US20080088043A1 - Fuell cell system and operation method of fuel cells - Google Patents

Fuell cell system and operation method of fuel cells Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080088043A1
US20080088043A1 US11/987,069 US98706907A US2008088043A1 US 20080088043 A1 US20080088043 A1 US 20080088043A1 US 98706907 A US98706907 A US 98706907A US 2008088043 A1 US2008088043 A1 US 2008088043A1
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Prior art keywords
water content
pressure
humidifier
exhaust gas
exhaust
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Abandoned
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US11/987,069
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English (en)
Inventor
Yamazaki Daisuke
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Toyota Motor Corp
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Individual
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Assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YAMAZAKI, DAISUKE
Publication of US20080088043A1 publication Critical patent/US20080088043A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • 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
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
    • H01M8/04126—Humidifying
    • H01M8/04141—Humidifying by water containing exhaust gases
    • 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
    • H01M8/04492—Humidity; Ambient humidity; Water content
    • H01M8/04522—Humidity; Ambient humidity; Water content of cathode 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
    • H01M8/04761—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
    • H01M8/10—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
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • 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
    • H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
    • H01M8/0435—Temperature; Ambient temperature of cathode 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
    • H01M8/04313—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
    • H01M8/0441—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow of cathode exhausts
    • 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
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fuel cell system including fuel cells that receive supplies of predetermined gases to generate electric power. More specifically the invention pertains to humidification control with the water content included in an exhaust gas from the fuel cells.
  • a fuel cell system that receives supplies of hydrogen gas and the air as reactive gases and generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen included in the air
  • humidification of the air supplied to the fuel cells is required to ensure sufficiently high power generation efficiency.
  • One proposed technique applied to the fuel cell system uses a humidifier to humidify the air supplied to the fuel cells with the water content included in an exhaust gas produced on an oxygen electrode by the electrochemical reaction (see, for example, JP-A-2002-75418).
  • the fuel cell system disclosed in the cited patent document causes the air passing through the fuel cells (hereafter referred to as the exhaust gas) to be discharged outside via the humidifier.
  • This fuel cell system has a first pressure regulator located between the fuel cells and the humidifier (that is, located upstream the humidifier) in the flow path of the exhaust gas and a second pressure regulator located downstream the humidifier.
  • the opening of the second pressure regulator is increased to lower the internal pressure of the humidifier.
  • Such control is expected to vaporize the water content included in the exhaust gas to steam and enhance the humidification efficiency of the humidifier.
  • This prior art technique does not take into account the exhaust gas discharged outside of the fuel cells and may thus cause undesirable deterioration of the humidification performance of the humidifier according to the quantity of the exhaust gas discharged outside.
  • the water content in the exhaust gas is not wholly used by the humidifier, but part of the water content is discharged outside with the air as the exhaust gas.
  • the water content included in the exhaust gas represents water produced in the course of power generation by the fuel cells and depends upon the amount of power generation. For example, the higher flow rate of the air supplied to the fuel cells for the increased amount of power generation results in the higher flow rate of the exhaust gas. In such circumstances, an increase in amount of steam may only raise the water content discharged outside as the exhaust gas. This may decrease the water content used for humidification and lower the humidification performance of the humidifier.
  • the object of the invention is thus to take into account the potential problem of the prior art technique that may decrease the humidification performance of the humidifier and to provide a fuel cell system that ensures adequate humidification control.
  • the present invention is directed to a fuel cell system including fuel cells that receive supplies of predetermined gases to generate electric power.
  • the fuel cell system of the invention includes: a humidifier that is provided in a flow path of an exhaust gas from the fuel cells and humidifies at least one of the predetermined gases supplied to the fuel cells with water content included in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cells; an exhaust water content detection module that detects an exhaust water content, which is included in the exhaust gas and is discharged downstream the humidifier; and a regulation module that, in response to detection of the exhaust water content of not lower than a preset level, restricts the exhaust water content discharged downstream the humidifier.
  • the fuel cell system of the invention detects the exhaust water content discharged downstream the humidifier and restricts the exhaust water content in response to detection of the exhaust water content of not lower than the preset level.
  • the technique of the invention controls the water content discharged downstream the humidifier and enables a greater portion of the water content included in the exhaust gas to be used for humidification of the supplied gas in the humidifier. This arrangement desirably prevents a decrease in humidification efficiency of the humidifier and thus ensures adequate humidification by the humidifier.
  • the exhaust water content detection module detects the exhaust water content, which is included in the exhaust gas and is discharged downstream the humidifier, by measurement of a physical quantity affecting the exhaust water content.
  • the fuel cell system of this application measures the physical quantity affecting the exhaust water content and detects the exhaust water content based on the measured physical quantity. Namely the exhaust water content is obtainable indirectly from the physical quantity.
  • the physical quantity may be, for example, atmospheric pressure, outlet temperature of the exhaust gas from the fuel cells, or flow rate of the exhaust gas from the fuel cells.
  • the physical quantity used in the invention is, however, not restricted to these examples but may be any physical quantity affecting the exhaust water content.
  • the exhaust water content of not lower than the preset level is detected under the condition that the measured atmospheric pressure is lower than a preset reference pressure.
