Flow cell bipolar plate flow channel diversion performance testing device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of battery testing, and provides a flow battery bipolar plate flow channel diversion performance testing device, which comprises an intelligent testing galvanic pile, which is composed of a plurality of detachable flow channel units, each flow channel unit comprises a bipolar plate and two flow channel frames, the flow channel frames adopt a modular design, and the flow channel units are connected with the intelligent testing galvanic pile; a plurality of micro pressure sensors, temperature sensors and flow sensors are embedded in the shell; the intelligent liquid path system comprises a plurality of independent liquid path circulating units, and each unit is composed of a liquid tank, an intelligent liquid pump, a liquid supply pipeline and a liquid return pipeline; a plurality of independent test chambers are arranged in the multifunctional shell, and a temperature and humidity control system and an intelligent drainage system are arranged in the shell; and the data acquisition and analysis system consists of a high-performance computer, a data acquisition card, a signal amplifier and analysis software. The problems that in the prior art, the local flow characteristic of the electrolyte on the surface of the carbon felt is difficult to accurately evaluate, and the requirement of optimizing flow channel design on refined data cannot be met are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery testing, and in particular to a device for testing the flow conduction performance of a bipolar plate flow channel of a liquid flow battery. Background Art

[0002] Flow batteries are a new energy storage technology with broad application prospects. Due to their excellent cycle stability, high safety, and flexible structural design, they have attracted widespread attention in recent years and have been gradually promoted in fields such as renewable energy storage and grid regulation. Their basic operating principle is to achieve the mutual conversion of chemical energy and electrical energy through the redox reaction of the electrolyte on the electrode surface, thereby completing the storage and release of energy. The flow characteristics of the electrolyte on the carbon felt electrode surface affect the polarization effect within the entire battery, thereby affecting the performance of the flow battery. Therefore, in-depth research and optimization of the flow characteristics of the electrolyte are crucial to improving the overall performance of the flow battery.

[0003] In flow batteries, the design of the bipolar plate flow channels plays a crucial role in the distribution and flow characteristics of the electrolyte on the carbon felt electrode surface. Ideal flow channel design should ensure uniform electrolyte flow across the carbon felt surface, avoiding localized dead zones. This effectively reduces local polarization, improves battery efficiency, and mitigates the risk of local overheating, ultimately improving battery performance and extending battery life. Currently, research on the impact of bipolar plate flow channels on electrolyte flow characteristics primarily relies on computational simulation or macroscopic measurements. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are widely used to predict electrolyte flow characteristics within the flow channels. However, the bipolar plate flow channel design and the porous fiber network structure within the carbon felt electrode lead to a large number of irregular boundaries when constructing the CFD model. These complex boundaries significantly increase the number and complexity of finite elements in the CFD model, making it significantly more difficult to construct and solve the model. Furthermore, the increased number of complex boundaries places higher demands on the rationality and convergence of the finite element model. Therefore, when evaluating the actual impact of bipolar plate flow channels on the flow characteristics of the electrolyte inside the carbon felt, CFD simulations deviate significantly from the actual operating conditions and are unable to accurately reflect the actual flow state. On the other hand, macroscopic measurement methods mainly use flow sensors, pressure drop measurements and other means to indirectly infer the flow conditions of the electrolyte. Although these methods can reflect the overall flow trend at the macro level, it is difficult to accurately evaluate the local flow characteristics of the electrolyte on the carbon felt surface, and cannot meet the demand for refined data for optimizing flow channel design. Summary of the Invention The present invention proposes a device for testing the flow channel conduction performance of a liquid flow battery bipolar plate, which solves the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to accurately evaluate the local flow characteristics of the electrolyte on the carbon felt surface and cannot meet the requirements of refined data for optimizing the flow channel design.

[0004] The technical solutions of the present invention are as follows: A flow channel conduction performance testing device for a flow battery bipolar plate, comprising: The intelligent test stack consists of multiple detachable flow channel units. Each flow channel unit includes a bipolar plate and two flow channel frames. The flow channel frames adopt a modular design and are embedded with multiple micro pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and flow sensors. Each flow channel unit is equipped with a wireless communication module. The intelligent liquid circuit system includes multiple independent liquid circuit circulation units. Each unit consists of a liquid tank, an intelligent liquid pump, a liquid supply pipeline and a liquid return pipeline. The liquid supply pipeline and the liquid return pipeline are equipped with intelligent mixing devices. The multifunctional housing is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant composite materials and has multiple independent test chambers inside. It is also equipped with a temperature and humidity control system and an intelligent drainage system. The data acquisition and analysis system consists of a high-performance computer, data acquisition card, signal amplifier and analysis software, and uses big data analysis technology and virtual reality visualization technology.

