JP6913788B2 - Fuel cell vehicle test system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel cell vehicle test system or the like for testing a fuel cell vehicle for evaluation or the like, and particularly to a system preferably used for a power system test of a fuel cell vehicle.

In order to confirm the performance of a power system before mounting it on a fuel cell vehicle and to evaluate a power system under development, a system for testing the power system alone is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a power system of a fuel cell vehicle (here, an electric motor and its control device) is connected to a dynamo and an evaluation test of the power system is performed. In this configuration, an actual fuel cell or auxiliary battery for supplying electric power or storing regenerative electric power is connected to the electric motor.

However, in the above-mentioned system, since a high-pressure hydrogen tank or the like is required because an actual fuel cell is used, there arises a problem such as safety related to the handling thereof. Therefore, the surrounding equipment becomes large-scale, and it takes a lot of time and effort to set up for safety assurance.

In addition, since the state of a fuel cell changes under the influence of temperature, humidity, hydrogen pressure, etc., it is difficult to carry out repeated tests under the same conditions, for example, and there is a risk that development and defect identification cannot be carried out smoothly.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-91410

Therefore, the present invention has been made so that the test of the power system of the fuel cell vehicle alone can be carried out more easily, safely and with high reliability.

That is, the fuel cell vehicle test system according to the present invention is mounted on the fuel cell vehicle and a dynamometer connected to the output shaft of the electric motor mounted on the fuel cell vehicle to give a simulated running load to the electric motor. It is characterized by including a supply power simulator that simulates the operation of a fuel cell and supplies power to be supplied from the fuel cell to the electric motor to the electric motor.

If this is the case, the fuel cell will not be required when testing the power system of the fuel cell vehicle, and the high-pressure hydrogen tank will also be unnecessary, so the test can be performed more safely with simple equipment. Will be. In addition, since a simulated fuel cell is used, there is no unexpected fluctuation factor unlike an actual fuel cell, and it is possible to perform a test with high repetitive reliability.

Fuel cell vehicles may be equipped with an auxiliary battery that assists the fuel cell. If the power supply simulator also has a function of simulating the operation of the auxiliary battery, a simpler and more repetitive and reliable test can be performed.

As a specific embodiment, the power supply simulator is configured to switch between a case of simulating the operation of the fuel cell and a case of simulating the operation of the auxiliary battery according to the test situation. It can be mentioned, and more preferably, the one which is configured to switch even when the operation of both the fuel cell and the auxiliary battery is simulated at the same time according to the test situation.

For example, in order to make it possible for users such as vehicle manufacturers to freely install control sequences for fuel cells and to contribute to the development of fuel cell vehicles by users, accelerator opening, brake step, etc. It is preferable that a main control device for controlling the fuel cell is further provided based on at least the traveling data according to the above, and the control sequence data of the main control device is rewritable by the user.

With such a thing, not only can the power system of the fuel cell vehicle be tested easily and safely, but also the repetitive reliability of the test can be improved.

The whole schematic diagram which shows the fuel cell vehicle test system in one Embodiment of this invention. An equivalent circuit of the power supply simulator in the same embodiment. The functional block diagram of the main control device in the same embodiment. An example of an IV characteristic map of a fuel cell.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The fuel cell vehicle test system 100 according to the present embodiment tests the power system PU of the fuel cell vehicle as a single unit, and as shown in FIG. 1, the dynamometer 11, the traveling data adding device 2, and the main control device 4 And has a power supply simulator 3.

The power system PU here refers to a traveling electric motor M (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an electric motor M) mounted on a fuel cell vehicle, and an inverter type motor drive control device INV (hereinafter, simply referred to as an electric motor M) for driving and controlling the electric motor M. , It is also simply referred to as a motor drive control device INV).
Next, each part of the fuel cell vehicle test system 100 will be described.

The dynamometer 1 simulates and applies a load or a driving force acting on the road traveling to the output shaft S of the electric motor M. Specifically, although not shown, this one is provided with a fly hole that reproduces the inertial force generated by the weight of the vehicle body and the like, and an electric motor and its control device for reproducing resistance and the like when traveling on the road. For example, the same one used for an engine vehicle is used.

