WO2022002085A1 - Thawing system and method for solid oxide fuel cell system - Google Patents

Thawing system and method for solid oxide fuel cell system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022002085A1
WO2022002085A1 PCT/CN2021/103309 CN2021103309W WO2022002085A1 WO 2022002085 A1 WO2022002085 A1 WO 2022002085A1 CN 2021103309 W CN2021103309 W CN 2021103309W WO 2022002085 A1 WO2022002085 A1 WO 2022002085A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
water tank
liquid level
controller
port
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PCT/CN2021/103309
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French (fr)
Inventor
Cuiling SONG
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Ceres Intellectual Property Company Limited
Weichai Power Co., Ltd.
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Application filed by Ceres Intellectual Property Company Limited, Weichai Power Co., Ltd. filed Critical Ceres Intellectual Property Company Limited
Publication of WO2022002085A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022002085A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04253—Means for solving freezing problems
    • 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
    • H01M8/04037—Electrical heating
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04228—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during shut-down
    • 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
    • H01M8/043—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods
    • H01M8/04303—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during shut-down
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01M8/04373—Temperature; Ambient temperature of auxiliary devices, e.g. reformers, compressors, burners
    • 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
    • H01M8/12—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
    • H01M2008/1293—Fuel cells with solid oxide 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
    • 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 pertains to the technical field of solid oxide fuel cells, particularly to a thawing system and method for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • a solid oxide fuel cell is a power generation device that directly converts the chemical energy of the redox reaction between fuel gas and air into electrical energy.
  • a solid oxide fuel cell system needs deionized water during start and operation.
  • a water tank is used for storing deionized water.
  • the reaction H 2 +O 2 H 2 O occurs in the stack and current is generated.
  • the generated deionized water is condensed and recovered and returns to the water tank. That is to say, deionized water in the solid oxide fuel cell system keeps being regenerated and circulated and no other substances can be mixed into the deionized water.
  • the stack can generate power and recover deionized water only after the deionized water has been provided for a period of time, so deionized water needs to be stored for the next start after shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the deionized water in the water tank will be frozen gradually.
  • the ice in the water tank needs to be thawed at first. A water supply state will be entered, followed by a power generation state only after the temperature in the water tank meets the predetermined conditions.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system, which can shorten the thawing time of the ice in the water tank and reduce power consumption of the thawing process.
  • the present application provides a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the thawing system comprises:
  • a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain, wherein the water inlet is in communication with a water recovery device, the water outlet is in communication with a water delivery device, and the drain is connected to a drain pipe;
  • a drain valve mounted on the drain pipe
  • a first temperature sensor arranged inside the water tank
  • a second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature
  • a controller wherein a first port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the first temperature sensor, a second port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the second temperature sensor, a third port of the controller is connected to a signal output port of the liquid level sensor, a fourth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the drain valve, a fifth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the electric heater, and, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown, the controller determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature, controls the drain valve to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank to the target liquid level range.
  • a thermal insulating layer is arranged outside the water tank.
  • the thermal insulating layer can be thermal insulating wool.
  • the electric heater is a resistive electric heater.
  • the drain valve is a normally closed drain valve.
  • the present invention also provides a method of operating a thawing system.
  • the present invention discloses a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the thawing system comprises a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain.
  • a drain valve is mounted on a drain pipe connected to the drain.
  • a first temperature sensor, a liquid level sensor, and an electric heater are arranged inside the water tank.
  • a second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature is arranged outside the water tank.
  • the controller determines a target liquid level range of the water tank according to the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.
  • the target liquid level range can meet the requirements for the amount of deionized water needed for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the actual liquid level of the water tank is adjusted to the target liquid level range. That is to say, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, some deionized water is discharged from the water tank via the drain and meanwhile it is ensured that the remaining deionized water in the water tank is enough for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the thawing time is shortened and the power consumption in the thawing process is reduced.
  • Fig. 1 is a structural schematic view of a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the invention provides a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system, which can shorten the thawing time of the ice in the water tank and reduces power consumption of the thawing process.
  • Fig. 1 is a structural schematic view of a thawing system for solid oxide fuel cell system disclosed by the present application.
