CN102208667B - Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control - Google Patents

Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control Download PDF

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Publication number
CN102208667B
CN102208667B CN2011101008755A CN201110100875A CN102208667B CN 102208667 B CN102208667 B CN 102208667B CN 2011101008755 A CN2011101008755 A CN 2011101008755A CN 201110100875 A CN201110100875 A CN 201110100875A CN 102208667 B CN102208667 B CN 102208667B
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fuel cell
fuel
cell pack
pressure
fueling
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CN102208667A (en
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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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    • 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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  • 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 or the more multivariable system and method that is used for confirming and controlling 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, the 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 a kind of or more raw material.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 under supply pressure providing to fuel cell pack fueling.Fuel cell pack can be suitable for from least a portion fueling, producing the electric current of the output magnitude of current.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 through 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 load and the Be Controlled of this fuel cell pack through this energy storage/consumable components of ACTIVE CONTROL.This control system also can be suitable for controlling the output magnitude of current through 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 output that reduces electric current and fuel consumption, 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 through 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 under the operating condition of wide region, to control better fuel availability with the ACTIVE CONTROL fuels sources.
The invention provides a kind of energy and produce and consumable components, comprising:
Fuels sources, it is suitable under supply pressure, fueling being provided;
Fuel cell pack, it comprises at least one fuel cell, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable for receiving said 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 said fuel cell pack; And
Control system, it is suitable for detecting the pressure at said fuel cell pack place and controls said electric current output based on said detected pressure to apply assembly through the said 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; Confirm the target output magnitude of current based on detected pressure, and apply assembly based on the detected output magnitude of current and said target output magnitude of current control load.
When producing the target output magnitude of current, fuel cell pack can be suitable for consuming the fueling of confirming ratio in advance and be 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 confirming the target output magnitude of current, and is suitable for controlling fuels sources and under supply pressure, fueling is provided with the based target output magnitude of current.
Control system can be further adapted for the target flow that the based target output magnitude of current and detected pressure are confirmed fueling.
Fuels sources can be suitable for from a kind of or more raw material, producing fueling, 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 through utilizing equality
Figure BSA00000478830400031
to confirm not use flow fuel; F is the said flow fuel of not using here; 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 from least a raw material, producing fueling.
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 under supply pressure, fueling being provided;
Fuel cell pack; It comprises at least one fuel cell; Wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable under said supply pressure, receiving the fueling from said fuels sources, 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 said fuel cell pack; And
Control system; It is suitable for detecting the pressure at said fuel cell pack place; Be suitable for confirming the target output magnitude of current; Under the said target output magnitude of current, said fuel cell pack consumption confirms that in advance the said fueling of ratio is used for said detected pressure, is suitable for controlling based on the said target output magnitude of current operation of said fuel cell pack; And be suitable for controlling the said output magnitude of current through the said load application devices of ACTIVE CONTROL.
Energy that the present invention also provides produce with 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 confirmed fueling; Wherein fuels sources is suitable for being controlled to from a kind of or more raw material, producing fueling, and wherein control system is suitable for controlling the raw material that use is provided by fuels sources based on the said target flow of fueling.
Fuels sources can comprise fuel processor; Said 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 said fuel processor and can be suitable for controlling electric current that said fuel cell pack produces so that said supply pressure is maintained under the first threshold so that said 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 said 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 said fuel cell pack that supplies the fuel to, said 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 said fuel cell pack to extract electric current from said fuel cell pack;
Detect the pressure at said fuel cell pack place; And
Based on the pressure that is detected, the said output magnitude of current is controlled in the said load that is applied to said fuel cell pack through ACTIVE CONTROL.
Method provided by the present invention can further comprise based on the pressure that is detected; Confirm not use flow fuel; Wherein confirm not use flow fuel to comprise and solve an equation
Figure BSA00000478830400051
that F is the said flow fuel of not using here; 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 said target output magnitude of current; Fuel cell pack can consume in advance the fueling of confirming ratio and be 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, confirms the target flow of fueling, and controls the output of fueling based on the target flow of fueling.
Produce fueling and can comprise from a kind of or more raw material 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 through outlet opening and do not use fuel, and the detected pressures at wherein said fuel cell pack place comprises detected said outlet pressure.
