperature control system, each according to an aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 3 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 200a, in particular commercial vehicle 200b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] The vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b, is referred to below as the vehicle 200a, 200b. The vehicle 200a, 200b is, for example, a land vehicle or a watercraft.

[0033] The vehicle 200a, 200b has a system 202. The system 202 includes a fuel cell system 205, a control unit 222 (see Figure 2), a fuel storage unit 208 for providing a fuel 209, BOP components 210a with a compressor arrangement 210 for supplying the fuel cell system 205 with supply air 240 on the cathode side, and a temperature control system 100 (see Figure 2). Exhaust air 245 leaves the fuel cell system 205 after the fuel cell reaction.

[0034] The vehicle 200a, 200b has further vehicle components 201: an energy storage device 260, an electric main drive 250, and a voltage converter 201a. The fuel cell system 205 is configured to provide electrical energy 65 to the energy storage device 260. The energy storage device 260 is, for example, a rechargeable energy storage device 260 and serves as a buffer battery for buffering electrical energy 65. The energy storage device 260 is a so-called traction battery. The energy storage device 260 is connected to the electric main drive 250 to supply the electric main drive 250 with electrical energy 65 so that the electric main drive 250 can drive the vehicle 200a, 200b. One of the voltage converters 201a is provided between the fuel cell system 205 and the energy storage device 260 and between the energy storage device 260 and the main drive 250.The fuel cell system 205 comprises a fuel cell stack 206 with a cathode 206a and an anode 206b and may also include a fuel cell control unit 220 (see Figure 2). The compressor assembly 210 is configured to supply an air flow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack 206. For this purpose, the compressor assembly 210 is configured to be supplied with electrical energy 65 to draw in air, compress it, and supply it to the fuel cell stack 206 as supply air 240. The compressor assembly 210 may also be referred to as a compressor and may include an electric drive, housing components, piping, and a compressor control unit (each not shown).

[0035] Fuel 209 stored in fuel reservoir 208 has a comparatively high pressure and a comparatively low temperature: the pressure of fuel 209 must be reduced and the temperature T of fuel 209 must be increased in order to supply fuel 209 to fuel cell system 209. Furthermore, compressor assembly 210, other BOP components 210a, and / or other vehicle components 201 must be cooled. For this purpose, system 202 or vehicle 200a, 200b includes temperature control system 100. Temperature control system 100 is described with reference to Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 2 schematically shows a system 202 and a temperature control system 100, each according to an aspect of the disclosure. The temperature control system 100 and the system 202 according to Figure 2 are a temperature control system 100 and a system 202, respectively, for a vehicle 200a, 200b. Such a vehicle 200a, 200b is described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 2 is described with reference to Figure 1.

[0037] In general, in Figure 2, communication connections are each marked with a dotted line; air and / or oxidant flows are each marked with a dashed line; fuel flows 209 are each marked with a dotted line; and flows of a temperature control fluid 120 are marked with a solid line. The system 202 according to Figure 2 comprises the fuel cell system 205 with the fuel cell stack 206, the control unit 222, the fuel storage 208 for providing the fuel 209, the BOP components 210a with the compressor arrangement 210 for supplying the fuel cell system 205 with supply air 240 on the cathode side, and the temperature control system 100.

[0038] The control unit 222 is configured to carry out the method 300 according to Figure 3. The control unit 222 according to Figure 2 is a fuel cell control unit 220. The fuel cell control unit 220 is one of the BOP components 210a. The control unit 222 is configured to control the fuel cell system 205, the temperature control system 100, and other BOP components 210a. In other words, the control unit 222 is configured to control the system 202. The control unit 222 is configured to detect a load request 230. For this purpose, the control unit 222 can be connected to another vehicle control unit, for example, via a vehicle bus (not shown).

[0039] Figure 2 also illustrates a fuel storage control unit 221. The fuel storage control unit 221 is configured to control the fuel storage unit 208 and / or the flow of fuel 209 into and / or out of the fuel storage unit 208. The fuel storage control unit 221 may alternatively be included in the control unit 222 (not shown).

