CN102208667A - Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control - Google Patents

Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control Download PDF

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Publication number
CN102208667A
CN102208667A CN2011101008755A CN201110100875A CN102208667A CN 102208667 A CN102208667 A CN 102208667A CN 2011101008755 A CN2011101008755 A CN 2011101008755A CN 201110100875 A CN201110100875 A CN 201110100875A CN 102208667 A CN102208667 A CN 102208667A
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Prior art keywords
fuel cell
cell pack
pressure
fuel
fueling
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CN2011101008755A
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CN102208667B (en
Inventor
戴维·J·埃德伦德
阿恩·拉闻
梅莎·沙夫
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Qingdao Yang Hydrogen Group Co ltd
Idatech LLC
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Idatech LLC
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Priority claimed from US10/857,629 external-priority patent/US7842428B2/en
Priority claimed from US10/909,266 external-priority patent/US8277997B2/en
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Publication of CN102208667A publication Critical patent/CN102208667A/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04231—Purging of the reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0438—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04388—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow of anode reactants at the inlet or inside the fuel cell
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0438—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04395—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow of cathode reactants at the inlet or inside the fuel cell
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04537—Electric variables
    • H01M8/04574—Current
    • H01M8/04589—Current of fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04746—Pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04753—Pressure; Flow of fuel cell reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04746—Pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04761—Pressure; Flow of fuel cell exhausts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04746—Pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04776—Pressure; Flow at auxiliary devices, e.g. reformer, compressor, burner
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04858—Electric variables
    • H01M8/04895—Current
    • H01M8/0491—Current of fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04858—Electric variables
    • H01M8/04925—Power, energy, capacity or load
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04992—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

Fuel cell systems and methods for controlling the operation of components of the fuel cell system, such as which may include a fuel source and a fuel cell stack. In some examples, a fuel source is adapted to provide supply fuel to a fuel cell stack at a supply pressure. In some systems, fuel not used by the fuel cell stack is discharged through at least one exit orifice at an exit pressure. In some examples, a control system is adapted to control operation of one or both of the fuel source and the fuel cell stack based on the flow of unused fuel. In some examples, a target pressure is determined based on the level of electrical current produced by a fuel cell stack, such that when fuel is supplied at the target pressure, the fuel cell stack consumes a given proportion of the supply fuel.

Description

Fuel cell monitoring and control based on utilance
The application is to be on May 23rd, 2005 applying date, and application number is 200580024992.0, and denomination of invention is divided an application for the application of " based on the fuel cell monitoring and the control of utilance ".
Technical field
The present invention relates generally to fuel cell system, and relate in particular to the system and method that is used for determining and controlling the one or more variablees of fuel cell system.
Background technology
Electrochemical fuel cell is a kind of device that fuel and oxidant is converted into electricity, product and heat.For example, fuel cell goes for hydrogen and oxygen are changed into water, electricity and hot.In such fuel cell, hydrogen is fuel, and oxygen is oxidant, and water is product.
Fuel cell pack generally includes two or more and links together and become the fuel cell of a unit, and they comprise the array fuel cell.Fuel cell pack can join in the fuel cell system.Fuel cell system also comprises fuels sources usually, for example supply of fuel and/or fuel processor, and it produces hydrogen or other proton source that is used for fuel cell pack from one or more raw materials.The example of fuel processor is a steam reformer, and it produces hydrogen from water and carbon raw material.System can also comprise the battery container unit of the electric energy that is used to store generation and to the air source of fuel cell delivery of oxygen.Need the miscellaneous part of control fuel cell pack and fuel cell system to come the operation of Adjustment System, be used for for example preventing the destruction system and/or effectively operating system with the variation of operation response condition.
Summary of the invention
Disclosure of the present invention relates to energy and produces and consumable components, and is used to monitor the use of fuel and/or the method for coming the control operation fuel cell pack based on this fuel operating position.This energy produces and consumable components can comprise the fuels sources that is suitable for providing to fuel cell pack fueling under supply pressure.Fuel cell pack can be suitable for producing the electric current of the output magnitude of current from least a portion fueling.Control system can be suitable for detecting the pressure at this fuel cell pack place, and comes Control current output based on detected pressure at least in part.This control system can also be suitable for fuel availability being remained in the predetermined scope by the electric current that fuel cell pack produces by control.
The assembly that energy produces and consumes further can comprise and is suitable for applying the energy storage/consumer that loads to this fuel cell pack.The output magnitude of current can and/or be applied to the load of this fuel cell pack and Be Controlled by this energy storage/consumable components of ACTIVE CONTROL.This control system also can be suitable for controlling the output magnitude of current by extra mode or selectable mode ACTIVE CONTROL fuels sources.
In some energy generation and consumable components, fuel availability or the quantity of fuel that every quantity delivered consumed can be along with the feed speeds and the load variations that is applied to this fuel cell pack of fueling.For example, under the feed speed of fixing fueling, the load that applies increases will increase the output of electric current and the consumption of fuel, thereby improve the utilance of fuel.Similarly, the load that applies reduces and will reduce the output and the fuel consumption of electric current, thereby reduces the utilance of fuel.
In some assembly, exist predetermined maximum fuel utilance to prevent energy and produce and the pollution of consumable components or to its other destructions.In addition, also can exist predetermined minimum fuel utilance to prevent the excess waste of fueling.The utilance of fuel is controlled in the load that applies by ACTIVE CONTROL can be so that improve responsiveness and control utilance better.Based on not using flow fuel, the load that ACTIVE CONTROL applies can allow to control better fuel availability with the ACTIVE CONTROL fuels sources under the operating condition of wide region.
The invention provides a kind of energy and produce and consumable components, comprising:
Fuels sources, it is suitable for providing fueling under supply pressure;
Fuel cell pack, it comprises at least one fuel cell, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable for receiving described fueling and produces the electric current of the output magnitude of current from the fueling that is received, the load that applies with response;
Load applies assembly, and it is suitable for being controlled to apply and loads to described fuel cell pack; And
Control system, it is suitable for detecting the pressure at described fuel cell pack place and controls described electric current output based on described detected pressure to apply assembly by the described load of ACTIVE CONTROL.
In energy generation provided by the present invention and consumable components, control system can be further adapted for and detect the output magnitude of current, determine the target output magnitude of current based on detected pressure, and apply assembly based on the detected output magnitude of current and described target output magnitude of current control load.
When producing the target output magnitude of current, the fueling that fuel cell pack can be suitable for consuming the ratio of pre-determining is used for detected pressure.
The predetermined ratio of institute of the fueling that fuel cell pack consumes can arrive in about 90% the scope about 70%.
The predetermined ratio of the fueling of fuel cell pack consumption can be about 83%.
Fuels sources can be suitable for Be Controlled, and control system can be further adapted for and detect the output magnitude of current, is suitable for determining the target output magnitude of current, and is suitable for controlling fuels sources and provides fueling with the based target output magnitude of current under supply pressure.
Control system can be further adapted for the target flow that the based target output magnitude of current and detected pressure are determined fueling.
Fuels sources can be suitable for producing fueling from one or more raw materials, and control system can be further adapted for the operation of controlling fuels sources based on the determined target flow of fueling.
Control system can be suitable for by utilizing equation
Figure BSA00000478830400031
Determine not use flow fuel, F is the described flow fuel of not using herein, and K is a constant, and P is a pressure.
Described energy produces and consumable components can further comprise pressure regulator, and it is suitable for controlling on one's own initiative supply pressure, and wherein control system can be suitable for the controlled pressure adjuster so that supply pressure is maintained under the predetermined threshold pressure.
Fuels sources can comprise fuel processor, and it is suitable for producing fueling from least a raw material.
The output that control system can be suitable for controlling the fueling that is produced by fuel processor to be maintaining supply pressure under the first threshold, and can be suitable for controlling the electric current output that produced by fuel cell pack so that supply pressure is maintained on second threshold value.
Fuel cell pack can be suitable under outlet pressure, discharges continuously basically from outlet opening and does not use fuel, and can comprise outlet pressure by the detected pressure of control system.
The present invention also provides a kind of energy to produce and consumable components, comprising:
Fuels sources, it is suitable for providing fueling under supply pressure;
Fuel cell pack, it comprises at least one fuel cell, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable for receiving the fueling from described fuels sources under described supply pressure, and is suitable for using the received fueling of at least a portion to produce output magnitude of current electric current, with the response applied load;
The load application devices, it is suitable for being controlled to apply and loads to described fuel cell pack; And
Control system, it is suitable for detecting the pressure at described fuel cell pack place, be suitable for determining the target output magnitude of current, under the described target output magnitude of current, the described fueling that described fuel cell pack consumption pre-determines ratio is used for described detected pressure, is suitable for controlling based on the described target output magnitude of current operation of described fuel cell pack; And be suitable for controlling the described output magnitude of current by the described load application devices of ACTIVE CONTROL.
Energy that the present invention also provides produce and consumable components in, the fueling that fuel cell pack consumes predetermined ratio can arrive in about 90% the scope about 70%.
Control system can be further adapted for the target flow that the based target output magnitude of current and detected pressure are determined fueling, wherein fuels sources is suitable for being controlled to producing fueling from one or more raw materials, and wherein control system is suitable for controlling the raw material that use is provided by fuels sources based on the described target flow of fueling.
Fuels sources can comprise fuel processor, described fuel processor is suitable for producing fueling, and further wherein the control system output that can be suitable for controlling the fueling that produces by described fuel processor and can be suitable for controlling electric current that described fuel cell pack produces so that described supply pressure is maintained under the first threshold so that described supply pressure is maintained on second threshold value.
Fuel cell pack can be suitable for discharging off and on and not use fuel.
Fuel cell pack can be suitable under outlet pressure, discharges continuously basically from outlet opening and does not use fuel, and wherein comprise described outlet pressure by the detected pressure of control system.
The invention provides the method for a kind of operating energy generation and consumable components, comprising:
Under supply pressure, produce fueling;
Apply oxidant and the described fuel cell pack that supplies the fuel to, described fuel cell pack comprises at least one fuel cell, with and be suitable for producing thus the electric current of the output magnitude of current;
Apply and load to described fuel cell pack to extract electric current from described fuel cell pack;
Detect the pressure at described fuel cell pack place; And
Based on the pressure that is detected, the described output magnitude of current is controlled in the described load that is applied to described fuel cell pack by ACTIVE CONTROL.
Method provided by the present invention can further comprise based on the pressure that is detected, and determines not use flow fuel, determines that wherein not using flow fuel to comprise solves an equation
Figure BSA00000478830400051
F is the described flow fuel of not using herein, and K is a constant, and P is the pressure that is detected.