Producing fueling can comprise from a kind of or more raw material 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 said first threshold of said 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, fueling is provided;
Apply oxidant and the said fuel cell pack that supplies the fuel to, said fuel cell pack comprises at least one fuel cell;
Produce the electric current of the output magnitude of current by said fuel cell pack;
Detect the pressure at said fuel cell pack place;
Confirm the target output magnitude of current, under the said output magnitude of current, said fuel cell pack consumption confirms that in advance the said fueling of ratio is used for detected pressure; And
Control the said operation of said fuel cell pack based on the said 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 said load of fuel cell pack.
Provide fueling can comprise that the mode under supply pressure, to produce fueling applies a kind of or more how former fuel processor apparatus of expecting, and described method can further comprise the operation of part based target output magnitude of current control fuel processor apparatus at least.
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 through outlet opening and do not use fuel, and the pressure that wherein detects the fuel cell pack place comprises and detects said outlet pressure.
Under supply pressure, supplying with fueling can comprise from a kind of or more raw material 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 said first threshold of said second threshold ratio is little.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the sketch map 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 sketch map 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 sketch map of another embodiment of consumable components.
Fig. 4 comprises the energy generation of fuel cell pack, fuels sources and control system and the sketch map of another embodiment of consumable components.
Fig. 5 is that energy as shown in Figure 4 produces and the sketch map of another embodiment of consumable components.
Fig. 6 be used for exemplary energy produce with hydrogen pressure, the reformer of consumable components export, the exemplary graphs 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 through 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 as used herein, fuel cell pack comprises one or multiple fuel cell more, 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 comprise one or more multiple fuel cell stacks with at least one the fuels sources of fuel is provided to fuel cell pack.In addition, energy produces and consumable components comprises one or multiple fuel cell stacks more, and at least one provides fuels sources and at least one of fuel to be suitable for applying to this fuel cell pack the energy storage/consumable components of load to fuel cell pack.
The fuel cell of the fuel cell pack of subsequent discussion and system and number of different types is consistent, for example PEM (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 usually the part with 22 fuel cell systems that indicate, and/or usually with the part of 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, be used as oxygen 44 to oxide 44.
Hydrogen 42 and oxygen 44 can be transported to this fuel cell from separately source 46 and 48 through any suitable method each distinguishing in.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 through 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,, and provided schematic illustration at Fig. 1 so external circuit 50 is minimum energy paths of excess electron because film 28 often is not the conductor of electricity.
In practical application, 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, on heap, is formed for satisfying the electromotive force of applied load thus.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 usually producing and consumable components among Fig. 1 with 56 energy indicated; 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 by mutual exchange refer to be suitable for applying of loading on fuel cell, fuel cell pack or the fuel cell system or multi-part more.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 24 form its a part of fuel cell systems the electric demand of power plant's balance (balance-of-plant).Load applies assembly 52 and can comprise and be suitable for applying the additional and/or various parts that loads to fuel cell system.
In cathodic region 32, combine to generate water and heat with oxygen from the electronics of external circuit with from the proton of film.Fig. 1 has also shown the anode cleaning stream that can comprise hydrogen or discharge stream 54 and cathode exhaust gas flow 55, if oxygen is not exhausted basically, and this exhaust flow oxygen of being consumed of part at least normally so.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, can be used to optionally purify should the zone for any suitable method.
As discussing the front, a lot of fuel cell packs utilize the 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.About what Fig. 1 discussed, the example in the source 46 of hydrogen 42 comprises the storage device 62 of the hydrogen supply that holds storage, like what dotted line indicated among Fig. 2 like the front.The example of suitable storage device 62 comprises pressurized canister and hydride beds.The product stream of self-produced hydrogen fuel processor is come in the source 46 of hydrogen 42 in addition or optional; It comprises the stream of hydrogen 42 or generates hydrogen to produce product with generation through 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 a kind of product hydrogen stream 66 that produces hydrogen 42 materials flow 68 of giving of or more raw materials.This fuel cell pack is suitable for producing electric current from partly being transferred the product hydrogen stream so far.In this example, independent fuel processor 64 is shown with independent fuel cell pack 24; 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 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.In the stream 66 some or all stream can additionally or selectively be transferred to be used in other consumption hydrogen processes through suitable pipeline, be 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, the stream of at least mainly 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 propane diols.
