Test device and method for a hydrogen purger of a liquid hydrogen system

Abstract

This invention discloses a testing device and method for a liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenator, belonging to the technical field of hydrogen energy equipment testing and performance testing of safety components in liquid hydrogen systems. The device achieves precise switching between room temperature nitrogen, room temperature hydrogen, and cryogenic hydrogen supply through coordinated control of nitrogen and hydrogen sources, solenoid valves, and flow controllers. A fluid contact tower filled with cryogenic medium is used for indirect heat exchange with the hydrogen. Pressure and temperature sensors are arranged at the inlet and outlet of the dehydrogenator under test and on the main body, in conjunction with a downstream gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, and hydrogen concentration sensor, to achieve full-process parameter monitoring and hydrogen dehydrogenation efficiency calculation. This invention includes a complete process of pre-test leak detection and gas replacement, room temperature and cryogenic hydrogen dehydrogenation efficiency and maximum operating flow rate testing, temperature shock durability testing, and post-test purging. It can efficiently and reliably complete the performance verification and durability assessment of the liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenator under alternating room temperature and cryogenic conditions, providing reliable experimental support for dehydrogenator design optimization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of hydrogen energy equipment testing and performance testing of safety components in liquid hydrogen systems. It relates to a testing device and method for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminator, specifically a testing device and method for the room temperature, low temperature performance and temperature shock durability of a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminator. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid hydrogen in vehicle-mounted liquid hydrogen systems is a cryogenic medium, with a temperature range of approximately 20 K, making it highly volatile and vaporizable. During use, liquid hydrogen is typically stored in vacuum-insulated containers to prevent external heat sources from penetrating. However, in actual applications, heat sources can still seep into the vacuum-insulated containers, causing the liquid hydrogen to evaporate and be stored as cryogenic gaseous hydrogen within the containers. When the pressure inside the container exceeds a predetermined limit, the cryogenic gaseous hydrogen will be released through an exhaust port. The released gas is cryogenic, high-purity hydrogen, typically with a temperature range of 20–80 K. Direct release without proper treatment could pose a significant safety hazard to personnel and the environment. Currently, the common method is to use a hydrogen eliminator to catalytically convert the released cryogenic hydrogen into heat and water before releasing it into the environment. A testing apparatus and methodology are urgently needed to assess and evaluate the ambient temperature hydrogen eliminator performance, cryogenic hydrogen eliminator performance, and durability under temperature shock for vehicle-mounted liquid hydrogen systems.

[0003] Existing patent document CN202010706192.3 describes a test device and method for a hydrogen depletion device in a fuel cell system. This patent provides a test device and method for a hydrogen depletion device in a fuel cell system, which can simulate the high temperature, high humidity, high flow rate and complex gas conditions during the operation and emission of a fuel cell. However, the working environment of a liquid hydrogen depletion device is more severe, especially the temperature conditions. The above-mentioned invention patent cannot simulate the deep cryogenic working environment of a liquid hydrogen system depletion device, nor can it simulate the working conditions of a liquid hydrogen system depletion device under temperature alternation and its actual cycle life.

[0004] Existing testing equipment cannot flexibly switch between ambient / low-temperature gases, making it difficult to efficiently complete the performance verification and durability assessment of hydrogen elimination devices. Therefore, a safe, reliable testing solution with high operational condition simulation is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a testing device and method for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen depletion device.

[0006] This application addresses the practical operating characteristics of liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenators, which are characterized by low inlet gas temperature and large temperature shocks. It specifically constructs a well-structured and reliable testing device and supporting experimental methods. This device avoids the safety risks and operational difficulties of directly using liquid hydrogen as the test medium. It employs a fluid contact tower for efficient heat exchange with the test medium, effectively solving the industry pain point of inaccurate monitoring and measurement of cryogenic gases. This significantly improves the stability and measurement accuracy of gas supply during testing, providing hardware and technical support for the accurate testing and calculation of various performance indicators of the dehydrogenator. Simultaneously, the testing device features highly controllable components, convenient data acquisition, and flexible switching between ambient and cryogenic gas supply, as well as different types of supplied gases. This allows for the smooth conduct of ambient and cryogenic performance tests and temperature shock durability tests on liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenators, maximally replicating the actual operating conditions of the liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenator. This provides reliable experimental assurance for the performance verification, durability assessment, and design optimization of liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenators.

[0007] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented using the following technical solution:

[0009] This invention provides a testing device and method for a vehicle-mounted liquid hydrogen system hydrogen depletion device. It establishes a complete testing device and method based on the actual working conditions of the hydrogen depletion device, avoiding the use of liquid hydrogen directly as the test medium and avoiding the difficulty of monitoring and measuring cryogenic gases, thus providing a preliminary basis for the performance calculation of the hydrogen depletion device.

[0010] A testing device for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen depletion device includes a gas supply and control module and a gas cooling and metering module; the gas supply and control module includes: a nitrogen source, a hydrogen source, a pressure reducing valve A, a pressure reducing valve B, a solenoid valve A, a solenoid valve B, a solenoid valve C, a ball valve A, a flow controller A, and a check valve A;

[0011] The nitrogen source is connected to the solenoid valve A via the pressure reducing valve A. The output end of the solenoid valve A is connected to a four-way connector. The other ports of the four-way connector are connected to the flow controller A, the ball valve A, and the solenoid valve B, respectively. The flow controller A is connected to the downstream pipeline via the check valve A.

[0012] The hydrogen source is connected to the three-way connector via the pressure reducing valve B, and the other ports of the three-way connector are connected to the solenoid valve B and the solenoid valve C respectively; the output end of the solenoid valve C is connected to the gas cooling and metering module.