Described method can further comprise the detection output magnitude of current and definite target output magnitude of current, under the described target output magnitude of current, the fueling that fuel cell pack can consume the ratio of pre-determining is used for detected pressure, and wherein to control the output magnitude of current be at least in part based on the determined target output magnitude of current.
Described method can further comprise the based target output magnitude of current and detected pressure, determines the target flow of fueling, and the output of controlling fueling based on the target flow of fueling.
Produce fueling and can comprise from one or more raw materials and produce fueling, and described method can further comprise based on the target flow of fueling and controls the use raw material.
Under the target output magnitude of current, the predetermined ratio of institute that fueling consumes can arrive in about 90% the scope about 70%.
Under the target output magnitude of current, the predetermined ratio of fueling consumption can be about 83%.
Apply and load to fuel cell pack and can comprise that projected current applies assembly to load from fuel cell pack.
Described method can further be included under the outlet pressure, discharge continuously basically from fuel cell pack by outlet opening and do not use fuel, and the detected pressures at wherein said fuel cell pack place comprises detected described outlet pressure.
Producing fueling can comprise from one or more raw materials and produce fueling; And described method can further comprise to be suitable for that supply pressure is maintained the output that mode under the first threshold is controlled fueling, and to be suitable for that the mode that supply pressure maintains on second threshold value is controlled the electric current output that is produced by fuel cell pack, the described first threshold of described second threshold ratio is little.
The present invention also provides the method for a kind of operating energy generation and consumable components, comprising:
Under supply pressure, provide fueling;
Apply oxidant and the described fuel cell pack that supplies the fuel to, described fuel cell pack comprises at least one fuel cell;
Produce the electric current of the output magnitude of current by described fuel cell pack;
Detect the pressure at described fuel cell pack place;
Determine the target output magnitude of current, under the described output magnitude of current, the described fueling that described fuel cell pack consumption pre-determines ratio is used for detected pressure; And
Control the described operation of described fuel cell pack based on the described target output magnitude of current.
The method that the present invention also provides can further comprise applying and load to fuel cell pack, and the operation of wherein controlling fuel cell pack comprises that control on one's own initiative is applied to the described load of fuel cell pack.
Provide fueling to comprise to apply one or more and formerly expect fuel processor apparatus, and described method can further comprise to the operation of small part based target output magnitude of current control fuel processor apparatus in the mode that under supply pressure, produces fueling.
Described method can further comprise discharging off and on from fuel cell pack does not use fuel.
Described method can further be included under the outlet pressure, discharge continuously basically from fuel cell pack by outlet opening and do not use fuel, and the pressure that wherein detects the fuel cell pack place comprises and detects described outlet pressure.
Supplying with fueling under supply pressure can comprise from one or more raw materials and produce fuel; And described method can further comprise to be suitable for that supply pressure is maintained the output that mode under the first threshold is controlled fueling, and to be suitable for that the mode that supply pressure maintains on second threshold value is controlled the electric current output that is produced by fuel cell pack, the described first threshold of described second threshold ratio is little.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of fuel cell and relevant fuels sources, oxygen source and energy storage/consumable components.
Fig. 2 comprises the energy generation of fuel cell pack, fuels sources, control system and energy storage/consumable components and the schematic diagram of consumable components.
Fig. 3 is that the energy that comprises fuel cell pack, fuels sources, control system and energy storage/consumable components produces and the schematic diagram of another embodiment of consumable components.
Fig. 4 comprises the energy generation of fuel cell pack, fuels sources and control system and the schematic diagram of another embodiment of consumable components.
Fig. 5 is that as shown in Figure 4 energy produces and the schematic diagram of another embodiment of consumable components.
Fig. 6 be used for that exemplary energy produces and the hydrogen pressure of consumable components, reformer are exported, the exemplary graph of fuel cell pack load and fuel cell output current.
Fig. 7 is the curve chart that does not use the embodiment that flow fuel changes with detecting pressure by the fuel cell outlet opening.
Fig. 8 is the detected curve chart that does not use the goal pressure of fuel with the embodiment of fuel cell pack electric current variation in fuel cell pack place.
Fig. 9 is maintained at predetermined utilance and detected pressure when being maintained in the detected pressure limit shown in Figure 7, the curve chart that does not use flow fuel to change with the heap electric current when the fuel cell utilance.
Figure 10 is when the pressure of fuel cell pack place detection is maintained in the detected pressure limit shown in Figure 7, the curve chart that the fuel availability of fuel cell pack changes with the heap electric current.
The preferred forms of detailed description and present disclosure
As previously mentioned, control fuel cell pack method of operating and system are disclosed.As used herein, fuel cell pack comprises one or more fuel cells, no matter is monocell or fuel cell in groups, and is usually included in a plurality of fuel cells that connect between the public end plate.Fuel cell system comprises that one or more fuel cell packs and at least one provide the fuels sources of fuel to fuel cell pack.In addition, energy produces and consumable components comprises one or more fuel cell packs, and at least one provides the fuels sources of fuel and at least one to be suitable for applying to this fuel cell pack the energy storage/consumable components of load to fuel cell pack.
The fuel cell pack of subsequent discussion and system are consistent with the fuel cell of number of different types, for example proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, alkaline fuel cell, solid-oxide fuel cell, molten carbonate fuel cell, phosphoric acid fuel cell and analog.For illustrative purposes, Fig. 1 has schematically explained the example fuel cell 20 of PEM fuel cell form.This fuel cell can be described to form a common part with 22 fuel cell systems that indicate, and/or a common part with 24 fuel cell packs that indicate.Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells utilizes membrane-electrode assembly 26 usually, and it comprises amberplex or dielectric film 28 between anode region 30 and cathodic region 32.Each district 30 and 32 comprises electrode 34 respectively, i.e. anode 36 and negative electrode 38.Each district 30 and 32 also comprises supporter 39, and for example supporting bracket 40.Supporter 39 can form the part of bipolar plate assembly, it is carried out more detailed discussion here.The supporting bracket 40 of fuel cell 20 has the relative electromotive force that fuel cell produces.
In operation, fuel 42 is fed into the anode region, and oxidant 44 is fed into the cathodic region.Fuel 42 can also be called as fueling 42.Normally, but not uniquely, the fuel that is used for battery 20 is hydrogen, and normally, but not unique oxidant is an oxygen.As used herein, hydrogen refers to that hydrogen and oxygen refer to oxygen.Though can use other fuel and/or oxide within the scope of the invention, can be used as hydrogen 42 to fuel 42 in the following discussion, oxide 44 is used as oxygen 44.
Hydrogen 42 and oxygen 44 can be transported in each district of this fuel cell from separately source 46 and 48 by any suitable method.The example that is used for the suitable fuels sources 46 of hydrogen 42 comprises at least one pressurized canister, hydride beds or other suitable hydrogen storage device, and/or produces the fuel processor of hydrogen-containing gas streams.The example of the suitable fuels sources 48 of oxygen 44 comprises the pressurized canister that oxygen or air are housed, or air blast, compressor, hair-dryer or other are used for air is guided into the device in cathodic region.
Hydrogen and oxygen are mixed with each other by oxidation-reduction reaction usually.Though film 28 restriction hydrogen molecules pass, and allow hydrogen ion (proton) to pass therebetween, this mainly is because the ionic conductivity of film.The proton that the free energy of oxidation-reduction reaction drives from hydrogen passes amberplex.Also because film 28 often is not the conductor of electricity,, and has provided at Fig. 1 and to have schematically illustrated so external circuit 50 is minimum energy paths of excess electron.
In actual applications, fuel cell pack generally includes a plurality of fuel cells with bipolar plate assembly, and this bipolar plate assembly separates adjacent membrane-electrode assembly.Bipolar plate assembly allows free electron to move to the cathodic region of adjacent cell from the anode region of first battery via bipolar plate assembly basically, is formed for satisfying the electromotive force of applied load thus on heap.This net flow of electronics has produced the electric current that can be used to satisfy applied load, at least one in energy consumer, energy storing device, fuel cell system itself, energy storage/consumable components etc. of this load Tathagata.
As producing and consumable components with 56 energy of indicating usually among Fig. 1, comprise at least one fuel cell system 22 and at least one energy storage/consumable components 52, this energy storage/consumable components is suitable for applying and loads to this fuel cell system or be applied on it, and energy storage/consumable components can also be called as load here and applies assembly.At least one energy storage/consumable components 52 can adopt electric connection mode to be connected to this fuel cell, perhaps more generally says, is connected to fuel cell pack.Assembly 52 applies and loads to battery/heap/system, and flows out electric current thus to satisfy load.The load that this load can be considered to add, and can comprise heat load and/or electric loading.Term used herein " energy storage and consumable components " and " load applies assembly " can be referred to be suitable for applying to exchange the one or more parts that load on fuel cell, fuel cell pack or the fuel cell system mutually.Load applies assembly (or energy storage/consumable components) 52 can comprise at least one energy storing device 86.Additionally or selectively, load applies assembly 52 can comprise at least one energy absorption device 84.Energy storage/consumption or load apply in the assembly 52 the possible example of contained parts and comprise motor vehicle, leisure vehicle, ship and other marine ships, and or any combination of more residences, gyp office or building, sub-district, instrument, light fixture and light fixture, electrical equipment, computer, industrial equipment, signal and communication equipment, storage battery, inverter, even pile the 24 electric demands of power plant's balance (balance-of-plant) that form its a part of fuel cell systems.Load applies assembly 52 and can comprise and be suitable for applying the additional and/or different parts that load to fuel cell system.
In cathodic region 32, combine with oxygen from the electronics of external circuit with from the proton of film and to generate water and heat.Fig. 1 has also shown anode cleaning stream or the discharge stream 54 and the cathode exhaust gas flow 55 that can comprise hydrogen, if oxygen is not exhausted basically, and the oxygen that normally is consumed of this exhaust flow so to small part.Should be appreciated that, fuel cell pack 24 has common hydrogen (or other reactants) supply, air inlet and heap usually and purifies and discharge stream, therefore will comprise suitable fluid line, and be used for carrying relevant flow to independent fuel cell and collecting from the stream of these independent fuel cells.Similarly, any suitable method can be used to optionally purify this zone.
As previously discussed, a lot of fuel cell packs utilize hydrogen as reactant or fuel.Therefore, fuel cell pack 24 can be connected to form fuel cell system with the source 46 (and corresponding conveying system and power plant's equalizing feature) of hydrogen 42.The example of fuel cell system is schematically explanation in Fig. 2.Discuss about Fig. 1 as the front, the example in the source 46 of hydrogen 42 comprises and the storage device 62 of the hydrogen supply that holds storage indicates as dotted line among Fig. 2.The example of suitable storage device 62 comprises pressurized canister and hydride beds.The product stream of self-produced hydrogen fuel processors is come in source 46 in addition or optional hydrogen 42, it comprises the stream of hydrogen 42 or generates hydrogen to produce product with generation by supply flow is reacted, and this product is from such as the stream in a step or the hydrogen 42 that more forms after the multistep purifying step.
