A method and apparatus for measuring hydrogen flow

Abstract

This application discloses a hydrogen flow measurement device and apparatus. The hydrogen flow measurement device includes a first Coriolis flow meter, a second Coriolis flow meter, a third Coriolis flow meter, a first proportional solenoid valve, a second proportional solenoid valve, and a control unit. The full-scale values ​​of the first, second, and third Coriolis flow meters decrease sequentially. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is the flow inlet, and the second end is connected to both the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is connected to both the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve. The second ends of the first and second proportional solenoid valves, together with the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter, serve as the flow outlet. The signal output terminal of the control unit is connected to the control terminals of each device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen flow measurement technology, and in particular to a method and device for measuring hydrogen flow. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry, high-power fuel cell engines have been widely used in stationary power plants, commercial vehicles, ships, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Accurate measurement of hydrogen consumption under all operating conditions is crucial for evaluating the engine's economic efficiency. High-precision hydrogen flow measurement is a key technological support for calculating and evaluating the power generation efficiency of stationary power plants. Currently, hydrogen flow measurement mainly relies on Coriolis mass flow meters. This type of flow meter can directly measure the mass flow rate of fluids and has high measurement accuracy, but it has inherent limitations due to its physical characteristics.

[0003] The range of a Coriolis mass flow meter is positively correlated with its diameter; that is, the larger the diameter, the larger the range. However, zero-point drift is negatively correlated with diameter; that is, the larger the diameter, the more significant the zero-point drift in the low-flow range, resulting in greater measurement error. While small diameter meters offer high accuracy, they cannot meet the demands of large flow rates, and a single diameter combination cannot simultaneously achieve both wide range and high accuracy. Furthermore, under dynamic operating conditions, the pipe and flow meter cavity can cause measurement delays, and on-off switching valves are prone to causing sudden flow changes, making hydrogen flow measurement difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a hydrogen flow measurement device and equipment.

[0005] The embodiments of this application disclose the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hydrogen flow measurement device, the device comprising a first Coriolis flow meter, a second Coriolis flow meter, a third Coriolis flow meter, a first proportional solenoid valve, a second proportional solenoid valve, and a control unit; the full-scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter is greater than the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter, and the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter is greater than the full-scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter; The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is the flow measurement inlet, and the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter is simultaneously connected to the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is simultaneously connected to the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve; After the second end of the first proportional solenoid valve and the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve are connected to the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter, they together serve as the flow measurement outlet. The signal output terminals of the control unit are respectively connected to the control terminals of the first Coriolis flow meter, the second Coriolis flow meter, the controller terminal of the first proportional solenoid valve, the control terminal of the third Coriolis flow meter, and the control terminal of the second proportional solenoid valve.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the control unit is configured to control the first proportional solenoid valve to close and the second proportional solenoid valve to open, so that the third Coriolis flow meter is bypassed, when the medium flow rate is greater than the full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter and less than or equal to the full scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter. When the medium flow rate is greater than the full scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter and less than the full scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter, the first proportional solenoid valve and the second proportional solenoid valve are controlled to open, so that the second Coriolis flow meter and the third Coriolis flow meter are bypassed. When the flow rate of the medium is less than or equal to the full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter, the first proportional solenoid valve and the second proportional solenoid valve are controlled to close.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first proportional solenoid valve and the second proportional solenoid valve are stepless regulating valves; The control unit is used to adjust the flow area of ​​the proportional solenoid valve to switch the flow meter; wherein, the larger the medium flow rate, the larger the flow area of ​​the proportional solenoid valve.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the device includes a first conduit and a second conduit; the first conduit has a diameter of 3 / 4 inch, and the second conduit has a diameter of 1 / 2 inch. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is connected to the first pipeline as the flow measurement inlet, the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter is connected to the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve through the first pipeline, and the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter is also connected to the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter through the second pipeline. The second end of the first proportional solenoid valve is connected to the first pipeline as the flow measurement outlet; The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is connected to the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve through the second pipeline; The second end of the third Coriolis flowmeter and the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve are connected to the second end of the first proportional solenoid valve through the second pipeline.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the control unit is further configured to receive the flow measurement values ​​of each Coriolis flow meter and select the flow measurement value of the Coriolis flow meter with the smaller full-scale value as the flow output value.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the measurement ranges of the first Coriolis flow meter, the second Coriolis flow meter, and the third Coriolis flow meter together cover a flow rate range of 0 to 10 g / s.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the control unit is further configured to take the real-time measured flow rate, the cavity volume of the pipeline, and the cavity volume of the Coriolis flow meter as inputs to the control model, determine the opening degree of the proportional solenoid valve, and control the corresponding proportional solenoid valve.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the selection of the Coriolis flow meter and the pipe diameter are determined based on the following flow resistance calculation model: ; in, This represents the hydrogen mass flow rate. The density of hydrogen gas fluid, The hydrogen flow coefficient, The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel for the Coriolis flowmeter or pipeline to be determined. For fluid pressure drop, Less than or equal to the flow rate pressure drop threshold.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application disclose a fuel cell engine, which includes an engine, a hydrogen supply system, and a hydrogen flow measurement device as described in any one of the first aspects. The flow measurement inlet of the hydrogen flow measurement device is connected to the output end of the hydrogen supply system, and the flow measurement outlet is connected to the hydrogen input end of the engine. The hydrogen flow measurement device is used to measure the hydrogen flow rate data delivered by the hydrogen supply system to the engine in real time.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of this application disclose a fuel cell power station, which includes a generator, a hydrogen storage and transportation system, and a hydrogen flow measurement device as described in any one of the first aspects. The hydrogen flow measurement device is connected in series between the hydrogen storage and transportation system and the generator; The hydrogen flow measurement device is used to monitor the mass flow rate of hydrogen delivered to the generator by the hydrogen storage and delivery system.