The travel data addition device 2 is, for example, an information processing device (computer) having a CPU, a memory, a communication port, and the like. This memorizes some driving patterns used in the test. For example, when the driving pattern in the test is determined by the operator, the driving data such as the accelerator opening data and the brake step data in the driving pattern are stored. It is transmitted to the main control device 4.

The main control device 4 is, for example, an information processing device (computer) having a CPU, a memory, a communication port, and the like. Functionally speaking, as shown in FIG. 3, the motor drive control is based on various parameters. It has a main control unit 4a for controlling an apparatus INV, a fuel cell, an auxiliary battery, etc., a parameter reception unit 4b for receiving the parameters, and a control sequence data reception unit 4c for receiving control sequence data of the main control unit 4a. It was done.

The parameters received by the parameter receiving unit 4b are the traveling data, the motor current transmitted from the motor drive control device INV, the motor state data related to the motor rotation speed, and the amount of power generation acquired from the fuel cell. It refers to fuel cell status data related to the remaining amount of fuel (hydrogen), auxiliary battery status data related to power generation / charge amount, remaining power amount, etc. acquired from the auxiliary battery.

The main control unit 4a controls the motor drive control device INV, the fuel cell, and the auxiliary battery based on the traveling data, the motor state data, the fuel cell data, the auxiliary battery data, and the like. For the motor drive control device INV, for example, the motor drive frequency is set, and for the fuel cell and the auxiliary battery, for example, control of the hydrogen supply amount and control of switching which battery is used, etc. Is performed according to the control sequence data stored in the memory.

As described above, the control sequence data receiving unit 4c receives the control sequence data. This control sequence data is acquired from communication, a memory card, or the like, and is rewritable. The reason why the control sequence data receiving unit 4c is provided is that the motor drive control and the fuel cell control according to the running state, the fuel cell state, etc. are different for each user (for example, the vehicle manufacturer), and that is the know-how. In many cases, by providing the control sequence data receiving unit 4c, the user can freely determine or modify the control sequence data by himself / herself so that the control sequence data can be mounted on the main control device 4. be. In this embodiment, the control sequence data as the default is predetermined.

Physically speaking, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply simulator 3 includes, for example, a DC converter 31 that converts an AC current output from a commercial AC power supply AC into a DC current, and the DC converter 31. It is an electric circuit provided with a power control device 32 that controls and controls the output current and output voltage to a desired value. Functionally speaking, it is a fuel cell and an auxiliary battery (charging) mounted on a fuel cell vehicle. It simulates the operation of possible (secondary batteries such as lead storage batteries and lithium ion batteries).

This will be described in detail.
The DC converter 31 is an AC / DC converter (not shown) or an AC / DC converter to which a DC / DC converter (not shown) is added, and is output by, for example, timing control of a switching element (not shown). It is configured so that the voltage and input / output impedance can be adjusted.

The power control device 32 is an electronic circuit including a CPU, a memory, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, an input / output port, and the like, and controls the DC converter 31 according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. By doing so, the power supply simulator 3 is provided with functions as a fuel cell simulating unit 32a that simulates the operation of the fuel cell, an auxiliary battery simulating unit 32b that simulates the operation of the auxiliary battery, and the like (shown in FIG. 2). It is something that can be demonstrated.

Since the fuel cell generates electric power by a chemical reaction, the fuel cell simulating unit 32a is preferably simulated based on the chemical reaction. However, with the above configuration, the calculation takes time, and the real-time property may be sacrificed. Therefore, in this embodiment, with an emphasis on speeding up the calculation, the fuel cell simulating unit 32a is based on an equivalent circuit that is substantially equivalent to an actual fuel cell in terms of internal impedance and responsiveness, as shown in FIG. The voltage and current to be output by the fuel cell are calculated, and a command signal is transmitted so that the DC converter 31 outputs the voltage and current. The equivalent circuit is stored in the memory in advance.

Further, if the fuel cell operates, hydrogen as fuel is consumed, but the fuel cell simulation unit 32a also calculates the hydrogen consumption amount by calculation, and also calculates the remaining fuel so that it can be output. The hydrogen consumption is calculated by, for example, output current × time × coefficient.