[0040] The BOP components 210a also include a fuel pump 225. The fuel pump 225 is configured to supply fuel 209 to the anode side of the fuel cell stack 206. The fuel pump 225 can also be referred to as a recirculation pump. The fuel pump 225 is configured to convey the fuel 208 in a fuel line system 130.

[0041] The temperature control system 100 includes a feed pump 110, which is controllable by the control unit 222, for feeding the temperature control fluid 115. The feed pump 110 can also be referred to as a coolant pump. The feed pump 110 is one of the BOP components 210a. The temperature control fluid 115 is, for example, an aqueous liquid. In another embodiment, the temperature control fluid 115 can be a gas (not shown). The temperature control fluid 115 is provided to effect heat exchange with components of the system 202 and / or other vehicle components 201a.A heat exchange comprises an input of heat from one or more components of the system 202, including the fuel 209, and / or another vehicle component 201a into the temperature control fluid 115, wherein the respective component of the system 202 and / or the respective other vehicle component 201a is thereby cooled and / or heat is extracted, and the temperature control fluid 115 is heated and / or heat is absorbed. A heat exchange also comprises an input of heat from the temperature control fluid 115 into one or more components of the system 202, wherein the respective component of the system 202 is thereby heated and / or heat is absorbed, and the temperature control fluid 115 is cooled and / or heat is extracted. The heat input from the temperature control fluid 115 into the fuel reservoir 208 can cause an input of heat into the fuel 209, whereby the temperature of the fuel 209 can rise and / or a phase transformation can occur.

[0042] The temperature control system 100 comprises a line system 120 for conducting the temperature control fluid 115. The feed pump 110 is configured to convey the temperature control fluid 115 through the line system 120. For this purpose, the line system 120 comprises piping that fluidically and thermally connects components of the system 202 for heat exchange with the temperature control fluid 115.

[0043] The temperature control system 100 is configured to cool the BOP components 210a and the compressor assembly 210 with the temperature control fluid 115 while heating the temperature control fluid 115. In particular, the temperature control system 100 is configured to cool a power electronics unit 215 as the BOP component 210a with the temperature control fluid 115 while heating the temperature control fluid 115. The power electronics unit 215 is configured to provide electrical energy for operating the compressor assembly 210. The line system 120 has a bypass valve 121 controllable by the control unit 222. For this purpose, the control unit 222 and the bypass valve 121 are communicatively connected to one another.The bypass valve 121 is configured to selectively direct the tempering fluid 115 heated by the cooling through the fuel reservoir 208 for heat exchange with the fuel 209 and / or to direct the tempering fluid 115 bypassing the fuel reservoir 208. The bypass valve 121 can thus be placed in two states by the control unit 222: a state in which the bypass valve 121 enables the cooling of the heated tempering fluid 115 for heat exchange with the fuel 209 through the fuel reservoir 208 via the line system, and a state in which the flow of tempering fluid 115 for heat exchange with the fuel reservoir 208 is prevented. Then, the tempering fluid 115 can be passed, for example, from the feed pump 110 via a cooling device 135, bypassing the fuel storage 208, to the power electronics 215 and / or the compressor 210.The latter corresponds to operation of the temperature control system 100 without additional cooling by heat exchange with the fuel 209: The feed pump 110 conveys the temperature control fluid 115 toward the bypass valve 121, which is controlled by the control unit 222. The bypass valve 121 can bypass or bypass the heat exchanger circuit of the fuel storage 208. This means that if no fuel 209 is required and no fuel 209 needs to be optionally evaporated and heated, the bypass valve 121 is closed, and the cooling system of the compressor arrangement 210 runs without the cooling capacity of the fuel storage 208.

[0044] The line system 120 has a storage control valve 122 that can be controlled by the control unit 222. For this purpose, the control unit 222 and the storage control valve 122 are communicatively connected to one another. The storage control valve 122 is configured to control a flow rate Q1 of tempering fluid 115 through the fuel storage 208. The flow rate Q1 can be continuously adjusted. The storage control valve 122 is arranged downstream of the bypass valve 121. When the bypass valve 121 is switched for heat exchange with the fuel storage 208, the storage control valve 122 enables metering of the tempering fluid 115 to be conducted to the fuel storage 208. Thus, the storage control valve 122 controls the flow rate Q1 of tempering fluid 115 through the fuel storage 208 and also a quantity of heat 231 to be exchanged.