  • the fuel cell system controls the exhaust water content discharged downstream the humidifier. This arrangement ensures adequate humidification during operation of the fuel cell system even in the environment of the low atmospheric pressure.
  • the exhaust water content of not lower than the preset level is detected under the condition that the measured outlet temperature of the exhaust gas is higher than a preset reference temperature.
  • the fuel cell system controls the water content discharged downstream the humidifier. This arrangement uses the generally measured temperature to readily detect the exhaust water content.
  • the exhaust water content of not lower than the preset level is detected under the condition that the measured flow rate of the exhaust gas is higher than a preset reference value.
  • the high flow rate of the exhaust gas leads to the high flow velocity of the exhaust gas passing through the humidifier and results in insufficient humidification in the humidifier.
  • the fuel cell system controls the water content discharged downstream the humidifier. This arrangement ensures adequate humidification by the humidifier.
  • the regulation module has a downstream pressure regulator that is located downstream the humidifier in the flow path of the exhaust gas to regulate pressure of the exhaust gas and accordingly regulate internal pressure of the supplied gas in the fuel cells.
  • the regulation module activates the downstream pressure regulator to perform pressure regulation for restriction of the exhaust water content discharged downstream the humidifier.
  • the pressure regulation by the downstream pressure regulator is performed to restrict the flow rate of the exhaust water content. This arrangement ensures the relatively easy system construction by simply locating the pressure regulator downstream the humidifier.
  • the regulation module further has an upstream pressure regulator that is located upstream the humidifier in the flow path of the exhaust gas to regulate the pressure of the exhaust gas and accordingly regulate the internal pressure of the supplied gas in the fuel cells.
  • the regulation module activates the upstream pressure regulator to perform the pressure regulation, instead of the pressure regulation by the downstream pressure regulation, in response to detection of the exhaust water content of lower than the preset level.
  • the regulation module in the state of the low exhaust water content, does not restrict the flow rate of the exhaust water content discharged downstream the humidifier but performs the pressure regulation by the upstream pressure regulator.
  • the pressure regulation by the upstream pressure regulator located closer to the fuel cells desirably prevents a response delay and ensures the good controllability.
  • the fuel cell system further has a humidification demand estimation module that estimates a humidification demand corresponding to a state of power generation by the fuel cells.
  • the regulation module activates the upstream pressure regulator to perform the pressure regulation, irrespective of detection of the exhaust water content of lower than or not lower than the preset level.
  • the upstream pressure regulator in response to a low humidification demand, the upstream pressure regulator is activated to perform the pressure regulation. Even in the case of an increase in exhaust water content to or over the preset level, when the humidification demand is relatively low, the pressure regulation by the upstream pressure regulator is performed with the priority placed on the controllability over the humidification efficiency of the humidifier. This arrangement ensures adequate humidification according to the requirements.
  • the operation method detects an exhaust water content, which is included in the exhaust gas and is discharged downstream the humidifier, and in response to detection of the exhaust water content, restricts the exhaust water content discharged downstream the humidifier to be not lower than a preset level.
  • the present invention is also directed to another fuel cell system including fuel cells that receive supplies of predetermined gases to generate electric power, as well as to a corresponding fuel cell operation method.
  • This fuel cell system further includes: a humidifier that is provided in a flow path of an exhaust gas from the fuel cells and humidifies at least one of the predetermined gases supplied to the fuel cells with water content included in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cells; a decision module that identifies satisfaction or dissatisfaction of a condition for increasing an exhaust water content, which is included in the exhaust gas and is discharged downstream the humidifier, based on a state quantity of the exhaust gas; and a pressure increase module that, upon satisfaction of the condition for increasing the exhaust water content, increases pressure of the exhaust gas in the humidifier to enhance a humidification efficiency of the humidifier.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the configuration of a fuel cell system embodying the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a pressure regulation process of a first embodiment executed in the fuel cell system of the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a pressure regulation process of a second embodiment executed in the fuel cell system of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a modified pressure regulation process, which includes decision based on a humidification demand, in addition to the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the configuration of a fuel cell system 10 embodying the invention.
  • the fuel cell system 10 includes a stack of fuel cells or fuel cell stack 20 that receives supplies of hydrogen gas and the air as reactive gases and generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen included in the air.
  • the fuel cell system 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) to work as a driving source for driving the vehicle with the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the fuel cell system 10 includes a hydrogen flow system 30 to feed the hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 20 , an air flow system 40 to feed the air to the fuel cell stack 20 , and a control unit 120 to control the constituents of the fuel cell system 10 , in addition to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the fuel cell stack 20 has a number of unit cells 21 that are laminated one another and individually have a hydrogen electrode (anode) and an oxygen electrode (cathode), and a pair of end plates 28 and 29 that are placed on the respective ends of the laminate of the unit cells 21 .
  • Each unit cell 21 has a separator, an anode, an electrolyte membrane, a cathode, and another separator laid one upon another in this order.
  • the separators respectively have a flow path of the hydrogen gas and a flow path of the air.
  • the flow paths of each fluid formed in the respective unit cells 21 join together and are connected to an inlet port of the fluid provided on the end plate 28 .
  • the hydrogen gas and the air supplied from the outside of the fuel cell stack 20 to the respective inlet ports are thus smoothly flowed to the individual unit cells 21 .