Supply flow 68 can be transported in the fuel processor 64 through any suitable device and/or through 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 stream 68 more than one (like dotted line institute schematic illustration), 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 plurality of applications, 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 how suitable purification 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 a kind of or more how 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 or more the purification and/or separator in fuel processor downstream more.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 the concentration of a kind of or more other gases that possibly mix with hydrogen (like carbon monoxide and/carbon dioxide).The example of appropriate method comprises one or more in Chemical Decomposition method and the physical separation method; In the Chemical Decomposition method; A kind of or more these other gases are optionally absorbed or reaction; 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 or the pressure differential between the product zone of mist zone and separated region to drive this separation process, mixed gas flow is transported to suitable resolution element under pressure 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 a kind of or more hydrogen selective membrane 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, like the alloy of palladium and copper or silver.Hydrogen-permeable membrane that approach, the plane preferably contains palldium alloy, contains cupric 35wt% to 45wt% the most especially, like the palladium of the about 40wt% of cupric.These films also are called 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 or more hydrogen selective membranes are disclosed in U.S. Pat 6319306, US6537352 and US6562111; From 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 the 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.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 the more heaps 24 and 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, power is provided 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 produce with the performance of consumable components 56 adjusted with adjusting automatically 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 separate 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 through suitable communication linkage.Control system 80 can comprise a kind of or more multimode intend circuit or digital circuit, be stored in logical block that is used for working procedure or processor in the memory as software, and as stated, can comprise one or more separative element that communicates with one another more.
In example shown in Figure 2, controller 82 is communicated by letter with energy storage/consumable components 52 through communication linkage 94, and can communicate by letter with fuels sources 46 with fuel cell pack 24 with 98 through 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; A kind of 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 in fuels sources and/or the fuel cell pack in one or two the time, 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.Accompanying drawing below control system 80 will combine obtains more detailed description.
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 usually in 200 ℃ to 800 ℃ temperature range with 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; Any hydrogen that is produced (or other output streams) is excluded or as the combustible fuel of boiler or other heating components usually, and these devices and assembly are suitable for maintaining near the suitable temperature that is used to produce hydrogen or this temperature fuel processor 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 a kind of or more how predetermined operating condition 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 sketch map 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 like 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 through 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 embodiment, do not use the generation of fuel F2 can be considered to Continuous Flow, although can be unique intermittent discharge through 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 through controller 82 or 80 controls of other controller Be Controlled systems.
Fuel cell pack 24 is connected to energy storage/consumable components 52 through 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 multipotency consumer 84 and/or one or more multipotency storage device 86.As discuss here, energy storage/consumable components 52 can be suitable for applying applied load to fuel cell pack 24.
As illustrated, controller 82 is suitable for communicating by letter with Pressure gauge 106 through linking 104, and Pressure gauge is suitable for detecting the pressure P of not using fuel 2 of from fuel cell pack, discharging in the discharge currents 54.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 relate 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 representes.The pressure P 1 that Pressure gauge 102 can be suitable for detecting fuel cell pack import department is 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 the accompanying drawing here maybe be specifically with reference to rate of discharge, outlet pressure, supply pressure, supply flow rate, fuel cell stack pressures etc. with description; 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 or the pressure regulator on the supply flow F1.Therefore, within the scope of the invention, pressure relevant with fuel cell pack and/or flow can be before it be transported to heap and/or by measured after the discharge from heap.The specific embodiment that describes below is exemplary.
Control system 80 can comprise controller and link with controller 82.In addition, not all these exemplary communication linkages and interrelated all be necessary.As an example property but the example do not got 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 from fuel cell pack 24, discharging untapped fuel with different patterns with consumable components 56 and fuel cell system 22.These patterns comprise at least a continuous outflow pattern with 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 the 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 with hole that size and flow performance combine) being fit to a kind of concrete application, and outlet pressure depends on by the supply pressure and the flow of fuel cell consumption with flow.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 one or more have more at least one the size in the oral pore.Like the schematic illustration among Fig. 3, controller 82 can randomly be connected to outlet opening 90 through communication linkage 97.In such embodiment, outlet opening 90 can comprise hole adjuster valve 92.Through 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 like 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 the duration that not necessarily, the intermittent phase between purifying can brake specific exhaust emission is longer.Like 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 through communication linkage 97 controller 82 is connected to outlet opening 90.Purify frequency and/or purify the variation of duration the control to fuel availability can be provided.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 the duration and produce electric current with one of consumable components or more fuel consumption or the fuel cell pack generation of multivariable such as fuel cell pack by ACTIVE CONTROL based on energy.