Shown in Fig. 2 solid line, fuel cell system 22 comprises at least one fuels sources 46, for example fuel processor 64 and at least one fuel cell pack 24.Fuel processor 64 is suitable for from comprising the product hydrogen stream 66 that produces hydrogen 42 materials flow 68 of giving of one or more raw materials.This fuel cell pack is suitable for producing electric current from partly be transferred product hydrogen stream so far.In this example, independent fuel processor 64 and independent fuel cell pack 24 are shown; Yet, can use more than any or two in these parts of one.Though these parts are schematically illustrated, fuel cell system can comprise the optional feature that does not clearly illustrate in the drawings, for example air conveying system, heat exchanger, transducer, flow regulator, heating component and analog.
Also as shown in the figure, hydrogen can be transported to the heap 24 from one or more fuel processors 64 and storage device 62, and can be transported in one or more storage devices and the heap 24 from the hydrogen of fuel processor.Some or all streams can additionally or selectively be transferred to be used in other consumption hydrogen processes by suitable pipeline in the stream 66, are used for the burning or the heating of fuel or store after a while using.
Fuel processor 64 comprises by any suitable device that produces hydrogen in one or the more supply flows.Therefore, fuel processor 64 can be described to comprise and produce hydrogen zone 70, and in this zone, at least mainly the stream of being made up of hydrogen produces from one or more supply flows.Be used for comprising steam reformation and self-heating recapitalization from the example that supply flow 68 produces the suitable method of hydrogen, wherein reforming catalyst is used for producing hydrogen from the supply flow that comprises water and at least a carbon raw material.Other suitable methods that are used to produce hydrogen comprise pyrolysis (pyrrolysis) and the carbon raw material partial oxidation through catalysis, and supply flow is not moisture in the method.The another kind of suitable method that is used to produce hydrogen is electrolysis, and raw material is a water in the method.The example of suitable carbon raw material comprises at least a hydrocarbon or alcohol.The example of suitable hydrocarbon comprises methane, propane, natural gas, diesel oil, kerosene, gasoline and analog.The example of suitable alcohol comprises methyl alcohol, ethanol and polyol, for example ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.
Supply flow 68 can be transported in the fuel processor 64 by any suitable device and/or by any proper raw material conveying system.Have only sub-thread supply flow 68 though demonstrate with solid line among Fig. 2, within the scope of the invention, can use the stream 68 (meaning explanation shown in dotted line) more than one, these streams can comprise identical or different raw materials.Terminology used here " fuel treatment assembly " can be used in reference to the associated components of fuel processor and fuel cell system, for example source material delivery system, heating component, separation and/or purifying area or device, air conveying system, fuel delivery system, fluid line, heat exchanger, fuel processor controller etc.The parts that all these are exemplary also do not require to be included in any fuel processing components or with any fuel processor according to the disclosure of invention and use.Similarly, can comprise or use other parts.
In a lot of the application, the expectation fuel processor produces pure at least basically hydrogen.Therefore, fuel processor can utilize the method for the enough pure hydrogen of intrinsic generation.Selectively, fuel processor assembly and/or fuel processor can comprise one or more suitable purifications or separator, and it is removed impurity from the hydrogen that fuel processor produces.When zone 70 can not produce pure hydrogen, stream 66 can comprise one or more this exemplary impurity such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, methane and unreacted raw material.As another example, this fuel processing system or fuel cell system can comprise the one or more purifications and/or the separator in fuel processor downstream.Fig. 2 has provided schematic explanation, and wherein Disengagement zone 72 is shown in dotted line.When fuel processor 64 comprises Disengagement zone 72, produce the hydrogen zone and can be described to produce the mixed gas flow that comprises hydrogen and other gases, wherein the hydrogen main component of this mixed gas flow normally.From then on many suitable separated regions produce at least a product stream in the mixed gas flow, as flow 66, and it comprises pure at least basically hydrogen and at least a byproduct stream of other gases of considerable part at least that comprises.Mixed gas flow and byproduct stream are schematically illustrated among Fig. 2 with 74 and 76 respectively.Separated region or several separated regions can be accommodated in the common outer cover with producing the hydrogen district, and this outer cover is connected to fuel processor or is positioned at the position that separates with fuel processor (but still fluid communication) therewith.
Separated region 72 can utilize any method or device with the purity that increases hydrogen and/or reduce one or more other gases that may mix with hydrogen (as carbon monoxide and/carbon dioxide) concentration.The example of appropriate method comprises one or more in Chemical Decomposition method and the physical separation method, in the Chemical Decomposition method, one or more these other gases are optionally absorbed or are reacted, from hydrogen, separate thus, in physical separation method, sorbing material or film resolution element are used for mixed gas flow optionally is divided at least a product stream and byproduct stream.Suitable physical separation method comprises the pressure-driven separation method, in the method, utilize at least one permeable areas of mist zone and separated region or the pressure differential between the product zone to drive this separation process, mixed gas flow is transported under pressure with suitable resolution element contacts.
Exemplary Chemical Decomposition method is to use the methanation catalyst optionally to reduce the concentration of the carbon monoxide that exists in the stream 74.Other exemplary Chemical Decomposition methods comprise that the partial oxidation of carbon monoxide is to generate carbon dioxide and to carry out water-gas shift reaction (to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide from water and carbon dioxide).
The not exclusive example of suitable pressure-driven separation method comprises that one or more hydrogen selective membranes of use and working pressure exchange adsorption system.The example of suitable hydrogen selective membrane comprises the film that is formed by palladium or palldium alloy, as the alloy of palladium and copper or silver.Hydrogen-permeable membrane that approach, the plane preferably contains palldium alloy, and the most special cupric 35wt% to 45wt% that contains is as the palladium of the about 40wt% of cupric.These films are also referred to as the hydrogen selective membrane, are generally made by about 0.001 inch thick thin metal foil sheet.Yet, can make by the pottery or the carbon composition of those hydrogen selective metals that are different from above-mentioned discussion and metal alloy, hydrogen permeable and selection hydrogen within the scope of the invention.The thickness of these films can be greater than or less than above-mentioned thickness.For example, film thickness can be followed the increase of proportional hydrogen flowing quantity and make thinner.
Hydrogen-permeable membrane can be arranged to any suitable structure, as arranging in pairs around shared infiltration lane according to disclosed in the patent application of quoting.Hydrogen-permeable membrane or a plurality of film also can be taked other structures, for example according to disclosed tubular structure in the patent of quoting.The example that is used for the suitable construction of separated region 72 is a film module, and it comprises one or more hydrogen-permeable membranes.The example of suitable hydrogen selective membrane, the separator that is used to form and utilizes the method for these films and comprise one or more hydrogen selective membranes are disclosed in U.S. Pat 6319306, US6537352 and US6562111, for all purposes, its full content is incorporated herein by reference here in the lump.
Another example that is used for the pressure separation method that is fit to of Disengagement zone 72 is that pressure exchanges absorption method (PSA).Exchange in absorption (PSA) method at pressure, gaseous impurities is removed from the air-flow of hydrogen.PSA is based under the suitable temperature and pressure condition, and some gas can be adsorbed onto principle on the sorbing material more firmly than other gases.Usually, thus from then on impurity be adsorbed removes in the mixed gas flow.
Under the background of fuel cell system, fuel processor preferably is suitable for producing pure basically hydrogen, and more preferably, fuel processor is suitable for producing pure hydrogen.For the purpose of the disclosure of invention, pure basically hydrogen is the purity greater than 90%, preferably greater than 95% purity, and more preferably greater than 99% purity, even more preferably greater than 99.5% purity.Suitable fuel processor exemplary, but not unique example is disclosed among the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. No.2001/0045061 of U.S. Pat 6221117, US5997594, US5861137 and pending trial.The full content of above-mentioned patent and patent application here is incorporated herein by reference in the lump.
Fig. 2 has also schematically described fuel cell system 22 can (but and necessarily) comprise at least one energy storing device 78.Device 78 is suitable for storing at least a portion electric current that is produced by fuel cell pack 24.More particularly, electric current can be set up deposit, and it can be used for satisfying the load that is for example applied by energy storage/consumable components 52 and/or fuel cell system 22 after a while.Energy storage/consumable components 52 can be suitable for applying or more heaps 24 and the energy storing device 78 of loading to of self.The example of suitable energy storing device 78 is storage batterys, but also can use other devices.That energy storing device 78 can add or selectablely be used in system starting process, provide power to fuel cell system.Within the scope of the invention, energy storing device 78 can be suitable for applying and load to fuel cell pack 24.In this case, energy storing device 78 is that load applies another example of assembly or energy storage/consumable components or another example of its parts.Within the scope of the invention, energy generation and consumable components 56 comprise that the load more than applies assembly 52.
Fig. 2 has also shown the control system 80 with controller 82, the operation that it is suitable for the operation of control energy storage/consumable components 52 and also is suitable for controlling fuel cell pack 24 and/or fuels sources 46.Energy produces and the performance of consumable components 56 is adjusted and automatically adjusting with the operation response parameter with by the variation of control system 80 detected operating parameters.
The controller of explaining among Fig. 2 82 is performed as the unit.It also can be taken as independent controller and be performed, and for example is used for the controller of energy storage/consumable components, is used for the controller and the controller that is used for fuels sources of fuel cell pack.Then, such separate controller can communicate with one another by suitable communication linkage.Control system 80 can comprise one or more analog circuits or digital circuit, be stored in logical block that is used for working procedure or processor in the memory as software, and as mentioned above, can comprise the one or more separative elements that communicate with one another.
In example shown in Figure 2, controller 82 is communicated by letter with energy storage/consumable components 52 by communication linkage 94, and can communicate by letter with fuels sources 46 with fuel cell pack 24 with 98 by suitable communication linkage 96.Other links that do not show also can be used.For example, can be link to oxygen source 48, hydrogen storage device 62 etc.Link 94,96,98 can with controller one-way communication at least.Selectively, one or more these links can with the controller two-way communication, controller is measured or the set point value or the selected variable in monitoring assembly 52, heap 24 and source 46, also controlled the operation of these unit simultaneously, respond one or more in the measured value usually.These links can comprise that any suitable interface, executive component and/or transducer realize desired monitoring and control.Control system 80 can also comprise transducer, switch, feedback mechanism, other electric loops and/or mechanical circuit and analog or can communicate with.The numerical value of the fuel cell pack 24 that can be detected comprise a place in this heap or more the multiple spot place pressure, heap electric current, heap voltage, applied load, fuel-supplying pressure, do not use flow fuel, do not use pressure, stack temperature, water conductivity, air mass flow and the conditions of discharge of fuel.
