WO2024060797A1

WO2024060797A1 - Fuel cell, and cell stack humidity control apparatus and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2024060797A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/106514
Authority: WO
Inventors: 许德超; 赵洪辉; 韩令海; 盛夏; 丁磊; 潘兴龙; 刘颖; 汝春宇; 金守一
Original assignee: 中国第一汽车股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-09-23
Filing date: 2023-07-10
Publication date: 2024-03-28
Also published as: CN115483412A

Abstract

A fuel cell, and a cell stack humidity control apparatus and method therefor. The control apparatus comprises a steam-water separator, a temperature regulation apparatus, a humidity sensor and a controller, wherein the temperature regulation apparatus is located on a pipeline between a cell stack of a fuel cell and the steam-water separator, and is configured to regulate the temperature of the pipeline; the humidity sensor is configured to collect the internal humidity of the cell stack; the controller is connected to both the temperature regulation apparatus and the humidity sensor, and is configured to perform a cooling action when the internal humidity of the cell stack is greater than a first preset value, so as to control the temperature of the pipeline to be reduced; and the controller is further configured to perform a heating action when the internal humidity of the cell stack is less than a second preset value, so as to control the temperature of the pipeline to increase, the first preset value being greater than or equal to the second preset value.

Description

Fuel cell and stack humidity control device and method

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202211165396.6, which was submitted to the China Patent Office on September 23, 2022. The entire content of this application is incorporated into this application by reference.

Technical field

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of fuel cells, for example, to a fuel cell and its stack humidity control device and method.

Background technique

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have the advantages of low operating temperature, fast start-up, high specific power, simple structure, and easy operation. They are recognized as the preferred energy source for electric vehicles, fixed power stations, etc. Inside the fuel cell, the proton exchange membrane provides a channel for the migration and transportation of protons, allowing the protons to pass through the membrane from the anode to the cathode, forming a loop with the electron transfer of the external circuit, and providing current to the outside world. Therefore, the performance of the proton exchange membrane plays an important role in the performance of the fuel cell. Performance plays a very important role, and its quality directly affects the service life of the battery.

The internal humidity of the battery has a huge impact on the life of the proton exchange membrane. If the humidity is too low, the conductivity of the proton exchange membrane will become poor; if the humidity is too high, it will cause water flooding of the proton exchange membrane, causing concentration polarization, which will also degrade the proton exchange membrane. conductivity, so it is necessary to maintain appropriate humidity to ensure the stability and service life of the stack and increase power generation efficiency.

In related technologies, methods such as air inlet humidification and circulating humidification are usually used. The former increases the humidity of raw materials from the source, which requires higher external humidification equipment and has higher usage costs; the latter uses changes in the internal structure of the stack to separate the source from the process. The generated water enters the interior of the proton exchange membrane through diffusion. This method mainly changes the internal structure of the stack and requires humidification working components that can withstand higher operating temperatures, electric fields and pressures. There are problems with service life and reliability. At the same time, under certain circumstances Still unable to meet the requirements.

Contents of the invention

The present application provides a fuel cell and its stack humidity control device and method, so as to keep the humidity of the fuel cell stack within the range of normal operating requirements without changing the internal structure of the fuel cell.

The present application provides a fuel cell stack humidity control device, which includes: a steam-water separator, a temperature-regulating device, a humidity sensor and a controller; the temperature-regulating device is located between the fuel cell stack and the steam-water separator. on the pipeline between them, is configured to adjust the temperature of the pipeline; the humidity sensor is configured to collect the humidity inside the stack; the controller is respectively connected to the temperature regulating device and the humidity sensor The connection is configured to control the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action when the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value to control the temperature reduction of the pipeline; and is also configured to control the temperature inside the stack. When the humidity is less than the second preset value, the temperature regulating device is controlled to perform a temperature raising action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value.

The temperature regulating device includes a radiator and a heater, the radiator is configured to cool down the pipeline, and the heater is configured to heat the pipeline.

The radiator includes at least one of a liquid cooling circulation device and a cooling fan.

The heater includes at least one of a heating plate, an electric heating wire or a resistance wire.