[0013] The gas cooling and metering module includes: a flow controller B, a fluid contact tower, and a check valve B; the output end of the solenoid valve C is connected to the flow controller B, the flow controller B is connected to the check valve B via the fluid contact tower, and the check valve B is connected to the downstream pipeline.

[0014] Furthermore, the fluid contact tower is equipped with a gas pipeline inside, through which gas flows and exchanges heat with the low-temperature medium outside the gas pipeline.

[0015] Furthermore, a testing device for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminator also includes the hydrogen eliminator under test, pressure sensor A, pressure sensor B, temperature sensor A, temperature sensor B, temperature sensor C, pressure regulating valve, gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, check valve C, hydrogen concentration sensor, ball valve B, ball valve C; and a host computer.

[0016] Downstream, along the airflow direction, pressure sensor A, temperature sensor A, and the hydrogen eliminator under test are sequentially installed. Temperature sensor B is installed on the body of the hydrogen eliminator under test. At the outlet end of the hydrogen eliminator under test, pressure sensor B, temperature sensor C, pressure regulating valve, gas-liquid separator, drying pipe, flow meter, check valve C, hydrogen concentration sensor, and ball valve C are sequentially installed. Ball valves A and B are connected in parallel on the pressure relief branch of the pipeline. The host computer's electrical signal is connected to all solenoid valves, flow controllers, and various sensors.

[0017] Furthermore, flow controllers A and B send flow adjustment signals to the host computer according to preset mixing requirements. The host computer then adjusts the type of gas supplied by the solenoid valve group, and the flow controllers control the gas flow rate. The nitrogen and hydrogen sources deliver the gas to the hydrogen eliminator under test through pipelines containing anti-reverse check valves. Simultaneously, as the gas enters the hydrogen eliminator under test, the flow signals from flow controllers A and B are uploaded to the host computer, triggering pressure sensor A and temperature sensor A to start collecting parameters at the inlet end. The gas processed by the hydrogen eliminator under test flows out from the outlet end.

[0018] Temperature sensor B, pressure sensor B, and temperature sensor C collect the temperature of the hydrogen eliminator body, the pressure at the outlet, and the temperature at the outlet, and synchronize them to the pressure regulating valve in real time to provide a basis for the pressure regulating valve to adjust the outlet pressure.

[0019] Ball valves A, B, and C are manually controlled for pressure holding, purging, and pressure relief before and after the test. After the gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, and hydrogen concentration sensor complete gas-liquid separation, drying, flow measurement, and hydrogen concentration detection, the flow meter and hydrogen concentration sensor upload the final flow and hydrogen concentration data to the host computer. The host computer combines the pressure and temperature data to generate a performance test report for the hydrogen depletion device under test. At the same time, it triggers the gas supply and control module to shut off the gas source and the pressure relief ball valve to start the pipeline pressure relief, completing the closed loop of the entire test process.

[0020] Furthermore, ball valves A, B, and C can be replaced with electrically controlled solenoid valves and connected to the host computer to achieve automatic control. During automatic control, the host computer receives data from pressure sensor A and pressure sensor B in real time. When the pressure exceeds the preset threshold, the host computer immediately triggers the corresponding valve to open and release pressure, and simultaneously closes the solenoid valve group and the flow controller to stop the flow output until the pressure returns to normal.

[0021] A test method for a test device for a hydrogen elimination device in a liquid hydrogen system includes a functional test phase, wherein the functional test phase includes a room temperature hydrogen elimination performance test.

[0022] The ambient temperature hydrogen elimination performance test involves: closing some solenoid valves and pressure relief ball valves, opening the corresponding hydrogen supply solenoid valves and main ball valves, setting the initial hydrogen flow rate of the flow controller, opening the hydrogen source and adjusting it to the working pressure through the pressure reducing valve, allowing the hydrogen to enter the hydrogen elimination device under test through the pipeline to complete the hydrogen elimination, drying the discharged gas, monitoring the flow rate and hydrogen concentration, calculating the hydrogen elimination efficiency, and repeating the test by adjusting the hydrogen flow rate according to the gradient. If the hydrogen elimination efficiency is 100% at the rated flow rate, the flow rate is gradually increased until the hydrogen concentration reaches the preset range to determine the maximum working flow rate at ambient temperature.

[0023] Furthermore, the functional testing phase also includes low-temperature hydrogen removal performance testing;

[0024] The cryogenic hydrogen elimination performance test involves: closing some solenoid valves and pressure relief ball valves, opening the cryogenic hydrogen supply solenoid valve and main ball valve, setting the initial hydrogen flow rate of the flow controller, opening the hydrogen source and adjusting it to the working pressure through the pressure reducing valve, allowing the hydrogen to enter the hydrogen elimination device under test after being cooled by the fluid contact tower to complete hydrogen elimination, drying the discharged gas and monitoring the flow rate and hydrogen concentration, calculating the hydrogen elimination efficiency, and repeating the test by adjusting the hydrogen flow rate according to the gradient. If the hydrogen elimination efficiency is 100% at the rated flow rate, the flow rate is gradually increased until the hydrogen concentration reaches the preset range to determine the maximum working flow rate at low temperature.

[0025] Furthermore, the functional testing phase also includes temperature shock testing;

[0026] The temperature shock test involves closing the pressure relief ball valve and some solenoid valves, adjusting the supply pressure of room temperature nitrogen and low temperature hydrogen to the working pressure and setting the corresponding flow rate through nitrogen and hydrogen sources respectively, allowing the hydrogen eliminator to return to room temperature, and then alternately supplying low temperature hydrogen and room temperature nitrogen at the rated flow rate. After each supply stabilizes, the data is recorded and the hydrogen elimination efficiency is calculated. The alternating operation is repeated a preset number of times to complete the test.

