DE102017209675A1 - Control unit and method for operating a fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

A control unit (103) for a fuel cell system (100) is described, wherein the fuel cell system (100) comprises a fuel cell stack (102) and a pressure tank (110) for storing fuel (211). The control unit (103) is set up to determine status information relating to a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel (110). In addition, the control unit (103) is arranged to activate the fuel cell stack (102) in dependence on the status information.

Description

The invention relates to a fuel cell system, e.g. a fuel cell system for a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a control unit and a method for operating a fuel cell system.

A road vehicle may include a fuel cell system having a fuel cell stack with one or more fuel cells, wherein the fuel cell system is based on a fuel, such as a fuel cell. Hydrogen generates electrical energy for operation, in particular for the drive, of the vehicle. The fuel may be stored in one or more pressure vessels of the fuel cell system.

During a refueling operation, the fuel cell system is typically deactivated. The relatively long start-up time of the fuel cell system can lead to a user at least temporarily not having full drive power available after a refueling process. In addition, a relatively long start-up time of the fuel cell system can be perceived as unpleasant. The present document addresses the technical problem of increasing the comfort and performance of a fuel cell system following refueling.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described i.a. in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a claim dependent on an independent claim without the features of the independent claim or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent claim may form an independent invention independent of the combination of all features of the independent claim, the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the specification, which may form an independent invention of the features of the independent claims.

In one aspect, a control unit for a fuel cell system is described. The fuel cell system may be used in a vehicle to generate electrical energy for operation of an electric drive motor of the vehicle. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack with one or more fuel cells and a pressure vessel for storing fuel.

The control unit is set up to determine status information relating to a refueling refueling tank operation. The pressure vessel may e.g. Fueled with fuel at a fuel pump. For this purpose, a dispensing device of the fuel pump (gas-tight) can be coupled to a tank opening of the pressure vessel. After completion of the refueling operation, the dispensing device can be decoupled from the tank opening again (which typically leads to a gas-tight closing of the tank opening). The status information may e.g. indicate whether a refueling operation has been completed (e.g., because the dispensing device has been decoupled and / or because the dispensing device has been hung in a suspension on the fuel pump) or not.

The control unit is configured to activate the fuel cell stack in response to the status information. In this case, the control unit may be configured to automatically activate the fuel cell stack, even without a user of the fuel cell system has explicitly caused the activation of the fuel cell stack. For example, it can be determined on the basis of the status information whether a refueling process to refuel the pressure vessel has been completed. The fuel cell stack may then be automatically activated depending on whether the refueling operation has been completed. For example, automatic activation of the fuel cell stack (to generate electrical energy) may be enabled once it is determined that the refueling process has been completed. On the other hand, the activation of the fuel cell stack can be suppressed if it is determined that the refueling process is still running and / or has not yet ended.

The control unit can thus be set up to automatically activate a fuel cell stack in a timely manner after completion of a refueling operation (even if no activation has been initiated by a user of the fuel cell system). Thus, the user-perceived start-up time of a fuel cell stack can be reduced. Furthermore, the maximum electrical output power of a fuel cell stack can already be provided at an earlier point in time.

Activation of the fuel cell stack may include supplying fuel (eg, hydrogen, particularly H ₂ ) and / or oxidant to the fuel cell stack. For example, to activate the fuel cell stack, at least one valve may be opened to convey fuel from the pressure vessel to the fuel cell stack. Further, an oxidant promoter (eg, a compressor) may be activated to promote oxidant to the fuel cell stack.

The control unit may be configured to determine the status information based on: coupling data indicating whether an external tap for refueling the pressure vessel has been decoupled from a tank opening of the pressure vessel; Coverage data indicating whether the tank opening has been covered (eg by a fuel filler flap); Amount data regarding an amount of fuel within the pressure vessel (for example, the crowd data may indicate that no more fuel can be supplied); and / or pressure data relating to a pressure of the fuel within the pressure vessel (for example, the pressure data may indicate that no further fuel can be supplied). Thus, it can be reliably determined whether a refueling operation has been completed or not.