[0015] This application provides a hydrogen flow measurement device and apparatus. The hydrogen flow measurement device includes a first Coriolis flow meter, a second Coriolis flow meter, a third Coriolis flow meter, a first proportional solenoid valve, a second proportional solenoid valve, and a control unit. The full-scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter is greater than that of the second Coriolis flow meter, and the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter is greater than that of the third Coriolis flow meter. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is the flow measurement inlet, and its second end is connected to both the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is connected to both the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve. The second ends of the first and second proportional solenoid valves, together with the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter, serve as the flow measurement outlet. The signal output terminals of the control unit are respectively connected to the control terminals of the first, second, and third Coriolis flow meters, as well as the control terminals of the first and second proportional solenoid valves.

[0016] This embodiment of the application, by setting up three Coriolis flow meters with sequentially decreasing full-scale values ​​and using a specific pipeline connection method, can cover a wide range of hydrogen flow measurement needs, avoiding the problems of insufficient range of a single-range flow meter in high-flow scenarios and insufficient measurement accuracy in low-flow scenarios. The control unit can centrally control the three Coriolis flow meters and two proportional solenoid valves, flexibly switching the appropriate flow meter according to the actual hydrogen flow rate, and adjusting the pipeline on / off and flow distribution through the proportional solenoid valves to ensure accurate measurement under different flow conditions, significantly improving the adaptability and measurement reliability of the device to different flow scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hydrogen flow measurement device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the measurement error and corresponding range of a Coriolis flowmeter provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] As described above, existing technologies for hydrogen flow measurement primarily employ single-caliber Coriolis flow meters. Fuel cell engines have a wide range of hydrogen consumption across all operating conditions, especially for high-power fuel cell engines. Using a single-caliber Coriolis flow meter cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of both high flow rate range and low flow rate measurement accuracy. When the engine operates under dynamic conditions, its power frequently changes rapidly and significantly. Due to the volume of the pipeline and the hydrogen flow meter, the flow meter readings under dynamic conditions are delayed and asynchronous with the actual hydrogen consumption at the same moment. Furthermore, transient load changes cause fluctuations in hydrogen pressure and flow rate, making it difficult to measure the true net consumption. Therefore, measuring transient hydrogen consumption changes during dynamic operation remains a significant technical challenge in the field of hydrogen consumption measurement.

[0020] To address this technical problem, this application provides a hydrogen flow measurement device and apparatus. The hydrogen flow measurement device includes a first Coriolis flow meter, a second Coriolis flow meter, a third Coriolis flow meter, a first proportional solenoid valve, a second proportional solenoid valve, and a control unit. The full-scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter is greater than that of the second Coriolis flow meter, and the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter is greater than that of the third Coriolis flow meter. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is the flow inlet, and its second end is connected to both the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is connected to both the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve. The second ends of the first and second proportional solenoid valves, together with the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter, serve as the flow outlet. The signal output terminals of the control unit are respectively connected to the control terminals of the first, second, and third Coriolis flow meters, as well as the control terminals of the first and second proportional solenoid valves.