[0027] Furthermore, before the functional testing phase, pre-test preparations are carried out, including: ① Leak detection operation: Open the solenoid valve group, set the initial flow of the flow controller, close all ball valves and adjust the pressure regulating valve to the maximum opening, open the nitrogen source and adjust it to the working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested through the pressure reducing valve, close the corresponding solenoid valve after the system pressure stabilizes, use the leak detection medium to detect leaks at the pipeline and component connections and perform pressure monitoring, and after the pressure is qualified, open the ball valve to discharge nitrogen to complete the leak detection;

[0028] ② Pipeline purging and replacement operation: Open the solenoid valve group, set the purging flow rate of the flow controller, close some ball valves and keep the main ball valve open and the pressure regulating valve at its maximum opening, open the nitrogen source and adjust it to the working pressure through the pressure reducing valve, continuously supply nitrogen for a preset time, close the corresponding solenoid valve, open the pressure relief ball valve to discharge nitrogen, and then close the pressure relief ball valve to complete the purging.

[0029] Furthermore, after the functional testing phase, the test is completed by shutting off the hydrogen source and fully opening the corresponding pressure reducing valve, setting the purge flow rate of the flow controller, opening the solenoid valve group to supply nitrogen for a preset time, shutting off the nitrogen source and fully opening the corresponding pressure reducing valve, opening the pressure relief ball valve to vent the gas in the pipeline, and finally closing all ball valves and solenoid valve groups.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0031] This invention allows for the adjustment of the testing device based on actual operating scenarios, temperature, pressure, flow rate, and other parameters of the liquid hydrogen system's hydrogen eliminator. This maximizes the replication of the actual working conditions of the liquid hydrogen system's hydrogen eliminator, eliminating deviations between test and actual operating conditions and ensuring the authenticity, accuracy, and reliability of the test data. Leveraging this precise operating condition simulation capability, this testing device can complete two core testing tasks for liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminators: performance verification and durability verification. These include ambient and low-temperature performance tests, as well as temperature shock durability tests. This provides scientific and comprehensive test data support for the design optimization, performance improvement, and mass production of liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminators, ensuring their safe, stable, and efficient operation in practical applications. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a test device for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminater according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the testing method for a testing device of a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminater according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this invention. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention. The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0038] This invention proposes a testing device and method for liquid hydrogen system dehydrogenators operating in alternating ambient and cryogenic environments. By establishing a gas switching and flow meter-based gas cooling method, and through the coordinated control of solenoid valves and flow controllers, the device effectively switches between supplying hydrogen, nitrogen, and ambient / cryogenic hydrogen, ensuring measurable gas at deep cryogenic temperatures. Simultaneously, by monitoring parameters at both ends of the dehydrogenator, the device can efficiently and reliably perform ambient and cryogenic hydrogen dehydrogenation efficiency tests, as well as temperature shock durability tests.

[0039] A testing device for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminator includes a gas supply and control module, a gas cooling and metering module, a hydrogen eliminator under test, pressure sensor A, pressure sensor B, temperature sensor A, temperature sensor B, temperature sensor C, a pressure regulating valve, a gas-liquid separator, a drying tube, a flow meter, a check valve C, a hydrogen concentration sensor, ball valve B, and ball valve C; and a host computer.

[0040] The gas supply and control module is used to switch and circulate the supply of ambient temperature gas and cold gas, while the gas cooling and metering module is used to achieve accurate metering and stable supply of cryogenic media.

[0041] The gas supply and control module includes: nitrogen source, hydrogen source, pressure reducing valve A, pressure reducing valve B, solenoid valve A, solenoid valve B, solenoid valve C, ball valve A, flow controller A, and check valve A;

[0042] The nitrogen source is connected to solenoid valve A via pressure reducing valve A. The output end of solenoid valve A is connected to a four-way connector. The other ports of the four-way connector are connected to flow controller A, ball valve A, and solenoid valve B, respectively. Flow controller A is connected to the downstream circuit via check valve A.

[0043] The hydrogen source is connected to the three-way connector via pressure reducing valve B, and the other ports of the three-way connector are connected to solenoid valves B and C respectively; the output of the three solenoid valves is connected to the gas cooling and metering module.

[0044] The gas cooling and metering module includes: flow controller B, fluid contact tower, and check valve B; the output of solenoid valve C is connected to flow controller B, flow controller B is connected to check valve B via fluid contact tower, and check valve B is connected to the downstream process pipeline; the fluid contact tower is equipped with a packing heat exchange structure to cool the incoming gas and make the gas meet the low temperature process requirements.

[0045] Pressure reducing valve A and pressure reducing valve B are used to regulate the pressure of high-pressure gas sources and output gas with stable pressure; solenoid valve A, solenoid valve B, and solenoid valve C are used to realize automatic on / off control of the gas circuit; ball valve A is used to realize manual shut-off or bypass of the gas circuit; flow controller A and flow controller B are used to realize precise control of gas flow; check valve A and check valve B are used to prevent backflow of the medium and avoid cross-contamination between different gas sources.

[0046] The nitrogen source corresponds to the ambient temperature pipeline, and the hydrogen source corresponds to the cold state pipeline. Check valve A and check valve B are respectively installed in the ambient temperature pipeline and the cold state pipeline to achieve bidirectional backflow prevention protection.

[0047] Fluid contact towers are used to cool and lower the temperature of incoming cold gas so that the gas meets the requirements of low-temperature processes.

[0048] Working principle explanation of gas supply and control module and gas cooling and metering module:

[0049] (I) Working principle of gas supply and control module

[0050] This module is the core of the system's upstream gas source control. It achieves stable gas source pressure, gas path on / off control, precise flow regulation, and backflow prevention protection through the coordinated operation of multiple valves. The core working logic is as follows:

[0051] Pressure stabilization stage: The high-pressure nitrogen source and hydrogen source are reduced in pressure by pressure reducing valve A and pressure reducing valve B respectively, and the high-pressure gas source is adjusted to the stable working pressure required by the system, so as to provide constant pressure input for subsequent gas circuits and avoid pressure fluctuations from affecting downstream processes.