The control unit may be configured to determine driver information relating to a driver, in particular with regard to a position of a driver of a vehicle in which the fuel cell system is installed. The fuel cell stack can then also be activated as a function of the driver information. For example, it can be determined based on the status information that a refueling process has ended. Nevertheless, depending on the driver information, the automatic activation of the fuel cell stack may be delayed if the driver information indicates that the vehicle will not start until later. By taking into account the driver information, premature automatic activation of the fuel cell stack can thus be prevented. It is thus possible energy-efficient operation of the fuel cell system.

The control unit may be configured to determine the driver information based on: sensor data of an occupancy sensor of a driver's seat of the vehicle (for example, it may be determined whether the driver's seat is occupied or not); Data of a keyless entry and / or activation function of the vehicle (in particular, whether or not the driver is in the vehicle can be determined based on the position of an ID transmitter of the keyless entry and / or activation function); Image data of an image sensor of the vehicle, wherein the image sensor is arranged to detect at least partially an interior and / or an environment of the vehicle; Sensor data of a radar, lidar and / or infrared sensor of the vehicle, the sensor data indicating information relating to at least a part of the environment of the vehicle; Data relating to central locking of the vehicle (central locking active or inactive); and / or data of an electronic communication device of the driver of the vehicle. Thus, the driver information can be determined in a precise manner.

The control unit may e.g. be set up based on the status information and based on the driver information to determine that the refueling process has been terminated, but that a ride of the vehicle takes place only after a minimum Aufstartzeitraums (eg because the driver is not within a certain Distance from the vehicle is located). In response, an automatic activation of the fuel cell stack may then be delayed. On the other hand, the control unit may be configured to determine based on the status information and on the basis of the driver information that the refueling process has ended and that the vehicle is traveling at the latest after the minimum startup time has elapsed (eg because the driver of the vehicle towards the vehicle and / or because a driver's door of the vehicle has been opened). In response, the fuel cell stack can then be automatically activated. Thus, the comfort and performance of a fuel cell system can be increased in an energy-efficient manner.

The control unit may be configured to determine vehicle information regarding a condition and / or with respect to a function of a vehicle in which the fuel cell system is installed. The fuel cell stack can then also be activated as a function of the vehicle information. The vehicle information may e.g. Indicate information regarding a state of charge of an electrical energy store of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle information may indicate that the state of charge of the electrical energy store has fallen below a minimum state of charge). Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle information may indicate information related to an electrically-powered vehicle function (e.g., a climate function for controlling the interior of the vehicle) to be operated in preparation for a ride of the vehicle.

The vehicle information may thus indicate that an automatic activation of the fuel cell stack should take place as soon as possible after completion of a refueling operation in order to provide electrical energy for the energy store and / or for a vehicle function of a vehicle. Thus, the comfort in the operation of a fuel cell system can be further increased.

For example, the control unit may be configured to determine, on the basis of the status information and based on the vehicle information, that the refueling operation has ended and that a state and / or a function of the vehicle prior to commencing a journey of the vehicle, the generation of electrical Energy requires. In response, the fuel cell stack can then be automatically activated.

In another aspect, a fuel cell system is described that includes the control unit described in this document.

According to a further aspect, a vehicle (in particular a road vehicle, for example a passenger car or a lorry) is described, which comprises the fuel cell system described in this document.

In another aspect, a method of operating a fuel cell system is described, wherein the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a pressure vessel for storing fuel. The method may e.g. be executed by a control unit. The method includes determining status information related to a refueling refueling refueling process. In addition, the method includes activating the fuel cell stack in response to the status information.

In another aspect, a software (SW) program is described.

The SW program may be set up to be executed on a processor (e.g., on a controller of a vehicle) and thereby perform the method described in this document.