[0045] The temperature control system 100 or the fuel storage 208 has a fuel heating device 140 that can be supplied with temperature control fluid 115 heated by the cooling of the compressor assembly 210 and / or another of the BOP components 210a. The fuel heating device 140 can be a section of the fuel storage 208 that is spatially separated from a storage volume and / or fluidically separable by a valve. The fuel heating device 140 can hold a defined volume of fuel 209 and is configured to heat the fuel 209. For this purpose, the temperature control fluid 115 can flow through the fuel heating device 140. The temperature control system 100 is configured to optionally vaporize liquid fuel 209, 209b and heat gaseous fuel 209, 209a. The evaporation can be effected by the heat input into the liquid fuel 209b stored in the fuel storage 208.

[0046] The line system 120 has a heating control valve 123 that can be controlled by the control unit 222. For this purpose, the control unit 222 and the heating control valve 123 are communicatively connected to one another. The heating control valve 123 is configured to control a flow rate Q2 of temperature control fluid 115 through the fuel heating device 140. The flow rate Q2 can be continuously adjusted. The heating control valve 123 is arranged downstream of the storage control valve 122 such that temperature control fluid 115 not directed to the fuel storage 208 by the storage control valve 122 is directed to the heating control valve 123. The heating control valve 123 enables metering of the temperature control fluid 115 to be directed to the fuel heating device 140.Thus, the heating control valve 123 controls the flow Q2 of temperature control fluid 115 through the fuel heating device 140 and also a heat quantity 231 to be exchanged. The heating can be achieved by heat input into the gaseous fuel 209a stored and / or vaporized in the fuel reservoir 208. Operation of the temperature control system 100 with additional cooling, optional vaporization, and heating of fuel 208 can thus be described as follows: If a quantity of fuel 208 is required according to a load requirement 230, e.g., 11 g of hydrogen per minute at full load, the control unit 222 determines which heat input 231 is necessary to change the aggregate state of the corresponding quantity of fuel 209, i.e., to convert a liquid fuel 209a into a gaseous fuel 209b. Based on the determined heat quantity 231, the flow Q1 through the tank is regulated by the storage control valve 122.In addition, the flow rate Q1 through the fuel heating device 140 is regulated by the heating control valve 123. The storage control valve 122 and the heating control valve 123 can be controlled independently of each other to control the vaporization of the fuel 209 regardless of a temperature increase of the gaseous fuel 209b. For example, the fuel heating device 140 can achieve a temperature increase of 270°C.

[0047] Under certain circumstances, for example, in a start-stop scenario, the heat input for vaporizing fuel 209 can be switched off, since the fuel cell system 205 must be shut down. However, since it is difficult to interrupt the change in state immediately, the vaporization can "run on," meaning that remaining gaseous fuel 209b is still heated so that the fuel cell stack 206 can process it. The vaporization of further liquid fuel 209a can be omitted.

[0048] In other words, the control unit 222 is configured to determine a heat quantity 231 for heating the fuel 209 based on the load requirement 230 and to control the line system 120 based on the heat quantity 231. In particular, the valves 121, 122, 123, i.e., the bypass valve 121, the storage control valve 122, and the heating control valve 123, can be controlled based on the heat quantity 231.