[0052] Gas flow on / off and switching control:

[0053] Nitrogen Branch: Solenoid valve 1 acts as the main nitrogen control valve, controlling the flow of nitrogen; the output of solenoid valve A is connected to a four-way connector, forming three branches: ① It connects to the downstream via flow controller A and check valve 1 to achieve normal temperature circulation / supply of nitrogen; ② It achieves manual bypass / shutdown via ball valve A for system maintenance and emergency operation; ③ It connects to the hydrogen branch via solenoid valve B to achieve nitrogen purging, gas path switching and other functions.

[0054] Hydrogen branch: After being depressurized by pressure reducing valve B, hydrogen is connected to a three-way connector, forming two branches: ① It is connected to the nitrogen branch via solenoid valve B for gas purging and replacement; ② It is connected to the downstream gas cooling and metering module via solenoid valve C to realize the cold supply of hydrogen.

[0055] Solenoid valves B and C work together to switch between nitrogen and hydrogen supply: when solenoid valve B is open and solenoid valve C is closed, nitrogen can be introduced into the hydrogen branch to complete purging; when solenoid valve C is open and solenoid valve B is closed, hydrogen is introduced independently downstream to avoid gas source cross-contamination.

[0056] Backflow prevention and flow regulation: Flow controller A performs precise closed-loop control of nitrogen flow to meet process flow requirements; check valve A is installed at the end of the nitrogen branch to prevent downstream media from flowing back to the nitrogen source; similarly, check valve B is installed at the end of the hydrogen branch to prevent cryogenic media or other gas sources from flowing back, ensuring gas path safety.

[0057] (II) Working principle of gas cooling and metering module

[0058] This module is the core support unit for downstream cryogenic processes, realizing the cooling, metering, and stable output of cold gases. Its working principle is as follows:

[0059] Precise flow metering: Hydrogen from the upstream gas supply and control module is fed into flow controller B via solenoid valve C. Flow controller B achieves precise regulation of hydrogen flow through closed-loop control, ensuring that the output flow meets the process set value and providing a quantitative and stable gas source for downstream applications.

[0060] Cryogenic cooling process: Hydrogen gas, after flow control, is introduced into the fluid contact tower. The fluid contact tower, through its internal heat exchange structure (such as spraying, packing heat exchange, etc.), allows the hydrogen gas to fully contact the cryogenic medium, completes heat exchange, and cools the hydrogen gas to the low temperature state required by the process, thus realizing the preparation of cold gas.

[0061] Backflow prevention and process output: After cooling, the cryogenic hydrogen is connected to the downstream process pipeline through check valve B. Check valve B prevents the downstream medium from flowing back to the fluid contact tower and the upstream gas line, ensuring the unidirectional flow of the cryogenic gas line and system safety, and ultimately providing the downstream process with a cryogenic, quantitative and stable supply of hydrogen that meets the requirements.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test device for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminator, mainly including: nitrogen source, hydrogen source, pressure reducing valve A, pressure reducing valve B, solenoid valve A, solenoid valve B, solenoid valve C, flow controller A, flow controller B, fluid contact tower, check valve A, check valve B, check valve C, pressure sensor A, pressure sensor B, temperature sensor A, temperature sensor B, temperature sensor C, hydrogen eliminator under test, pressure regulating valve, gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, hydrogen concentration sensor, ball valve A, ball valve B, ball valve C, and host computer;

[0063] A nitrogen source is connected to the inlet of solenoid valve A via pressure reducing valve A, and the outlet of solenoid valve A is connected to the inlet of flow controller A. A hydrogen source is split into two streams via pressure reducing valve B, one connected to the inlet of solenoid valve B and the other to the inlet of solenoid valve C. The outlet of solenoid valve B is connected to the inlet of flow controller A, and the outlet of solenoid valve C is connected to the inlet of flow controller B. The outlet of flow controller A is connected in series with check valve A and then merges into the main test pipeline. The outlet of flow controller B is connected in series with a fluid contact tower and check valve B and then merges into the main test pipeline. Pressure sensors are sequentially arranged along the airflow direction in the main test pipeline. The system consists of device A, temperature sensor A, and the hydrogen depletion device under test. Temperature sensor B is installed on the body of the hydrogen depletion device under test. Pressure sensor B, temperature sensor C, pressure regulating valve, gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, check valve C, hydrogen concentration sensor, and ball valve C are sequentially installed at the outlet end of the hydrogen depletion device under test. Ball valves A and B are connected in parallel on the pressure relief branch of the pipeline. The host computer's electrical signals are connected to all solenoid valves, flow controllers, and various sensors. The opening and closing of ball valves, the on / off of gas source, the pressure adjustment of pressure reducing valve, and the pressure adjustment of pressure regulating valve are all manually operated. The remaining control and data acquisition are automatically completed by the host computer.

[0064] The combination of nitrogen source and pressure reducing valve A is used to provide the nitrogen required for the test and adjust the nitrogen pressure to the required level; the combination of hydrogen source and pressure reducing valve B is used to provide the hydrogen required for the test and adjust the hydrogen pressure to the required level.

[0065] Solenoid valves A, B, and C are used to control the actual supply of test gas and the direction of gas flow, and to a certain extent ensure that the flow controller does not operate for a long time under high pressure differential conditions.

[0066] When the test gas is nitrogen, solenoid valve A is open and solenoid valves B and C are closed. At this time, the test device supplies a specific flow rate of room temperature nitrogen into the pipeline. When the test gas is room temperature hydrogen, solenoid valves A and C are closed and solenoid valve B is open. When the test gas is low temperature hydrogen, solenoid valves A and B are closed and solenoid valve C is open.