Discuss as above-mentioned, control system 80 can be set to that the monitoring energy produces and one of consumable components or multivariable more, 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; Like 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 discuss in more detail here, controller can be suitable for controlling or the operation of greater functionality property parts of fuel cell system, for example operates fuel processor and fuel cell pack with response (at least in part) variable, like the variable relevant with hydrogen stream.Though given variable possibly be closely related with certain components more, variable can influence two or more parts directly or indirectly.For example, possibly 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 by the fuel processor generation and by fuel cell pack consumption.
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 part is based on the fuels sources 46 and fuel cell pack 24 of variable at least, and 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 the variate-value above specific threshold.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 (like 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 at least the active operational state of part based on the measured value of representing variable.This control can comprise a kind of or more adjusting that the restriction and the hydrogen (or other fuel) of fuel cell system applied load are produced speed; 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 operation or the running status of fuel processor or fuel cell pack, 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).Like example, the operation of fuel processor can through regulate speed (for example being suitable for the source material delivery system of transferring raw material), burner or other that carbon raw material or other raw materials be transported to fuel processor to fuel processor through control be suitable for a kind of in the operation of the heating component of heating fuel processor, the pressure of fuel processor etc. or more more control.Like relevant example, the operation of fuel cell pack can through regulate oxidant and/or hydrogen to the flow of fuel cell pack, cooling package or other heat-exchanging components relevant with heap, be applied to a kind of in the load etc. of heap or more more control.
In certain embodiments, control system 80 can be suitable at least partly controlling fuels sources 46 and/or fuel cell pack 24 based on the flow of the fueling that supplies to fuel cell pack.For example; The output of fueling can be through 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 mode of operation, generation speed etc. and the Be Controlled of the required fuels sources 46 of the electric loading of energy storage/consumable components 52 through adjustment through control.In some embodiment of fuel cell system, flow fuel F1 is not easy to directly measured.So in such embodiment, flow F1 can be through the fuel of confirming to represent with flow F3 that is consumed by heap, and from the hole the 90 not use flow fuel F2 that discharge and being confirmed indirectly.
As additional embodiment; Control system 80 can be described to be suitable for detecting the power level of generation; To confirm 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 a kind of or more raw material 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 confirming and/or based on the flow of the fueling of confirming.Comprise among the embodiment of the fuel processor that produces fueling in fuels sources; Control system can be suitable for confirming according to the flow of the fueling of confirming the chemical quantitative relationship of chemical reaction, and controls the output of fueling according to the chemical quantitative relationship of confirming.
Fig. 4 has explained 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.Like what discussed, can utilize other variable in the open scope of the present invention, comprise those variablees of or more how above-mentioned discussion.Among the embodiment below, 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 through control system 80 Be Controlled.As discuss 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.
Explain schematically that like 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.Like above-mentioned description, control system 80 can be suitable for detecting pressure, the fuel stream 66 at fuel cell pack 24 places pressure, discharge currents 54 pressure or energy produces and its dependent variable of 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 and set point can be associated with various parts, and can comprise the variable of other non-pressures.Detected pressures signal and pressure P on online 114 FSSet point between difference can be confirmed 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 confirmed by equipment 120, and can be used as the 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 through control signal wire 134 and 136 separately.Each signal processor can comprise any suitable device, and these equipment can utilize at least partly representes 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 described control here, 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 through 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 characteristic of these or other error signals 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.