  • the end plate 28 also has an inlet port for a cooling medium, which is supplied from the outside of the fuel cell stack 20 to cool down the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the hydrogen gas supplied to the anodes of the respective unit cells 21 is converted to hydrogen ion by catalysis in catalyst layers of the respective anodes.
  • the hydrogen ion passes through the electrolyte membranes to the cathodes to react with oxygen included in the air supplied to the cathodes.
  • the unit cells 21 generate electric power through this electrochemical reaction.
  • the fuel cell stack 20 has a plurality of such unit cells 21 connected in series to output high electric power.
  • the electrolyte membranes used are solid polymer electrolyte membranes that have high operation performance in a predetermined range of humid environment.
  • the hydrogen flow system 30 includes a hydrogen tank 31 for storage of high-pressure hydrogen gas, a hydrogen circulation pump 32 , and valves (not shown).
  • the hydrogen gas after adjustment of the pressure and the flow rate by means of the valves is supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the hydrogen content in the hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 is mainly consumed by the above electrochemical reaction but may partly be unconsumed and discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the hydrogen circulation pump 32 introduces the hydrogen gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 to the fuel cell stack 20 again for the effective use of the hydrogen content unconsumed by the electrochemical reaction and discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the hydrogen gas fed to the fuel cell stack 20 is not restricted to the supply from the storage in the hydrogen tank 31 .
  • a fuel such as methane or methanol, is reformed to produce hydrogen, which is then supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the air flow system 40 mainly has a supply line to feed the air to the fuel cell stack 20 and an exhaust line to introduce the air exhausted from the fuel cell stack 20 to an exhaust system 80 .
  • the supply line has an atmospheric pressure sensor 47 with a built-in semiconductor gauge, an air cleaner 41 for removal of dirt and dust in the air, a hot-wire air flowmeter 42 , an air compressor 43 including a motor as a driving source, an intercooler 44 for cooling down the air to increase the air density, a humidifier 48 for humidifying the supplied air, and supply conduits 45 and 46 for interconnecting these elements.
  • the atmospheric pressure sensor 47 , the air cleaner 41 , the air flowmeter 42 , the air compressor 43 , the intercooler 44 , and the humidifier 48 are arranged in this order along the flow of the air supply to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the outside air is taken in by the operation of the air compressor 43 and is fed to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the outside air taken in by the operation of the air compressor 43 is cleaned by the air cleaner 41 , passes through the air flowmeter 42 , is compressed by the air compressor 43 , is cooled down by the intercooler 44 , and is humidified by the humidifier 48 .
  • the humidified air then flows through the supply conduit 46 connecting with the end plate 28 of the fuel cell stack 20 to be fed to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the humidifier 48 used is a hollow fiber membrane humidifying device.
  • the humidifier 48 has multiple hollow fiber membranes.
  • a dried gas is flowed outside the hollow fiber membranes (this side is called the primary side), while a moist gas is flowed inside the hollow fiber membranes (this side is called the secondary side).
  • the dried gas on the primary side is accordingly humidified with the moist gas on the secondary side.
  • Each hollow fiber membrane has multiple microcapillaries going from the inside to the outside.
  • the steam in the moist gas flowing on the secondary side is sucked out as the water content by capillarity.
  • the sucked-out water content is supplied to the flow of dried gas on the primary side.
  • the primary side of the humidifier 48 is located on the supply line of the air flow system 40 , whereas the secondary side of the humidifier 48 is located on the exhaust line.
  • the air exhausted from the fuel cell stack 20 contains steam as the water content produced on the cathodes by the electrochemical reaction and is thus in the wet condition.
  • the exhausted air in the wet condition is utilized to humidify the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the atmospheric pressure sensor 47 measures a pressure P 1 as the atmospheric pressure of the outside air
  • the air flowmeter 42 measures a flow rate ‘q’ of the air.
  • the measured pressure P 1 and flow rate ‘q’ are output to the control unit 120 and are used for control of the operations of the fuel cell system 10 , for example, for regulation of the motor rotation speed of the air compressor 43 to adjust the supply of the air corresponding to a power generation demand.
  • the exhaust line has a temperature sensor 55 with a built-in thermistor, a semiconductor pressure sensor 56 , a first pressure regulator 50 for regulating the pressure by the valve opening, the humidifier 48 (the secondary side), a second pressure regulator 58 of the same structure as that of the first pressure regulator 50 , and exhaust conduits 51 and 52 for interconnecting these elements.
  • the temperature sensor 55 , the pressure sensor 56 , the first pressure regulator 50 , the humidifier 48 , and the second pressure regulator 58 are arranged in this order along the flow of the air exhaust from the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the air exhausted from the fuel cell stack 20 flows through the exhaust conduits 51 and 52 and is discharged outside.
  • the two pressure regulators 50 and 58 provided on the exhaust line regulate the pressure of the air at the outlet the fuel cell stack 20 and accordingly adjust the pressure of the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 to a predetermined range. Regulation of the outlet pressure (outlet pressure regulation) effectively prevents an excess load from being applied on the electrolyte membranes in the fuel cell stack 20 and enables the air supply to the fuel cell stack 20 at the adequate pressure level.