The example of the numerical value of the fuels sources 46 that is used for fuel processor 64 forms that can be monitored comprises the chemical quantitative relationship of the chemical reaction of the operator scheme of fuel processor, the quantity delivered of raw material, the speed that produces hydrogen, operating temperature, generation fuel.The example of the monitor value of oxygen source 48 is the speed that air is fed into fuel treatment assembly and fuel cell pack.When oxygen source 48 is integrated into any one or two in fuels sources and/or the fuel cell pack when middle, its operation and measure and will be integrated into the corresponding link that is used for the unit usually, this unit has merged oxygen source.
Can store at energy/example of monitored numerical value is the applied load that is applied to fuel cell pack in the consumable components 52.Not all these numerical value all are necessary key elements, and other numerical value also can be measured, and this depends on that energy produces and the complexity of the specific requirement of consumable components and structure, assembly, desired control degree and concrete user's preference.Control system 80 will obtain more detailed description in conjunction with following accompanying drawing.
The normal mode or the state of fuel processor operation comprise startups, stop, dally, move (active, generation hydrogen) and close.At the shutoff operation state, fuel processor does not produce hydrogen and is not maintained at and is used to produce under the suitable operating condition of hydrogen.For example, fuel processor can not receive any supply flow, can not be heated etc.
In initial operational state, fuel processor is transformed into its operation state from closed condition, this moment, fuel processor was under the operating parameter of generation hydrogen of its expectation, and it receives raw material and produce thus more than nominal hydrogen flowing quantity and is used to be transported to fuel cell pack and/or hydrogen storage device.Therefore, at starting state, fuel processor is restored under the operating condition of the expectation that is used to produce hydrogen, for example temperature and pressure.For example, though the temperature and pressure outside these scopes also within the scope of the invention, the fuel processor of stream reformer form is usually in 200 ℃ to 800 ℃ temperature range and 50 pounds/inch 2To 1000 pounds/inch 2Operate in the pressure limit of (Pressure gauge), for example depend on the concrete type or the structure of the fuel treatment of using.
Await orders or the lost motion operation state under, fuel processor does not produce any hydrogen, perhaps can produce the hydrogen of nominal flow capacity, wherein this flow is not transported in fuel cell pack or the hydrogen storage device usually.On the contrary, the any hydrogen that is produced (or other output streams) is excluded or usually as the combustible fuel of boiler or other heating components, and these devices and assembly are suitable for maintaining fuel processor near the suitable temperature that is used to produce hydrogen or this temperature or in the selected scope of temperature.Yet under the lost motion operation state, fuel processor is maintained at the operating parameter of the expectation that is used to produce hydrogen usually, thereby when one or more predetermined operating conditions occurring, fuel processor can be restored to its operation state.Within the scope of the invention, under the lost motion operation state, when the hydrogen of nominal flow capacity discussed above occurring, the hydrogen of this nominal flow capacity is enough to produce sufficient electric current with to the fuel cell system power supply and/or be that the energy storing device of system recharges.In the shut-down operation state, fuel processor for example is switched to its shutoff operation state from its operation or lost motion operation state.
Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of energy generation and consumable components 56, and it is suitable for comprising fuel cell pack 24, fuels sources 46 and control system 80.Fueling 42 with supply pressure P1 flows to the anode region of fuel cell pack 24 from fuels sources 46 as supply flow rate F1.Heap 24 is handled at least a portion F3 of flow F1 to produce electric energy.The untapped fuel of residue that is called as flow F2 is discharged from heap by at least one outlet opening 90 as discharge currents 54.Therefore, the fuel flow rate in the fuel cell pack 24 can be represented by formula F 1=F2+F3.
Discharging untapped fuel from fuel cell pack 24 can be maybe can be off and on continuously.In any one embodiment, do not use the generation of fuel F2 can be considered to Continuous Flow, although can be unique intermittent discharge by flowing the discharging of 54 physics.Under the situation of the discharging of physics off and on of not using fuel F2, untapped fuel stream accumulated in the fuel cell pack 24 before discharging.Time between the intermittent discharge can be set to the predetermined period maybe can be by controller 82 or 80 controls of other controller Be Controlled systems.
Fuel cell pack 24 is connected to energy storage/consumable components 52 by suitable conductor 88 or a series of conductor or circuit with electric connection mode.As discussed above, energy storage/consumable components 52 can comprise one or more energy absorption devices 84 and/or one or more energy storing device 86.As discussed here, energy storage/consumable components 52 can be suitable for applying applied load to fuel cell pack 24.
As described, controller 82 is suitable for communicating by letter with Pressure gauge 106 by linking 104, and Pressure gauge is suitable for detecting the pressure P of not using fuel 2 of discharging in the discharge currents 54 from fuel cell pack.Pressure gauge 106 also can be suitable for detecting the pressure P 2 of the not use fuel (accumulation) in the fuel cell pack 24, for example in discharge structure intermittently.As used herein, relate to that the Pressure gauge 106 that detects mouth pressure P2 or other Pressure gauges that relates to outlet pressure P2 are intended to refer to or discharge currents 54 in pressure or the pressure at fuel cell pack place, this depends on that energy produces and the structure of consumable components.
Similarly, control system 80 can comprise communicate by letter with Pressure gauge 102 link 100, Pressure gauge 102 is suitable for detecting to supply with the pressure of the fueling 42 that flow F1 represents.Pressure gauge 102 can be suitable for detecting the pressure P 1 of fuel cell pack import department to detect the pressure variation in the fuel cell pack 24.As for Pressure gauge 106 and outlet pressure P2, according to the structure of energy generation and consumable components, Pressure gauge 102 that relates to here and supply pressure P1 are intended to detected pressure between finger or fuel cell pack place or fuel cell pack and the fuels sources.
Produce according to the energy of the disclosure of invention and some embodiment of consumable components 56 in, comprise that those have the continuous discharge of not using fuel, it is minimum that the pressure that passes fuel cell pack 24 falls.Therefore, supply pressure P1, the pressure of outlet pressure P2 and fuel cell pack can be substantially the same.Similarly, intermittently discharging in the assembly, owing to be applied to the back pressure of fuel inlet, the pressure in the fuel cell pack can be substantially the same with supply pressure P1.Therefore, though accompanying drawing here and description may be specifically with reference to rate of discharge, outlet pressure, supply pressure, supply flow rate, fuel cell stack pressures etc., but all these references and description are intended to be often referred to the fuel cell pack place, perhaps in heap or with pile pressure or the flow that the fluid communication place records.As following discussion, within the scope of the invention, the pressure at the fuel cell pack place that relates to and/or flow comprise pressure or the flow of measuring before or after pressure-reducing valve on the supply flow F1 or the pressure regulator.Therefore, within the scope of the invention, pressure relevant with fuel cell pack and/or flow can and/or be discharged afterwards measured from heap before it is transported to heap.The specific embodiment that describes below is exemplary.
Control system 80 and controller 82 can comprise controller and link.In addition, not all these exemplary communication linkages and interrelated all be necessary.As example exemplary but that do not get rid of, some specific embodiments can not measured the pressure of fueling and/or linking of wherein can being connected with energy source.
As discussed above, energy produces and can be suitable for discharging untapped fuel with different patterns from fuel cell pack 24 with consumable components 56 and fuel cell system 22.These patterns comprise at least a continuous outflow pattern and intermittently or based on the pattern that purifies.In continuous outflow pattern, producing by fuel cell pack in the process of electric current, untapped fuel is discharged from fuel cell pack 24 continuously and side by side.In the pattern at a kind of intermittence, untapped fuel is periodically discharged, and the mode that can a kind ofly trend towards purging fuel cell heap is discharged.
In some fuel cell system 22 with continuous outflow pattern operation, outlet opening 90 can have fixed dimension and/or flow performance (comprising the combination in the hole with size and flow performance combination) being fit to a kind of concrete application, and outlet pressure and flow depend on supply pressure and the flow that is consumed by fuel cell.As an embodiment, can use diameter dimension less than 0.1 inch, for example diameter is 0.033 inch, or the outlet opening of diameter other selected (totally) size in 0.02-0.07 inch scope.Though mentioned circular hole, can have as the outlet opening in the hole of single hole or combining form and be adapted at any suitable independent and/or overall cross sectional dimensions, shape and/or the traffic characteristic that use in particular system and/or the application scenario with special diameter.
In another embodiment with the fuel cell system 22 of continuous outflow pattern operation, control system 80 can be suitable for controlling at least one the size in the one or more outlet openings.As schematically illustrating among Fig. 3, controller 82 can randomly be connected to outlet opening 90 by communication linkage 97.In such embodiments, outlet opening 90 can comprise hole adjuster valve 92.By the size of control outlet opening, the flowing velocity Be Controlled of not using fuel in the discharge currents 54, and also Be Controlled of outlet pressure P2.In some fuel cell system 22, the variation in the outlet pressure has produced among the supply pressure P1 and has changed accordingly.To the control of outlet opening size be the ACTIVE CONTROL energy produce and the variable of consumable components with an embodiment in the mode of the function that influences at least one miscellaneous part.For example, the size that reduces outlet opening 90 has reduced mass rate of emission, and in some assembly, this can reduce utilance.Though only relate to, within the scope of the invention, can use hole, and/or two or more outlets maybe can be collectively referred to as other holes of outlet opening here more than one as outlet opening.
In the embodiment of some fuel cell system 22 of operating with intermittent mode, hole 90 is held between the discharging of not using fuel intermittently and closes or close at least basically.The operation of fuel cells heap makes fuel be supplied with coupling or near mating the speed that consumes then.
In the purification or discharge process of fuel cell, valve 92 can be opened the outlet opening 90 so that fuel can promptly flow fully.Though not necessarily, the duration that the intermittent phase between purifying can brake specific exhaust emission is longer.As an embodiment, every operation of fuel cells was piled 30 seconds, just carried out the purification in a second.If the fuel of one liter of discharging in each purification process, and between twice purification, produce in the process of electric current and consume 49 liters fuel, fuel cell pack has just utilized 98% fuel so.Like this, fuel cell pack can be described to have 98% fuel availability.
In some fuel cell system, each purification duration, purification frequency, perhaps the both can change, and for example by communication linkage 97 controller 82 is connected to outlet opening 90.The variation of purification frequency and/or purification duration can provide the control to fuel availability.For the operating condition of given fuel cell system, any one increase all can cause fuel availability to reduce accordingly in purification duration or the purification frequency.In another embodiment, can change purification frequency and/or purification duration to keep selected utilance level.For example, in the fuel consumption level of the fuel cell pack that reduces or the fueling pressure P that reduces by 1 time, purification can be the short duration and/or the frequency of reduction.On the contrary, under the fuel consumption level of high fuel cell pack and/or high fueling pressure, purification can be the long duration and/or the frequency of increase.The purification run at this intermittence is included in the scope of the present invention, in this discontinuous operation, purify frequency or purify that the duration produces based on energy and the electric current of the fuel consumption of the one or more variablees of consumable components such as fuel cell pack or fuel cell pack generation by ACTIVE CONTROL.