[0067] Flow controller A and flow controller B are used to control the flow rate of the test gas and read parameters such as the pressure, temperature, and flow rate of the supplied gas. Flow controller A mainly controls the gas flow rate in the room temperature gas circuit. When the supplied gas is room temperature nitrogen, the control system (host computer) sets the gas assigned to flow controller A to nitrogen and sets the test flow rate. When the supplied gas is room temperature hydrogen, the control system (host computer) sets the gas assigned to flow controller A to hydrogen and sets the corresponding test flow rate.

[0068] Flow controller B is only used to control the flow rate of cryogenic hydrogen. As mentioned earlier, when solenoid valves A and B are closed and solenoid valve C is open, cryogenic hydrogen is supplied. The basic process is to supply room temperature hydrogen through a hydrogen source and control the flow controller B to direct the hydrogen at a specified flow rate to the fluid contact tower containing the cold medium for heat exchange and cooling, so as to achieve the gas temperature range required by the test.

[0069] In this testing setup, the fluid contact tower serves as a heat exchanger. It contains a cryogenic medium, such as liquid nitrogen, corresponding to the specified temperature range. Part of the gas piping is located within the fluid contact tower; the gas flows through the pipes and undergoes cooling and heat exchange, without directly contacting the medium inside the tower. The fluid contact tower is used to cool and lower the temperature of the incoming gas, ensuring it meets the requirements of cryogenic processes.

[0070] Check valves A, B, and C are used to prevent gas from flowing in the wrong direction and to prevent gas from flowing back through the flow controller and flow meter.

[0071] Pressure sensor A and pressure sensor B are used to measure the gas pressure supplied to the inlet and outlet ends of the hydrogen eliminator under test.

[0072] Temperature sensor A and temperature sensor C are used to measure the gas temperature supplied to the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen extinction device under test, while temperature sensor B is used to monitor the temperature of the hydrogen extinction device under test during the test.

[0073] The pressure regulating valve is used to adjust the working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator under test. If the exhaust gas from the rear end of the hydrogen eliminator under test is directly discharged into the atmosphere under actual working conditions, then the pressure regulating valve is at its maximum opening.

[0074] The gas-liquid separator is used to remove water vapor from the exhaust port of the hydrogen depletion device under test, preventing water vapor from damaging the flow meter. The drying tube is used to further dry the water vapor at the exhaust port of the hydrogen depletion device under test.

[0075] The flow meter is used to measure the flow rate of dry gas discharged from the exhaust port of the hydrogen eliminator under test during the test.

[0076] The hydrogen concentration sensor is used to measure the hydrogen concentration in the dry gas discharged from the hydrogen eliminator under test, and to calculate the hydrogen flow rate in the dry gas discharged from the hydrogen eliminator under test by using the gas flow rate parameters measured by the flow meter.

[0077] Ball valves A, B, and C are used for pressure testing and leak detection of the pipeline before the test and for pressure relief after the test. During the test, ball valves A and B are normally closed, and ball valve C is normally open. The specific leak detection procedure is as follows: close ball valves A, B, and C; open the nitrogen source and supply nitrogen at a certain pressure; after the pressure stabilizes, close the nitrogen source; and use leak detection fluid or soapy water to check for leaks at the interfaces of each component, while monitoring changes in pressure parameters at each point.

[0078] The pressure relief process is as follows: close solenoid valves A, B, and C; close the nitrogen and hydrogen sources; open solenoid valve A; open ball valves A and B; then close ball valves A and B; close solenoid valve A; open solenoid valves B and C; open ball valve A; then close ball valve A.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a testing method for a hydrogen depletion device in a liquid hydrogen system, comprising the following specific steps:

[0080] In the following operations, the opening and closing of the ball valve, the opening and closing of the air source, the pressure adjustment of the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure adjustment of the pressure regulating valve are manually controlled, while other operations are automatically controlled by the host computer.

[0081] The operation of the host computer includes process control for opening and closing solenoid valves and switching gas flow, acquisition, display, and storage of data from various sensors, and calculation of final indicators. The operations mentioned here mainly concern the communication and control methods of the various sensors, which are existing technologies.

[0082] Add the content of power 4 here.

[0083] I. Leak detection and gas purging before testing:

[0084] 1. Leak detection before testing

[0085] (1) Open solenoid valves A, B, and C, set the flow rate of flow controller A to 0.5 NLPM, close ball valves A, B, and C, and set the pressure regulating valve to the maximum opening.

[0086] (2) Turn on the nitrogen source and adjust the pressure reducing valve A so that the nitrogen supply pressure at pressure sensor A is 1.8 MPa (working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested).

[0087] (3) Monitor the pressure readings of pressure sensor A and pressure sensor B. When the pressure readings are consistent with the nitrogen supply pressure, close solenoid valve A.

[0088] (4) Use leak detection liquid or soapy water to check for leaks at the pipe and component connections. No visible bubbles should be generated. Then keep it still for 20 minutes and hold the pressure. Record the pressure readings of pressure sensor A and pressure sensor B. After holding the pressure, the readings of pressure sensor A and pressure sensor B should be consistent with those before holding the pressure.

[0089] (5) Open ball valve A, ball valve B and ball valve C in sequence to purge nitrogen from the pipeline and complete the leak detection.

[0090] 2. Pipeline purging and replacement

[0091] (1) After the leak detection is completed, open solenoid valve A, solenoid valve B and solenoid valve C, set the flow rate of flow controller A and flow controller B to 1 NLPM, the monitoring medium is nitrogen, close ball valve A and ball valve B, open ball valve C, and set the pressure regulating valve to the maximum opening.