  • the thawing system comprises a water tank 1, a drain valve 2, a first temperature sensor 3, a second temperature sensor 4, a liquid level sensor 5, an electric heater 6, and a controller 7.
  • the water tank 1 is used for storing deionized water.
  • the water tank 1 comprises a water inlet 11, a water outlet 12 and a drain 13.
  • the water inlet 11 is in communication with a water recovery device
  • the water outlet 12 is in communication with a water delivery device
  • the drain 14 is connected to a drain pipe.
  • the drain valve 2 is mounted on the drain pipe.
  • the deionized water generated from reactions is recovered by the water recovery device.
  • the recovered deionized water enters the water tank 1 via the water inlet 11 and then flows into the water delivery device via the water outlet 2, and the water delivery device delivers the deionized water to water-needing components in the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the drain valve 2 When the drain valve 2 is open, the water in the water tank 1 is discharged.
  • a first temperature sensor 3 is arranged inside the water tank 1 and is used for detecting temperature in the water tank 1.
  • a second temperature sensor 4 is arranged outside the water tank 1 and is used for detecting ambient temperature.
  • a liquid level sensor 5 is arranged inside the water tank 1 and is used for detecting the liquid level in the water tank 1.
  • An electric heater 6 is arranged inside the water tank 1 and, by means of the electric heater 6, the ice in the water tank 1 can be thawed and deionized water can be further heated.
  • a first port of the controller 7 is connected to a signal output end of the first temperature sensor 3.
  • a second port of the controller 7 is connected to a signal output end of the second temperature sensor 4.
  • a third port of the controller 7 is connected to a signal output port of the liquid level sensor 5.
  • a fourth port of the controller 7 is connected to a control end of the drain valve 2.
  • a fifth port of the controller 7 is connected to a control end of the electric heater 6.
  • the controller 7 determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature, controls the drain valve 2 to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 to the target liquid level range.
  • the controller 7 controls the electric heater 6 to be started.
  • the electric heater heats the ice in the water tank 1 and further heats the deionized water formed from thawing of ice until the actual temperature of the deionized water reaches the predetermined temperature.
  • the present invention provides a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the thawing system comprises a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain.
  • a drain valve is mounted on a drain pipe connected to the drain.
  • a first temperature sensor, a liquid level sensor and an electric heater are arranged inside the water tank.
  • a second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature is arranged outside the water tank.
  • the controller determines a target liquid level range of the water tank according to the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.
  • the target liquid level range can meet the requirements for the amount of deionized water needed for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the actual liquid level of the water tank is adjusted to the target liquid level range. That is to say, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, some deionized water is discharged from the water tank via the drain and meanwhile it is ensured that the remaining deionized water in the water tank is enough for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the thawing time is shortened and the power consumption in the thawing process is reduced.
  • a thermal insulating layer is further arranged on the basis of a thawing system shown in Fig. 1.
  • the thermal insulating layer is arranged outside the water tank 1.
  • the thermal insulating layer outside the water tank 1, heat emission from the water tank 1 to the external space can be reduced, the thawing time can be further shortened, and the power consumption in the thawing process can be further reduced.
  • the thermal insulating layer may comprise thermal insulating wool.
  • the thermal insulating layer may also comprise other thermal insulating materials.
  • the electric heater 6 is a resistive electric heater.
  • the resistive electric heater has the advantages of high heating efficiency and high speed and helps further shortening the thawing time, thereby better meeting the requirements for the time of start of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the electric heater 6 may comprise other types of electric heaters, too, such as an inductive electric heater.
  • the drain valve 2 is a normally closed drain valve. In a natural state, the normally closed drain valve is in a closed state, and when the normally closed drain valve is powered on, the normally closed drain valve is converted from a closed state to an open state.
  • the deionized water generated from reactions is recovered by the water recovery device, the recovered deionized water enters the water tank 1 via the water inlet 11 and then flows into the water delivery device via the water outlet 2, and the water delivery device delivers the deionized water to water-needing components in the solid oxide fuel cell system.
  • the controller 7 determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 4, controls the drain valve 2 to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 to the target liquid level range.