The 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 a kind of or more input raw material of fuel processor 64 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 through changing the input speed of oxide.Like another embodiment, signal processor 132 can be suitable for producing control signal, and control signal is suitable for controlling the electric current that from fuel stream 66 and oxide flow, is produced by fuel cell pack 24, and controls consequent electric energy.The generation of ACTIVE CONTROL electric current can realize through 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 through sending appropriate control signal guidance fuel (like what discussed, it is hydrogen normally) output, and/or electric current output suitably increases (for example being applied to the load on the heap through 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 through 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 with consumable components in be choose wantonly and 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 produce with one of consumable components or more multi-part damage will appear.Selectively or additionally, maximum pressure P RVCan represent a pressure, be higher than this pressure, energy produce with one of consumable components or more multi-part will under the condition of not expecting, work poor efficiency for example with some other mode.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 control.Comprise that the control system 80 that the set point in the control system is advanced in measurement mechanism and position and input can be suitable for explaining 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 through sending the appropriate control signal) can be suitable for increasing the pressure in the fuel stream 66 through the output that reduces and/or limit by the electric energy (as be applied to the load on the fuel cell pack through reduction) of fuel cell pack 24 generations and/or the fuel of increasing supply.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; Through 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 through monitoring fuel cell pack place (or the stream that is connected with its fluid) and when variate-value above (high or low), reach or near one or more during the fixed threshold value of multiselect; 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 possibly be transformed into idle running or even shut-down operation state.
In addition, this energy produces with the monitoring of consumable components and control and can be suitable for producing and one of consumable components or multi-part more through 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 the load on the fuel cell pack 24 through change, ACTIVE CONTROL energy storage/generation component 52.As discussed above, ACTIVE CONTROL is applied to the load of fuel cell pack will control 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 one of consumable components or many-side more.
Therefore energy generation and consumable components 56 can provide one or the more control of multicompartment function, these function effect variablees, the 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 ease, 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 through 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 exported as error signal on online 126.Error signal can be processed to produce on the line 134 through signal processor 130 and be applied to the control signal on the fuel processor 64.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.The fuel cell set point P of reception on the pressure P that error signal on the line 128 can be based on 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 that on control line 162, export minimum value that is suitable for selecting two inputs, and minimum value can be applied to fuel cell pack then.Like another embodiment, logical block can be to be suitable for selecting the maximum of two inputs and on control line 162, to export maximum, 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 the control to energy generation and consumable components 56 based on second variable.For example; Control loop 164 can be suitable for a kind of mode that output voltage is maintained on set point or the threshold value control to fuel cell pack 24 being provided, and set point or threshold value can help to protect fuel cell pack to avoid contingent destruction in the low process.Therefore, control loop 164 can comprise voltmeter or other load cells 166.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 input place of conversion of the 3rd reference device 170.In this embodiment, the operation that control system (and/or controller) can be described to control fuel cell system is 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 on control signal wire 178, produces voltage control signal.Control signal wire can be sent to logical block 160 to voltage control signal.As above referred to, can being selected and on fuel cell pack control line 162, being exported than low value of voltage and pressure input is used to control the operation of fuel cell pack.Selectively, similar techniques can be used with control other system parameter, and for example one or more multipart temperature are applied to the load of fuel cell pack, the supply rate of or more feed streams etc.
Fig. 6 described exemplary, desirable curve chart, its shown energy produce selected variable with consumable components can be how in the time period with perhaps changing based on the variation of the load that is applied to system.These curve charts only provide as an 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 through fuel processor 64 over time.Top curve 150 has explained 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.Through " nominal ", this means that the quantity (if any) of hydrogen (or other fuel) or power need remain on its lost motion operation state with fuel cell system, 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 explain 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 9The middle embodiment that describes only is exemplary example and does not require according to illustrated order generation.
Meaning property explanation as shown in Figure 6 is in time T 1The time, the load L that applies 1Like 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 through 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) through 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 schematic illustration at place.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 maybe be longer, for example one minute or more.Yet this response possibly be restricted, because need the fuel flowing pressure be maintained P FCSet point on.This produces relative constant compression force in cycle between can be at this moment.
Like time T among Fig. 6 3The place schematic illustration, fuel cell pack output 144 can arrive by the fuel flow rate less than F1 has load L 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 through 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 possibly 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.
Like time T among Fig. 6 5The place schematic illustration, 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 is 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 through peak value P PKExpression, P PKShown in dotted line.