The fuel cell stack humidity control device also includes: a hydrogen circulation pump, a hydrogen supply system, a hydrogen discharge valve, a drainage valve and a tail exhaust system; the anode outlet of the stack is connected to the inlet of the steam-water separator, so The first outlet of the steam-water separator is connected to the first end of the drainage valve, the second end of the drainage valve is connected to the tail exhaust system, and the second outlet of the steam-water separator is connected to the hydrogen circulation system respectively. The first port of the pump is connected to the first end of the hydrogen discharge valve, the second end of the hydrogen discharge valve is connected to the tail exhaust system, and the second port of the hydrogen circulation pump is connected to the anode of the stack. The inlet is connected, and the hydrogen supply system is connected to the anode inlet of the stack.

The present application provides a fuel cell stack humidity control method, which is implemented based on any fuel cell stack humidity control device. The method includes: obtaining the humidity inside the stack; the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value. If the value is set, the temperature regulating device is controlled to perform a cooling action to control the temperature of the pipeline to decrease; when the humidity of the stack is less than the second preset value, the temperature regulating device is controlled to perform a cooling action. The temperature-raising action is to control the temperature increase of the pipeline, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value.

When the humidity of the stack is greater than the first preset value, controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action to control the temperature reduction of the pipeline includes: controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action and detecting the According to the humidity inside the stack, the temperature-regulating device is sequentially and cyclically controlled to perform a cooling action, and the humidity inside the stack is detected once, until the humidity inside the stack is maintained within the preset threshold range, and the temperature-regulating device is controlled once. The temperature device stops the cooling action; when the humidity inside the stack is less than the second preset value, controlling the temperature adjustment device to perform a temperature rise action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline includes: controlling the temperature adjustment device The temperature device performs a temperature-raising action and detects the humidity inside the electric pile once, and sequentially controls the temperature-regulating device to perform a temperature-raising action and detects the humidity inside the electric pile once, until the humidity inside the electric pile is maintained at The temperature regulating device is controlled to stop the temperature raising action within a preset threshold range, which is a range greater than the second preset value and less than the first preset value.

The temperature increasing or cooling amplitude of the temperature regulating device is controlled to be the same each time.

Before controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action, the method further includes: obtaining the current internal temperature of the electric stack. The absolute value of the first difference between the humidity of the local area and the first preset value; the cooling amplitude of each control of the temperature regulating device is positively correlated with the absolute value of the first difference; when controlling the temperature regulating device Before performing a temperature-raising action, the method further includes: obtaining the absolute value of the second difference between the current humidity inside the stack and the second preset value; and controlling the temperature-raising amplitude of the temperature-regulating device each time to match the second difference between the current humidity inside the stack and the second preset value. The absolute value of the difference is positively correlated.

According to the present application, a fuel cell is provided, including the fuel cell stack humidity control device of any one of the present application, and a stack, wherein the stack is connected to the fuel cell stack humidity control device.

Description of drawings

The following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to describe the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, there is no need to inventive steps. Under the premise of labor, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack humidity control device provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another fuel cell stack humidity control device provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 3 is a flow chart of a fuel cell stack humidity control method provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 4 is a flow chart of another fuel cell stack humidity control method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5 is a flow chart of yet another fuel cell stack humidity control method provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

Among them: 1-battery stack; 2-steam-water separator; 3-temperature adjustment device; 31-radiator; 32-heater; 4-humidity sensor; 5-controller; 6-hydrogen circulation pump; 7-hydrogen supply system ; 8-Hydrogen exhaust valve; 9-Drainage valve; 10-Tail exhaust system.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the relevant embodiments involved in this application. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It is to be understood that the data so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the application described herein can be practiced in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, e.g., a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that encompasses a series of steps or units and need not be limited to those explicitly listed. That These steps or elements may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products or apparatuses.

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell system water management control device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the control device includes: a steam-water separator 2 , a temperature control device 3 , a humidity sensor 4 and a controller 5 .

The temperature control device 3 is located on the pipeline between the stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2 of the fuel cell, and is configured to adjust the temperature of the pipeline; the humidity sensor 4 is configured to collect the humidity inside the stack 1; the controller 5 is configured with the temperature regulator respectively. The device 3 is connected to the humidity sensor 4, and is configured to control the temperature regulating device 3 to perform a cooling action to control the temperature of the pipeline to decrease when the humidity inside the stack 1 is greater than the first preset value; the controller 5 is also configured to control the temperature of the pipeline when the humidity inside the stack 1 is greater than the first preset value. When the humidity inside the pile 1 is less than the second preset value, the temperature regulating device 3 is controlled to perform a temperature rising action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value.