[0092] (2) Turn on the nitrogen source and adjust the pressure reducing valve A so that the nitrogen supply pressure at pressure sensor A is 1.8 MPa (working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested).

[0093] (3) Continuously supply nitrogen for 10 minutes, then close solenoid valve A, open ball valve A and ball valve B in sequence to discharge nitrogen from the pipeline, and then close ball valve A and ball valve B.

[0094] II. Hydrogen removal efficiency and maximum operating flow rate at room temperature:

[0095] (1) After the pipeline leak detection and purging are completed, close solenoid valve A and solenoid valve C, close ball valve A and ball valve B, open solenoid valve B and ball valve C, set the flow rate of flow controller A to 0.2 NLPM, and the monitoring medium is hydrogen.

[0096] (2) Turn on the hydrogen source and adjust the pressure reducing valve B to make the hydrogen supply pressure at the pressure sensor A 1.8 MPa (working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested). Then the supplied hydrogen is controlled to pass through the pressure reducing valve B, solenoid valve B, flow controller A, check valve A, pressure sensor A, and temperature sensor A before entering the hydrogen eliminator to be tested to complete the hydrogen elimination. Then the gas discharged from the exhaust port of the hydrogen eliminator passes through the pressure sensor B, temperature sensor C, and pressure regulating valve before entering the gas-liquid separator and drying tube for drying. Finally, the flow rate of the dried gas is monitored by the flow meter, and the hydrogen content in the dried gas in the exhaust port is monitored by the hydrogen concentration sensor.

[0097] (3) Calculate the hydrogen removal efficiency at the corresponding flow rate, temperature, and pressure using formula (1), where The hydrogen flow rates at flow controller A and flow controller B are given. The gas flow rate at the flow meter. The hydrogen concentration monitored at the hydrogen concentration sensor; This refers to the operating time at the corresponding gas flow rate;

[0098] (1)

[0099] (4) Then set the flow rate at the flow controller A to 10%, 20%, 50%, 80% and 100% of the rated hydrogen elimination flow rate of the hydrogen elimination device to be tested, respectively, and supply hydrogen at the specified flow rate. The supply of hydrogen at each flow point should be stabilized for 3 minutes first, and then the data after 1 minute should be recorded. The hydrogen elimination efficiency is calculated using formula (1).

[0100] (5) If the hydrogen elimination efficiency is still 100% (i.e., the hydrogen is completely reacted) after supplying hydrogen with the rated hydrogen elimination flow rate of the hydrogen elimination device under test, the hydrogen supply flow rate is increased by 1% each time until the hydrogen concentration reading monitored at the hydrogen concentration sensor is 4±1%, and this flow rate is taken as the maximum working flow rate of the hydrogen elimination device under test at room temperature. Finally, the test is ended by purging according to the test end purging procedure.

[0101] III. Low-temperature hydrogen removal efficiency and maximum operating flow rate:

[0102] (1) After the pipeline leak detection and purging are completed, close solenoid valve A and solenoid valve B, close ball valve A and ball valve B, open solenoid valve C and ball valve C, set the flow rate of flow controller B to 0.2 NLPM, and the monitoring medium is hydrogen.

[0103] (2) Turn on the hydrogen source and adjust the pressure reducing valve B to make the hydrogen supply pressure at the pressure sensor A 1.8 MPa (working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested). The supplied hydrogen then enters the fluid contact tower in a controlled manner after passing through the pressure reducing valve B, the solenoid valve C, and the flow controller B. The fluid contact tower contains liquid nitrogen, and the gas pipeline inside is arranged in the form of a coil in the fluid contact tower. The gas flows through the fluid contact tower in the pipeline and is cooled and heat exchanged, without directly contacting the medium in the fluid contact tower. After being cooled in the fluid contact tower, the hydrogen passes through the check valve B, the pressure sensor A, and the temperature sensor A before entering the hydrogen eliminator to be tested to complete the hydrogen elimination. Then, the gas discharged from the exhaust port of the hydrogen eliminator passes through the pressure sensor B, the temperature sensor C, and the pressure regulating valve before entering the gas-liquid separator and the drying tube for drying. Finally, the flow rate of the dried gas is monitored by the flow meter, and the hydrogen content in the dried gas at the exhaust port is monitored by the hydrogen concentration sensor.

[0104] (3) Calculate the hydrogen removal efficiency at the corresponding flow rate, temperature, and pressure using formula (1);

[0105] (4) Then set the flow rate at the flow controller A to 10%, 20%, 50%, 80% and 100% of the rated hydrogen elimination flow rate of the hydrogen elimination device to be tested, respectively, and supply hydrogen at the specified flow rate. The supply of hydrogen at each flow point should be stabilized for 3 minutes first, and then the data after 1 minute should be recorded. The hydrogen elimination efficiency is calculated using formula (1).

[0106] (5) If the hydrogen elimination efficiency is still 100% (i.e., the hydrogen is completely reacted) after supplying hydrogen with the rated hydrogen elimination flow rate of the hydrogen elimination device under test, the hydrogen supply flow rate is increased by 1% each time until the hydrogen concentration reading monitored at the hydrogen concentration sensor is 4±1%, and this flow rate is taken as the maximum working flow rate of the hydrogen elimination device under test at low temperature. Finally, the test is ended by purging according to the test end purging procedure.