[0021] This embodiment of the application, by setting up three Coriolis flow meters with sequentially decreasing full-scale values ​​and using a specific pipeline connection method, can cover a wide range of hydrogen flow measurement needs, avoiding the problems of insufficient range of a single-range flow meter in high-flow scenarios and insufficient measurement accuracy in low-flow scenarios. The control unit can centrally control the three Coriolis flow meters and two proportional solenoid valves, flexibly switching the appropriate flow meter according to the actual hydrogen flow rate, and adjusting the pipeline on / off and flow distribution through the proportional solenoid valves to ensure accurate measurement under different flow conditions, significantly improving the adaptability and measurement reliability of the device to different flow scenarios.

[0022] This embodiment of the application, with its hardware configuration of three Coriolis flow meters with sequentially decreasing full-scale values, two proportional solenoid valves, and a centralized control unit, can be applied to the measurement of hydrogen flow in high-power fuel cell engines. During the measurement of hydrogen flow in a high-power fuel cell engine, when a large flow of hydrogen is required, the control unit can drive the first Coriolis flow meter to operate and open the first proportional solenoid valve, ensuring accurate measurement at high flow rates. As the hydrogen pressure increases and the flow rate gradually decreases, the control unit can sequentially switch to the second and third Coriolis flow meters, while simultaneously adjusting the pipeline flow distribution through the second proportional solenoid valve to ensure measurement accuracy at low flow rates, meeting the wide-range, high-precision flow monitoring requirements of hydrogen throughout the entire process of a high-power fuel cell engine. In chemical production, when hydrogen participates as a reactant in different stages of synthesis reactions, the demand for hydrogen flow varies significantly between different reaction steps. This device can flexibly switch between Coriolis flow meters with appropriate ranges through the control unit, and work with the proportional solenoid valves to stabilize the pipeline flow, avoiding measurement deviations of a single-range flow meter at extreme flow rates, and ensuring the stability of reaction efficiency and product quality.

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen flow measurement device provided in an embodiment of this application. The hydrogen flow measurement device includes a first Coriolis flow meter 1, a second Coriolis flow meter 2, a third Coriolis flow meter 3, a first proportional solenoid valve 4, a second proportional solenoid valve 5, and a control unit.

[0025] The first Coriolis flow meter 1 is used to measure hydrogen over a wide flow range. Its full-scale range is the largest among the three Coriolis flow meters, making it suitable for accurate measurement under high flow conditions. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 serves as the flow inlet 6 of the entire hydrogen flow measurement device, representing the only channel through which hydrogen enters the device. The second end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is simultaneously connected to the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 and the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve 4, enabling the splitting and transmission of hydrogen.

[0026] The second Coriolis flow meter 2 is used to measure hydrogen in a medium flow range. The range of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 is between that of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the third Coriolis flow meter 3, making it suitable for medium flow conditions. The first end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 is connected to the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 to receive hydrogen from the first Coriolis flow meter 1. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 is also connected to the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve 5, completing the secondary diversion of hydrogen.

[0027] The third Coriolis flow meter 3 is used to measure hydrogen in a small flow range. Its full-scale value is the smallest among the three flow meters, making it suitable for high-precision measurement under low flow conditions. The first end of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 is connected to the second end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2, receiving the hydrogen after secondary diversion. The second end of the third Coriolis flow meter 3, together with the second ends of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5, forms the measuring flow outlet 7 of the device.

[0028] In the hydrogen flow measurement device, the full-scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is greater than the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter 2, which is greater than the full-scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter 3, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel of the second Coriolis flow meter 2, which is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel of the third Coriolis flow meter 3.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the measurement ranges of the first Coriolis flowmeter 1, the second Coriolis flowmeter 2, and the third Coriolis flowmeter 3 are interconnected and collectively cover a flow range of 0–10 g / s, which can adapt to the hydrogen flow measurement requirements of high-power fuel cell engines. Under different operating conditions such as start-up, idling, rated power, and peak power, the hydrogen flow rate of a high-power fuel cell engine fluctuates significantly within the 0–10 g / s range. This device, using three Coriolis flowmeters with sequentially decreasing full-scale values, combined with a proportional solenoid valve and control unit, can ensure measurement efficiency under high flow conditions using the first Coriolis flowmeter 1, and achieve high-precision measurement under medium and low flow conditions using the second and third Coriolis flowmeters 2 and 3. This meets the hydrogen flow monitoring requirements of high-power fuel cell engines under all operating conditions, providing data support for the stable and efficient operation of the engine.

[0030] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2The relationship between the measurement error and the corresponding range of three Coriolis flow meters in the hydrogen flow range of 0~10 g / s is shown. Among them, curve a is the measurement error curve of the first Coriolis flow meter 1, and the range of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is d; curve b is the measurement error curve of the second Coriolis flow meter 2, and the range of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 is e; curve c is the measurement error curve of the third Coriolis flow meter 3, and the range of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 is f.