It should be noted that the water inside the steam-water separator 2 is water generated from the electrochemical reaction inside the stack 1 and is stored in the steam-water separator 2 in liquid form. The fuel cell can discharge the excess moisture in the steam-water separator 2 in the form of gas or liquid. The humidity sensor 4 can be connected to the circuit through an electronic semiconductor device to collect the humidity inside the stack 1 . The first preset value is the upper limit of the internal humidity of the stack 1 that can maintain normal operation on the basis of protecting the stack 1. The second preset value is the upper limit of the internal humidity of the stack 1 that can maintain normal operation on the basis of protecting the stack 1. 1Lower limit value of internal humidity.

Exemplarily, the first preset value is A, and the second preset value is B, where A≥B. When A>B, if the humidity value currently collected by the humidity sensor 4 is between B and A, the temperature control device 3 is controlled not to operate. If the humidity value currently collected by the humidity sensor 4 is greater than A, it means that the humidity inside the current battery stack 1 is too humid, which will cause the proton exchange membrane to be flooded and reduce the performance of the battery. At this time, it is necessary to control the temperature control device 3 to cool down and reduce the temperature of the pipeline between the battery stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2, so that the water flowing out of the battery stack 1 flows into the steam-water separator 2 with more liquid, so that the water vapor in the steam-water separator 2 is reduced and the liquid is increased, thereby reducing the water entering the battery stack 1 through the steam-water separator 2, and then the humidity of the battery stack 1 is reduced, and finally the battery operates in a normal state. If the humidity value currently collected by the humidity sensor 4 is less than B, it means that the humidity inside the current battery stack 1 is too dry, which will cause the conductivity of the proton exchange membrane to deteriorate and reduce the performance of the battery. At this time, it is necessary to control the temperature control device 3 to increase the temperature, increase the temperature of the pipeline between the battery stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2, so that the water flowing out of the battery stack 1 flows into the steam-water separator 2 as more gas, so that the water vapor in the steam-water separator 2 increases, thereby increasing the water entering the battery stack 1 through the steam-water separator 2, and then increasing the humidity inside the battery stack 1, and finally making the battery work in a normal state.

If the current humidity value collected by the humidity sensor 4 is C, when A=B=C, the temperature regulating device 3 is controlled not to operate. If the current humidity value collected by the humidity sensor 4 is greater than C, the temperature regulating device 3 is controlled to cool down. If the current humidity value collected by the humidity sensor 4 is less than C, the temperature regulating device 3 is controlled to increase the temperature.

Therefore, the embodiment of the present application adjusts the ratio of gaseous water and liquid water entering the steam-water separator 2 by adjusting the temperature of the pipeline between the electric stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2, thereby adjusting the moisture entering the electric stack 1. This ensures the stability of the internal humidity of the stack 1 and improves the performance of the stack 1.

The temperature regulating device 3 includes a radiator 31 and a heater 32. The radiator 31 is configured to cool down the pipeline, and the heater 32 is configured to heat the pipeline.

The radiator 31 includes a liquid cooling circulation device and/or a cooling fan. The heater 32 includes at least one of a heating plate, an electric heating wire, or a resistance wire.

It should be explained that the liquid cooling cycle device performs temperature change operations through heat exchange, and the cooling fan promotes heat transfer by accelerating air flow.

When the humidity inside the stack 1 is greater than the first preset value, the temperature regulating device 3 is controlled to perform a cooling action. The radiator can be used to dissipate heat in the pipeline between the stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2 to control the pipeline. The temperature decreases; when the humidity inside the stack 1 is less than the second preset value, the temperature regulating device 3 is controlled to perform a temperature raising action, and the pipeline between the stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2 can be heated through the heater. To control the temperature rise of the pipeline.