In another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium may include a SW program that is set up to run on a processor and thereby perform the method described in this document.

It should be understood that the devices and systems described herein may be used alone as well as in combination with other devices and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the devices and systems described in this document may be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

• 1 ein beispielhaftes Brennstoffzellensystem mit einem Brennstoffzellenstapel;
• 2 einen beispielhaften Aufbau einer Brennstoffzelle;
• 3 eine beispielhafte Tanksäule für einen Tankvorgang; und
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines beispielhaften Verfahrens zum Betrieb eines Brennstoffzellensystems.

Furthermore, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. Show

• 1 an exemplary fuel cell system with a fuel cell stack;
• 2 an exemplary structure of a fuel cell;
• 3 an exemplary fuel pump for a refueling operation; and
• 4 a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating a fuel cell system.

As set forth above, the present document is concerned with increasing the comfort and performance of a fuel cell system following a refueling operation.

1 shows a fuel cell system 100 with a fuel cell stack 102 with at least one fuel cell 101 , The fuel cell system 100 is intended for example for mobile applications such as motor vehicles, in particular for the provision of electrical energy for at least one drive machine for locomotion of a motor vehicle. A fuel cell 101 is an electrochemical energy converter that converts fuel and oxidant into reaction products, producing electricity and heat. A fuel cell 101 includes (as in 2 shown) an anode 201 and a cathode 202 produced by an ion-selective or ion-permeable separator 203 are separated. The anode 201 will with fuel 211 provided. Preferred fuels 211 are: hydrogen (especially H2), low molecular weight alcohol, biofuels, or liquefied natural gas. The cathode 202 is with oxidizing agent 212 provided. Preferred oxidizing agents 212 are: air, oxygen and peroxides. The ion-selective separator 203 may be formed, for example, as a proton exchange membrane (PEM). Preferably, a cation-selective polymer electrolyte membrane is used. Materials for such a membrane are, for example: Nafion®, Flemion® and Aciplex®.

A fuel cell system 100 includes in addition to the at least one fuel cell 101 peripheral system components operating during the operation of the at least one fuel cell 101 can be used. As a rule, there are several fuel cells 101 to a fuel cell stack 102 summarized. Furthermore, the fuel cell system includes 100 typically at least one pressure vessel 110 that can be used to fuel 211 for the one or more fuel cells 101 provide. The pressure tank 110 is via lines 112 with the one or more fuel cells 101 connected.

The anode 201 and the cathode 202 a fuel cell 101 or a fuel cell stack 102 can with contact parts 204 be connected. Between the contact parts 204 is typically an operating voltage (eg about 1V for a fuel cell 101 ) and a current can be provided. By the series connection of several fuel cells 101 (ie by the provision of a stack or fuel cell stack 102 ), the operating voltage (and thus the electrical power) of a fuel cell stack 102 increase.

The fuel cell system 100 can be an electrical energy store 130 (In particular, a high-voltage storage, for example, operated at 300V or more) include (see 1 ). The energy storage 130 can be used as a buffer of electrical energy and / or for the provision of electrical energy for the ancillaries of a vehicle (especially at the start of the vehicle).

In addition, the fuel cell system includes 100 a control unit 103 , The control unit 103 is set up, the different components of the fuel cell system 100 to control. For example, the control unit 103 the supply of fuel 211 and / or of oxidizing agent 212 to the fuel cell stack 102 adjust to the electric power of the fuel cell stack 102 to change. For this purpose, the control unit 103 open one or more valves to fuel 211 from a pressure vessel 110 to the fuel cell stack 102 respectively. Furthermore, the control unit 103 an oxidizer promoter 205 (eg a compressor) to control oxidant 212 to the fuel cell stack 102 to promote.