  • Each of the pressure regulators 50 and 58 has a poppet valve element, which is moved back and forth to adjust the valve opening and accordingly regulate the pressure.
  • the control unit 120 controls the rotational angle of a driving motor for the poppet valve element to adjust the valve opening.
  • the temperature sensor 55 measures a temperature T of the air exhaust from the fuel cell stack 20
  • the pressure sensor 56 measures a pressure P 2 of the air exhaust from the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the measured temperature T and pressure P 2 are output to the control unit 120 and are used for control of the operations of the fuel cell system 10 , especially for a pressure regulation process to optimize humidification of the supplied air by the humidifier 48 .
  • the pressure regulation process here means the outlet pressure regulation executed by either of the two pressure regulators 50 and 58 according to preset conditions.
  • the internal pressure of the humidifier 48 is regulated to the predetermined range to adjust the flow rate of the air that passes through the humidifier 48 and is discharged outside. Adjustment of the flow rate of the air discharged outside desirably enhances the humidification performance of the humidifier 48 .
  • the pressure regulation process will be described later in detail.
  • the control unit 120 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer, and input and output ports.
  • a processing program for the pressure regulation, as well as diversity of other programs for controlling the operations of the whole fuel cell system 10 are stored in the ROM.
  • the CPU loads these programs on the RAM and executes the processing according to the programs.
  • the input port and the output port are respectively connected with various sensors and with various actuators.
  • the control unit 120 receives signals from the various sensors, identifies the driving conditions of the vehicle, and controls the various actuators.
  • the control unit 120 receives inputs from the various sensors, for example, the pressure P 1 , the pressure P 2 , the temperature T, the air flow rate ‘q’, an output current A, an accelerator opening ⁇ , and a vehicle speed V from the atmospheric pressure sensor 47 , the pressure sensor 56 , the temperature sensor 55 , the air flowmeter 42 , an ammeter 95 included in an output system 90 (described later), an accelerator position sensor (not shown), and a vehicle speed sensor (not shown).
  • the control unit 120 then regulates the air compressor 43 , the first pressure regulator 50 , the second pressure regulator 58 , the hydrogen circulation pump 32 , and a pump 72 included in a cooling system 70 (described later) to drive the fuel cell system 10 according to the output demand (power generation demand).
  • the fuel cell stack 20 is connected with the cooling system 70 , the exhaust system 80 , and the output system 90 , as well as with the hydrogen flow system 30 and the air flow system 40 .
  • the cooling system 70 includes a radiator 71 , the pump 72 , and conduits for interconnecting these elements and for connecting with the end plate 28 of the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the electrochemical reaction proceeding in the fuel cell stack 20 is exothermic to raise the inner temperature of the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • a flow of cooling water (cooling medium) introduced into the fuel cell stack 20 to prevent the temperature rise is cooled down by the radiator 71 and is circulated by the pump 72 .
  • a primary element of the exhaust system 80 is a muffler 81 .
  • the air flowing through the exhaust conduit 52 in the air flow system 40 is discharged to the outside air via the muffler 81 .
  • Nitrogen contained in the air may be transmitted through the electrolyte membranes to the anodes and may be concentrated through the circulation of the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen flow system 30 .
  • the exhaust system 80 is also connected with the hydrogen flow system 30 , although not being specifically illustrated. The concentrated nitrogen is diluted with the air and is exhausted outside at preset timings.
  • the output system 90 includes an inverter 91 , a drive motor 92 of the vehicle, a DC-DC converter 93 , and a secondary battery 94 .
  • the electric power generated by the electrochemical reaction of the hydrogen gas and the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 is used via the inverter 91 to actuate the drive motor 92 of the vehicle.
  • An excess electric power generated during cruise drive or under deceleration is regenerated by the motor 92 working as a generator and is accumulated into the secondary battery 94 via the DC-DC converter 93 .
  • the atmospheric pressure sensor 47 , the temperature sensor 55 , the air flowmeter 42 (the air compressor 43 ), and the control unit 120 constitute the exhaust water content detection module in the claims of the invention.
  • the first pressure regulator 50 and the second pressure regulator 58 are respectively equivalent to the upstream pressure regulator and the downstream pressure regulator in the claims of the invention.
  • These pressure regulators 50 and 58 and the control unit 120 constitute the flow rate regulation module in the claims of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a pressure regulation process of a first embodiment executed in the fuel cell system 10 described above.
  • the pressure regulation process is executed by the control unit 120 after supply of the outside air by the air compressor 43 to the fuel cell stack 20 on activation of the fuel cell system 10 .
  • the first pressure regulator 50 and the second pressure regulator 58 are respectively set to a specified opening (default) and to a full open position, simultaneously with the activation of the fuel cell system 10 .
  • the first pressure regulator 50 works to adjust the pressure of the air at the outlet the fuel cell stack 20 to a predetermined range.
  • control unit 120 inputs the pressure P 1 measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 47 (step S 200 ) and determines whether the input pressure P 1 is lower than a preset reference pressure ⁇ (step S 215 ).
  • the atmospheric pressure is a physical quantity affecting the water content in the air flow discharged outside (exhaust water content).
  • the current level of the exhaust water content and the variation in exhaust water content are estimated from the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure.