[0031] The first proportional solenoid valve 4 is used to control the on / off state and flow distribution ratio of the corresponding pipeline, and works with the first Coriolis flow meter 1 to achieve flow regulation under high flow conditions. The first end of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 is connected to the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1, and the second end of the first proportional solenoid valve 4, the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve 5, and the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 converge to the flow measurement outlet 7.

[0032] The second proportional solenoid valve 5 is used to control the on / off state and flow distribution ratio of the corresponding pipeline, and works with the second Coriolis flow meter 2 to achieve flow regulation under medium flow conditions. The first end of the second proportional solenoid valve 5 is connected to the second end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2, and the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve 5 participates in the flow collection to the measuring flow outlet 7.

[0033] The control unit is used to centrally receive measurement data from each Coriolis flow meter to determine the flow conditions and output control signals to adjust the working status of each component. The control unit's signal output terminal establishes electrical connections with the control terminals of the first Coriolis flow meter 1, the second Coriolis flow meter 2, and the third Coriolis flow meter 3, as well as the control terminals of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5, to achieve coordinated control of the entire system.

[0034] In this embodiment, the hydrogen flow measurement device operates by adapting to and switching the corresponding Coriolis flow meter based on the hydrogen flow range. The measuring flow inlet 6 of the hydrogen flow measurement device is connected to the hydrogen output device, and the measuring flow outlet 7 of the hydrogen flow measurement device is connected to the hydrogen load.

[0035] Hydrogen enters the hydrogen flow measurement device through the flow measurement inlet 6 of the first Coriolis flow meter 1. The control unit receives the flow data fed back by the three Coriolis flow meters in real time to determine the current operating condition and controls the Coriolis flow meters in combination with the full scale value of each Coriolis flow meter.

[0036] When the hydrogen flow rate is in the high flow range, the control unit outputs a signal to start the first Coriolis flow meter 1, and at the same time controls the first proportional solenoid valve 4 to open and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 to close. The hydrogen flows directly from the first Coriolis flow meter 1 through the first proportional solenoid valve 4 to the measuring flow outlet 7, thus achieving accurate measurement of high flow rate.

[0037] When the hydrogen flow rate drops to the medium range, the control unit switches to the second Coriolis flow meter 2, closes the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and opens the second proportional solenoid valve 5. After the hydrogen flows into the second Coriolis flow meter 2 through the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and is metered, it flows through the second proportional solenoid valve 5 to the measuring flow outlet 7.

[0038] When the hydrogen flow rate drops further to a low flow range, the control unit activates the third Coriolis flow meter 3, closes the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5, and the hydrogen flows into the third Coriolis flow meter 3 through the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the second Coriolis flow meter 2 in sequence. After completing the low flow rate high-precision metering, the hydrogen is output from the measured flow outlet 7.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control unit continuously and dynamically monitors changes in hydrogen flow rate, flexibly switching between Coriolis flow meters with appropriate ranges based on the actual hydrogen flow rate. A proportional solenoid valve precisely controls the pipeline flow, ensuring that hydrogen is always measured through the Coriolis flow meter with the corresponding range, avoiding accuracy deviations caused by flow rates exceeding the flow meter's optimal measurement range. Simultaneously, the series-connected flow-dividing design of the three Coriolis flow meters, combined with the coordinated adjustment of the proportional solenoid valve, achieves seamless coverage of the entire hydrogen flow range from high to low, meeting the flow measurement needs of different scenarios.

[0040] By setting up three Coriolis flow meters with sequentially decreasing full-scale values, coupled with centralized control of the control unit, the problem of a single-range flow meter being unable to cover a wide range of flow measurements is solved, while ensuring measurement accuracy under different flow conditions, making it suitable for high-power loads. The collaborative working mode of the proportional solenoid valve and the Coriolis flow meter enables flexible flow distribution and precise pipeline control, improving the device's adaptability to complex flow variations. Furthermore, the hydrogen flow measurement device features a simple overall structural design and strong interoperability among its components, enabling stable application in various scenarios such as hydrogen refueling stations and industrial hydrogen transportation. This improves the accuracy of measurement data while enhancing the device's operational reliability and practicality.

[0041] To achieve accurate adaptation and efficient measurement under different flow conditions, the control unit can flexibly switch between the measurement pipeline and the bypass path by controlling the on / off state of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 based on the correspondence between the medium flow rate and the full scale value of each Coriolis flow meter. This ensures wide range coverage and avoids accuracy loss caused by the participation of non-compatible range flow meters in the measurement.