The pressure vessel 110 a fuel cell system 100 can be refueled as part of a refueling process. In preparation for the refueling process is typically the supply of fuel 211 (and optionally of oxidizing agent 212 ) to the fuel cell stack 102 prevented. In other words, the fuel cell system typically becomes in preparation for refueling 100 disabled. It can then safely burn fuel 211 in the pressure vessel 110 be filled.

The filling of the pressure vessel 110 of a vehicle 300 can be done at a gas station. 3 shows an exemplary tank situation in which a tank line 315 (also referred to as tank trunk) a petrol pump 310 via a dispensing device 316 or via a nozzle with a tank opening 305 of the pressure vessel 110 of a vehicle 300 is coupled. In this case, there is typically a substantially gas-tight coupling between the tank line 315 and tank opening 305 to pressurize the fuel 211 from the petrol pump 310 in the pressure vessel 110 to convict. The gas-tight coupling takes place via a dispensing device 316 attached to the one of the petrol pump 310 opposite end of the tank line 315 is arranged.

The petrol pump 310 typically includes a user interface 312 (eg with a screen) that allows a user to determine the status of a refueling process. In particular, via the user interface 312 the amount of fuel to be displayed via the tank line 315 in the pressure vessel 110 of the vehicle 300 was promoted. Furthermore, via the user interface 312 if necessary, a payment process to be settled. Also, as part of the user interface 312 at the petrol pump 310 an emergency stop switch may be arranged which allows a user to quickly interrupt a refueling operation (eg, in the presence of a leak at the coupling between the dispensing device 316 and the tank opening 305 ). A control unit 311 the petrol pump 310 can perform a refueling operation based on inputs through the user interface 312 Taxes.

During a refueling process is the fuel cell system 100 , eg the fuel cell system 100 of a vehicle 300 , typically disabled. When activating the fuel cell system 100 For example, the supply of fuel 211 and / or oxidizing agents 212 take a certain time, so the commissioning of the fuel cell system 100 takes a certain period of time. This may be for a user of the fuel cell system 100 be uncomfortable. Furthermore, when activating the fuel cell system 100 the availability of the maximum output power of the fuel cell system 100 be delayed in time.

• • die Zapfvorrichtung 316 nach einem Tankvorgang von der Tanköffnung 305 entkoppelt wurde;
• • eine Tankklappe zur Bedeckung der Tanköffnung 305 geschlossen wurde; und/oder
• • ein Bezahlvorgang für den Tankvorgang durchgeführt wird.

The control unit 103 may be set, status information related to the refueling of the pressure vessel 110 of the fuel cell system 100 to investigate. The status information can indicate, for example, that

• • the dispensing device 316 after a refueling process from the tank opening 305 was decoupled;
• • a tank flap to cover the tank opening 305 has been closed; and or
• • a payment process for the refueling process is carried out.

Furthermore, the control unit 103 be set up, the fuel cell system 100 automatically start depending on the status information. For example, the fuel cell system 100 be started when the status information indicates that the fuel filler flap has been closed. So can the fuel cell system 100 already before departure of the vehicle 300 be activated so that the perceptible for a user startup time is reduced or avoided altogether and / or so that already at departure of the vehicle 300 the maximum performance of the fuel cell system 100 is available.

It can thus early (ie before the user the fuel cell system 100 activated) the end of a refueling process can be detected (eg because the fuel filler flap is closed, because the nozzle 216 disconnected, etc.). In response to determining that the refueling operation has been completed, the fuel cell system may 100 (In particular, the fuel cell stack 102 ) are started automatically (without the driver having to do this actively).

To unnecessarily start or premature start the fuel cell stack 102 To avoid (for example, because the user after the refueling does not want to start immediately, for example, to take a break or to pay at a checkout) can provide more information for the automatic start of the fuel cell stack 102 be taken into account.