[0005] As a further technical solution, the intelligent liquid pump is a variable frequency intelligent liquid pump, which can be used as a further technical solution. The intelligent mixing device ensures that the electrolyte always maintains a uniform concentration distribution during the circulation process through ultrasonic vibration and turbulent mixing technology.

[0006] As a further technical solution, the test chamber of the multifunctional shell can accommodate a test battery stack, and the shell is equipped with a temperature and humidity control system that can simulate test scenarios under different environmental conditions.

[0007] As a further technical solution, the intelligent drainage system of the multifunctional housing can automatically discharge excess electrolyte and recycle it through the joint control of a pressure sensor and a liquid level sensor.

[0008] As a further technical solution, the data acquisition and analysis system uses big data analysis technology to deeply mine and analyze the massive amount of data collected and establish a predictive model for the bipolar plate flow channel performance.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the data acquisition and analysis system develops visualization software based on virtual reality technology, so that users can intuitively observe the flow conditions in the flow channel through VR equipment.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the flow channel frame of the intelligent test fuel cell adopts a modular design. By replacing different flow channel modules, the shape, size and distribution of the flow channel can be easily changed.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the micro pressure sensor, temperature sensor and flow sensor embedded in each flow channel unit of the intelligent test fuel cell stack can monitor the pressure, temperature and flow distribution in the flow channel in real time.

[0012] As a further technical solution, each flow channel unit of the intelligent test stack is equipped with a wireless communication module that can transmit sensor data to the central control system in real time.

[0013] The working principle and beneficial effects of the present invention are: In the present invention, the highly flexible modular design of the device enables the flow channel unit to be quickly replaced according to different test requirements, greatly improving the adaptability and efficiency of the test. By embedding high-precision miniature pressure sensors, temperature sensors and flow sensors inside the flow channel unit and equipping it with a wireless communication module, real-time, high-precision monitoring of the pressure, temperature and flow distribution in the flow channel, as well as stable transmission of data, are achieved, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test data. The variable frequency intelligent liquid pump and intelligent mixing device of the intelligent liquid path system can automatically adjust the pump speed according to the preset flow curve, and ensure that the electrolyte always maintains a uniform concentration distribution during the circulation process, effectively avoiding test errors caused by uneven concentration, and further improving the reliability of the test results. The temperature and humidity control system and intelligent drainage system of the multifunctional shell can not only simulate test scenarios under different environmental conditions, but also automatically discharge excess electrolyte and recycle it, thereby improving the automation and safety of the test. The data acquisition and analysis system uses big data analysis and virtual reality visualization techniques to deeply mine and analyze the massive amounts of data collected. It then establishes a predictive model for bipolar plate channel performance. Using virtual reality technology, it visually displays the flow conditions within the channels, providing researchers with more intuitive design optimization ideas and promoting innovative development in flow battery bipolar plate channel design. In short, this device provides an efficient and reliable solution for performance evaluation and optimized design of flow battery bipolar plate channels, with broad application prospects and important practical significance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of infrared thermal imaging of the temperature distribution on the carbon felt surface during the test of a bipolar plate without a flow channel structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of infrared thermal imaging of the temperature distribution on the carbon felt surface during the test of a bipolar plate with a linear flow channel structure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of infrared thermal imaging of the temperature distribution on the carbon felt surface during the testing of a bipolar plate with a serpentine flow channel structure; Figure 5The test time-P1 (P3) point temperature curve of the bipolar plate with serpentine flow channel (a) and straight flow channel (b).