Discuss as above-mentioned, control system 80 can be set to the one or more variablees of generation of monitoring energy and consumable components, comprises and fuels sources, fuel cell pack or the relevant value of energy storage/consumable components.The meaning of " being correlated with " is that control system (and/or controller) is suitable for measuring, calculating or other detect the variable of corresponding stream or parts directly or indirectly.Measured variate-value can be directly inputted in the control system.Yet, within the scope of the invention, control system (with/controller) is suitable for receiving the input of the variate-value that representative surveys or receives the input that is drawn by the variate-value of being surveyed, as its numeral, based on the error signal of the expression variate-value of its threshold value or prior value, the standard value of measured variable or scale value (scaled value) etc.
As discussing in more detail here, controller can be suitable for controlling the operation of the one or more functional parts of fuel cell system, for example operates fuel processor and fuel cell pack with response (at least in part) variable, as the variable relevant with hydrogen stream.Though given variable may be closely related more with certain components, variable can influence two or more parts directly or indirectly.For example, may be closely related with fuels sources to the pressure of the feed stream of fuel processor, but can affect indirectly the ability that fuel cell pack produces electric current.As used herein, the variable that influences two or more functional parts can be called as " common variable ", and it also can be called as shared variable or total variable.The example of this variable (not exclusive) is the pressure of hydrogen (or other fuel) stream 66, and it is produced by fuel processor and is consumed by fuel cell pack.
Continuation is with reference to Fig. 3, in some structure of the present invention, control system 80 can be suitable for controlling the operation of fuel cell system, and fuel cell system comprises that to fuels sources 46 and the fuel cell pack 24 of small part based on variable variable can be that source 46 is common or all relevant with them with heap 24.More specifically, control system 80 can be suitable for the input relevant with variate-value of partial response at least, the mode of operation of control fuel processor and fuel cell pack.This control can not be to stop simply or start-up system responds variate-value above certain threshold level.For example, control system 80 can be suitable for monitored variable and fuel cell system is remained on active operational state, and in this state, fuel processor produces fuel (as hydrogen), and fuel cell pack receives fuel and oxidant and produces electric current, as is used to satisfy applied load.Control system can be suitable for adjusting the active operational state of fuel processor and fuel cell pack, fuel cell system is remained on to the active operational state of small part based on the measured value of representing variable.This control can comprise the adjusting that one or more produce speed to the restriction and the hydrogen (or other fuel) of fuel cell system applied load, so that variate-value is remained in the selected span, thus fuel cell system is remained under the active operational state.In this embodiment, the operation that control system (and/or controller) can be described to control fuel cell system is with given variable, and for example the pressure of hydrogen (or other fuel streams) maintains in the selected threshold value.
As used herein, when control system 80 (and/or controller 82) was described to control the operation of fuel processor or fuel cell pack or running status, this control can be and/or can comprise the operation of the parts of control fuel processor assembly (fuel processor and/or the parts relevant with fuel processor) or fuel cell system (fuel cell pack and/or the parts of being correlated with fuel cell pack).As example, the operation of fuel processor can one or more be controlled by regulating that carbon raw material or other raw materials are transported to the speed (for example being suitable for the source material delivery system of transferring raw material to fuel processor by control), burner of fuel processor or other are suitable in the operation of the heating component of heating fuel processor, the pressure of fuel processor etc.As relevant example, the operation of fuel cell pack can by regulate oxidant and/or hydrogen to the flow of fuel cell pack, cooling package or other heat-exchanging components relevant with heap, be applied in the load etc. of heap one or more control.
In certain embodiments, control system 80 can be suitable for controlling fuels sources 46 and/or fuel cell pack 24 to small part based on the flow of the fueling that supplies to fuel cell pack.For example, the output of fueling can be by controlling the chemical quantitative relationship relevant with chemical process and the production efficiency of fuel processor assembly, and/or from storage device, discharge the amount of fueling, and/or satisfy the mode of operation, generation speed etc. of the required fuels sources 46 of the electric loading of energy storage/consumable components 52 by adjustment and Be Controlled by control.In some embodiment of fuel cell system, flow fuel F1 is not easy to directly be measured.So in such embodiments, flow F1 can be by the fuel of determining to represent with flow F3 that is consumed by heap, and from the hole 90 not use flow fuel F2 that discharge and being determined indirectly.
As additional embodiment, control system 80 can be described to be suitable for detecting the power level of generation, to determine the target supply pressure, under the target supply pressure, fuel cell pack consumes the electric energy that is used for the given level of fuel cell pack generation to the fueling of certainty ratio, and the operation of based target supply pressure control fuel cell pack.For example, fuels sources and/or fuel cell pack can be controlled to fuel-supplying pressure or outlet pressure are remained near the goal pressure.Further, control system can be further adapted for the operation that trends towards the mode that supply pressure or outlet pressure change to goal pressure is controlled fuels sources with a kind of.Can detect the variation of the electric energy that is produced by fuel cell pack, the variation based on detected electric energy can change the target supply pressure then.Be suitable for from one or more raw materials producing among the embodiment of fueling in fuels sources, control system can be suitable for being controlled the use of raw material by fuels sources based on the goal pressure of determining and/or based on the flow of the fueling of determining.Comprise among the embodiment of the fuel processor that produces fueling in fuels sources, control system can be suitable for determining according to the flow of the fueling of determining the chemical quantitative relationship of chemical reaction, and controls the output of fueling according to the chemical quantitative relationship of determining.
Fig. 4 has illustrated that energy produces and the embodiment of consumable components 56, wherein, and the effect of first parts 107 and second parts 108 or operate all variations 109.In some example below, variable 109 is or comprises that fuel flows the pressure P of the hydrogen 42 in 66, or the pressure P at fuel cell pack 24 places.As discussed, can utilize other variable in the open scope of the present invention, comprise those variablees of one or more above-mentioned discussion.In the following embodiments, first parts and second parts 107,108 as fuel processor 46 and fuel cell pack 24 be illustrated with discuss the same, one of them or more can be based on the value of variable 109 by control system 80 Be Controlled.As discussing in more detail here, within the scope of the invention, fuel processor and fuel cell pack are not that unique first and second parts are right.For example, on behalf of energy storage/consumable components 52 and fuel supply 46 or energy, first parts and second parts 107,108 can produce and the miscellaneous part of consumable components.
Illustrate schematically that as Fig. 4 control system 80 comprises first and second control loops 110 and 112.Two control loops can (but must) share common transducer output line 114 or other transducers relevant with stream, the transducer output line receives 66 pressure P is flowed in representative from the fuel of Pressure gauge 116 signal.The control system structure that provides is by simple displaying, and can be implemented or otherwise be performed by various forms.For example, line that separates and/or transducer can be used.As above-mentioned description, control system 80 can be suitable for detecting the pressure at fuel cell pack 24 places, the pressure of fuel stream 66, the pressure of discharge currents 54 or its dependent variable of energy generation and consumable components.
In foundation some embodiment of the present invention, transducer output line 114 can be connected to first and second reference devices 118 and 120.Each reference device can be circuit or the logical block that is suitable for producing any appropriate of error signal.Reference device can be chosen wantonly.The example of reference device can comprise adder, subtracter, comparator, differential amplifier and analog.When being comprised, reference device 118 and 120 can receive reference signal on reference signal line 122 and 124 separately.For reference device 118, reference signal can comprise set point or the determined value relevant with fuels sources 46, and this value can be called as pressure P FSFor reference device 120, reference signal can be the set point relevant with fuel cell pack 24, and this value can be called as pressure P FCWhen control system 80 is designed to produce when communicating by letter with the miscellaneous part of consumable components with energy, reference device can be associated with different parts with set point, and can comprise the variable of other non-pressures.Detected pressures signal and pressure P on online 114 FSSet point between difference can be determined by equipment 118.This difference can be used as the error signal output on the error signal line 126 then.Similarly, detected pressures signal and the pressure P on the line 114 FCSet point between difference can be determined by equipment 120, and can be used as error signal output on the error signal line 128.
Energy produce and some embodiment of consumable components in, error signal separately can be applied on first signal processor 130 relevant with functional element 107, and on the secondary signal processor 132 relevant with functional element 108.These signal processors can be connected to relevant functional element by control signal wire 134 and 136 separately.Each signal processor can comprise any suitable device, and these equipment can utilize to small part represents that the input signal of controlled variable drives the control signal on the relevant control signal wire, to be suitable for controlling the function of relevant functional parts.As the reference device 118,120 that the part of control system 80 is described, signal processor 130,132, various holding wires and miscellaneous part have been represented a kind of structure of control system.Other structure can be used to realize control as described herein, and some among them can comprise more or less transducer, processor and miscellaneous part.
Signal processor 130 and 132 can be suitable for to represent error signal that the influence mode of the expectation of operation related functionality parts is revised error signal.For example, signal processor can comprise one or more in ratio unit, integral unit and the differentiation element.Error signal value can be adjusted in proportion by specific factor in the ratio unit, and factor can be the value of any appropriate, and the value of for example positive or negative non-zero is less than one, equal one or greater than one value.Integral unit can be in the time period accumulated error signal, so error signal zero or some benchmark on time of existing long more, then the level of control signal is just high more.On the other hand, differentiation element can produce the control signal of representing the error signal variations rate.In other words, for example when error signal increased sharply, control signal can correspondingly increase so.Combine, the feature of these or other error signal can be the basis that produces the control signal that is suitable for controlling the related functionality unit, can be randomly at least in part based on the transfer function of related functionality parts.Randomly, can also use the control technology of other types, for example rule-based control technology.
Output signal can comprise any signal that is suitable for being used for producing the signal processor of control signal.Therefore, signal processor can comprise any loop or the logical block or the equipment of the control signal that produces expectation.In certain embodiments, signal processor 130 can receive as the error signal of input and can produce control signal, and control signal is suitable for controlling the chemical quantitative relationship by the fuel that produces fuel processor 64 one or more input raw materials in supply flow 68.Similarly, signal processor 132 can produce control signal, and control signal is suitable for controlling the operation of fuel cell pack 24, for example by changing the input speed of oxide.As another embodiment, signal processor 132 can be suitable for producing control signal, and control signal is suitable for controlling the electric current that is produced by fuel cell pack 24 from fuel stream 66 and oxide flow, and controls consequent electric energy.The generation of ACTIVE CONTROL electric current can realize by for example applying control signals to load adjusting device, load adjusting device such as DC/DC transducer, DC/AC inverter, variable resistor parts are resistance frame (resistance bay) for example, or other are included in parts or equipment in the energy storage/consumable components 52.