[0042] Specifically, the control unit receives flow data from each Coriolis flowmeter in real time and dynamically determines the current range of the medium flow rate. When the detected medium flow rate is less than or equal to the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flowmeter 2 and greater than the full-scale value of the third Coriolis flowmeter 3, the control unit outputs a control signal to close the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and open the second proportional solenoid valve 5. At this time, hydrogen cannot pass through the bypass line of the first proportional solenoid valve 4, and the third Coriolis flowmeter 3 is bypassed. Hydrogen can only flow into the second Coriolis flowmeter 2 along the main line and flow out through the second proportional solenoid valve 5.

[0043] When the medium flow rate is greater than the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 but less than the full-scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter 1, it means that the current flow rate is under high-flow condition, and the range of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 can no longer meet the requirements for accurate measurement. The control unit controls the opening of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5, bypassing the second Coriolis flow meter 2 and the third Coriolis flow meter 3. After hydrogen is measured by the first Coriolis flow meter 1, it can directly flow to the outlet through the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the opened first proportional solenoid valve 4, avoiding the accuracy deviation caused by its participation in high-flow measurement, while fully utilizing the large range advantage of the first Coriolis flow meter 1.

[0044] When the medium flow rate is less than or equal to the full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter 3, it falls under the low-flow-rate, high-precision measurement scenario. The control unit will simultaneously control the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 to close, cutting off the two bypass pipelines. Hydrogen gas must flow through the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the second Coriolis flow meter 2 in sequence before entering the third Coriolis flow meter 3 to complete accurate measurement, ensuring the accuracy of measurement data under low-flow conditions.

[0045] Throughout the control process, the control unit achieves precise matching between flow meters of different ranges and corresponding flow conditions through logical on / off control, ensuring that each set of flow data is measured by a flow meter with the appropriate range. At the same time, the bypass design reduces flow loss in unnecessary pipelines, maximizing the measurement accuracy and response speed of each flow range while ensuring wide range coverage.

[0046] To further improve the continuity and accuracy of flow measurement and avoid flow fluctuations that may be caused by the on / off control of solenoid valves, in this embodiment, the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 can be stepless regulating valves. The control unit achieves smooth switching of flow meters with different ranges by dynamically adjusting the flow area of ​​the two valves, so that the flow area is positively correlated with the medium flow rate, ensuring stable measurement across the entire flow range.

[0047] Specifically, the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 have continuously adjustable flow characteristics, and their flow areas can vary steplessly between 0 and the maximum threshold, rather than simply being in an on or off state. The control unit collects the measurement data from the three Coriolis flow meters in real time, and combines it with the preset mapping relationship between flow rate and flow area to dynamically output adjustment signals, thereby achieving precise control of the flow area of ​​the two valves.

[0048] When the medium flow rate is in the high flow range (full scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 < medium flow rate ≤ full scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter 1), the control unit drives the first proportional solenoid valve 4 to increase the flow area, while controlling the second proportional solenoid valve 5 to maintain the minimum flow area (approximately closed). At this time, most of the hydrogen gas, after being measured by the first Coriolis flow meter 1, flows directly to the outlet through the first proportional solenoid valve 4 with a large flow area. The second Coriolis flow meter 2 and the third Coriolis flow meter 3 are bypassed. The first Coriolis flow meter 1 fully utilizes its large range advantage, and the adaptive design of the flow area avoids pipeline throttling losses under high flow conditions.

[0049] When the medium flow rate is in the medium flow range (full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 < medium flow rate ≤ full scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter 2), the control unit adjusts the first proportional solenoid valve 4 to maintain the minimum flow area, while simultaneously increasing the flow area of ​​the second proportional solenoid valve 5. After hydrogen flows from the first Coriolis flow meter 1 into the second Coriolis flow meter 2 for accurate measurement, it flows through the outlet of the second proportional solenoid valve 5, which is adapted to the flow rate. The third Coriolis flow meter 3 is bypassed. The matching of the flow area with the medium flow rate ensures the stability of the measurement process and avoids accuracy deviations caused by flow fluctuations.

[0050] When the medium flow rate is in the low flow range (medium flow rate ≤ equal to the full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter 3), the control unit controls both the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 to maintain the minimum flow area. Hydrogen gas flows sequentially through the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the second Coriolis flow meter 2 before entering the third Coriolis flow meter 3 for high-precision measurement. At this time, the small flow area design of the two valves effectively limits the bypass flow, ensuring that all hydrogen gas passes through the small-scale flow meter, thus guaranteeing the measurement accuracy under low flow conditions.

[0051] To adapt to the flow transmission requirements of Coriolis flow meters with different ranges, reduce pipeline throttling losses, and improve measurement response speed, the embodiments of this application can also design differentiated pipe diameters for the device pipeline. By setting a 3 / 4-inch first pipeline and a 1 / 2-inch second pipeline to match different hydrogen flow transmission scenarios, and combining the precise connection of the pipeline and each component, efficient coordination of flow measurement and transmission can be achieved.