  • the generated power when the generated power is greater than the power threshold, usually the recovered deionized water is more than the consumed deionized water, and the level of the deionized water in the water tank 1 will gradually increase.
  • the generated power is smaller than the power threshold, usually the consumed deionized water is more than the recovered deionized water, and the level of the deionized water in the water tank 1 will gradually decrease. Therefore, during the design of the capacity of the water tank 1, the amount of water consumed by the solid oxide fuel cell system will be fully considered.
  • the ambient temperature will affect the recovery rate of deionized water.
  • the recovery rate of deionized water is high. That is, under the same working conditions, when the ambient temperature is low, the amount of recovered deionized water will increase.
  • the drain valve 2 In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, if the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 is greater than or equal to an upper limit, the drain valve 2 will be controlled to be opened, and the deionized water in the water tank 1 will flow out from the drain 13. After the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 falls to a lower limit, the drain valve 2 is controlled to be closed.
  • the drain valve 2 In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, if the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to the first temperature threshold (e.g., 5°C) , it is further judged on whether the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 is greater than or equal to the first liquid level threshold (i.e., 90%) . If the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 is greater than or equal to the first liquid level threshold, the drain valve 2 will be controlled to be opened. and the deionized water in the water tank 1 will flow out from the drain 13. After the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 falls to the second liquid level threshold (e.g., 35%) , the drain valve 2 is controlled to be closed.
  • the first temperature threshold e.g., 5°C
  • the amount of deionized water needed is determined by testing at different temperatures, and then data fitting is performed to obtain the function.
  • the temperatures include ambient temperature and a calibrated temperature according to the maximum temperature difference within a day in the area in which the vehicle is located.
  • An independent variable can address that the ambient temperature during start may be lower than the ambient temperature during shutdown.
  • a calibrated correction can be applied.
  • the controller 7 controls the electric heater 6 to be started.
  • the electric heater heats the ice in the water tank 1 and further heats the deionized water formed from thawing of ice until the actual temperature of the deionized water reaches the predetermined temperature.
  • a correspondence between the ambient temperature and the target liquid level range can be established in advance and stored in a storage medium that the controller 7 can access.
  • the controller 7 After the controller 7 acquires ambient temperature from the second temperature sensor 4, the controller 7 looks up in the correspondence and determines the target liquid level range corresponding to the current ambient temperature.
  • the controller 7 obtains the actual liquid level in the water tank 1 from the liquid level sensor 5, compares the actual liquid level with the target liquid level range, and controls the drain valve 2 to be opened or closed according to the comparison result.
  • the processes of the controller 7 are achieved based on the functions of existing controllers, and the controller 7 may comprise existing chips or circuits with universal functions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
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Abstract

The invention discloses a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system. The thawing system comprises a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain, which is connected to a drain pipe; a drain valve mounted on the drain pipe; a first temperature sensor arranged inside the water tank; a second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature; a liquid level sensor arranged inside the water tank; an electric heater arranged inside the water tank; and a controller, which is connected to the drain valve, the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the liquid level sensor and the electric heater, respectively, and, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown, determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature, controls the drain valve to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank to the target liquid level range. Based on the thawing system disclosed in the present invention, the thawing time of the ice in the water tank can be shortened and the power consumption in the thawing process is reduced.

Description

THAWING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains to the technical field of solid oxide fuel cells, particularly to a thawing system and method for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
BACKGROUND ART
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a power generation device that directly converts the chemical energy of the redox reaction between fuel gas and air into electrical energy.
A solid oxide fuel cell system needs deionized water during start and operation. A water tank is used for storing deionized water. The deionized water in the water tank enters a reformer or a stack to undergo a reforming reaction (e.g., CH 4+H 2O=CO 2+H 2) to provide hydrogen for the stack. The reaction H 2+O 2=H 2O occurs in the stack and current is generated. The generated deionized water is condensed and recovered and returns to the water tank. That is to say, deionized water in the solid oxide fuel cell system keeps being regenerated and circulated and no other substances can be mixed into the deionized water. During start of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the stack can generate power and recover deionized water only after the deionized water has been provided for a period of time, so deionized water needs to be stored for the next start after shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
After the solid oxide fuel cell system stops operation, if the ambient temperature is lower than 0℃, the deionized water in the water tank will be frozen gradually. During start of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the ice in the water tank needs to be thawed at first. A water supply state will be entered, followed by a power generation state only after the temperature in the water tank meets the predetermined conditions.