The fuel cell stack humidity control device, as shown in Figure 2, also includes: hydrogen circulation pump 6, hydrogen supply system 7, hydrogen exhaust valve 8, drain valve 9 and tail exhaust system 10;

The anode outlet of the stack 1 is connected to the inlet of the steam-water separator 2. The first outlet of the steam-water separator 2 is connected to the first end of the drain valve 9. The second end of the drain valve 9 is connected to the tail exhaust system 10. The steam-water separator The second outlet of 2 is connected to the first port of the hydrogen circulation pump 6 and the first end of the hydrogen discharge valve 8 respectively. The second end of the hydrogen discharge valve 8 is connected to the tail exhaust system 10. The second port of the hydrogen circulation pump 6 is connected to The anode inlet of the stack 1 is connected, and the hydrogen supply system 7 is connected to the anode inlet of the stack 1 .

It can be understood that the hydrogen supply system 7 supplies hydrogen to the battery stack 1. During the operation of the battery stack 1, water and unused hydrogen are produced, and flow from the pipeline between the battery stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2 to the steam-water separator. 2. Hydrogen is circulated and pumped to the stack 1 through the hydrogen circulation pump 6 connected to the steam-water separator 2, and unused hydrogen and water vapor are discharged into the tail exhaust system through the hydrogen exhaust valve 8 connected to the steam-water separator 2. 10. The liquid water is also discharged into the tail discharge system 10 through the drain valve 9 connected to the steam-water separator 2.

It should be noted that a certain amount of water is collected and stored inside the steam-water separator 2 in the fuel cell. The fuel cell can recycle the water generated by the electrochemical reaction inside the stack 1. The water generated by the reaction passes through the stack 1 and the steam-water separator. The pipeline between 2 flows into and is stored in the steam-water separator 2. The water vapor content in the steam-water separator 2 is adjusted through the temperature adjustment device 3. Hydrogen is transported to the stack under the action of diffusion and circulation pumping of the hydrogen circulation pump 6. 1. Participate in the electrochemical reaction inside the stack. The recycling of reaction water can avoid the waste of water resources on the one hand. On the other hand, it can avoid directly regulating the humidity inside the stack, which will inevitably introduce particles in the environment and pollute the inside of the stack. Reactive substances, thereby affecting the working state of the proton exchange membrane and service life.

Therefore, this device adjusts the temperature between the stack 1 and the pipeline of the steam-water separator 2 through the temperature regulating device 3 to adjust the ratio of gaseous water and liquid water entering the steam-water separator 2, thereby adjusting the water entering the stack 1. Moisture ensures the stability of the internal humidity of the stack 1, avoids the introduction of impurities into the stack through direct operation, and improves the stack life and reliability.

FIG3 is a flow chart of a fuel cell stack humidity control method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is implemented based on any one of the fuel cell stack humidity control devices. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes the following steps.

S101, obtain the humidity inside the stack;

The humidity inside the battery stack can be obtained in real time through a humidity sensor.

S102: When the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value, the temperature regulating device is controlled to perform a cooling action to control the temperature of the pipeline to decrease.

S103, when the humidity inside the battery stack is less than a second preset value, controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a temperature increase action to control the temperature of the pipeline to increase, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value.

After each temperature change action, the humidity inside the stack must be obtained again and judged. The temperature change action includes the cooling action taken to reduce the humidity. The heat in the pipeline between the stack and the steam-water separator can be transferred to the heat sink through the radiator. The heat is transferred by exchange to dissipate heat to control the temperature of the pipeline, thereby reducing the humidity in the stack. The temperature changing action also includes the heating action taken to increase the humidity. The heat can be transferred from the heater to the battery through heat exchange. The pipeline between the stack and the steam-water separator is heated to control the temperature rise of the pipeline, thereby increasing the humidity in the stack.

FIG4 is a flow chart of another fuel cell stack humidity control method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is implemented based on any one of the fuel cell stack humidity control devices. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes the following steps.

S101, obtain the humidity inside the stack;

The humidity inside the stack can be obtained in real time through a humidity sensor.

S102. When the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value, controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action to control the temperature reduction of the pipeline includes: S1021. Controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action to detect the temperature inside the stack. Humidity, this step is cycled in sequence until the humidity inside the stack is maintained within the preset threshold range, and the temperature regulating device is controlled to stop the cooling action.