[0052] Specifically, the hydrogen flow measurement device includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe has a diameter of 3 / 4 inch, and the second pipe has a diameter of 1 / 2 inch. Compared to the second pipe, the first pipe has a larger diameter and lower fluid resistance, and is used for the input and output of large flow rates of hydrogen. The second pipe is suitable for medium and small flow rate transmission requirements, ensuring transmission stability under medium and small flow rate conditions.

[0053] The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is directly connected to the first pipeline, serving as the flow measurement inlet 6 for the entire device. Its large-diameter design allows for rapid input of large flow rates of hydrogen, avoiding flow congestion caused by excessively narrow pipelines. The second end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is connected to two pipelines simultaneously. Specifically, the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is connected to the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 via the first pipeline, and to the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 via the second pipeline, forming a flow-diverting structure of a large-flow bypass and a medium-to-small-flow main path.

[0054] The second end of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 is connected to the first pipeline, which serves as the flow measurement outlet 7. This first pipeline has the same diameter as the inlet pipeline, ensuring smooth flow during high-flow hydrogen output. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 is fully connected to the second pipeline, which synchronously connects the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 to the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve 5, achieving secondary flow diversion for small to medium flow rates.

[0055] After the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 merges with the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve 5, it is connected to the first pipeline where the second end of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 is located through the second pipeline, and finally together they form the flow measurement outlet 7.

[0056] This application embodiment uses a pipeline connection design with differentiated pipe diameters to allow high-flow hydrogen to be preferentially transmitted through the first pipeline with lower resistance, while medium and low-flow hydrogen is accurately measured through the second pipeline. This avoids the throttling loss of high-flow hydrogen in the narrow pipeline and ensures the transmission stability of medium and low-flow hydrogen in the appropriate pipe diameter, further improving the overall measurement efficiency and accuracy of the device.

[0057] To further improve the measurement accuracy across the entire flow range, after the flow meter and operating conditions are adapted and switched, the control unit prioritizes the measurement data of the Coriolis flow meter with the smaller full-scale value as the final output value, ensuring that the data accuracy is highly matched with the flow meter's optimal measurement range.

[0058] During device operation, the control unit will synchronously receive real-time flow measurement values ​​from the first Coriolis flow meter 1, the second Coriolis flow meter 2, and the third Coriolis flow meter 3, and simultaneously record the current working status of each flow meter and its corresponding full-scale level.

[0059] When the medium flow rate is in the high flow range, the first proportional solenoid valve 4 is opened, and the second Coriolis flow meter 2 and the third Coriolis flow meter 3 are bypassed. At this time, only the first Coriolis flow meter 1 is in an effective working state. The control unit directly selects the measured value of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 as the flow output value to ensure the validity of the data under high flow conditions.

[0060] When the medium flow rate is in the medium flow range, the first proportional solenoid valve 4 is closed and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 is open, and the third Coriolis flow meter 3 is bypassed. Both the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the second Coriolis flow meter 2 will provide measurement data. The control unit compares their full-scale values. Since the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 is smaller than that of the first Coriolis flow meter 1, and this flow range is within the optimal measurement range of the second Coriolis flow meter 2, the control unit selects the measured value of the second Coriolis flow meter 2 as the flow output value.

[0061] When the medium flow rate is in the low flow range, both the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and the second proportional solenoid valve 5 are closed. When the three Coriolis flow meters work simultaneously, the control unit compares the full-scale values ​​of the three. The low flow condition is highly consistent with the optimal measurement range of the third Coriolis flow meter 3, and its measurement data accuracy is higher than that of the first Coriolis flow meter 1 and the second Coriolis flow meter 2. The control unit prioritizes the measurement value of the third Coriolis flow meter 3, which has the smallest full-scale value, as the final flow output value.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit can ensure that each set of flow output values ​​comes from the flow meter that is most suitable for the current operating conditions, giving full play to the high precision advantage of the small-range flow meter in the corresponding range, effectively reducing the accuracy deviation problem that is prone to occur when the large-range flow meter measures small flow, and improving the overall reliability of the measurement data of the device.

[0063] To further improve the stability and response speed of flow regulation, the control unit can use the real-time measured flow rate, pipeline and Coriolis flow meter cavity volume as input parameters based on the control model, and dynamically adjust the opening of the proportional solenoid valve through closed-loop control to achieve precise matching between flow rate and pipeline status.