In addition to the method using the equivalent circuit, for example, the IV characteristic map of the fuel cell as shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the memory, and the output (current and / or voltage) of the fuel cell is calculated from this IV characteristic map. You may try to do so.

Like the fuel cell simulating unit 32a, the auxiliary battery simulating unit 32b should output an auxiliary battery based on an equivalent circuit (shown in FIG. 2) that is substantially equivalent to an actual auxiliary battery in terms of internal impedance and responsiveness. The voltage and current are calculated, and a command signal is transmitted so that the DC converter 31 outputs the voltage and current.

The equivalent circuit is stored in the memory in advance. In addition to this equivalent circuit, for example, an IV characteristic map (not shown) of the auxiliary battery may be stored in a memory in advance, and the output and input of the auxiliary battery may be calculated from this map.

Further, since the auxiliary battery may be charged by the regenerated electric power from the electric motor M, the auxiliary battery simulation unit 32b here is driven by the electric motor M when the electric motor M is operating as a generator. It is also configured so that, for example, the input impedance of the supply power simulator 3 can be controlled so that the power returned via the control device INV becomes the current and voltage calculated based on the equivalent circuit. .. At this time, the auxiliary battery simulating unit 32b also calculates and outputs the charge amount of the auxiliary battery.

Next, an example of the operation of the fuel cell vehicle test system 100 having such a configuration will be described.
Here, as a control sequence in the fuel cell vehicle, the fuel cell is used when supplying electric power to the electric motor M, and the auxiliary battery is used to store the electric power regenerated from the electric motor M, or the output of the fuel cell is output. The case where it is used as an auxiliary power source when it is lowered will be described.

When the main control device 4 determines from the traveling data, the motor state data, and the like that it is a test situation in which electric power is supplied from the fuel cell to the electric motor M in an actual vehicle, for example, during acceleration. The main control device 4 transmits a control signal for causing the fuel cell to output a predetermined power to the power supply simulator 3.

Then, the fuel cell simulating unit 32a receives this control signal, calculates the voltage and current to be output based on the equivalent circuit of the fuel cell, etc., and outputs this from the DC converter 31. At this time, hydrogen as fuel is actually consumed, so the fuel cell simulation unit 32a obtains the hydrogen consumption amount by calculation, calculates and stores the remaining fuel, and transmits it to the main control device 4.

Further, in the same test, the electric motor M functions as a generator to assist the actual vehicle, such as coasting when the accelerator is released or downhill running, based on the running data, the motor state data, and the like. When the main control device 4 determines that the battery is being charged, the main control device 4 generates a control signal for stopping the output of the fuel cell and charging the auxiliary battery. This is transmitted to the power supply simulator 3.

Then, the fuel cell simulating unit 32a stops its function, while the auxiliary battery simulating unit 32b calculates the voltage and current to be charged in the auxiliary battery based on the equivalent circuit of the auxiliary battery and the like, and calculates the voltage and current. For example, the input impedance of the power supply simulator 3 is controlled so as to obtain the current and voltage.

On the other hand, during the same test, for example, the amount of residual hydrogen calculated by the fuel cell simulation unit 32a from the fuel cell status data and the like is reduced, and in the case of an actual vehicle, the output from the fuel cell is stopped and assisted. When the main control device 4 determines that the vehicle is driven only by the battery, the main control device 4 stops the output of the fuel cell and supplies power to the motor from the auxiliary battery. A control signal is generated and transmitted to the power supply simulator 3.

Then, the fuel cell simulating unit 32a stops its operation, and the auxiliary battery simulating unit 32b outputs the current and voltage calculated based on the equivalent circuit of the auxiliary battery or the like to the electric motor M, or the electric motor M. Allow current and voltage to be input from.

However, according to such a configuration, it is not necessary to prepare a fuel cell when testing the power system PU of a fuel cell vehicle, and a high-pressure hydrogen tank is not required accordingly, so that it is safer with simple equipment. You will be able to test.

In addition, since a simulated fuel cell and a simulated auxiliary battery are used, there are no unexpected fluctuation factors like the actual fuel cell and auxiliary battery, and it is possible to perform repeated and highly reliable tests, shortening the development time of the power system and shortening the development time. It can contribute to solving problems.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, the power supply simulator does not necessarily need an auxiliary battery simulation unit, and an actual auxiliary battery may be used.