However, the applicant found that it took a longer time to thaw the ice in the water tank than was needed to meet the requirements for start of the solid oxide fuel cell system, and the power consumption in the thawing process is large.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system, which can shorten the thawing time of the ice in the water tank and reduce power consumption of the thawing process.
The present application provides a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system. The thawing system comprises:
a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain, wherein the water inlet is in communication with a water recovery device, the water outlet is in communication with a water delivery device, and the drain is connected to a drain pipe;
a drain valve mounted on the drain pipe;
a first temperature sensor arranged inside the water tank;
a second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature;
a liquid level sensor arranged inside the water tank;
an electric heater arranged inside the water tank; and
a controller, wherein a first port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the first temperature sensor, a second port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the second temperature sensor, a third port of the controller is connected to a signal output port of the liquid level sensor, a fourth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the drain valve, a fifth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the electric heater, and, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown, the controller determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature, controls the drain valve to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank to the target liquid level range.
Optionally, a thermal insulating layer is arranged outside the water tank. The thermal insulating layer can be thermal insulating wool.
Optionally, the electric heater is a resistive electric heater.
Optionally, the drain valve is a normally closed drain valve.
The present invention also provides a method of operating a thawing system.
The present invention discloses a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system. The thawing system comprises a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain. A drain valve is mounted on a drain pipe connected to the drain. A first temperature sensor, a liquid level sensor, and an electric heater are arranged inside the water tank. A second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature is arranged outside the water tank. In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the controller determines a target liquid level range of the water tank according to the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The target liquid level range can meet the requirements for the amount of deionized water needed for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system. By controlling the opening and closure of the drain valve, the actual liquid level of the water tank is adjusted to the target liquid level range. That is to say, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, some deionized water is discharged from the water tank via the drain and meanwhile it is ensured that the remaining deionized water in the water tank is enough for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system. By reducing the amount of deionized water that needs to be thawed, the thawing time is shortened and the power consumption in the thawing process is reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings used in the description are described below. These are just some embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 1 is a structural schematic view of a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the drawings. The described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the invention.
The invention provides a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system, which can shorten the thawing time of the ice in the water tank and reduces power consumption of the thawing process.
Fig. 1 is a structural schematic view of a thawing system for solid oxide fuel cell system disclosed by the present application.
The thawing system comprises a water tank 1, a drain valve 2, a first temperature sensor 3, a second temperature sensor 4, a liquid level sensor 5, an electric heater 6, and a controller 7.
The water tank 1 is used for storing deionized water. The water tank 1 comprises a water inlet 11, a water outlet 12 and a drain 13. The water inlet 11 is in communication with a water recovery device, the water outlet 12 is in communication with a water delivery device, and the drain 14 is connected to a drain pipe. The drain valve 2 is mounted on the drain pipe.
During operation of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the deionized water generated from reactions is recovered by the water recovery device. The recovered deionized water enters the water tank 1 via the water inlet 11 and then flows into the water delivery device via the water outlet 2, and the water delivery device delivers the deionized water to water-needing components in the solid oxide fuel cell system. When the drain valve 2 is open, the water in the water tank 1 is discharged.
A first temperature sensor 3 is arranged inside the water tank 1 and is used for detecting temperature in the water tank 1.
A second temperature sensor 4 is arranged outside the water tank 1 and is used for detecting ambient temperature.
A liquid level sensor 5 is arranged inside the water tank 1 and is used for detecting the liquid level in the water tank 1.
An electric heater 6 is arranged inside the water tank 1 and, by means of the electric heater 6, the ice in the water tank 1 can be thawed and deionized water can be further heated.
A first port of the controller 7 is connected to a signal output end of the first temperature sensor 3. A second port of the controller 7 is connected to a signal output end of the second temperature sensor 4. A third port of the controller 7 is connected to a signal output port of the liquid level sensor 5. A fourth port of the controller 7 is connected to a control end of the drain valve 2. A fifth port of the controller 7 is connected to a control end of the electric heater 6.