[0049] The temperature control system 100 has a coolant temperature sensor 125, a tank internal temperature sensor 126, a tank internal pressure sensor 127, a heating temperature sensor 128, and / or a power electronics temperature sensor 129 (hereinafter referred to as sensors 125, 126, 127, 128, 129), each of which is communicatively connected to the control unit 222 for transmitting sensor data 232. Furthermore, the compressor arrangement 210 has a compressor temperature sensor (not shown) that is communicatively connected to the control unit 222 for transmitting sensor data 232. Various sensors 125, 126, 127, 128, 129 are installed to calculate the required heat quantities 231 and to monitor the heat exchange. The coolant temperature sensor 125 is configured to measure the temperature of the tempering fluid 115 that prevails before entering the fuel storage 208.The tank internal temperature sensor 126 is configured to measure the tank internal temperature, i.e., the internal temperature of the fuel storage tank 208. The tank internal pressure sensor 127 is configured to measure the tank internal pressure, i.e., the internal pressure of the fuel storage tank 208. The tank internal pressure can be limited to 16 bar. Heat supply must be stopped before the aforementioned internal pressure is reached in order to avoid overloading the fuel storage tank 208. This means, for example, that at 14.5 bar, the storage control valve 122 is closed. The heating control valve 123 can remain open to heat gaseous fuel 209b in order to at least partially reduce the pressure in the fuel storage tank 208. The heating temperature sensor 128 is configured to measure the temperature of the fuel heating device 140, which can be used to calculate the required heat quantity 231.The power electronics temperature sensor 129 is configured to measure the temperature of the power electronics 215. The control unit 222 is configured to control the temperature control system 100 taking into account the sensor data 232. In particular, the temperature control fluid 115 can be directed accordingly for cooling and / or heating.

[0050] The temperature control system 100 includes the cooling device 135 for cooling the temperature control fluid 115. The cooling device 135 is arranged downstream of the feed pump 110 and upstream of the fuel storage 208. The cooling device 135 is optionally an active cooling device 135.

[0051] The temperature control system 100 is configured to cool additional vehicle components 201 (not shown in Figure 2). The temperature control fluid 115 can be redirected to the additional vehicle components 201 using appropriate valves, for example, when the compressor assembly 210 does not require cooling.

[0052] Figure 3 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method 300 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The method 300 according to Figure 3 is a method 300 for a temperature control system 100. Such a temperature control system is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] The method 300 according to Figure 3 comprises: cooling 310 one of the BOP components 210a and / or the compressor arrangement 210 with the temperature control fluid 115 while heating the temperature control fluid 115.

[0054] The method 300 comprises: selectively conducting 320 the tempering fluid 115 heated by the cooling for heat exchange with the fuel 209 through the fuel storage 208 and / or the tempering fluid 115 bypassing the fuel storage 208.

[0055] The person skilled in the art will recognize that the method 300 according to Figure 3 can also be performed in a different order than that shown. In particular, it is possible for steps of the method 300 to be interchanged, shifted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium 400 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 400 includes instructions (not shown) that, when executed by a control unit 222, cause the control unit 222 to perform the method 300 and / or the steps of the method 300 according to Figure 3.

[0057] The instructions can be present as program code in any code or in any language, in particular in a code suitable for controlling and / or monitoring vehicles 200a, in particular commercial vehicles 200b, systems 202 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and / or fuel cell systems 205. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 400 can be or comprise any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card. The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium, but can also be accessible via the Internet or otherwise.

[0058] Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0059] 65 electrical energy