[0107] IV. Temperature shock test:

[0108] (1) After the pipeline leak detection and purging are completed, close ball valve A and ball valve B, close solenoid valve B and solenoid valve C, open solenoid valve A, open the nitrogen source, set the flow rate of flow controller A to the rated flow rate of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested, the monitoring medium is nitrogen, adjust pressure reducing valve A so that the room temperature nitrogen supply pressure at pressure sensor A is 1.8 MPa (working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested), and then close solenoid valve A;

[0109] (2) Turn on the hydrogen source, open the solenoid valve C, set the flow rate of the flow controller B to the rated flow rate of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested, the monitoring medium to be hydrogen, adjust the pressure reducing valve B to make the low temperature hydrogen supply pressure at the pressure sensor A 1.8 MPa (working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested), and then close the solenoid valve C.

[0110] (3) After adjustment, let stand for 30 minutes to allow the temperature of the hydrogen eliminator to return to room temperature.

[0111] (4) Close solenoid valve A and solenoid valve B, open solenoid valve C, and supply the hydrogen elimination device to be tested with a rated flow rate of low-temperature hydrogen. The supplied hydrogen should be stabilized for 3 minutes first, and then the data after 1 minute should be recorded. The hydrogen elimination efficiency should be calculated using formula (1).

[0112] (5) Close solenoid valve C, open solenoid valve A and solenoid valve B, and supply room temperature nitrogen at the rated flow rate to the hydrogen elimination device to be tested. The supplied nitrogen should be stabilized for 3 minutes first, and then the data after 1 minute should be recorded.

[0113] (6) Repeat steps (4) and (5) 500 times (determined according to actual conditions), compare the hydrogen removal efficiency of the hydrogen removal device under test at low temperature when the rated flow is supplied each time, complete the temperature shock test, and finally purge with the test end purging process to end the test.

[0114] V. Purging at the end of the test

[0115] (1) Turn off the hydrogen source and set the pressure reducing valve B to fully open so that the hydrogen in the front pipeline of the pressure reducing valve B enters the rear pipeline.

[0116] (2) Set the flow rate of flow controller A and flow controller B to 1 NLPM, the monitoring medium to nitrogen, and open solenoid valves A, B and C to continuously supply nitrogen for 10 min.

[0117] (3) Turn off the nitrogen source and set the pressure reducing valve A to full open so that the nitrogen in the front pipeline of the pressure reducing valve A enters the rear pipeline;

[0118] (4) Open ball valve A and ball valve B in sequence to purge nitrogen from the pipeline, and then close ball valve A, ball valve B, solenoid valve A, solenoid valve B, and solenoid valve C.

[0119] The aforementioned testing method is highly safe and easy to operate, avoiding the risks of directly using liquid hydrogen. It simulates cryogenic conditions by using room-temperature hydrogen gas through a fluid contact tower for heat exchange, reducing safety hazards and simplifying the operation process. The indirect cooling design prevents cryogenic gases from affecting metering accuracy, ensuring precise measurement of parameters such as flow rate and pressure at deep cryogenic temperatures, solving industry-wide metering challenges. It can quickly switch between nitrogen, room-temperature, and / or cryogenic hydrogen gas, and with parameter adjustment, efficiently completes room-temperature and / or cryogenic performance tests and temperature shock tests, adapting to various scenario requirements. The host computer automatically completes process control, data acquisition, and index calculation, with only key operations requiring manual control, reducing human error and improving data processing efficiency. Operating conditions can be adjusted according to actual operating parameters, reproducing the true working state of the hydrogen purifier. Test data provides scientific support for design optimization, performance improvement, and mass production, ensuring safe and stable practical applications.

[0120] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, and within the spirit and principles of the present invention, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, all content not described in detail in this specification is prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A testing apparatus for a hydrogen elimination device in a liquid hydrogen system, characterized in that: It includes a gas supply and control module and a gas cooling and metering module; the gas supply and control module includes: a nitrogen source, a hydrogen source, a pressure reducing valve A, a pressure reducing valve B, a solenoid valve A, a solenoid valve B, a solenoid valve C, a ball valve A, a flow controller A, and a check valve A; The nitrogen source is connected to the solenoid valve A via the pressure reducing valve A. The output end of the solenoid valve A is connected to a four-way connector. The other ports of the four-way connector are connected to the flow controller A, the ball valve A, and the solenoid valve B, respectively. The flow controller A is connected to the downstream pipeline via the check valve A. The hydrogen source is connected to the three-way connector via the pressure reducing valve B, and the other ports of the three-way connector are connected to the solenoid valve B and the solenoid valve C respectively; the output end of the solenoid valve C is connected to the gas cooling and metering module. The gas cooling and metering module includes: a flow controller B, a fluid contact tower, and a check valve B; the output end of the solenoid valve C is connected to the flow controller B, the flow controller B is connected to the check valve B via the fluid contact tower, and the check valve B is connected to the downstream pipeline.

2. The testing apparatus for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen depletion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid contact tower is equipped with a gas pipeline inside, through which gas flows and exchanges heat with the low-temperature medium outside the gas pipeline.

3. The testing apparatus for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminater according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes the hydrogen eliminator to be tested, pressure sensor A, pressure sensor B, temperature sensor A, temperature sensor B, temperature sensor C, pressure regulating valve, gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, check valve C, hydrogen concentration sensor, ball valve B, ball valve C; host computer; Downstream, along the airflow direction, pressure sensor A, temperature sensor A, and the hydrogen eliminator under test are sequentially installed. Temperature sensor B is installed on the body of the hydrogen eliminator under test. At the outlet end of the hydrogen eliminator under test, pressure sensor B, temperature sensor C, pressure regulating valve, gas-liquid separator, drying pipe, flow meter, check valve C, hydrogen concentration sensor, and ball valve C are sequentially installed. Ball valves A and B are connected in parallel on the pressure relief branch of the pipeline. The host computer's electrical signal is connected to all solenoid valves, flow controllers, and various sensors.