In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the controller 7 determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature, controls the drain valve 2 to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 to the target liquid level range.
During start of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the controller 7 controls the electric heater 6 to be started. The electric heater heats the ice in the water tank 1 and further heats the deionized water formed from thawing of ice until the actual temperature of the deionized water reaches the predetermined temperature.
The present invention provides a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system. The thawing system comprises a water tank used for storing deionized water, and comprising a water inlet, a water outlet and a drain. A drain valve is mounted on a drain pipe connected to the drain. A first temperature sensor, a liquid level sensor and an electric heater are arranged inside the water tank. A second temperature sensor used for detecting ambient temperature is arranged outside the water tank. In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the controller determines a target liquid level range of the water tank according to the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The target liquid level range can meet the requirements for the amount of deionized water needed for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system. By controlling the opening and closure of the drain valve, the actual liquid level of the water tank is adjusted to the target liquid level range. That is to say, in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, some deionized water is discharged from the water tank via the drain and meanwhile it is ensured that the remaining deionized water in the water tank is enough for the next start of the solid oxide fuel cell system. By reducing the volume of deionized water that needs to be thawed, the thawing time is shortened and the power consumption in the thawing process is reduced.
In an embodiment, a thermal insulating layer is further arranged on the basis of a thawing system shown in Fig. 1. The thermal insulating layer is arranged outside the water tank 1.
By arranging the thermal insulating layer outside the water tank 1, heat emission from the water tank 1 to the external space can be reduced, the thawing time can be further shortened, and the power consumption in the thawing process can be further reduced.
In implementation, the thermal insulating layer may comprise thermal insulating wool. Of course, the thermal insulating layer may also comprise other thermal insulating materials.
In an embodiment, the electric heater 6 is a resistive electric heater.
The resistive electric heater has the advantages of high heating efficiency and high speed and helps further shortening the thawing time, thereby better meeting the requirements for the time of start of the solid oxide fuel cell system.
Of course, the electric heater 6 may comprise other types of electric heaters, too, such as an inductive electric heater.
In an embodiment, the drain valve 2 is a normally closed drain valve. In a natural state, the normally closed drain valve is in a closed state, and when the normally closed drain valve is powered on, the normally closed drain valve is converted from a closed state to an open state.
During operation of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the deionized water generated from reactions is recovered by the water recovery device, the recovered deionized water enters the water tank 1 via the water inlet 11 and then flows into the water delivery device via the water outlet 2, and the water delivery device delivers the deionized water to water-needing components in the solid oxide fuel cell system.
In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the controller 7 determines a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 4, controls the drain valve 2 to be opened or closed, and adjusts the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 to the target liquid level range.
During operation of the solid oxide fuel cell system, when the generated power is greater than the power threshold, usually the recovered deionized water is more than the consumed deionized water, and the level of the deionized water in the water tank 1 will gradually increase. When the generated power is smaller than the power threshold, usually the consumed deionized water is more than the recovered deionized water, and the level of the deionized water in the water tank 1 will gradually decrease. Therefore, during the design of the capacity of the water tank 1, the amount of water consumed by the solid oxide fuel cell system will be fully considered.
Further, the ambient temperature will affect the recovery rate of deionized water. When the ambient temperature is low, the recovery rate of deionized water is high. That is, under the same working conditions, when the ambient temperature is low, the amount of recovered  deionized water will increase.
In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, if the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 is greater than or equal to an upper limit, the drain valve 2 will be controlled to be opened, and the deionized water in the water tank 1 will flow out from the drain 13. After the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 falls to a lower limit, the drain valve 2 is controlled to be closed.
In the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown of the solid oxide fuel cell system, if the ambient temperature is higher than or equal to the first temperature threshold (e.g., 5℃) , it is further judged on whether the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 is greater than or equal to the first liquid level threshold (i.e., 90%) . If the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 is greater than or equal to the first liquid level threshold, the drain valve 2 will be controlled to be opened. and the deionized water in the water tank 1 will flow out from the drain 13. After the actual liquid level of the water tank 1 falls to the second liquid level threshold (e.g., 35%) , the drain valve 2 is controlled to be closed.