[0016] In the figure: 100, intelligent test stack, 110, flow channel unit, 111, bipolar plate, 112, flow channel frame, 113, micro pressure sensor, 114, temperature sensor, 115, flow sensor, 116, wireless communication module; 200. Intelligent liquid system, 210. Liquid circulation unit, 211. Liquid tank, 212. Liquid pump, 213. Liquid supply pipeline, 214. Liquid return pipeline, 215. Intelligent mixing device; 300, multifunctional housing, 310, test chamber, 320, temperature and humidity control system, 330, intelligent drainage system; 400. Data acquisition and analysis system, 410. High-performance computer, 420. Data acquisition card, 430. Signal amplifier, 440. Analysis software. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following will be combined with the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Example like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown: A flow channel conduction performance testing device for a flow battery bipolar plate, comprising: The intelligent test stack consists of multiple detachable flow channel units. Each flow channel unit includes a bipolar plate and two flow channel frames. The flow channel frames adopt a modular design and are embedded with multiple micro pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and flow sensors. Each flow channel unit is equipped with a wireless communication module. The intelligent liquid circuit system includes multiple independent liquid circuit circulation units, each unit consists of a liquid tank, an intelligent liquid pump, a liquid supply pipeline and a liquid return pipeline, and the liquid supply pipeline and the liquid return pipeline are provided with intelligent mixing devices; The multifunctional housing is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant composite materials and has multiple independent test chambers inside. It is also equipped with a temperature and humidity control system and an intelligent drainage system. The data acquisition and analysis system consists of a high-performance computer, data acquisition card, signal amplifier and analysis software, and uses big data analysis technology and virtual reality visualization technology.

[0019] Furthermore, the intelligent liquid pump is a variable frequency intelligent liquid pump, which can serve as a further technical solution. The intelligent mixing device ensures that the electrolyte always maintains a uniform concentration distribution during the circulation process through ultrasonic vibration and turbulent mixing technology.

[0020] Furthermore, the test chamber of the multifunctional housing can accommodate a test battery stack, and the interior of the housing is equipped with the temperature and humidity control system, which can simulate test scenarios under different environmental conditions.

[0021] Furthermore, the intelligent liquid drainage system of the multifunctional housing can automatically discharge excess electrolyte and recycle it through the joint control of a pressure sensor and a liquid level sensor.

[0022] Furthermore, the data acquisition and analysis system uses big data analysis technology to conduct in-depth mining and analysis of the massive amounts of data collected to establish a prediction model for the bipolar plate flow channel performance.

[0023] Furthermore, the data acquisition and analysis system develops visualization software based on virtual reality technology, and users can intuitively observe the flow conditions in the flow channel through VR equipment.

[0024] Furthermore, the flow channel frame of the intelligent test stack adopts a modular design, and the shape, size and distribution of the flow channel can be easily changed by replacing different flow channel modules.

[0025] Furthermore, the micro pressure sensor, the temperature sensor and the flow sensor embedded in each flow channel unit of the intelligent test stack can monitor the pressure, temperature and flow distribution in the flow channel in real time.

[0026] Furthermore, the wireless communication module equipped in each flow channel unit of the intelligent test stack can transmit sensor data to a central control system in real time.

[0027] In this example, we constructed a flow battery bipolar plate flow channel performance test device designed to accurately evaluate the flow performance of different bipolar plate flow channel designs and provide data support for flow battery design optimization. This device primarily comprises an intelligent test stack, an intelligent fluid path system, a multifunctional housing, and a data acquisition and analysis system. These components work together to comprehensively test bipolar plate flow channel performance.

[0028] The intelligent test stack consists of multiple detachable flow channel units, each containing a bipolar plate and two flow channel frames. The flow channel frames feature a modular design, allowing for quick replacement of different flow channel modules based on testing requirements, allowing for easy modification of the flow channel shape, size, and distribution. This modular design greatly enhances testing flexibility, enabling the device to adapt to various bipolar plate flow channel configurations. Embedded within each flow channel unit are multiple miniature pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and flow sensors, which monitor the pressure, temperature, and flow distribution within the flow channel in real time. For example, the pressure sensor achieves an accuracy of 0.1 kPa, the temperature sensor 0.1°C, and the flow sensor 1%. These high-precision sensors ensure the accuracy of test data. Furthermore, each flow channel unit is equipped with a wireless communication module that transmits sensor data in real time to a central control system, eliminating the complexity and potential failure points of traditional wired connections and improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0029] The intelligent liquid circuit system contains multiple independent liquid circuit circulation units, each of which consists of a liquid tank, an intelligent liquid pump, a liquid supply line and a liquid return line. The intelligent liquid pump uses variable frequency technology to automatically adjust the pump speed according to the preset flow curve to ensure that the flow state of the electrolyte in the flow channel meets the test requirements. Intelligent mixing devices are installed in the liquid supply line and the liquid return line. Through ultrasonic vibration and turbulent mixing technology, it is ensured that the electrolyte always maintains a uniform concentration distribution during the circulation process. This design effectively avoids test errors caused by uneven concentration and improves the reliability of test results. For example, in one test, the variable frequency control of the intelligent liquid pump achieved a smooth transition of the flow rate from 1L / min to 5L / min. At the same time, the intelligent mixing device ensured the uniformity of the electrolyte concentration, so that the electrolyte state in the flow channel was stable during the test, providing a guarantee for accurately evaluating the flow conductivity performance of the bipolar plate flow channel.