[0060] 100 temperature control system

[0061] 110 Feed pump

[0062] 115 Tempering fluid

[0063] 120 piping system

[0064] 121 Bypass valve

[0065] 122 Storage control valve

[0066] 123 Heating control valve

[0067] 124 Valve

[0068] 125 Coolant temperature sensor

[0069] 126 Tank internal temperature sensor

[0070] 127 Tank pressure sensor

[0071] 128 Heating temperature sensor

[0072] 129 Power electronics temperature sensor

[0073] 130 Fuel line system

[0074] 131 Data communication system

[0075] 135 Cooling device

[0076] 140 Fuel heating device

[0077] 200a vehicle

[0078] 200b commercial vehicle

[0079] 201 vehicle components

[0080] 201a voltage converter

[0081] 202 System

[0082] 205 Fuel cell system

[0083] 206 fuel cell stacks

[0084] 206a Cathode

[0085] 206b Anode

[0086] 208 fuel storage

[0087] 209 Fuel

[0088] 209a liquid fuel

[0089] 209b gaseous fuel compressor assembly a BOP components

[0090] Power electronics

[0091] Fuel cell control unit

[0092] Fuel storage control unit

[0093] control unit

[0094] fuel pump

[0095] Load requirement

[0096] Amount of heat

[0097] Sensor data

[0098] Supply air

[0099] Exhaust air electric main drive

[0100] Energy storage device

[0101] expander

[0102] Proceedings

[0103] Cooling selective conduction

[0104] Computer program and / or computer-readable medium

[0105] flow

[0106] flow

Claims

Patent claims 1. A temperature control system (100) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), wherein the vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), has a fuel cell system (205), a control unit (222), a fuel storage unit (208) for providing a fuel (209) and BOP components (210a) with a compressor arrangement (210) for supplying the fuel cell system (205) with supply air (240) on the cathode side, and the temperature control system (100) has: - a feed pump (110) controllable by the control unit (222) for feeding a tempering fluid (115); and - a line system (120) for conducting the tempering fluid (115); wherein - the temperature control system (100) is configured to cool one of the BOP components (210a) and / or the compressor arrangement (210) with the temperature control fluid (115) while heating the temperature control fluid (115); - the line system (120) has a bypass valve (121) controllable by the control unit (222); and - the bypass valve (121) is configured to selectively conduct the tempering fluid (115) heated by the cooling for heat exchange with the fuel (209) through the fuel reservoir (208) and / or to conduct the tempering fluid (115) bypassing the fuel reservoir (208).

2. Temperature control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein - the line system (120) has a storage control valve (122) controllable by the control unit (222); and - the storage control valve (122) is designed to control a flow (Q1) of tempering fluid (115) through the fuel storage (208).

3. Temperature control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the temperature control system (100) and / or the fuel storage (208) has a fuel heating device (140) which can be supplied with temperature control fluid (115) heated by the cooling; - the line system (120) has a heating control valve (123) controllable by the control unit (222); and - the heating control valve (123) is configured to control a flow (Q2) of tempering fluid (115) through the fuel heating device (140).

4. Temperature control system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (222) is configured to determine a heat quantity (231) for heating the fuel (209) based on a load requirement (230) and to control the line system (120) based on the heat quantity (231).

5. Tempering system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tempering system (100) is configured to vaporize liquid fuel (209, 209b) and / or to heat gaseous fuel (209, 209a).

6. Temperature control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the temperature control system (100) has a coolant temperature sensor (125), a tank internal temperature sensor (126), a tank internal pressure sensor (127), a heating temperature sensor (128) and / or a power electronics temperature sensor (129) each communicatively connected to the control unit (222) for transmitting sensor data (232); and - the control device (222) is configured to control the temperature control system (100) taking into account the sensor data (232).

7. Temperature control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the temperature control system (100) has a cooling device (135) for cooling the temperature control fluid (115); and - the cooling device (135) is arranged downstream of the feed pump (110) and upstream of the fuel storage (208).

8. Temperature control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control system (100) is configured to cool further vehicle components (201).

9. System (202) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), wherein the system (202) comprises a fuel cell system (205), a control unit (222), a Fuel storage (208) for providing a fuel (209), BOP components (210a) with a compressor arrangement (210) for supplying the fuel cell system (205) with supply air (240) on the cathode side, and a temperature control system (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Vehicle (200a), in particular commercial vehicle (200b), comprising the system (202) according to claim 9.

11. A method (300) for a temperature control system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method (300) comprises: - cooling (310) one of the BOP components (210a) and / or the compressor arrangement (210) with the temperature control fluid (115) while heating the temperature control fluid (115); and - selectively conducting (320) the tempering fluid (115) heated by the cooling for heat exchange with the fuel (209) through the fuel storage (208) and / or the tempering fluid (115) bypassing the fuel storage (208).

12. Computer program and / or computer-readable medium (400), comprising instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a control device (222), cause the control device (222) to carry out the method (300) and / or the steps of the method (300) according to claim 11.

13. Control unit (222) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), wherein the control unit (222) is configured to carry out the method (300) according to claim 11.

Citation Information

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