4. The testing apparatus for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen depletion device according to claim 3, characterized in that: According to the preset mixing ratio requirements, flow controllers A and B send flow adjustment signals to the host computer. The host computer then activates the solenoid valve group to adjust the type of gas supplied, and the flow controllers control the gas flow rate. The nitrogen and hydrogen sources deliver the gas to the hydrogen eliminator under test through pipelines containing anti-reverse check valves. As the gas enters the hydrogen eliminator under test, the flow signals from flow controllers A and B are simultaneously uploaded to the host computer, triggering pressure sensor A and temperature sensor A to start collecting parameters at the inlet end. The gas processed by the hydrogen eliminator under test flows out from the outlet end. Temperature sensor B, pressure sensor B, and temperature sensor C collect the temperature of the hydrogen eliminator body, the pressure at the outlet, and the temperature at the outlet, and synchronize them to the pressure regulating valve in real time to provide a basis for the pressure regulating valve to adjust the outlet pressure. Ball valves A, B, and C are manually controlled for pressure holding, purging, and pressure relief before and after the test. After the gas-liquid separator, drying tube, flow meter, and hydrogen concentration sensor complete gas-liquid separation, drying, flow measurement, and hydrogen concentration detection, the flow meter and hydrogen concentration sensor upload the final flow and hydrogen concentration data to the host computer. The host computer combines the pressure and temperature data to generate a performance test report for the hydrogen depletion device under test. At the same time, it triggers the gas supply and control module to shut off the gas source and the pressure relief ball valve to start the pipeline pressure relief, completing the closed loop of the entire test process.

5. The testing apparatus for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminater according to claim 4, characterized in that: Ball valves A, B, and C can be replaced with electrically controlled solenoid valves and connected to the host computer to achieve automatic control. During automatic control, the host computer receives data from pressure sensor A and pressure sensor B in real time. When the pressure exceeds the preset threshold, the host computer immediately triggers the corresponding valve to open and release pressure, and simultaneously closes the solenoid valve group and the flow controller to stop the flow output until the pressure returns to normal.

6. The test method for a test apparatus for a liquid hydrogen system hydrogen eliminater according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: This includes a functional testing phase, which includes a room-temperature hydrogen elimination performance test. The ambient temperature hydrogen elimination performance test involves: closing some solenoid valves and pressure relief ball valves, opening the corresponding hydrogen supply solenoid valves and main ball valves, setting the initial hydrogen flow rate of the flow controller, opening the hydrogen source and adjusting it to the working pressure through the pressure reducing valve, allowing the hydrogen to enter the hydrogen elimination device under test through the pipeline to complete the hydrogen elimination, drying the discharged gas, monitoring the flow rate and hydrogen concentration, calculating the hydrogen elimination efficiency, and repeating the test by adjusting the hydrogen flow rate according to the gradient. If the hydrogen elimination efficiency is 100% at the rated flow rate, the flow rate is gradually increased until the hydrogen concentration reaches the preset range to determine the maximum working flow rate at ambient temperature.

7. The test method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The functional testing phase also includes low-temperature hydrogen removal performance testing; The cryogenic hydrogen elimination performance test involves: closing some solenoid valves and pressure relief ball valves, opening the cryogenic hydrogen supply solenoid valve and main ball valve, setting the initial hydrogen flow rate of the flow controller, opening the hydrogen source and adjusting it to the working pressure through the pressure reducing valve, allowing the hydrogen to enter the hydrogen elimination device under test after being cooled by the fluid contact tower to complete hydrogen elimination, drying the discharged gas and monitoring the flow rate and hydrogen concentration, calculating the hydrogen elimination efficiency, and repeating the test by adjusting the hydrogen flow rate according to the gradient. If the hydrogen elimination efficiency is 100% at the rated flow rate, the flow rate is gradually increased until the hydrogen concentration reaches the preset range to determine the maximum working flow rate at low temperature.

8. The test method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The functional testing phase also includes temperature shock testing; The temperature shock test involves closing the pressure relief ball valve and some solenoid valves, adjusting the supply pressure of room temperature nitrogen and low temperature hydrogen to the working pressure and setting the corresponding flow rate through nitrogen and hydrogen sources respectively, allowing the hydrogen eliminator to return to room temperature, and then alternately supplying low temperature hydrogen and room temperature nitrogen at the rated flow rate. After each supply stabilizes, the data is recorded and the hydrogen elimination efficiency is calculated. The alternating operation is repeated a preset number of times to complete the test.

9. A test method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Before the functional testing phase, pre-test preparations are carried out, including: ① Leak detection operation: Open the solenoid valve group, set the initial flow of the flow controller, close all ball valves and adjust the pressure regulating valve to the maximum opening, open the nitrogen source and adjust it to the working pressure of the hydrogen eliminator to be tested through the pressure reducing valve, close the corresponding solenoid valve after the system pressure stabilizes, use the leak detection medium to detect leaks at the pipeline and component connections and perform pressure holding monitoring, and after the pressure holding is qualified, open the ball valve to discharge nitrogen to complete the leak detection; ② Pipeline purging and replacement operation: Open the solenoid valve group, set the purging flow rate of the flow controller, close some ball valves and keep the main ball valve open and the pressure regulating valve at its maximum opening, open the nitrogen source and adjust it to the working pressure through the pressure reducing valve, continuously supply nitrogen for a preset time, close the corresponding solenoid valve, open the pressure relief ball valve to discharge nitrogen, and then close the pressure relief ball valve to complete the purging.

10. A testing method according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the functional testing phase, the test is completed by shutting off the hydrogen source and fully opening the corresponding pressure reducing valve, setting the purge flow rate of the flow controller, opening the solenoid valve group to supply nitrogen for the preset time, shutting off the nitrogen source and fully opening the corresponding pressure reducing valve, opening the pressure relief ball valve to vent the gas in the pipeline, and finally closing all ball valves and solenoid valve groups.

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