[0030] The multifunctional shell is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant composite materials, and is equipped with multiple independent test chambers inside, each of which can accommodate a test battery stack. The shell is equipped with a temperature and humidity control system that can simulate test scenarios under different environmental conditions, such as high temperature, low temperature, high humidity, etc., to evaluate the performance of the bipolar plate flow channels under various working conditions. In addition, an intelligent drainage system is provided at the bottom of the shell, which can automatically discharge excess electrolyte and recycle it through the joint control of pressure sensors and liquid level sensors. In a test simulating a high temperature and high humidity environment, the temperature and humidity control system stabilized the temperature in the test chamber at 40°C and the humidity at 80%. The intelligent drainage system automatically discharged excess electrolyte after the test. The entire process does not require human intervention, which improves the automation and safety of the test.

[0031] The data acquisition and analysis system consists of a high-performance computer, a data acquisition card, a signal amplifier, and analysis software, utilizing big data analysis and virtual reality visualization technologies. The data acquisition card is connected to the flow channel unit's sensor network and the fluid system's control module, enabling real-time acquisition of large amounts of test data. Using big data analysis techniques, the system conducts in-depth mining and analysis of the massive amounts of collected data, establishing a predictive model for bipolar plate flow channel performance. For example, after testing a set of bipolar plates with different flow channel designs, the system analyzes sensor data and utilizes machine learning algorithms to establish a predictive model. This model can quickly assess the pros and cons of different flow channel designs and provide a scientific basis for design optimization. Furthermore, the system has developed visualization software based on virtual reality technology, allowing users to immersively observe the flow of electrolyte within the flow channel through VR devices, providing an intuitive understanding of the pressure, temperature, and flow distribution within the channel. This visualization method not only improves the readability of test results but also provides researchers with more intuitive design optimization ideas. In a specific test, researchers used VR equipment to observe that a certain flow channel design had obvious flow unevenness in a specific area. After adjusting the flow channel structure, they tested again and found that the flow uniformity had been significantly improved, thus verifying the optimization effect of the flow channel design.

[0032] To more accurately evaluate the flow performance of bipolar plate channels, we developed an algorithm based on big data analysis. This algorithm analyzes sensor data to calculate key parameters such as pressure drop within the channel and flow distribution uniformity. The specific algorithm is as follows: Pressure drop calculation: Pressure drop (ΔP) is one of the important indicators for evaluating the flow channel diversion performance. The calculation formula is:

[0033] Where Pin is the pressure at the flow channel inlet, and Pout is the pressure at the flow channel outlet. High-precision pressure sensors are installed at the inlet and outlet of the flow channel unit to collect real-time pressure data and calculate the pressure drop within the flow channel. For example, in a test, if the inlet pressure is 200kPa and the outlet pressure is 180kPa, the pressure drop is 20kPa.

[0034] Flow distribution uniformity calculation: Flow distribution uniformity (U) is used to evaluate the uniformity of flow in the flow channel. The calculation formula is:

[0035] in, is the flow rate measured by the i-th flow sensor, is the average flow rate measured by all flow sensors, and n is the total number of flow sensors. By evenly distributing multiple flow sensors within the flow channel and collecting flow data in real time, the flow distribution uniformity is calculated. For example, in one test, five flow sensors were installed within the flow channel, and the measured flow rates were 1.2 L / min, 1.1 L / min, 1.3 L / min, 1.2 L / min, and 1.1 L / min, respectively. The average flow rate was 1.2 L / min, so the flow distribution uniformity is: U=1 / 5[((1.2-1.2) / 1.2)2+((1.1-1.2) / 1.2)2+((1.3-1.2) / 1.2)2+((1.2-1.2) / 1.2)2+((1.1-1.2) / 1.2)2]=0.0139 The smaller the flow distribution uniformity, the more uniform the flow distribution.