For example, when having the threshold of being higher than, fuel stream 66 presses P FSPressure the time, controller can suitably reduce by sending suitable control signal guiding fuel (as discussed, it is hydrogen normally) output, and/or electric current output suitably increases (for example being applied to load on the heap by increase) in the fuel cell pack.The increase of the reduction of fuel flow rate or electric current output can cause being lower than threshold and press P by reducing the back pressure that is produced by fuel cell pack then FSThe reduction of pressure of fuel stream.Then, the reduction of fuel flowing pressure can cause the reduction of the error signal on the error signal line 126.Here the threshold value that relates to can be any value predetermined or that select in advance, for example can be the value that selection is used for the specific embodiment of fuel cell system 22, is used for the value of concrete operation or control degree etc.
Though produce according to all energy of the present invention and consumable components in be choose wantonly be not necessary, pressure-reducing valve 156 can flow 66 with fuel and link to each other, as illustrated in fig. 4.Pressure-reducing valve 156 can be designed as the pressure limit in the fuel stream to maximum pressure P RVMaximum pressure P RVCan represent a pressure, be higher than this pressure, energy produces and damaging will appear in the one or more parts of consumable components.Selectively or additionally, maximum pressure P RVCan represent a pressure, be higher than this pressure, energy produces and the one or more parts of consumable components will be worked under the condition of not expecting in some other mode, and is for example inefficient.With reference to Fig. 4, explained pressure-reducing valve 156 and be arranged in before the Pressure gauge 116.Within the scope of the invention, pressure-reducing valve 156 is disposed in after the Pressure gauge 116 or with measurement mechanism and integrates.Additionally, within the scope of the present invention, pressure regulator can substitute or be used jointly with pressure-reducing valve 156 to be thought in the fuel stream 66 or the pressure in the fuel cell pack provides additional or different controls.Comprise that measurement mechanism and position and input advance the control system 80 of the set point in the control system and can be suitable for illustrating the existence of pressure-reducing valve or pressure regulator, not exist and/or the position.
Correspondingly, the pressure when fuel stream 66 is lower than set point P FSThe time, controller (once more by sending suitable control signal) can be suitable for by reducing and/or the output of the electric energy (as be applied to the load on the fuel cell pack by reduction) that restriction is produced by fuel cell pack 24 and/or the fuel of increasing supply increases pressure in the fuel stream 66.The reduction of this fuel consumption and the increase of fuel output can be so that the back pressure on the fuel stream increase.This can reduce the error signal on the error signal line 128 again.Therefore, by monitoring selected variate-value, be the pressure of hydrogen (or other fuel) stream that produced and consumed by fuel cell pack by fuel processor in this embodiment, control system optionally control energy produces and consumable components, when assembly has the initiative mode of operation simultaneously.Discussing as above-mentioned, only is the example of variable that can be monitored to the monitoring of hydrogen stream, discharge currents or fuel cell stack pressures.Other not exclusive examples of variable that can be monitored were described in front.
With slightly different term description, pressure by monitoring fuel cell pack place (or the stream that is connected with its fluid) and when variate-value above (high or low), reach or during approaching one or more selected threshold value, optionally adjustment or otherwise control energy generation and consumable components, energy is produced control system and consumable components maintains active operational state, otherwise this moment, these assemblies may need to be transformed into idle running or even shut-down operation state.
In addition, this energy produces and the monitoring of consumable components and control can be suitable for producing and the one or more parts of consumable components by the ACTIVE CONTROL energy, and the utilance of permission assembly maintains in the predetermined scope on the scope of operating condition.For example, in some specific embodiment, control system 80 can be suitable for being applied to load on the fuel cell pack 24, ACTIVE CONTROL energy storage/generation component 52 by change.As discussed above, the load that ACTIVE CONTROL is applied to fuel cell pack will be controlled the fuel consumption in the fuel cell pack, and can be controlled to utilance is maintained in the predetermined scope.In some embodiment of energy generation of the present invention and consumable components, control system 80 can be additionally or selectively is suitable for ACTIVE CONTROL fuels sources 46 to control the output of fueling 66.Can allow to response time faster of operating condition slight change with to the control of the enhancing under the operating condition of wide region more the ACTIVE CONTROL of energy storage/consumable components 52 and energy source 46, with keep better predetermined utilance or otherwise control energy produce and the one or more aspects of consumable components.
Therefore energy generation and consumable components 56 can provide the control to one or more assembly functions, these function effect variablees, for example pressure of fuel stream, output or other such variablees of electric current.In addition, control system 80 can be suitable for controlling two assembly functions, the variable that each function effect is common, and in this example, variable is relevant with fuel stream.Control system 80 also can be suitable at least in part based on differential variable, coordinates one or more other function operations in conjunction with the independent Variable Control of describing just now.Such energy produces and the example of consumable components is illustrated in Fig. 5.For convenience, has identical reference number with the corresponding parts of the parts shown in Fig. 4.
Energy among Fig. 5 produces and consumable components 56 can comprise fuel processor 64, and it is suitable for for example from being produced as the fuel stream 66 that fuel cell pack 24 provides fuel one supply flow 68 at least.Control system 80 can comprise control loop 110, and wherein the pressure P of fuel stream (perhaps fuel cell pack, discharge currents or miscellaneous part) is measured by Pressure gauge 116, and communicates by letter with reference device 118.The pressure signal and the set point P that receive on the line 122 FSDifference can be output as error signal on online 126.Error signal can be processed to produce the control signal that is applied on the line 134 on the fuel processor 64 by signal processor 130.Selectively, and with above-mentioned similar about what Fig. 4 discussed, pressure-reducing valve and/or pressure regulator can be utilized between Pressure gauge 116 and fuel cell pack 24, wherein pressure-reducing valve or adjuster can be suitable for further regulating and/or the control fuel cell pack in pressure, for example be to define or with the maximum pressure of the definite hydrogen stream that is transported to the fuel cell pack place of other modes.
Control system 80 also can comprise the control loop 112 with reference device 120 and error signal processor 132.Error signal on the line 128 can be based on the fuel cell set point P that receives on the pressure P of fuel stream and the line 124 FCBetween difference.Yet, pressure controling signal can be applied to logical block 160, rather than the control signal that produces on the line 136 is applied directly to fuel cell pack (or energy storage/consumable components or miscellaneous part), in this embodiment, logical block 160 can be any loop or the equipment minimum value and export minimum value on control line 162 that is suitable for selecting two inputs, and minimum value can be applied to fuel cell pack then.As another embodiment, logical block can be to be suitable for selecting the maximum of two inputs and to export maximum on control line 162, and maximum is applied to fuel cell pack.
Except control loop 110 and 112, control system 80 can comprise additional control loop, for example the 3rd control loop 164.Control loop 164 can provide based on second variable energy is produced and the control of consumable components 56.For example; control loop 164 can be suitable for output voltage being maintained mode on set point or the threshold value control to fuel cell pack 24 being provided with a kind of, and set point or threshold value can help to protect fuel cell pack to avoid contingent destruction in the low-voltage conditioning process.Therefore, control loop 164 can comprise voltmeter or other load cells 166.The voltage sensor output signal can be applied to voltage signal line 168, and holding wire can be applied to control appliance, for example is applied to (the bearing) that subtract or the input of conversion of the 3rd reference device 170.In this embodiment, control system (and/or controller) can be described to control the operation of fuel cell system to maintain hydrogen (or other fuel streams) in the selected threshold value and will maintain on the selected threshold value from the output voltage of fuel battery pile.
Continue this example so, the voltage setting value V on the reference data line 172 FCCan be applied to reference device 170.Resulting error signal can be sent to the signal processor 174 on the error signal line 176.As be that signal processor 130 and 132 is described, signal processor can be handled conduct and be suitable for desirably controlling needed response, and produces voltage control signal on control signal wire 178.Control signal wire can be sent to logical block 160 to voltage control signal.As above referred to, the input of voltage and pressure can be selected than low value and on fuel cell pack control line 162, be output, be used to control the operation of fuel cell pack.Selectively, similar techniques can be used with control other system parameter, and for example the temperature of one or more parts is applied to the load of fuel cell pack, the supply rate of one or more feed streams etc.
Fig. 6 described exemplary, desirable curve chart, its shown that energy produces and the selected variable of consumable components can be how in the time period with or change based on the variation of the load that is applied to system.These curve charts only provide as example, because actual assembly can play different effects.Following curve 140 has shown fuel cell pack load 142 and fuel cell pack output current 144 time dependent embodiment.Middle curve 146 has been described the embodiment of hydrogen fuel stream 148, and the output by fuel processor 64 over time.Top curve 150 has illustrated that the operation of fuel processor and fuel cell pack can cause the embodiment of the pressure 152 of hydrogen fuel stream 66 (fuel cell pack or discharge stream).
These three curve charts have common time shaft 154, and it has confirmed nine time points, from time T 1To time T 9At first, fuel processor and fuel cell pack can be considered to be in idle mode or mode of operation, and they are ready to the load that applies with response herein, but do not produce at present (any, or more than nominal quantity) hydrogen (or other fuel) or electric current.By " nominal ", this means that the quantity (if any) of hydrogen (or other fuel) or power need remain on fuel cell system its lost motion operation state, these demands refer to power plant's balance of system.For illustrative purposes, suppose that fuel is seldom produced by fuel processor, suppose that electric current is seldom produced by fuel cell pack, and the pressure of any fuel in the fuel stream of hypothesis between fuel processor and fuel cell pack approaches zero.Curve chart shown in Figure 6 is intended to illustrate how the various factors of the variation that comprises the load that is applied to fuel cell pack can influence energy and produce and the selected variable of consumable components.From time T 1To T 9In the embodiment that describes only be that exemplary example and not requiring according to illustrated occurs in sequence.
Meaning property explanation as shown in Figure 6 is in time T 1The time, the load L that applies 1As electric loading and/or heat load, can be applied to fuel cell system.During responsive load, control system 80 can be with fuel cell system guiding movement pattern or mode of operation, and fuel processor 64 can begin to produce hydrogen fuel (or increase output from the nominal level that idle mode obtains).Can show from zero increase degree by fuel flow rate to flow F1.Along with the flow in the fuel stream 66 begins to increase, the pressure of stream increases accordingly, as being increased to pressure P from zero FC, it can represent the minimum pressure of fuel cell heap operation.Short of enough pressure is used for fuel cell pack so that it moves safely, and fuel cell system can be designed as and do not produce electric energy so.Section at this moment, the load that applies can be met (in appearing at fuel cell system time) by energy storing device 78.