It can be understood that if the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value, it means that the stack is too humid and needs to be reduced. temperature, causing the water vapor in the pipeline between the stack and the steam-water separator to liquefy into liquid water and be discharged. For example, a cooling action can be a preset time for cooling, and then detect the humidity inside the stack. After cooling for multiple preset times, and detecting that the humidity inside the stack is maintained within the preset threshold range, the cooling will stop. .

S103. When the humidity inside the stack is less than a second preset value, the temperature regulating device is controlled to perform a temperature raising action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value.

S103. When the humidity inside the stack is less than the second preset value, the temperature-regulating device is controlled to perform a temperature-raising action to control the temperature rise of the pipeline, including: S1031. The temperature-regulating device is controlled to perform a temperature-raising action and detect the inside of the stack. humidity, cycle this step in sequence until the humidity inside the stack is maintained within the preset threshold range, and control the temperature regulating device to stop the heating action. The preset threshold range is a range greater than the second preset value and less than the first preset value. .

It is understandable that if the humidity inside the battery stack is less than the second preset value, it means that the battery stack is too dry and needs to be heated up so that the liquid water in the pipeline between the battery stack and the steam-water separator evaporates and turns into gaseous water and returns to the battery stack. Exemplarily, a heating action can be a preset heating time, and then the humidity of the battery stack is detected once. After heating for multiple preset times and detecting that the humidity inside the battery stack is maintained within the preset threshold range, the heating is stopped.

If the current humidity inside the stack is maintained within the preset threshold range, the temperature regulating device will not operate.

In the above embodiment, the temperature control range of the temperature regulating device of the steam-water separator and its front pipeline is 5 to (T1+5)°C; where T1 is the anode outlet temperature of the stack. It can be understood that the temperature range adjusted by the temperature regulating device is preferably within the above range to avoid the temperature of the pipeline being too high than the temperature inside the stack and affecting the stack. The basis for heating or cooling in this embodiment may be the current temperature of the temperature regulating device and the pipeline.

In another embodiment, the temperature increasing or decreasing amplitude of the temperature regulating device is controlled to be the same each time.

It is understandable that when the temperature needs to be raised or lowered, the temperature rise or fall amplitude is the same for each heating or lowering action. Each heating or lowering action reduces ΔT°C, and then the humidity is detected once. Exemplarily, the selectable value range of the temperature change amplitude ΔT is 0.2 to 5°C.

In yet another embodiment, before the cooling action, the method further includes: obtaining the absolute value of the first difference between the current humidity inside the stack and the first preset value; and controlling the cooling amplitude of the temperature regulating device each time to the first difference. The absolute value of the value is positively correlated; before the temperature raising action, it also includes obtaining the absolute value of the second difference between the current internal humidity of the stack and the second preset value; each time the temperature rising amplitude of the temperature control device is controlled is related to the second The absolute value of the difference is positively correlated.

For example, the first preset value is 60%, the second preset value is 50%, the current humidity inside the stack is 70%, which is greater than the first preset value, the absolute value of the difference is 10%, and the judgment is In case of overhumidity, the pipeline between the stack and the steam-water separator needs to be cooled down. After cooling down once, the current humidity inside the stack should be detected. The humidity is 65%, which is greater than the first preset value. The absolute value of the difference is 5%. After cooling down again, the humidity inside the current stack is detected to be 62%, which is greater than the first preset value. The absolute value of the difference is 2%, each time the temperature is lowered, the current humidity inside the stack is closer to the first preset value. The temperature can be lowered by 5°C for the first time, by 3°C for the second time, and by 1°C for the third time. The positive correlation between the absolute value of the first difference and the cooling amplitude can be calibrated in the laboratory.

Similarly, the current humidity inside the stack is 45%, which is lower than the second preset value. The absolute value of the difference is 5%. It is judged to be too dry, and the pipeline between the stack and the steam-water separator needs to be inspected. After the temperature rises once, the humidity inside the current stack is detected to be 48%, which is less than the second preset value. The absolute value of the difference is 2%. After the temperature rises again, the humidity inside the current stack is detected to be 50%. It is equal to the second preset value, and the absolute value of the difference is 0%. Each time the temperature is raised, the humidity inside the current stack is closer to the second preset value. The temperature can be increased by 5°C for the first time and 3°C for the second time. The positive correlation between the absolute value of the second difference and the temperature rise can be calibrated in the laboratory. The basis for heating or cooling in this embodiment may be the current temperature of the temperature regulating device and the pipeline.