[0036] Temperature distribution uniformity calculation: Temperature distribution uniformity (T) is used to evaluate the uniformity of temperature in the flow channel. The calculation formula is:

[0037] in, is the temperature measured by the jth temperature sensor, is the average temperature measured by all temperature sensors, and m is the total number of temperature sensors. By evenly distributing multiple temperature sensors within the flow channel and collecting temperature data in real time, the temperature distribution uniformity is calculated. For example, in one test, four temperature sensors were installed within the flow channel, and the measured temperatures were 30.1°C, 30.2°C, 30.0°C, and 30.1°C, respectively. The average temperature was 30.1°C. The temperature distribution uniformity is then: T=1 / 4[((30.1-30.1) / 30.1)2+((30.2-30.1) / 30.1)2+((30.0-30.1) / 30.1)2+((30.1-30.1) / 30.1)2]=0.0001 The smaller the temperature distribution uniformity, the more uniform the temperature distribution.

[0038] Using these algorithms, the data acquisition and analysis system can deeply mine and analyze the massive amounts of data it collects, building a predictive model for bipolar plate flow channel performance. For example, after testing a set of bipolar plates with different flow channel designs, the system analyzes sensor data and uses the aforementioned algorithms to calculate the pressure drop, flow distribution uniformity, and temperature distribution uniformity for each flow channel design.

[0039] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow battery bipolar plate flow channel conduction performance testing device, characterized in that: include: An intelligent test stack (100) is composed of a plurality of detachable flow channel units (110), each flow channel unit including a bipolar plate (111) and two flow channel frames (112), the flow channel frames (112) being modularly designed and internally embedded with a plurality of micro pressure sensors (113), temperature sensors (114) and flow sensors (115), and each flow channel unit being equipped with a wireless communication module (116); An intelligent liquid circuit system (200) includes a plurality of independent liquid circuit circulation units (210), each unit consisting of a liquid tank (211), an intelligent liquid pump (212), a liquid supply pipeline (213), and a liquid return pipeline (214), wherein the liquid supply pipeline (213) and the liquid return pipeline (214) are provided with an intelligent mixing device (215); The multifunctional housing (300) is made of a high-strength, corrosion-resistant composite material and has a plurality of independent test chambers (310) therein. The housing is also equipped with a temperature and humidity control system (320) and an intelligent drainage system (330); The data acquisition and analysis system (400) is composed of a high-performance computer (410), a data acquisition card (420), a signal amplifier (430) and analysis software (440), and adopts big data analysis technology and virtual reality visualization technology.

2. A flow battery bipolar plate flow channel conduction performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent liquid pump (212) is a variable frequency intelligent liquid pump capable of automatically adjusting the pump speed according to a preset flow curve, thereby ensuring that the flow state of the electrolyte in the flow channel meets the test requirements.

3. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent mixing device (215) ensures that the electrolyte always maintains a uniform concentration distribution during the circulation process through ultrasonic vibration and turbulent mixing technology.

4. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test chamber (310) of the multifunctional housing (300) can accommodate a test battery stack, and the temperature and humidity control system (320) is provided inside the housing, which can simulate test scenarios under different environmental conditions.

5. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent liquid discharge system (330) of the multifunctional housing (300) is capable of automatically discharging excess electrolyte and recycling it through the combined control of a pressure sensor and a liquid level sensor.

6. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data acquisition and analysis system (400) uses big data analysis technology to conduct in-depth mining and analysis of the collected massive data, and establish a prediction model for the bipolar plate flow channel performance.

7. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data acquisition and analysis system (400) develops visualization software based on virtual reality technology, and users can visually observe the flow conditions in the flow channel through VR equipment.

8. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow channel frame (112) of the intelligent test stack (100) adopts a modular design, and the shape, size and distribution of the flow channels can be easily changed by replacing different flow channel modules.

9. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The micro pressure sensor (113), the temperature sensor (114), and the flow sensor (115) embedded in each flow channel unit (110) of the intelligent test stack (100) can monitor the pressure, temperature, and flow distribution in the flow channel in real time.

10. The device for testing flow channel conduction performance of a flow battery bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless communication module (116) equipped with each of the flow channel units (110) of the intelligent test stack (100) can transmit sensor data to a central control system in real time.

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