As enough fuel flow rates with produce select at least or threshold value fuel flowing pressure P FC, fuel cell pack can begin to produce electric current so, as among Fig. 6 in time T 2The place schematically illustrates.In time T 2And T 3Between, fuel flow rate 148 can continue to increase.Along with fuel flow rate increases, fuel cell pack can produce the ever-increasing magnitude of current, simultaneously the fuel flowing pressure is remained on the horizontal P of about minimum value FCIn certain embodiments, fuel cell pack can have the response time relatively rapidly, for example is lower than the variation that came responsive load in a second, and by contrast, the response time of fuel processor may be longer, for example one minute or more.Yet this response may be restricted, because the fuel flowing pressure need be maintained P FCSet point on.This produces relative constant compression force in cycle between can be at this moment.
As time T among Fig. 6 3The place schematically illustrates, and fuel cell pack output 144 can arrive by the fuel flow rate less than F1 has the horizontal L of load 1Apply load 142.Because fuel cell processor still can produce additional fuel and fuel cell can be with constant relatively speed consume fuel, so the fuel flowing pressure can continue to raise.Yet, when fuel pressure arrives fuel processor set point P FSThe time, the error signal that is used for signal processor 130 can become negative value, and the speed of the output that controller can be by fuel cell stream makes response, for example responds flow F1.Under this flow, the consumption of fuel cell pack can equal output, thereby causes fuel pressure to rest on about pressure P FSOr down at it.Also can be, but and do not require, be higher than pressure P FSForce value in nominal overshoot, it may be because slow relatively response time of fuel processor.In case pressure is reduced to pressure P FSBelow, system can rest on time T usually 4And T 5Between the steady operation condition.
As time T among Fig. 6 5The place schematically illustrates, and the load that applies can reduce, for example from load L 1Drop to load L 2Apply the variation that this reduction of load can or require owing to the external circuit and take place, or the instruction that provides owing to control system 80 takes place.Control system 80 can reduce the load that be applied to fuel cell pack owing to many reasons, for example is full of fully or when utilance is too high when energy storage device becomes.When load reduced, fuel cell pack responded the reduction of corresponding electric current output, and it can reduce the consumption of fuel.This also can cause the unexpected increase of fuel flowing pressure, and as shown in the figure, because fuel processor continue to produce hydrogen (or fuel processor be suitable for producing other fuel), pressure is increased to new maximum.Pressure can continue increase and reach threshold pressure P up to it RVPressure P RVRepresented the release of the pressure-reducing valve 156 (or pressure regulator) that is connected to fuel stream 66 to press, as shown in Figure 4.Pressure-reducing valve discharges excessive pressure, to prevent if the destruction that pressure caused when being increased to high value, this value as by peak value P PKExpression, P PKShown in dotted line.
Continuation is with reference to figure 6, as time T 5And T 6Between schematically illustrated, it is constant that load can keep, but controller can be suitable for guiding fuel processor to produce less fuel continuously, get back to pressure P up to the fuel flowing pressure FSOr be lower than pressure P FSAs time T 6The place explanation, pressure can reach P FSSo controller can guide fuel processor to make it keep the fuel output of constant speed, this speed can be than the T that holds time 3And T 4Between load L 1Required speed is low.Suppose that the load that applies does not change, the fuel flowing pressure should be stablized or be otherwise stable so.As schematically illustrating among Fig. 6, new limit can last till time T 7
As time T among Fig. 6 7The place schematically illustrates, and load 142 can be increased to new, higher level, for example horizontal L 3Because fuel cell pack is with respect to the quick response of fuel processor, the pressure that fuel cell pack output can increase up to fuel stream drops to fuel cell set point P FC, fuel processor 64 begins to produce more fuel then.Along with fuel flow rate begins to rise, fuel cell pack can increase the electric current of generation, thereby the fuel flowing pressure is remained on pressure P FCNear.And, be similar to that the initial startup period process taken place, in time T 8The place can arrive this point, herein fuel cell output and the load L that applies 3Be complementary.Along with the continuation increase of fuel output, the fuel flowing pressure can raise and arrive upper limit pressure P up to it FSThis can appear at time T 9The place.
In case arrival pressure P FS, fuel processor output can be stablized so that fuel pressure is remained on pressure P FSOr be lower than pressure P FSThis subsequently limit can continue further to occur changing up to load.
Discuss as can be seen from the front of Fig. 6, the operation of fuel supply 46 and fuel cell pack 24 can influence the pressure at fuel cell pack place simultaneously.In addition, Fig. 6 has illustrated that the load that is applied to fuel cell pack 24 can influence the operation of fuel cell pack and the pressure at fuel cell pack place.In conjunction with Fig. 7-10, these relations will be discussed further.
Fig. 7 is to be that the flow that does not use fuel F2 of unit is along with the curve chart that is changed by the pressure of control system 80 detected fuel cell packs 24 with Liter Per Minute (L/min), this untapped fuel or discharge from outlet opening 90, or accumulate in the fuel cell pack 24, this pressure can be to be the outlet pressure P2 of unit with kPa, wherein k is that Pa is the Pascal of unit of pressure with the prefix of the kilometer of numeral expression.Indicate by " x " on the curve chart and represent empirical value by the point that real segment connects.Dotted line is represented equation: In an embodiment, herein
Figure BSA00000478830400293
As can be seen, approximate equation is very suitable for determining flow based on detected pressure.Therefore, as embodiment, by using equation, control system 80 can be suitable for detecting the pressure of fuel cell pack 24, and is suitable for based on the definite flow that does not use fuel F2 of detected pressure.As discussed above, outlet pressure P2 is one of them example of pressure that can be detected; Detected pressure also can be other pressure at inlet pressure or the fuel cell place relevant with the accumulation amount of not using fuel or flow.As used herein, " based on " mean neither to get rid of and also do not need extra factor.Therefore, " based on " should be interpreted as comprising " at least in part based on " one or more factors of being indicated, but do not need extra factor.For example, utilize above-mentioned formula based on outlet pressure determine flow control system can but do not need, in this deterministic process, also utilized other factors.This be suitable for equally described herein and/or require other " based on " relation.Similarly, " response " meaning neither get rid of do not need yet can triggered response extra factor.
In some fuel cell pack at least, be determined to be with the electric current output of fuel cell pack directly proportionally by the flow fuel F3 of fuel cell pack consumption, represent with Ifc here.In this case, pass through equation: F3=bIfc determines flow.Though " b " value depends on the independently operating characteristics of fuel cell pack, in some fuel cell pack, the value of b can be less than 1, and more specifically, for some fuel cell pack, it is quite accurately that value 0.589 has been determined.
In the embodiment of some fuel cell pack 24, the scope of operating parameter can be established.Following operating parameter is applicable to some the exemplary fuel cell pack according to the present invention's structure and operation.Within the scope of the invention, other operating parameter can be utilized or otherwise use.As illustrative embodiment, the minimum and maximum current range that is used for specific heap can be more greater or lesser than the value that provides below.
Figure BSA00000478830400301
As noted above, the flow fuel F1 that flows to fuel cell pack can be by being determined the flow F3 summation of flowing out outlet opening or flow F2 that assembles and fuel cell pack consumption in fuel cell pack.Equation above using does not use flow fuel F2 to be determined by detected pressure P 2, and the flow F3 that consumes can be determined by fuel cell current Ifc.The form of equation is:
Figure BSA00000478830400302
The plane of function defining point in having as the space of axis, fueling flow, fuel cell current and outlet pressure.
It is the ratio of flow F1 that is used to produce the fueling of electric current that the fuel availability U of fuel cell pack can be defined as, perhaps
U = F 3 F 1 = F 3 F 2 + F 3 = b · Ifc b · Ifc + K P 2
From equation, as can be seen,, can carry out ACTIVE CONTROL to outlet pressure in order to realize in check utilance level for given fuel cell current output.Selectively, the in check utilance for given outlet pressure can realize by control fuel cell current Ifc initiatively.In some energy generation and consumable components, can preferably control utilance to prevent that pollution feul is piled and prevented because the fuel oil that poor efficiency brings is wasted owing to crossing high usage.
Fig. 8 is an outlet pressure along with the curve chart that the heap electric current of 83% the diagram utilance level that is used for fuel cell pack changes, the restriction of the range of operating parameters that this utilance level is subjected to listing above.Other utilance level can produce different curves, and other fuel cell pack can have different operating characteristicses.Within the scope of the invention, can use other utilance level, as in the scope of 83-100%, in the scope of 80-85%, in the scope of 70-83%, in the % of 50-70 scope, in the % of 70-90 scope, less than 70%, less than 50%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, about 83% etc.
Fig. 9 is the curve chart of selecting that does not use the flow fuel set point to change along with the heap electric current that is used for corresponding to the diagram utilance level of the operating condition of Fig. 8 and 83%.In an embodiment as can be seen, in the normal operation range of whole diagram fuel cell pack, in for example about 30 and 68 amperes, do not use flow fuel to increase with the heap electric current is linear.Do not use the set point of not using fuel flow rate of fuel to be limited between the boundary line of about 3.6lpm (Liter Per Minute) and 8.0lpm, corresponding to the minimum outlet pressure of 2kPa and the maximum outlet pressure of 10kPa.
Figure 10 is the curve chart that the utilance of hydrogen changes along with the heap electric current that is used for identical illustrated operation condition.Utilance is maintained on 83%, and it is higher than the common opereating specification of fuel cell pack.In an embodiment, for less than about 30 amperes of heap electric currents, utilance descends (for example reduce) gradually, and about linear rising more than 68 amperes.
These illustrative digital proofs for constant utilance 83%, do not use flow fuel F2 proportional with the heap electric current.By adjusting the rate of discharge F2 on the curve of rate of discharge F2 that heap electric current (consumptions) keeps Fig. 9, heap hydrogen utilance is maintained at 83%, above very most heap operation scope.At the heap electric current is 78 amperes of places, and utilance only hits 85%.
In illustrative plot, in the concrete moment of certain in the time, not using fuel flow rate can be about 6LPM (as calculating from top equation and detected pressure gauge), and the heap electric current can be about 40 amperes; Condition is clearly illustrated as an A.As discussed above, the utilance of target or selection is represented with solid line.Move on the solid line in order to put A, the heap electric current can be increased or rate of discharge can be reduced.Therefore, the load that is applied on the heap can be increased so that utilance is controlled on the target exploitation rate.The embodiment of opposite plot is represented clearly that by the some B among Fig. 9 on the B point, not using flow fuel can be about 5LPM, and the heap electric current can be about 50 amperes.For energy generation and consumable components are returned on the target exploitation rate, energy produces and consumable components can be actively controlled, and is applied to the load of fuel cell pack with minimizing, so has reduced utilance.With fueling the response time that fuel processor changes is compared, because fuel cell pack is to applying the fast relatively response time of load variations, so change the little or interim variation that the load that applies can be preferably used for operating condition.Yet the ACTIVE CONTROL of applied load may be difficult to keep long time period or be used for the big variation of operating condition.Therefore, in some specific embodiment, its may be preferably to applying load and fuels sources is all controlled on one's own initiative.