Further, in the power supply simulator, either one of the fuel cell simulation unit and the auxiliary battery simulation unit is made to function selectively according to the test situation, but depending on the system in the actual vehicle, both of them are used. May be configured to operate at the same time.

The driving data addition device, the main control device, and the power control device of the power supply simulator do not have to be physically separate, and all the functions may be performed by a single computer, or each function may be further subdivided. Or, the functional unit may be different from that of the above-described embodiment, and a plurality of computers configured to be communicable may be responsible for those functions.
In addition, the anti-invention may be modified or combined in various ways as long as it does not contradict the purpose.

100 ・ ・ ・ Fuel cell vehicle test system M ・ ・ ・ Electric motor S ・ ・ ・ Output shaft 1 ・ ・ ・ Dynamometer 3 ・ ・ ・ Power supply simulator 4 ・ ・ ・ Main control device

Claims (8)

A dynamometer that is connected to the output shaft of an electric motor mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and gives a simulated running load to the electric motor.
The operation of the fuel cell mounted on the fuel cell vehicle is simulated without using a hydrogen tank, and the operation of the auxiliary battery mounted on the fuel cell vehicle to supply auxiliary power to the electric motor is simulated from the fuel cell. A power supply simulator that calculates the electric power to be supplied to the electric motor and supplies the electric power to the electric motor is provided.
A fuel cell vehicle test system in which the power supply simulator is configured to switch between a case of simulating the operation of a fuel cell and a case of simulating the operation of an auxiliary battery according to a test situation. A main control device for controlling the power supply simulator is further provided based on at least the traveling data consisting of the accelerator opening or the brake step and the motor state data consisting of the motor rotation speed of the electric motor.
When the main control device determines from the traveling data or the motor state data that the vehicle is accelerating, the power supply simulator is controlled so as to simulate the output of a predetermined power by the fuel cell. ,
When the main control device determines from the traveling data or the motor state data that the electric motor functions as a generator and the auxiliary battery is charged, the output of the fuel cell is stopped. The fuel cell vehicle test system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply simulator is controlled so as to simulate charging of the auxiliary battery. The power supply simulator is configured to be able to control the input impedance.
A claim that controls the input impedance of the power supply simulator so that the main control device determines that the auxiliary battery is in a state of being charged, so that the voltage and current should be charged to the auxiliary battery. 2. The fuel cell vehicle test system described. The power supply simulator is configured to calculate the hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell that simulates the operation by calculation.
When the main control device determines that the residual hydrogen amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount from the hydrogen consumption amount and the fuel cell vehicle is driven only by the auxiliary battery, the output of the fuel cell is output. The fuel cell vehicle test system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fuel cell vehicle test system controls the power supply simulator so as to stop and simulate power being supplied from the auxiliary battery to the electric motor. The fuel cell vehicle test system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the power supply simulator is configured to switch even when the operation of both the fuel cell and the auxiliary battery is simulated at the same time according to the test situation. The control sequence data of the main control device is configured to be rewritable by the user.
The fuel according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control regarding the simulated operation of the fuel cell or the auxiliary battery of the power supply simulator by the main control device can be changed according to the control sequence data. Battery car test system. The fuel cell vehicle test system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the main control device sets a motor drive frequency for a motor drive control device that controls the electric motor. A program installed in a fuel cell vehicle test system equipped with a dynamometer that is connected to the output shaft of an electric motor mounted on the fuel cell vehicle and applies a simulated running load to the electric motor.
An auxiliary battery mounted on the fuel cell vehicle and providing auxiliary power to the electric motor while simulating the operation of the fuel cell mounted on the fuel cell vehicle in an electric circuit equipped with a CPU without using a hydrogen tank. The operation is simulated, the electric power to be supplied to the electric motor from the fuel cell or the auxiliary battery is calculated, and the power supply simulation function of giving the electric power to the electric motor is exerted.
The program is characterized in that the power supply simulation function is configured to switch between a case of simulating the operation of a fuel cell and a case of simulating the operation of an auxiliary battery according to a test situation.

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