Fuel Cell System and Method for Controlling a Fuel Cell System

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This invention describes a fuel cell system with an improved control and regulation method, especially suited for mobile applications (like vehicles). The system includes a fuel cell, a DC/DC converter, an energy storage unit, and a control unit featuring a PID controller. The core innovation is a regulation method that dynamically maintains the fuel cell voltage above a temperature-dependent minimum threshold, protecting against premature aging and optimizing performance as the fuel cell ages.

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• Electric vehicles and hybrid cars using fuel cell technology
• Portable power systems relying on fuel cells for consistent operation
• Backup power supplies with fuel cell integration
• Industrial robots or machinery powered by fuel cells
• Marine or aerospace applications for fuel-cell-powered vehicles

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prolonged operational life of the fuel cell by avoiding critical voltages that cause accelerated degradation
• Dynamic adaptation to changes in fuel cell health and temperature, optimizing efficiency and reliability over time
• Maintains optimal performance even as the fuel cell ages, allowing for informed maintenance and replacement decisions
• Increased safety and reduced risk of system failure due to better management of fuel cell operation
• Flexible integration with various types of energy storage units (lead acid, NiMH, Li-ion, supercapacitors, etc.)

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for regulating a fuel cell voltage UBZ,ist in a fuel cell system, comprising a fuel cell (1), a DC/DC converter (2) coupled to the fuel cell (1) and adapted to be coupled to an energy store (3), and a control/regulation unit (4) arranged between the fuel cell (1) and the DC/DC converter (2). The method comprises the following steps: A minimum voltage value UBZ,min is determined and UBZ, Sollis selected in such a manner that UBZ, Soll =UBZ,min. The control/regulation unit (4) receives the regulating variable UBZ,ist,compares the regulating variable UBZ,ist with a predetermined desired value UBZ, SolI and determines a correcting variable IDC/DC,SoII therefrom. The control/regulation unit (4) forwards the correcting variable IDC/DC,SoII to the DC/DC converter (2). The DC/DC converter (2) impinges the fuel cell (2) with the current IBZ,ist,which limits the fuel cell voltage, depending on the correcting variable IDC/DC,SoII. The invention also relates to a fuel cell system.