Thus, for example, via a driver presence detection of a vehicle 300 the fuel cell stack 102 Determine if the driver of the vehicle 300 is present or not. The fuel cell stack 102 if necessary, can not be started until refueling is complete and the driver is present. In other words, driver information may be determined (eg, based on the sensor data from one or more vehicle sensors), wherein the driver information is information related to the driver of the vehicle 300 displays. In particular, the driver information may indicate whether the driver of the vehicle 300 in the vehicle 300 ie at the driver's position of the vehicle 300 , is located. The driver information can eg by means of a seat recognition, by means of a key recognition (where is the vehicle key relative to the vehicle 300 , This can be determined eg via a radio technology of the key recognition). Alternatively or additionally, the driver information can be determined by means of a mobile communication device of the driver, wherein the mobile communication device with the vehicle 300 is coupled via a communication connection.

Alternatively or additionally, the driver information can be determined on the basis of the driver's door state. For example, the start of the fuel cell stack 102 be initiated when the status information indicates that refueling is completed, and when the driver information indicates that the driver's door is opened (without the driver's seat was previously occupied).

The driver information can indicate, for example, whether a central locking of the vehicle 300 is activated or not. The automatic (or hidden) start of the fuel cell stack 102 can be prevented, for example, after refueling, if immediately after refueling the central locking is activated. The automatic start of the fuel cell stack 102 can only take place when the central locking (after refueling) is unlocked again and / or if it is recognized that the driver is the vehicle 300 approaching again.

Furthermore, in the automatic start of the fuel cell stack 102 Vehicle information relating to a state of the vehicle 300 and / or with respect to a function of the vehicle 300 be taken into account. The vehicle information can, for example, the state of charge of an energy storage 130 of the vehicle 300 and / or indicate the activation of a vehicle function.

Possibly. may be the start of the fuel cell stack 102 be initiated immediately after refueling, if other conditions (eg, a relatively low state of charge of the energy storage 130 (the charging of the energy storage 130 required) or activation of the air conditioning system to condition the vehicle 300 ) are present. In the presence of such conditions (which may be indicated by the vehicle information), the fuel cell stack may 102 be started automatically when the status information indicates that the refueling process has ended. The fuel cell stack 102 then supplies the electrical system of the vehicle 300 with electrical energy (eg for a specific vehicle or comfort function).

4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for operating a fuel cell system 100 , The fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel cell stack 102 and a pressure vessel 110 for storing fuel 211 , During operation of the fuel cell system 100 can fuel 211 from the pressure vessel 110 to the fuel cell stack 102 be led to generate electrical energy.

The procedure 400 includes determining 401 status information relating to a refueling refueling tank operation. In particular, the status information can indicate the status of a refueling process. For example, the status information may indicate that a refueling operation is being prepared, a refueling operation is in progress, or a refueling operation has been completed.

In addition, the process includes 400 the activation 402 of the fuel cell stack 102 depending on the status information. For example, activation of the fuel cell stack 102 be inhibited when the status information indicates that a refueling operation is being prepared or that refueling is in progress. On the other hand, the fuel cell stack 102 automatically activated (without explicit cause by a user of the fuel cell system 100 ) when the status information indicates that a refueling operation has been completed.

The measures described in this document will accelerate the availability of the propulsion power of a vehicle 300 with a fuel cell system 100 following a refueling process. Furthermore, by taking into account further information too early automatic starting of a fuel cell stack 102 be prevented. In addition, if necessary, the power supply of one or more vehicle functions can be ensured (such as for the air conditioning of the interior of a vehicle 300 ).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended to illustrate only the principle of the proposed devices and systems.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

The fuel cell system

101

fuel cell

102

fuel cell stack

103

Control unit (fuel cell system)

110

pressure vessel

112

management

130

energy storage

201

anode

202

cathode

203

separator

204

contact part

205

Oxidant conveyor

211

fuel

212

oxidant

300

vehicle

305

tank opening

310

petrol pump

311

Control unit (fuel pump)

312

User interface (fuel pump)