As a result, by increasing or decreasing the temperature, the humidity inside the stack becomes closer and closer to the preset value, preventing excessive heating or cooling and making it difficult for the humidity inside the stack to remain within the preset threshold range.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a fuel cell stack humidity control method provided according to another embodiment of the present application. This embodiment can be used to monitor humidity changes and take corresponding actions. This method can be performed by the above fuel cell stack humidity control device. Execution, the fuel cell stack humidity control device can be implemented in the form of hardware and/or software, and the fuel cell stack humidity control device can be configured in all other pipelines in the fuel cell system. Referring to Figure 4 and shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell stack humidity control method includes the following steps.

S110. Fuel cell system operation.

S120. Obtain the internal humidity of the stack, the anode outlet temperature T1 and the temperature T of the temperature regulating device.

S130. Determine whether the internal humidity of the stack is greater than the first preset value. If the internal humidity of the stack is greater than the first preset value, execute S140; if the internal humidity of the stack is not greater than the first preset value, execute S150.

S140. Determine the internal humidity state of the stack as overhumidity, lower the temperature between the stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2 pipeline to T-ΔT, and return to S120.

S150. Determine whether the internal humidity of the stack is less than the second preset value. If the internal humidity of the stack is less than the second preset value, execute S160; if the internal humidity of the stack is not less than the second preset value, execute S170.

S160. Determine that the internal humidity state of the stack is too dry, increase the temperature between the stack 1 and the steam-water separator 2 pipeline to T+ΔT, and return to S120.

S170: Determine that the humidity inside the battery stack is normal, and return to S120.

This application provides a fuel cell stack humidity control method, which includes obtaining the humidity inside the stack; when the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value, controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action to control the temperature of the pipeline Decrease; when the humidity inside the stack is less than the second preset value, the temperature control device is controlled to perform a temperature rise action to control the temperature rising steps of the pipeline, and corresponding adjustments to the stack are made by judging the humidity status inside the stack The operation of the pipeline temperature between the steam and water separator and the monitoring and judgment of the internal humidity of the stack multiple times can maintain the internal humidity of the stack within the preset threshold range for a long time and keep the proton exchange membrane in normal working condition for a long time. , to extend the stack life.

According to the fuel cell and the stack humidity control device and method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the control device includes a stack, a steam separator, a temperature regulating device, a humidity sensor and a controller; wherein the temperature regulating device is located on the pipeline between the stack and the steam separator, and is configured to adjust the temperature of the pipeline; the humidity sensor is configured to collect the humidity inside the stack; the controller is connected to the temperature regulating device and the humidity sensor respectively, and is configured to control the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action when the humidity of the stack is greater than a first preset value, so as to control the temperature of the pipeline to decrease; and is also configured to control the temperature regulating device to perform a heating action when the humidity of the stack is less than a second preset value, so as to control the temperature of the pipeline to increase, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value, and the control device of the fuel cell adjusts the water supply of the steam separator to the stack by changing the pipeline temperature between the steam separator and the stack, and realizes the humidity adjustment of the stack by using the diffusion effect of gaseous water, so as to keep the humidity of the stack to meet the working conditions, thereby improving the life and reliability of the stack. And it avoids the problem of introducing particulates in the environment to pollute the internal composition of the stack by changing the humidity of the stack by adding water.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a fuel cell, including the fuel cell stack humidity control device proposed in any embodiment of the present application, and a stack 1, wherein the stack is connected to the fuel cell stack humidity control device.

This application provides a fuel cell, which has a fuel cell stack humidity control device according to any one of the above aspects, a stack, and a fuel cell stack humidity control method according to any one of the above aspects. By setting a temperature regulating device in the pipeline between the stack and the steam-water separator, and using the control method provided by this application, the humidity inside the stack is monitored, the pipeline temperature is regulated, and the humidity inside the stack is kept normal for a long time. The corresponding humidity range of the working state, and environmental impurities will not be introduced during the control process to affect the performance of the proton exchange membrane, thereby improving the stack life and reliability. At the same time, this fuel cell can recycle the reaction water inside the stack to avoid water waste.