Continuation is with reference to figure 6, like time T 5And T 6Between institute's schematic illustration, 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 FSLike 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.Like schematic illustration among Fig. 6, new limit can last till time T 7
Like time T among Fig. 6 7The place schematic illustration, 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, here 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 and can find out 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 explained 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, and 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 equality: in an embodiment;
Figure BSA00000478830400292
here can find out that approximate equation is very suitable for confirming flow based on detected pressure.Therefore, as embodiment, through 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 to be detected; Pressure to be detected 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 and comprise " at least in part based on " one or more factor of being indicated more, but do not need extra factor.For example, utilize above-mentioned formula based on outlet pressure confirm 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, through equality: F3=bIfc confirms 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.The following operations 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.Like illustrative embodiment, the minimum and maximum current range that is used for specific heap can be more greater or lesser than the following value that provides.
As noted above, the flow fuel F1 that flows to fuel cell pack can be through being determined the flow F3 summation of flowing out outlet opening or flow F2 that in fuel cell pack, assembles and fuel cell pack consumption.Equality above using does not use flow fuel F2 to be determined through detected pressure P 2, and the flow F3 that consumes can be confirmed by fuel cell current Ifc.The form of equality is:
Figure BSA00000478830400302
plane of function defining point in having like 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 equality, can find out, in order to realize in check utilance level, can carry out ACTIVE CONTROL to outlet pressure for given fuel cell current output.Selectively, the in check utilance for given outlet pressure can realize through 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 of listing above this utilance level receives.Other utilance level can produce different curves, and other fuel cell pack can have the different operation characteristic.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%.Can find out in an embodiment, in the normal operation range of whole diagram fuel cell pack, in for example about 30 and 68 amperes, not use flow fuel to increase with the heap electric current is linear.Do not use the set point of 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.Keep the rate of discharge F2 on the curve of rate of discharge F2 of Fig. 9 through adjustment heap electric current (consumptions), 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 equality and pressure gauge to be detected), and the heap electric current can be about 40 amperes; Condition is like a clearly explanation of A quilt.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.By clearly expression, on the B point, not using flow fuel can be about 5LPM to the embodiment of opposite plot through the some B among Fig. 9, 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 possibly be difficult to keep long time period or be used for the big variation of operating condition.Therefore, in some specific embodiment, its maybe 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 confirming 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 with piling the electric current from outlet (outlet) or outlet (exit) pressure.Other parameters relationship also can be released.
As discussed, different control parameters can be used for controlling the different parts in the fuel cell system 22 by different modes.For example, outlet fuel flow rate and corresponding outlet pressure provide the indication of the quantity of fuel that is provided by fuels sources 46.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 with the fuel availability that causes expecting.The output of fueling and fuel cell outlet pressure can be by adjustment to provide the supply pressure of expectation.Outlet opening also can be by adjustment to change rate of discharge and/or outlet pressure.Therefore, the goal pressure of the fueling through 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 through 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 through 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 bigger operating condition scope with utilance.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
Here described fuel cell system 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 did not receive 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 possibly 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 is different from those command signals that provide among the embodiment of front.
Can be sure of that the present invention who proposes above comprises the method with separate utility property 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 concrete embodiment of open here and explanation can not think a kind of restrictive meaning.Theme of the present invention is included in that all of the various parts, characteristic, function and/or the characteristic that are disclosed are new to be combined with not exclusive combination and son here.Similarly, " " who in claims, narrates or " first " parts or its equivalent, such claim should be understood to include one or more how 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 combines and the son combination.Be asked in modification or new claim replacement or the relevant application here that the combination of other of characteristic, function, key element and/or characteristic or sub-combination can be through this claims.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 under supply pressure, fueling being provided;
Fuel cell pack; It comprises at least one fuel cell; Wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable for receiving oxidant; Be suitable under said supply pressure receiving fueling, and the electric current that the fueling that is suitable for using at least a portion to receive produces the output magnitude of current is with the response applied load from said fuels sources;
Load applies assembly, and it is suitable for being controlled to apply and loads to said fuel cell pack;
Control system; It is suitable for detecting the pressure relevant with said fuel cell pack; Be suitable for confirming the target output magnitude of current; Under the said target output magnitude of current, said fuel cell pack consumption confirms that in advance the said fueling of ratio is used for detected pressure, is suitable for controlling based on the said target output magnitude of current operation of said fuel cell pack.
2. energy as claimed in claim 1 produces and consumable components, and wherein said control system is further adapted for through controlling said load on one's own initiative and applies assembly and control the said output magnitude of current.