315

tank line

316

tapping device

400

Method for operating a fuel cell system

401.402

steps

Claims (11)

Control unit (103) for a fuel cell system (100); wherein the fuel cell system (100) comprises a fuel cell stack (102) and a pressure vessel (110) for storing fuel (211); wherein the control unit (103) is set up, - to determine status information relating to a refueling operation for refueling the pressure vessel (110); and - Activate the fuel cell stack (102) in response to the status information. Control unit (103) according to Claim 1 wherein the control unit (103) is arranged to determine the status information on the basis of - coupling data indicating whether an external tap (316) for refueling the pressure vessel (110) from a tank opening (305) of the pressure vessel (110 ) was decoupled; - coverage data indicating whether the tank opening (305) has been covered; Quantity data relating to an amount of fuel (211) within the pressure vessel (110); and / or pressure data relating to a pressure of the fuel (211) within the pressure vessel (110). Control unit (103) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (103) is set up, to determine on the basis of the status information, whether a refueling process to refuel the pressure vessel (110) has been completed; and - Automatically activate the fuel cell stack (102) depending on whether the refueling process has ended. Control unit (103) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (103) is set up, - Determine driver information regarding a position of a driver of a vehicle (300) in which the fuel cell system (100) is installed; and - Activate the fuel cell stack (102) also in dependence on the driver information. Control unit (103) according to Claim 4 wherein the control unit (103) is configured to determine the driver information based on - sensor data of an occupancy sensor of a driver's seat of the vehicle (300); Data of a keyless entry and / or activation function of the vehicle (300); - Image data of an image sensor of the vehicle (300), wherein the image sensor is set up, at least partially to detect an interior and / or an environment of the vehicle (300); Sensor data of at least one environment sensor, in particular a radar, lidar and / or infrared sensor, of the vehicle (300), the sensor data indicating information relating to an environment of the vehicle (300); - data relating to a central locking of the vehicle (300); and / or data of an electronic communication device of the driver of the vehicle (300). Control unit (103) according to one of Claims 4 to 5 wherein the control unit (103) is set up to determine on the basis of the status information and on the basis of the driver information that the refueling process has been ended, but that a journey of the vehicle (300) takes place only after expiration of a minimum start-up period he follows; and in response to delaying activation of the fuel cell stack (102); and / or - based on the status information and based on the driver information, determine that the refueling operation has ended and that the vehicle (300) is being driven at the latest after a minimum start-up period has elapsed; and - in response to automatically activating the fuel cell stack (102). Control unit (103) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (103) is set up, To determine vehicle information regarding a state and / or a function of a vehicle (300) in which the fuel cell system (100) is installed; and - Activate the fuel cell stack (102) also in dependence on the vehicle information. Control unit (103) according to Claim 7 wherein the vehicle information indicates, - information regarding a state of charge of an electrical energy store (130) of the vehicle (300); and / or information relating to an electrically powered vehicle function to be operated in preparation for a drive of the vehicle (300). Control unit (103) according to one of Claims 7 to 8th wherein the control unit (103) is arranged to determine on the basis of the status information and on the basis of the vehicle information that the refueling process has ended and that a state and / or a function of the vehicle (300) also before the start of a Driving the vehicle (300) requires the generation of electrical energy; and - in response to automatically activating the fuel cell stack (102). Control unit (103) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein activating the fuel cell stack (102) comprises supplying fuel (211) and / or oxidant (212) to the fuel cell stack (102); and or - The control unit (103) is adapted to automatically activate the fuel cell stack (102), even without a user of the fuel cell system (100) has explicitly caused the activation of the fuel cell stack (102). A method (400) for operating a fuel cell system (100); wherein the fuel cell system (100) comprises a fuel cell stack (102) and a pressure vessel (110) for storing fuel (211); the method comprising (400) - determining (401) status information relating to a refueling tank refueling operation; and - activating (402) the fuel cell stack (102) in response to the status information.

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