  • This decision step S 215 with regard to the atmospheric pressure is equivalent to computing the exhaust water content from the measured atmospheric pressure and determining whether the computed exhaust water content is not less than a preset level.
  • the reference pressure ⁇ is set in advance as a standard value reflecting the exhaust water content and is stored in the ROM of the control unit 120 .
  • the reference pressure ⁇ set corresponding to the exhaust water content is used to identify whether the surrounding environment of the fuel cell system 10 is ‘highland’.
  • step S 215 When the input pressure P 1 is lower than the preset reference pressure ⁇ (step S 215 : yes), the surrounding environment of the fuel cell system 10 satisfies the high altitude condition that the atmospheric pressure is lower than the standard value and is thus identified as ‘highland’.
  • the control unit 120 sets the first pressure regulator 50 to its full open position (step S 230 ) and controls the second pressure regulator 58 to perform the outlet pressure regulation (step S 240 ).
  • this step S switches over the pressure regulator performing the outlet pressure regulation.
  • the outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 controls the outlet pressure of the air flow from the fuel cell stack 20 (eventually equivalent to the inlet pressure of the air flow) to the predetermined range. For example, when the current power generation level of the fuel cell stack 20 is excess over a power generation demand, the control unit 120 lowers the motor rotation speed of the air compressor 43 to decrease the flow rate of the air supply to the fuel cell stack 20 . The decreased flow rate reduces the internal pressure of the exhaust conduit 51 . The control unit 120 then detects this pressure fall in the exhaust conduit 51 based on the measurement result of the pressure P 2 by the pressure sensor 56 and decreases the opening of the second pressure regulator 58 (that is, restricts the flow path) to raise the lowered pressure P 2 .
  • the control unit 120 raises the motor rotation speed of the air compressor 43 to increase the flow rate of the air supply to the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the increased flow rate heightens the internal pressure of the exhaust conduit 51 .
  • the control unit 120 detects this pressure rise in the exhaust conduit 51 based on the measurement result of the pressure P 2 by the pressure sensor 56 and increases the opening of the second pressure regulator 58 (that is, opens the flow path) to lower the raised pressure P 2 .
  • the control unit 120 repeats this series of pressure regulation to keep the internal pressure of the fuel cell stack 20 at a substantially constant level.
  • the outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 restricts the flow rate of the air discharged downstream the humidifier 48 and regulates the internal pressure of the humidifier 48 placed upstream the second pressure regulator 58 to a predetermined range of higher than the atmospheric pressure. After execution of this outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period, the processing flow goes to Next. This series of processing described above is repeated at preset timings.
  • the second pressure regulator 58 is regulated to a pressure level determined by subtracting a pressure loss of the humidifier 48 from a target pressure value at the outlet of the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • step S 215 When the input pressure P 1 is not lower than the preset reference pressure ⁇ (step S 215 : no), on the other hand, the surrounding environment of the fuel cell system 10 does not satisfy the high altitude condition that the atmospheric pressure is lower than the standard value and is thus identified as not ‘highland’.
  • the control unit 120 sets the second pressure regulator 58 to its full open position (step S 260 ) and controls the first pressure regulator 50 to perform the outlet pressure regulation (step S 270 ).
  • this step S continues the outlet pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 .
  • the outlet pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 is performed in the similar manner to the outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 described above to keep the internal pressure of the fuel cell stack 20 at the substantially constant level. After execution of the outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period, the processing flow goes to Next. The above series of processing is repeated at preset timings.
  • the outlet pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 does not regulate the internal pressure of the humidifier 48 located downstream the first pressure regulator 50 but makes the internal pressure approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment uses the second pressure regulator 58 located downstream the humidifier 48 to regulate the internal pressure of the fuel cell stack 20 (to regulate the outlet pressure of the air flow).
  • the control unit 120 decreases the opening of the second pressure regulator 58 to restrict the flow path and adjust the air pressure in the fuel cell stack 20 to the predetermined range of higher than the atmospheric pressure.
  • the enhanced humidification efficiency increases the rate of the water content used for humidification of the air flow passing through the humidifier 48 .
  • the enhanced humidification efficiency of the humidifier 48 to increase the rate of the water content used for humidification results in reducing the water content discharged with the exhaust gas.
  • the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment thus reduces the water content discharged outside the humidifier 48 (exhaust water content) in the environment of the high altitude condition, compared with the pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 located upstream the humidifier 48 .
  • the pressure regulation process of this embodiment effectively prevents a decrease in steam exchange efficiency in the humidifier 48 and ensures the sufficient air humidification even in the environment of the high altitude condition.
  • the internal pressure of the humidifier 48 In regulation of the internal pressure of the fuel cell stack 20 by the first pressure regulator 50 located upstream the humidifier 48 in the environment of the high altitude condition, the internal pressure of the humidifier 48 (more specifically the pressure on the side of the moist air flow) drops to the atmospheric pressure level to worsen the humidification efficiency.
  • the poor humidification efficiency reduces the water content used for humidification and increases the amount of steam included in the air flow passing through the humidifier 48 . This may cause a large quantity of steam (water content) to be discharged outside with the air flow.