3. energy as claimed in claim 1 produces and consumable components, and the conveying that wherein said control system is suitable for controlling fueling is to maintain detected pressure 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 said fuel cell pack, to respond detected pressure at least in part.
5. energy produces and consumable components according to claim 1, and wherein, said control system is suitable for controlling the conveying of said 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 confirming fueling based on the said target output magnitude of current and detected pressure; Wherein said fuels sources is suitable for being controlled to from a kind of or more raw material, producing said fueling, and wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the said raw material that use is provided by fuels sources based on the said target flow of fueling.
7. energy as claimed in claim 6 produces and consumable components; Wherein said fuels sources comprises fuel processor; Said fuel processor is suitable for producing said fueling; And the output that further wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the said fueling that is produced by said fuel processor to be maintaining said supply pressure under the first threshold, and is suitable for controlling electric current output that said fuel cell pack produces so that said supply pressure is maintained on second threshold value.
8. produce and consumable components like any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuels sources further comprises the hydrogen storage device.
9. produce and consumable components like any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuels sources comprises fuel processor, and said fuel processor is suitable for from least a raw material, producing said fueling.
10. energy as claimed in claim 9 produces and consumable components; The output that wherein said control system is suitable for controlling the said fueling that is produced by said fuel processor to be maintaining said supply pressure under the first threshold, and is suitable for controlling the electric current output that produced by said fuel cell pack so that said supply pressure is maintained on second threshold value.
11. produce and consumable components like 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 like any described energy among the claim 1-7; Wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable under an outlet pressure; Fuel is not used in discharge at the outlet opening place, and wherein relevant with said fuel cell pack said pressure comprises said outlet pressure.
13. produce and consumable components like any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein said fuel cell pack is suitable under inlet pressure, receiving said fueling, and wherein comprises said inlet pressure by the detected said pressure of said control system.
14. produce and consumable components like any described energy among the claim 1-7, wherein relevant with said fuel cell pack said pressure is detected in said fuel cell pack.
15. produce and consumable components like 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 like 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, fueling is provided;
Apply oxidant and the said fuel cell pack that supplies the fuel to, said fuel cell pack comprises at least one fuel cell;
Produce the electric current of the output magnitude of current by said fuel cell pack;
Detect the pressure at said fuel cell pack place;
Confirm the target output magnitude of current, under the said target output magnitude of current, said fuel cell pack consumption confirms that in advance the said fueling of ratio is used for detected pressure; And
Control the operation of said fuel cell pack based on the said target output magnitude of current.
18. method as claimed in claim 17 further comprises applying loading to said fuel cell pack, and the operation of wherein controlling said fuel cell pack comprises that control on one's own initiative is applied to the said load of said fuel cell pack.
19. method as claimed in claim 17 further comprises applying loading to said fuel cell pack, and the operation of wherein controlling said fuel cell pack comprises and controls the said electric current that is produced by said fuel cell pack on one's own initiative.
20., wherein provide fueling to comprise and from a kind of or more raw material, produce said fueling, and further comprise the use of controlling said raw material based on the said target flow of fueling like any described method among the claim 17-19.
21. like any described method among the claim 17-19; Further be included under the outlet pressure; Discharge from said fuel cell pack through outlet opening and not use fuel, and the pressure that wherein detects said fuel cell pack place comprises and detects said outlet pressure.
22. like any described method among the claim 17-19, the pressure that wherein detects said fuel cell pack place comprises the said pressure of the said fueling at the inlet hole place of detecting said fuel cell pack.
23. like any described method among the claim 17-19, the pressure that wherein detects said fuel cell pack place comprises the said pressure that detects the said fueling in the said fuel cell pack.
24., wherein provide fueling to comprise and from a kind of or more raw material, produce said fueling like any described method among the claim 17-19.
25. method as claimed in claim 24; Further comprise to be suitable for that said supply pressure is maintained the said output that mode under the first threshold is controlled said fueling; And to be suitable for that the mode that said supply pressure maintains on second threshold value is controlled the said electric current output that is produced by said fuel cell pack, the said first threshold of said second threshold ratio is little.
CN2011101008755A 2004-05-28 2005-05-23 Utilization-based fuel cell monitoring and control Active CN102208667B (en)

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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 US8277997B2 (en) 2004-07-29 2004-07-29 Shared variable-based fuel cell system control
US10/909,266 2004-07-29
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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