[0064] Specifically, the control unit is also used to take the real-time measured flow rate, the cavity volume of the pipeline, and the cavity volume of the Coriolis flow meter as inputs to the control model, determine the opening degree of the proportional solenoid valve, and control the corresponding proportional solenoid valve.

[0065] The control unit collects the current measured flow rate data in real time, and simultaneously pre-stores the cavity volume parameters of each pipeline and each Coriolis flow meter. These three types of data are synchronously input into the control model as the basis for calculating the opening degree. The cavity volume can reflect the fluid temporary storage characteristics within the pipeline and flow meter, avoiding flow regulation lag caused by cavity stagnation.

[0066] When the flow rate of the medium changes, the control model calculates the target opening degree of the proportional solenoid valve by combining the coupling relationship between the real-time flow rate and the cavity volume. For example, when the flow rate switches from the high flow rate range to the medium flow rate range, the control model will gradually reduce the opening degree of the first proportional solenoid valve 4 and simultaneously adjust the opening degree of the second proportional solenoid valve 5 based on the fluid residual amount in the pipeline cavity to avoid sudden changes in flow rate. When the flow rate enters the low flow rate range, the control model will combine the cavity volume of the third Coriolis flow meter 3 to precisely control the closing degree of the two proportional solenoid valves to ensure that hydrogen gas completely flows through the low-range flow meter.

[0067] The control model can continuously compare the deviation between the real-time measured flow rate and the target flow rate. Combined with the delay characteristics caused by the cavity volume, the opening parameters of the proportional solenoid valve are adjusted in real time. This ensures the smoothness of flow switching and avoids the impact of fluid fluctuations in the pipeline on measurement accuracy. It makes the adjustment of the proportional solenoid valve highly compatible with the flow rate and cavity state, further improving the stability and measurement accuracy of the device under dynamic flow conditions.

[0068] To ensure that the Coriolis flow meter selection matches the pipeline diameter to meet flow requirements, and to avoid excessive fluid pressure drop affecting measurement or system operation, the embodiments of this application can quantify the parameter relationship of hydrogen flow through the flow channel through a flow resistance calculation model, providing a quantitative basis for determining the specifications of the Coriolis flow meter and pipeline.

[0069] Specifically, the selection of the Coriolis flow meter and the pipe diameter are determined based on the following flow resistance calculation model: ; in, This represents the hydrogen mass flow rate. The density of hydrogen gas fluid, The hydrogen flow coefficient, The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel for the Coriolis flowmeter or pipeline to be determined. For fluid pressure drop, Less than or equal to the flow rate pressure drop threshold.

[0070] Based on actual operating parameters such as hydrogen mass flow rate and fluid density, this application establishes the correlation between hydrogen mass flow rate, hydrogen fluid density, hydrogen flow coefficient, flow channel cross-sectional area, and fluid pressure drop through a flow resistance calculation model.

[0071] When selecting a Coriolis flow meter, first determine the hydrogen mass flow range for the target application scenario, such as adapting it to a high-power fuel cell engine with a flow rate of 0~10g / s, and then consider the hydrogen fluid density ρ and the flow coefficient C. qThe cross-sectional area A of the flow channel for the selected Coriolis flowmeter is calculated by substituting the flow resistance calculation model. Simultaneously, it is ensured that the calculated fluid pressure drop Δp does not exceed the flow-pressure drop threshold to avoid excessive pressure drop leading to flow loss or measurement deviation. The logic for determining the pipe diameter is consistent with this: the required cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel for the corresponding pipe is calculated using the flow resistance calculation model, and then converted into a suitable pipe diameter specification.

[0072] The application of the flow resistance calculation model transforms flow meter selection and pipeline diameter design from experience-based reliance to quantitative calculation. This ensures that the cross-sectional area of ​​the Coriolis flow meter is adapted to the target mass flow rate, and avoids excessive flow resistance by controlling Δp within the threshold. Ultimately, it achieves precise matching between the flow meter and pipeline specifications and hydrogen flow and pressure drop requirements, improving the overall adaptability and operational stability of the device.

[0073] This application also provides a fuel cell engine, which includes an engine, a hydrogen supply system, and a hydrogen flow measurement device as described in any of the above embodiments; the flow measurement inlet of the hydrogen flow measurement device is connected to the output end of the hydrogen supply system, and the flow measurement outlet is connected to the hydrogen input end of the engine; the hydrogen flow measurement device is used to measure the hydrogen flow data delivered by the hydrogen supply system to the engine in real time.