Utilize these different values and relations, control system 80 can realize the control to fuel cell pack 24 and/or fuels sources 46 at least in part.The goal pressure that the outlet pressure of determining in the curve chart of Fig. 8 can be used as the fuel supply of fuel cell pack is used.Pressure also can be preferably target outlet pressure or target detection pressure.Illustrated relation can merge the fuel flow rate that consumes in the fuel cell pack and not use fuel to be discharged from.These relations are pushed out from outlet (outlet) or outlet (exit) pressure and heap electric current.Other parameters relationship also can be released.
As already discussed, different Control Parameter can be used for controlling the different parts in the fuel cell system 22 by different modes.For example, the indication of the quantity of fuel that is provided by fuels sources 46 is provided for outlet fuel flow rate and corresponding outlet pressure.The chemical quantitative relationship of the operation of fuels sources and especially fuel processor can be based on this information.Further, the supply of air and fuel cell can be controlled to provide the supply pressure of the fuel availability that will cause expecting.The output of fueling and fuel cell outlet pressure can be adjusted so that the supply pressure of expectation to be provided.Outlet opening also can be adjusted to change rate of discharge and/or outlet pressure.Therefore, the goal pressure of the fueling by being kept for given heap electric current, fuel availability can be maintained at the level of expectation.
The utilance of expectation also can be controlled in the predetermined scope by control energy storage/consumable components on one's own initiative 56 and the load that is applied to fuel cell pack.Similarly, the utilance of expectation can be held by controlling the electric current that is produced by fuel cell pack on one's own initiative.In some specific embodiment, the ACTIVE CONTROL of energy storage/consumable components 56 can combine with the ACTIVE CONTROL of fuels sources so that control better to be provided.The ACTIVE CONTROL of energy storage/consumable components 56 can provide the more accurate of response time and control faster, and simultaneously, the ACTIVE CONTROL of energy source can be controlled at utilance bigger operating condition scope.The ACTIVE CONTROL of fuel cell can preferably prolong the variation of the load that the outside applies or prolong that energy produces and the variation of the condition of consumable components.Operation of fuel cells system 22 is provided automatically for the top mode of operation that has been disclosed and subprogram and/or energy produces and the embodiment of the control system of the operation of consumable components 56.The embodiment that provides above should not be interpreted as restrictive meaning because the variation of the design of this operating characteristics, parameter value and fuel cell system and structure be possible and do not deviate from scope of the present invention.
Commercial Application
Fuel cell system as described herein and control system all are fit in any occasion that is produced power by fuel cell pack.When fuel cell pack formed fuel cell system a part of, they were particularly suitable for, and this fuel cell pack comprises the fuel treatment assembly that can supply raw materials for fuel cell pack.
This automatic operation of fuel cell system 22 guarantees that it uses in family, vehicle and other commercial application, and in these occasions, system is used by the individual who was not subjected to the fuel cell system operation training.It also can guarantee the technical staff or even the occasion that often do not occur of other people use for example microwave relay base, unmanned transmitter or management equipment etc.Control system 80 guarantees that also fuel cell system realizes in business equipment, in these occasions, and the individual impossibly operation of monitoring system constantly.For example, fuel cell system onboard with ship on execution require the user must not monitor and prepare to adjust the operation of fuel cell system frequently.On the contrary, if system runs into operating parameter and/or condition outside the scope of the automatic operation response of control system, the user can depend on the operation that control system is adjusted fuel cell system, and wherein the user only need notify.Above embodiment may using of this automatic operation of fuel cells system has been described, do not get rid of fuel cell system and must be suitable for other application or the demand in any concrete application, used.Further, in the paragraph in front, control system 80 has been described to control the different piece of fuel cell system.System can be implemented under not comprising aspect each of above-described control system.Similarly, system 22 can be suitable for monitoring and controlling the operating parameter of not discussing here, and can send the command signal that those command signals that provide among the embodiment of front are provided.
Can be sure of that the present invention who proposes above comprises the method with separate utility and/or the equipment of more a plurality of uniquenesses.Though each of these method and apparatus is disclosed with their preferred form, because a lot of the variation is possible, their specific embodiment of open here and explanation can not be thought a kind of restrictive meaning.Theme of the present invention be included in all of the various parts, feature, function and/or the characteristic that are disclosed here new with not exclusive combination and sub-combination.Similarly, " " who in claims, narrates or " first " parts or its equivalent, such claim should be understood to include one or more such parts, promptly must also not get rid of two or more such parts.
Can be sure of, following claim pointed out corresponding significantly with disclosed embodiment and be novel and unconspicuous some combine and sub-combination.The combination of other of feature, function, key element and/or characteristic or son in conjunction with modification that can be by this claim or new claim here replacement or relevant application in be required.Such modification or new claim, no matter they concentrate on different combinations or concentrate on identical combination, require different on scope, wideer, narrower with original rights or are equal to, and can be considered to be included in the theme of the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. energy produces and consumable components, comprising:
Fuels sources, it is suitable for providing fueling under supply pressure;
Fuel cell pack, it comprises at least one fuel cell, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable for receiving oxidant, be suitable under described supply pressure, receiving fueling, and the fueling that is suitable for using at least a portion to receive produces the electric current of the output magnitude of current with the response applied load from described fuels sources;
Load applies assembly, and it is suitable for being controlled to apply and loads to described fuel cell pack;
Control system, it is suitable for detecting the pressure relevant with described fuel cell pack, be suitable for determining the target output magnitude of current, under the described target output magnitude of current, the described fueling that described fuel cell pack consumption pre-determines ratio is used for detected pressure, is suitable for controlling based on the described target output magnitude of current operation of described fuel cell pack.
2. energy as claimed in claim 1 produces and consumable components, and wherein said control system is further adapted for by controlling described load on one's own initiative and applies assembly and control the described output magnitude of current.
3. energy as claimed in claim 1 produces and consumable components, and wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the conveying of fueling so that detected pressure is maintained in the predetermined scope.
4. energy as claimed in claim 1 produces and consumable components, and wherein said control system is suitable for controlling on one's own initiative the electric current output of described fuel cell pack, to respond detected pressure at least in part.
5. energy produces and consumable components according to claim 1, and wherein, described control system is suitable for controlling the conveying of described fueling, to respond detected pressure at least in part.
6. energy as claimed in claim 1 produces and consumable components, wherein said control system is further adapted for the target flow of determining fueling based on the described target output magnitude of current and detected pressure, wherein said fuels sources is suitable for being controlled to producing described fueling from one or more raw materials, and wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the described raw material that use is provided by fuels sources based on the described target flow of fueling.
7. energy as claimed in claim 6 produces and consumable components, wherein said fuels sources comprises fuel processor, described fuel processor is suitable for producing described fueling, and the output that further wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the described fueling that is produced by described fuel processor to be maintaining described supply pressure under the first threshold, and is suitable for controlling electric current output that described fuel cell pack produces so that described supply pressure is maintained on second threshold value.
8. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuels sources further comprises the hydrogen storage device.
9. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuels sources comprises fuel processor, and described fuel processor is suitable for producing described fueling from least a raw material.
10. energy as claimed in claim 9 produces and consumable components, the output that wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the described fueling that is produced by described fuel processor to be maintaining described supply pressure under the first threshold, and is suitable for controlling the electric current output that produced by described fuel cell pack so that described supply pressure is maintained on second threshold value.
11. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said load applies assembly and comprises at least one energy dissipation device.
12. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable under an outlet pressure, discharge at the outlet opening place and not use fuel, and wherein relevant with described fuel cell pack described pressure comprises described outlet pressure.
13. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable for receiving described fueling under inlet pressure, and wherein comprises described inlet pressure by the detected described pressure of described control system.
14. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein relevant with described fuel cell pack described pressure is detected in described fuel cell pack.
15. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said load applies assembly and comprises at least one energy dissipation device.
16. produce and consumable components as any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said load applies assembly and comprises at least one energy storage device.
17. an operating energy produces and the method for consumable components, comprising:
Under supply pressure, provide fueling;
Apply oxidant and the described fuel cell pack that supplies the fuel to, described fuel cell pack comprises at least one fuel cell;
Produce the electric current of the output magnitude of current by described fuel cell pack;
Detect the pressure at described fuel cell pack place;
Determine the target output magnitude of current, under the described target output magnitude of current, the described fueling that described fuel cell pack consumption pre-determines ratio is used for detected pressure; And
Control the operation of described fuel cell pack based on the described target output magnitude of current.
18. method as claimed in claim 17 further comprises applying loading to described fuel cell pack, and the operation of wherein controlling described fuel cell pack comprises that control on one's own initiative is applied to the described load of described fuel cell pack.
19. method as claimed in claim 17 further comprises applying loading to described fuel cell pack, and the operation of wherein controlling described fuel cell pack comprises and controls the described electric current that is produced by described fuel cell pack on one's own initiative.
20., wherein provide fueling to comprise and from one or more raw materials, produce described fueling, and further comprise the use of controlling described raw material based on the described target flow of fueling as any described method among the claim 17-19.
21. as any described method among the claim 17-19, further be included under the outlet pressure, discharge from described fuel cell pack by outlet opening and not use fuel, and the pressure that wherein detects described fuel cell pack place comprises and detects described outlet pressure.
22. as any described method among the claim 17-19, the pressure that wherein detects described fuel cell pack place comprises the described pressure of the described fueling at the inlet hole place of detecting described fuel cell pack.
23. as any described method among the claim 17-19, the pressure that wherein detects described fuel cell pack place comprises the described pressure that detects the described fueling in the described fuel cell pack.
24., wherein provide fueling to comprise and from one or more raw materials, produce described fueling as any described method among the claim 17-19.
25. method as claimed in claim 24, further comprise to be suitable for that described supply pressure is maintained the described output that mode under the first threshold is controlled described fueling, and to be suitable for that the mode that described supply pressure maintains on second threshold value is controlled the described electric current output that is produced by described fuel cell pack, the described first threshold of described second threshold ratio is little.
CN2011101008755A 2004-05-28 2005-05-23 Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control Active CN102208667B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

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US10/857,629 2004-05-28
US10/857,629 US7842428B2 (en) 2004-05-28 2004-05-28 Consumption-based fuel cell monitoring and control
US10/909,266 2004-07-29
US10/909,266 US8277997B2 (en) 2004-07-29 2004-07-29 Shared variable-based fuel cell system control
US11/109,489 US7985510B2 (en) 2004-05-28 2005-04-18 Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control
US11/109,489 2005-04-18

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CN112449731A (en) * 2019-06-27 2021-03-05 株式会社东芝 Fuel cell system and control method thereof
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