  • the pressure regulation process of this embodiment refers to the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure and identifies an increase in water content of the air flow exhausted from the fuel cell stack 20 (exhaust water content) to or over a preset level and reduces the exhaust water content taken out of the humidifier 48 .
  • This arrangement ensures the adequate humidification of the air flow with the balanced water content during the operations of the fuel cell system 10 even under the high altitude condition of the low atmospheric pressure, thus effectively preventing deterioration of the performance of the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the outlet pressure regulation is performed by the first pressure regulator 50 located upstream the humidifier 48 in the environment of no high altitude condition. In this case, the humidification performance of the humidifier 48 is not significantly lowered but ensures the adequate humidification of the air flow.
  • the outlet pressure regulation by the pressure regulator at the position close to the air flow outlet of the fuel cell stack 20 enhances the response of pressure regulation.
  • the pressure regulation process of this embodiment uses the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure by the atmospheric pressure sensor 47 located on the air intake side to identify satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the high altitude condition.
  • One modified procedure may measure the pressure of the exhaust gas as one state quantity of the exhaust gas in the humidifier 48 and identify satisfaction of the high altitude condition based on the measured pressure of not higher than a specified level.
  • Another possible modification may obtain altitude data from a car navigation system or another equivalent device to identify satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the high altitude condition.
  • the state quantity of the exhaust gas is not restricted to the pressure of the exhaust gas but may be the temperature of the exhaust gas or the flow rate (flow velocity) of the exhaust gas as described below in another embodiment or a modified example.
  • the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is used as the electrolyte membrane in the fuel cell system 10 of the embodiment.
  • the electrolyte membrane is, however, not restricted to this example but may be any other electrolyte membrane having the high operation performance in a predetermined range of humid environment.
  • the pressure regulation process of the embodiment is applicable to attain the adequate humidification of the air flow in any fuel cell system including fuel cells with such electrolyte membranes and a humidifier for utilizing the water content in the exhaust gas to humidify the supplied air.
  • the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment identifies an increase in exhaust water content discharged from the humidifier 48 to or over a preset level, on the basis of the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure.
  • a pressure regulation process of a second embodiment identifies an increase in exhaust water content to or over the preset level, on the basis of the measurement result of outlet temperature of the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • the pressure regulation process of the second embodiment takes a different decision base for identification of the increase in exhaust water content from that of the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment but is otherwise similar to the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment (substantially similar outlet pressure regulation by either of the pressure regulators).
  • the outlet pressure regulation performed in the second embodiment is thus only briefly mentioned.
  • the hardware configuration for executing the pressure regulation process of the second embodiment is basically identical with the hardware configuration of the fuel cell system 10 shown in FIG. 1 and is thus not specifically described here.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the pressure regulation process of the second embodiment executed in the fuel cell system 10 .
  • a processing program for the pressure regulation is stored in the ROM of the control unit 120 .
  • the CPU of the control unit 120 reads the processing program from the ROM and loads the processing program on the RAM to execute the pressure regulation process of the second embodiment.
  • control unit 120 inputs an outlet temperature T of the air flow from the fuel cell stack 20 measured by the temperature sensor 55 (step S 300 ) and determines whether the outlet temperature T is higher than a preset reference temperature ⁇ (step S 315 ).
  • the outlet temperature of the air flow from the fuel cell stack 20 is a physical quantity affecting the exhaust water content.
  • the current level of the exhaust water content and the variation in exhaust water content are estimated from the measurement result of the outlet temperature.
  • This decision step S 315 with regard to the outlet temperature is equivalent to computing the exhaust water content from the measured outlet temperature and determining whether the computed exhaust water content is not less than a preset level.
  • the reference temperature ⁇ is set in advance as a standard value reflecting the exhaust water content and is stored in the ROM of the control unit 120 .
  • step S 315 When the outlet temperature T is higher than the preset reference temperature ⁇ (step S 315 : yes), an increase in steam (water content) of the air flow is expected.
  • the control unit 120 sets the first pressure regulator 50 to its full open position (step S 330 ), controls the second pressure regulator 58 to perform the outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period (step S 340 ), and goes to Next. This series of processing is repeated at preset timings.
  • the setting of the opening of the first pressure regulator 50 and the outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 are identical with the processing of steps S 230 and S 240 in the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 .
  • step S 315 When the outlet temperature T is not higher than the preset reference temperature ⁇ (step S 315 : no), on the other hand, no increase in steam (water content) of the air flow is expected.
  • the control unit 120 sets the second pressure regulator 58 to its full open position (step S 360 ), controls the first pressure regulator 50 to perform the outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period (step S 370 ), and goes to Next. This series of processing is repeated at preset timings.
  • the setting of the opening of the second pressure regulator 58 and the outlet pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 are identical with the processing of steps S 260 and S 270 in the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 .
  • the pressure regulation process of the second embodiment controls the second pressure regulator 58 to perform the outlet pressure regulation and restricts the flow rate of the air discharged downstream the humidifier 48 .
  • the pressure regulation process of the second embodiment controls the water content discharged outside the humidifier 48 (exhaust water content) and ensures the adequate humidification by the humidifier 48 .
  • the physical quantity of the reactive gas for example, the outlet temperature T of the air flow from the fuel cell stack 20 , is generally measured for control of the fuel cell system 10 .