The amount of deionized water needed is determined by testing at different temperatures, and then data fitting is performed to obtain the function. The temperatures include ambient temperature and a calibrated temperature according to the maximum temperature difference within a day in the area in which the vehicle is located. An independent variable can address that the ambient temperature during start may be lower than the ambient temperature during shutdown. A calibrated correction can be applied.
During start of the solid oxide fuel cell system, the controller 7 controls the electric heater 6 to be started. The electric heater heats the ice in the water tank 1 and further heats the deionized water formed from thawing of ice until the actual temperature of the deionized water reaches the predetermined temperature.
A correspondence between the ambient temperature and the target liquid level range can be established in advance and stored in a storage medium that the controller 7 can access. After the controller 7 acquires ambient temperature from the second temperature sensor 4, the controller 7 looks up in the correspondence and determines the target liquid level range corresponding to the current ambient temperature. The controller 7 obtains the actual liquid level in the water tank 1 from the liquid level sensor 5, compares the actual liquid level with the target liquid level range, and controls the drain valve 2 to be opened or closed according to the comparison result. The processes of the controller 7 are achieved  based on the functions of existing controllers, and the controller 7 may comprise existing chips or circuits with universal functions.
The embodiments in the description are all described in a progressive manner, each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments and the same or similar parts among the embodiments can be mutually referred to.
Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent. The general principle defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

  1. A thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system, comprising:
    a water tank for storing deionized water, comprising a water inlet, a water outlet, and a drain, wherein the water inlet is in communication with a water recovery device, the water outlet is in communication with a water delivery device, and the drain is connected to a drain pipe;
    a drain valve mounted on the drain pipe;
    a first temperature sensor arranged inside the water tank;
    a second temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature;
    a liquid level sensor arranged inside the water tank;
    an electric heater arranged inside the water tank; and
    a controller, wherein a first port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the first temperature sensor, a second port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the second temperature sensor, a third port of the controller is connected to a signal output port of the liquid level sensor, a fourth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the drain valve, a fifth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the electric heater, and wherein the controller is configured to determine a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown, and to control the drain valve to be opened or closed, and adjust the actual liquid level of the water tank to the target liquid level range.
  2. The thawing system according to claim 1, wherein a thermal insulating layer is arranged outside the water tank.
  3. The thawing system according to claim 2, wherein the thermal insulating layer is thermal insulating wool.
  4. The thawing system according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater is a resistive electric heater.
  5. The thawing system according to claim 1, wherein the drain valve is a normally closed drain valve.
  6. A method of operating a thawing system for a solid oxide fuel cell system, comprising:
    a water tank for storing deionized water, comprising a water inlet, a water outlet, and a drain, wherein the water inlet is in communication with a water recovery device, the water outlet is in communication with a water delivery device, and the drain is connected to a drain pipe;
    a drain valve mounted on the drain pipe;
    a first temperature sensor arranged inside the water tank;
    a second temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature;
    a liquid level sensor arranged inside the water tank;
    an electric heater arranged inside the water tank; and
    a controller, wherein a first port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the first temperature sensor, a second port of the controller is connected to a signal output end of the second temperature sensor, a third port of the controller is connected to a signal output port of the liquid level sensor, a fourth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the drain valve, a fifth port of the controller is connected to a control end of the electric heater;
    wherein the method comprises determining a target liquid level range according to the ambient temperature in the stage of water supply suspension during shutdown with the controller, and controlling the drain valve to be opened or closed, and adjusting the actual liquid level of the water tank to the target liquid level range.
PCT/CN2021/103309 2020-06-30 2021-06-29 Thawing system and method for solid oxide fuel cell system WO2022002085A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090087699A1 (en) * 2007-10-02 2009-04-02 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Drainage system for fuel cell
JP2009224179A (en) * 2008-03-17 2009-10-01 Equos Research Co Ltd Fuel cell system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090087699A1 (en) * 2007-10-02 2009-04-02 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Drainage system for fuel cell
JP2009224179A (en) * 2008-03-17 2009-10-01 Equos Research Co Ltd Fuel cell system

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