摘要:
A fuel cell system is provided, including an HFR measurement device in electrical communication with a fuel cell stack. The HFR measurement is used online to measure an HFR of the fuel cell stack suitable for calculation of a d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio. A humidity regulator is provided in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack. A controller periodically changes stack operating conditions to perturb an RH of the fuel cell stack, process the HFR response, and compute the d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio. A method for online identification and control of the fuel cell stack humidification is also provided. The d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio is an auxiliary measurement of membrane hydration which is used as a feedback for hydration control.
摘要:
A system and method for preventing low performing cells in a fuel cell stack. The method includes periodically providing a pulse of the cathode input airflow at low stack current densities, and comparing the current density output of each cell in response to the pulse. Those cells that do not have significant water accumulation will provide one voltage signature and those cells that do have a significant water accumulation will provide another voltage signature. If one or more of the cells exhibit the voltage signature for water accumulation, then the cathode inlet airflow pulses can be provided more often to prevent the cells from failing.
摘要:
A fuel cell system is provided, including an HFR measurement device in electrical communication with a fuel cell stack. The HFR measurement is used online to measure an HFR of the fuel cell stack suitable for calculation of a d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio. A humidity regulator is provided in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack. A controller periodically changes stack operating conditions to perturb an RH of the fuel cell stack, process the HFR response, and compute the d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio. A method for online identification and control of the fuel cell stack humidification is also provided. The d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio is an auxiliary measurement of membrane hydration which is used as a feedback for hydration control.
摘要:
A system and method for preventing low performing cells in a fuel cell stack. The method includes periodically providing a pulse of the cathode input airflow at low stack current densities, and comparing the current density output of each cell in response to the pulse. Those cells that do not have significant water accumulation will provide one voltage signature and those cells that do have a significant water accumulation will provide another voltage signature. If one or more of the cells exhibit the voltage signature for water accumulation, then the cathode inlet airflow pulses can be provided more often to prevent the cells from failing.
摘要:
A fuel cell system that employs an algorithm for limiting the current output from a fuel cell stack using feedback during high stack temperature operation. The system includes a PID controller that receives an error signal that is the difference between the cooling fluid output temperature from the stack and a predetermined temperature value. The algorithm detects whether the cooling fluid output temperature goes above a predetermined temperature value, and if so, calculates a proportional gain component and an integral gain component that sets the proportional and integral gains of the PID controller. Based on the proportional gain component, the integral gain component and the error signal, the algorithm generates a total current allowed, and sets the maximum current draw from the stack accordingly. The rate of the rise or fall of the allowed current from the stack from the actual current is limited to provide a smooth transition.
摘要:
A fuel cell system that employs an on-line self-tuning algorithm that provides temperature control of a fuel cell stack in response to disturbances on the system. The system includes a thermal sub-system having a cooling fluid pump that pumps a cooling fluid through the fuel cell stack, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cooling fluid out of the stack, a radiator that cooling the cooling fluid from the fuel cell stack and a by-pass valve that selectively controls how much of the cooling fluid flows through the radiator or by-passes the radiator. A controller controls the position of the by-pass valve in response to a temperature signal from the temperature sensor. The controller calculates a plurality of variables and a dead-time value, and determines whether the dead-time value should be increased, decreased or kept the same based on an estimate of a dead-time plant model.
摘要:
An algorithm for determining a polarization curve of a fuel cell stack. When the fuel cell stack is running and certain data validity criteria have been met, the algorithm goes into a data collection mode where it collects stack data, such as stack current density, average cell voltage and minimum cell voltage. When the stack is shut down, the algorithm uses a cell voltage model to solve a least squares problem to estimate predetermined parameters that define the polarization curve. If the estimated parameters satisfy certain termination criteria, then the estimated parameters are stored to be used by a system controller to calculate the polarization curve of the stack.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for thermal control of air flow in a fuel cell system, capable of accurately controlling the temperature of the air stream entering the water vapor transfer unit, maintaining a desired temperature set-point, and minimizing the time required for the air stream to reach the optimum operating temperature.
摘要:
A fuel cell system that employs a method for determining the potential that a freeze condition will exist after the system is shut-down based on predetermined input, such as ambient temperature, geographical location, user usage profile, date, weather reports, etc. If the system determines that a freeze condition is probable, then the system initiates a purge shut-down of the fuel cell system where water is purged out of the reactant gas flow channels. If the system determines that a freeze condition is unlikely, then it will initiate a normal shut-down procedure without purging the flow channels. The system will then periodically determine if the conditions have changed, and will initiate the purge if a freeze condition subsequently becomes probable.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for thermal control of air flow in a fuel cell system, capable of accurately controlling the temperature of the air stream entering the water vapor transfer unit, maintaining a desired temperature set-point, and minimizing the time required for the air stream to reach the optimum operating temperature.