  • the use of this physical quantity for pressure regulation facilitates construction of the pressure regulation system.
  • the flow rate ‘q’ of the air supply to the fuel cell stack 20 may be used, in place of the outlet temperature T, to identify the increase in exhaust water content to or over the preset level.
  • control unit 120 inputs the measurement result (flow rate ‘q’) of the air flowmeter 42 and compares the input flow rate ‘q’ with a preset reference value, instead of the processing of steps S 300 and S 315 in the pressure regulation process of FIG. 3 .
  • the modified pressure regulation process goes to steps S 330 and S 340 to perform the outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 .
  • the modified pressure regulation process goes to steps S 360 and S 370 to perform the outlet pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 .
  • An increase in flow rate ‘q’ supplied per unit time over the preset reference value increases the flow velocity of the air discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 and lowers the humidification performance of the humidifier 48 .
  • This reference value is set corresponding to the exhaust water content like the reference pressure and the reference temperature used in the first and the second embodiments.
  • the outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 located downstream the humidifier 48 is performed to restrict the flow rate of the air discharged downstream the humidifier 48 .
  • This outlet pressure regulation by the second pressure regulator 58 decreases the water content discharged outside the humidifier 48 (exhaust water content), compared with the outlet pressure regulation by the first pressure regulator 50 .
  • the flow rate of the supplied air may be estimated from the motor rotation speed of the air compressor 43 .
  • the pressure regulation processes of the first and the second embodiments described above compute the exhaust water content from the measured physical quantity, for example, the measured atmospheric pressure or the measured outlet temperature, to set the reference pressure ⁇ or the reference temperature ⁇ . Computation of the exhaust water content is, however, not essential. A physical quantity experimentally or otherwise correlated to the exhaust water content may be used to set the reference pressure or the reference temperature, while the exhaust water content is kept undetermined.
  • the pressure regulation processes of the first and the second embodiments restrict the flow rate of the air discharged downstream the humidifier 48 , based on the comparison between the measurement result and the preset reference value.
  • One possible modification may increase the restriction degree of the flow rate with an increase in exhaust water content (linear control). For example, the restriction degree of the flow rate is determined corresponding to the given atmospheric pressure by referring to a predetermined correlation map.
  • the pressure regulation process described above uses only one of the atmospheric pressure, the outlet temperature, and the flow rate of the supplied air as the basis of identification of the increase in exhaust water content.
  • One modified procedure may input all these physical quantities and perform the outlet pressure regulation by the pressure regulator located downstream the humidifier when any one of the input physical quantities satisfies the preset condition.
  • the pressure regulation processes of the first and the second embodiments specify one of the two pressure regulators located upstream and downstream the humidifier to be used for execution of the outlet pressure regulation, on the basis of the measurement result of the atmospheric pressure or the outlet temperature (or the flow rate of the supplied air).
  • the pressure regulator to be used for execution of the outlet pressure regulation may be specified by additionally taking into account a humidification demand required for the adequate power generation by the fuel cell stack 20 .
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a modified pressure regulation process, which includes decision based on a humidification demand, in addition to the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment.
  • This pressure regulation process is executed by the control unit 120 , like the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 .
  • the like step numbers denote the like processing steps to those in the pressure regulation process of the first embodiment.
  • the control unit 120 inputs the pressure P 1 as the measured atmospheric pressure (step S 200 ) and determines whether the atmospheric pressure is lower than the standard value (reference pressure ⁇ ) (step S 215 ).
  • the control unit 120 sets the second pressure regulator 58 to its full open position (step S 260 ), controls the first pressure regulator 50 to perform the outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period (step S 270 ), and goes to Next. Namely the pressure regulator 50 located upstream the humidifier 48 is controlled to execute the outlet pressure regulation for the specific time period. This series of processing is repeated at preset timings.
  • step S 215 When the atmospheric pressure is lower than the standard value (step S 215 : yes), on the other hand, the control unit 120 computes a humidification demand from the measurement values of the various sensors (step S 420 ).
  • the concrete procedure of the computation first calculates the quantity of the supplied air from the measurement value of the air flowmeter 42 , the consumption of oxygen for the electrochemical reaction and the quantity of water produced by the electrochemical reaction from the measurement value of the ammeter 95 , and the flow rate of the exhausted air flow from the measurement values of the temperature sensor 55 , the pressure sensor 56 , and the openings of the pressure regulators 50 and 58 .
  • the procedure then computes the current water content included in the air flow in the fuel cell stack 20 and refers to a correlation map of the water content to the amount of power generation to determine the humidification demand required for the adequate power generation corresponding to the computed water content.
  • the control unit 120 determines whether the computed humidification demand is greater than a preset value ⁇ (step S 425 ).
  • step S 425 When the computed humidification demand is greater than the preset value ⁇ (step S 425 : yes), the control unit 120 sets the first pressure regulator 50 to its full open position (step S 230 ), controls the second pressure regulator 58 to perform the outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period (step S 240 ), and goes to Next. Namely the pressure regulator 58 located downstream the humidifier 48 is controlled to execute the outlet pressure regulation for the specific time period. This series of processing is repeated at preset timings.