It should be understood that various forms of the process shown above may be used, with steps reordered, added or deleted. For example, multiple steps described in this application may be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders.

Claims

A fuel cell stack humidity control device, including:

Steam and water separators, temperature control devices, humidity sensors and controllers;

The temperature regulating device is located on the pipeline between the fuel cell stack and the steam-water separator, and is configured to adjust the temperature of the pipeline;

The humidity sensor is configured to collect the humidity inside the stack;

The controller is respectively connected to the temperature adjustment device and the humidity sensor, and is configured to control the temperature adjustment device to perform a cooling action when the humidity inside the stack is greater than a first preset value, so as to control The temperature of the pipeline decreases; it is also configured to control the temperature regulating device to perform a temperature raising action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline when the humidity inside the stack is less than the second preset value, Wherein, the first preset value is greater than or equal to the second preset value.
The device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature regulating device includes a radiator and a heater, the radiator is configured to cool the pipeline, and the heater is configured to heat the pipeline .
The device of claim 2, wherein the radiator includes at least one of a liquid cooling circulation device and a cooling fan.
The device according to claim 2, wherein the heater includes at least one of a heating plate, an electric heating wire or a resistance wire.
The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydrogen circulation pump, a hydrogen supply system, a hydrogen exhaust valve, a drainage valve and a tail exhaust system;

Wherein, the anode outlet of the stack is connected to the inlet of the steam-water separator, the first outlet of the steam-water separator is connected to the first end of the drain valve, and the second end of the drain valve is connected to the The tail exhaust system is connected, the second outlet of the steam-water separator is connected to the first port of the hydrogen circulation pump and the first end of the hydrogen discharge valve, and the second end of the hydrogen discharge valve is connected to the tail exhaust system. The system is connected, the second port of the hydrogen circulation pump is connected to the anode inlet of the stack, and the hydrogen supply system is connected to the anode inlet of the stack.
A fuel cell stack humidity control method, implemented based on the fuel cell stack humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method includes:

Obtain the humidity inside the stack;

When the humidity inside the stack is greater than the first preset value, control the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action to control the temperature of the pipeline to decrease;

When the humidity inside the stack is less than a second preset value, the temperature regulating device is controlled to perform a temperature rising action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline, wherein the first preset value is greater than or equal to all the second default value.
The method according to claim 6, wherein, when the humidity inside the fuel cell stack is greater than the first preset value, controlling the temperature regulating device to perform a cooling action to control the temperature of the pipeline to decrease comprises:

Control the temperature-regulating device to perform a cooling action, detect the humidity inside the electric pile once, and sequentially control the temperature-adjusting device to perform a cooling action, detect the humidity inside the electric pile once, until the inside of the electric pile The humidity is maintained within the preset threshold range, and the temperature regulating device is controlled to stop the cooling action;

When the humidity inside the stack is less than the second preset value, controlling the temperature-regulating device to perform a temperature-raising action to control the temperature increase of the pipeline includes:

Control the temperature-regulating device to perform a temperature-raising action, detect the humidity inside the electric pile once, and sequentially control the temperature-adjusting device to perform a temperature-raising action, detect the humidity inside the electric pile once, until the temperature inside the electric pile is detected. The humidity is maintained within a preset threshold range, and the temperature regulating device is controlled to stop the heating action. The preset threshold range is a range greater than the second preset value and less than the first preset value.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the temperature increase amplitude or temperature decrease amplitude of the temperature regulating device is controlled to be the same each time.
The fuel cell stack humidity control method according to claim 7, before controlling the temperature adjustment device to perform a cooling action, further comprising: obtaining the current humidity inside the stack and the first value of the first preset value. The absolute value of the difference; the cooling amplitude of each control of the temperature regulating device is positively correlated with the absolute value of the first difference;

Before controlling the temperature-regulating device to perform a temperature-raising action, the method further includes: obtaining the absolute value of the second difference between the current humidity inside the stack and the second preset value; and controlling the temperature-regulating device each time. The temperature rise amplitude is positively correlated with the absolute value of the second difference.
A fuel cell, including the fuel cell stack humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a stack, wherein the stack is connected to the fuel cell stack humidity control device.