[0074] This application also provides a fuel cell power station, which includes a generator, a hydrogen storage and delivery system, and a hydrogen flow measurement device as described in any of the above embodiments; the hydrogen flow measurement device is connected in series between the hydrogen storage and delivery system and the generator; the hydrogen flow measurement device is used to monitor the mass flow rate of hydrogen delivered from the hydrogen storage and delivery system to the generator.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" (if they exist) are used only as name identifiers and do not represent the order of first and second.

[0076] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0077] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A hydrogen flow measurement device, characterized in that, The device includes a first Coriolis flow meter, a second Coriolis flow meter, a third Coriolis flow meter, a first proportional solenoid valve, a second proportional solenoid valve, and a control unit; the full-scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter is greater than the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter, and the full-scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter is greater than the full-scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is the flow measurement inlet, and the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter is simultaneously connected to the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve. The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is simultaneously connected to the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve; After the second end of the first proportional solenoid valve and the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve are connected to the second end of the third Coriolis flow meter, they together serve as the flow measurement outlet. The signal output terminals of the control unit are respectively connected to the control terminals of the first Coriolis flow meter, the second Coriolis flow meter, the controller terminal of the first proportional solenoid valve, the control terminal of the third Coriolis flow meter, and the control terminal of the second proportional solenoid valve.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to control the first proportional solenoid valve to close and the second proportional solenoid valve to open when the medium flow rate is greater than the full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter and less than or equal to the full scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter, so that the third Coriolis flow meter is bypassed. When the medium flow rate is greater than the full scale value of the second Coriolis flow meter and less than the full scale value of the first Coriolis flow meter, the first proportional solenoid valve and the second proportional solenoid valve are controlled to open, so that the second Coriolis flow meter and the third Coriolis flow meter are bypassed. When the medium flow rate is less than or equal to the full scale value of the third Coriolis flow meter, the first proportional solenoid valve and the second proportional solenoid valve are controlled to close.

3. The hydrogen flow measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first proportional solenoid valve and the second proportional solenoid valve are stepless regulating valves; The control unit is used to adjust the flow area of ​​the proportional solenoid valve to switch the flow meter; wherein, the larger the medium flow rate, the larger the flow area of ​​the proportional solenoid valve.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device has a first conduit and a second conduit; the first conduit has a diameter of 3 / 4 inch and the second conduit has a diameter of 1 / 2 inch. The first end of the first Coriolis flow meter is connected to the first pipeline as the flow measurement inlet, the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter is connected to the first end of the first proportional solenoid valve through the first pipeline, and the second end of the first Coriolis flow meter is also connected to the first end of the second Coriolis flow meter through the second pipeline. The second end of the first proportional solenoid valve is connected to the first pipeline as the flow measurement outlet; The second end of the second Coriolis flow meter is connected to the first end of the third Coriolis flow meter and the first end of the second proportional solenoid valve through the second pipeline; The second end of the third Coriolis flowmeter and the second end of the second proportional solenoid valve are connected to the second end of the first proportional solenoid valve through the second pipeline.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is also used to receive the flow measurement values ​​of each Coriolis flow meter and select the flow measurement value of the Coriolis flow meter with the smaller full-scale value as the flow output value.

6. The hydrogen flow measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measurement ranges of the first Coriolis flow meter, the second Coriolis flow meter, and the third Coriolis flow meter together cover the flow range of 0 to 10 g / s.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is also used to take the real-time measured flow rate, the cavity volume of the pipeline, and the cavity volume of the Coriolis flow meter as inputs to the control model, determine the opening degree of the proportional solenoid valve, and control the corresponding proportional solenoid valve.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The selection of the Coriolis flow meter and the pipe diameter are determined based on the following flow resistance calculation model: ； in, This represents the hydrogen mass flow rate. The density of hydrogen gas fluid, The hydrogen flow coefficient, The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel for the Coriolis flowmeter or pipeline to be determined. For fluid pressure drop, Less than or equal to the flow rate pressure drop threshold.

9. A fuel cell engine, characterized in that, Includes an engine, a hydrogen supply system, and a hydrogen flow measurement device as described in any one of claims 1-8; The flow measurement inlet of the hydrogen flow measurement device is connected to the output end of the hydrogen supply system, and the flow measurement outlet is connected to the hydrogen input end of the engine. The hydrogen flow measurement device is used to measure the hydrogen flow rate data delivered by the hydrogen supply system to the engine in real time.

10. A fuel cell power station, characterized in that, The power plant includes a generator, a hydrogen storage and transportation system, and a hydrogen flow measurement device as described in any one of claims 1-8; The hydrogen flow measurement device is connected in series between the hydrogen storage and transportation system and the generator; The hydrogen flow measurement device is used to monitor the mass flow rate of hydrogen delivered to the generator by the hydrogen storage and delivery system.

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