  • step S 425 When the computed humidification demand is not greater than the preset value ⁇ (step S 425 : no), on the other hand, the control unit 120 sets the second pressure regulator 58 to its full open position (step S 260 ), controls the first pressure regulator 50 to perform the outlet pressure regulation for a specific time period (step S 270 ), and goes to Next. Namely the pressure regulator 50 located upstream the humidifier 48 is controlled to execute the outlet pressure regulation for the specific time period. This series of processing is repeated at preset timings.
  • the modified pressure regulation process controls the pressure regulator 50 located upstream the humidifier 48 to perform the outlet pressure regulation even under the high altitude condition of the low atmospheric pressure, when the humidification demand is not greater than the preset value. Even in the case of an increase in exhaust water content to or over the preset level, there is no high necessity of significant humidification when the humidification demand currently required in the fuel cell stack 20 is not greater than the preset value. In such cases, priority is placed on the response (controllability) of the outlet pressure of the air flow from the fuel cell stack 20 . The outlet pressure regulation is thus performed by the first pressure regulator 50 at the position close to the outlet of the air flow from the fuel cell stack 20 . This enables regulation of the outlet pressure with high response.
  • the pressure regulators are provided upstream and downstream the humidifier, and the pressure regulator used for regulation of the outlet pressure of the air flow from the fuel cell stack is switched over according to the predetermined condition.
  • Such switchover of the pressure regulator used for the outlet pressure regulation is, however, not essential.
  • the outlet pressure regulation is unconditionally performed by the pressure regulator located upstream the humidifier.
  • the pressure regulation may decrease the opening of the pressure regulator located downstream the humidifier (to restrict the flow path). This decreases the water content discharged outside and prevents deterioration of the humidification performance of the humidifier, while facilitating control of the two pressure regulators.

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US11/987,069 2005-05-27 2007-11-27 Fuell cell system and operation method of fuel cells Abandoned US20080088043A1 (en)

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US20100047643A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2010-02-25 Akinori Yukimasa Fuel cell system
EP2164123A1 (de) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-17 SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG Erhöhung der Wasserrückgewinnung und Wärmerückgewinnung eines Direkt-Methanol-Brennstoffzellensystems
US9768456B1 (en) 2016-03-15 2017-09-19 Hyundai Motor Company Fuel cell control method and apparatus through estimation of amount of water
US10944118B2 (en) * 2016-12-16 2021-03-09 Hyundai Motor Company Fuel cell system for preventing flooding of a fuel cell stack
US20220302481A1 (en) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell system and method of low temperature starting of fuel cell system
WO2022253790A2 (fr) 2021-06-02 2022-12-08 Safran Power Units Procédé et module de commande d'une vanne de régulation de la pression interne d'un circuit de fluide dans un dispositif électrochimique
EP4266432A1 (en) * 2022-04-19 2023-10-25 Volvo Truck Corporation An air management system and a method for controlling intake air pressure and exhaust back pressure of a fuel cell system

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JP5314333B2 (ja) * 2008-06-19 2013-10-16 本田技研工業株式会社 燃料電池車両およびその高地における制御方法
US10249889B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2019-04-02 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell system
JP6877803B1 (ja) * 2020-12-11 2021-05-26 株式会社フクハラ 燃料電池に接続される圧縮空気圧回路構造
DE102021213328A1 (de) 2021-11-26 2023-06-01 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Brennstoffzellensystem und Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Brennstoffzellensystems

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US20100047643A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2010-02-25 Akinori Yukimasa Fuel cell system
US20090133943A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicle mounted with fuel cell power supply system
US8037956B2 (en) * 2007-11-27 2011-10-18 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicle mounted with fuel cell power supply system
EP2164123A1 (de) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-17 SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG Erhöhung der Wasserrückgewinnung und Wärmerückgewinnung eines Direkt-Methanol-Brennstoffzellensystems
US9768456B1 (en) 2016-03-15 2017-09-19 Hyundai Motor Company Fuel cell control method and apparatus through estimation of amount of water
US10944118B2 (en) * 2016-12-16 2021-03-09 Hyundai Motor Company Fuel cell system for preventing flooding of a fuel cell stack
US20220302481A1 (en) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell system and method of low temperature starting of fuel cell system
US11735752B2 (en) * 2021-03-18 2023-08-22 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell system and method of low temperature starting of fuel cell system
WO2022253790A2 (fr) 2021-06-02 2022-12-08 Safran Power Units Procédé et module de commande d'une vanne de régulation de la pression interne d'un circuit de fluide dans un dispositif électrochimique
FR3123764A1 (fr) * 2021-06-02 2022-12-09 Safran Power Units Procédé et module de commande d’une vanne de régulation de la pression interne d’un circuit de fluide dans un dispositif électrochimique
WO2022253790A3 (fr) * 2021-06-02 2023-03-09 Safran Power Units Procédé et module de commande d'une vanne de régulation de la pression interne d'un circuit de fluide dans un dispositif électrochimique
EP4266432A1 (en) * 2022-04-19 2023-10-25 Volvo Truck Corporation An air management system and a method for controlling intake air pressure and exhaust back pressure of a fuel cell system

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WO2006126746A1 (ja) 2006-11-30
DE112006001344T5 (de) 2008-04-17

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