Hydrogen Recycling Device of Fuel Cell Test Bench

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hydrogen circulation device for a fuel cell test bench, belonging to the field of hydrogen energy. The hydrogen circulation device includes a gas source, a gas mixing chamber, a steam-water separator, a gas pump, a humidifying tank, a water pump and a water tank. The first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber is communicated with the gas source, the air outlet of the gas mixing chamber is communicated with the inlet end of the fuel cell to be tested, the air inlet of the steam-water separator is communicated with the outlet end of the fuel cell to be tested, and the gas pump is connected between the air outlet of the steam-water separator and the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber. The present invention can more accurately detect the performance of the fuel cell, reduce the waste of hydrogen and moisture, and reduce the detection cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of hydrogen energy, and particularly relates to a hydrogen circulation device for a fuel cell test bench. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a battery that uses hydrogen as an energy source. During the research and manufacturing process of fuel cells, a fuel cell test bench is usually used to detect the performance of fuel cells.

[0003] In the related art, dry hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell to be tested through a gas source, and the fuel cell starts to work accordingly, enabling the test bench to detect the performance of the fuel cell during operation.

[0004] However, under the actual working conditions of fuel cells, hydrogen usually contains a certain amount of moisture. Therefore, directly supplying dry hydrogen to the fuel cell cannot accurately simulate the actual working conditions of the fuel cell, resulting in inaccurate detection of the fuel cell performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a hydrogen circulation device for a fuel cell test bench, which can reduce the escape of hydrogen and lower the detection cost. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a hydrogen circulation device for a fuel cell test bench. The hydrogen circulation device includes a gas source, a gas mixing chamber, a steam-water separator, a gas pump, a humidifying tank, a water pump, and a water tank. The first inlet of the gas mixing chamber is communicated with the gas source. The inlet of the humidifying tank is communicated with the gas source and the outlet of the gas pump. The outlet of the humidifying tank is communicated with the second inlet of the gas mixing chamber. The outlet of the gas mixing chamber is communicated with the inlet end of the fuel cell to be tested. The inlet of the steam-water separator is communicated with the outlet end of the fuel cell to be tested. The outlet of the steam-water separator is communicated with the inlet of the gas pump. The outlet of the gas pump is communicated with the first inlet of the gas mixing chamber;

[0007] The water outlet of the humidifying tank is communicated with the first water inlet of the water tank. The second water inlet of the water tank is communicated with the water outlet of the steam-water separator. The water outlet of the water tank is communicated with the water inlet of the water pump. The water outlet of the water pump is communicated with the water spraying port of the humidifying tank.

[0008] In one implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank. The hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank includes a housing and an airbag. The airbag is arranged inside the housing. An inert gas is filled between the airbag and the housing. The airbag is respectively communicated with the outlet of the gas pump, the first inlet of the gas mixing chamber, and the inlet of the humidifying tank.

[0009] In another implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a differential pressure transmitter and a first solenoid valve. The inlet of the first solenoid valve is communicated with the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank. The outlet of the first solenoid valve is respectively communicated with the first inlet of the gas mixing chamber and the inlet of the humidifying tank. The differential pressure transmitter is connected between the inlet of the first solenoid valve and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank.

[0010] In another implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a back pressure valve. The back pressure valve is connected between the outlet end of the fuel cell to be tested and the inlet of the air pump.

[0011] In yet another implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a first one-way valve. The inlet of the first one-way valve is communicated with the outlet of the back pressure valve, and the outlet of the first one-way valve is communicated with the inlet of the air pump.

[0012] In yet another implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a second solenoid valve. The inlet of the second solenoid valve is communicated with the outlet of the back pressure valve, and the outlet of the second solenoid valve is communicated with the outside.

[0013] In yet another implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a second one-way valve. The inlet of the second one-way valve is communicated with the outlet of the air pump, and the outlet of the second one-way valve is communicated with the inlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank.

[0014] In yet another implementation manner of the present invention, a first mass flowmeter is provided at the first inlet of the gas mixing chamber. The inlet of the first mass flowmeter is communicated with the gas source and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank.

[0015] In yet another implementation manner of the present invention, a second mass flowmeter is provided at the inlet of the humidifying tank. The inlet of the second mass flowmeter is communicated with the gas source and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank.

[0016] In yet another implementation manner of the present invention, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a safety valve. The inlet of the safety valve is communicated with the gas source and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank, and the inlet of the safety valve is communicated with the outside.

[0017] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0018] When using the hydrogen circulation device provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the hydrogen from the gas source enters the gas mixing chamber and the humidifying tank respectively. The hydrogen in the humidifying tank is moistened under the action of the humidifying tank and enters the gas mixing chamber, so that the hydrogen input into the fuel cell to be tested can better simulate the hydrogen inhaled by the fuel cell under the actual working conditions. The hydrogen in the gas mixing chamber enters the fuel cell to be tested for reaction, and the escaped hydrogen enters the steam-water separator for separation of water and hydrogen. The separated hydrogen enters the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank through the air pump and is stored to absorb the pressure mutation generated by the air pump when pumping gas. When the pressure in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank is greater than the pressure at the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank, the hydrogen in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank is pressed out to return to the gas mixing chamber and the humidifying tank, thus realizing the recycling of hydrogen. The separated water enters the water tank and converges with the water discharged from the humidifying tank for storage. The water in the water tank is then pumped to the water spraying port of the humidifying tank by the water pump to moisten the hydrogen in the humidifying tank, thus realizing the recycling of water. That is to say, the hydrogen circulation device provided by the embodiments of the present invention can not only better simulate the actual working conditions of the fuel cell, improve the detection accuracy, but also realize the recycling of hydrogen and water, reduce the waste of hydrogen and water, and lower the detection cost. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic framework diagram of the hydrogen circulation device provided by the embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank provided by the embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] The meanings of the symbols in the drawings are as follows:

[0023] 1. Gas source; 2. Gas mixing chamber; 3. Steam-water separator; 4. Air pump; 5. Hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank; 51. Housing; 52. Airbag; 53. Inflation and deflation port; 6. Humidifying tank; 7. Water pump; 8. Water tank; 9. First mass flowmeter; 10. Second mass flowmeter; 11. Back pressure valve; 12. First check valve; 13. Second solenoid valve; 14. Second check valve; 15. Differential pressure transmitter; 16. First solenoid valve; 17. Safety valve; 100. Fuel cell to be tested. Detailed Embodiments

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention provides a hydrogen circulation device for a fuel cell test bench. As Figure 1 shown, the hydrogen circulation device includes a gas source 1, a gas mixing chamber 2, a steam-water separator 3, a gas pump 4, a humidifying tank 6, a water pump 7 and a water tank 8. The first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2 is connected to the gas source 1. The air inlet of the humidifying tank is connected to the gas source and the outlet of the gas pump 4. The outlet of the humidifying tank is connected to the second air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2. The outlet of the gas mixing chamber 2 is connected to the inlet end of the fuel cell 100 to be tested. The air inlet of the steam-water separator 3 is connected to the outlet end of the fuel cell 100 to be tested. The outlet of the steam-water separator 3 is connected to the air inlet of the gas pump 4. The outlet of the gas pump 4 is connected to the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2.

[0026] The water outlet of the humidifying tank 6 is connected to the first water inlet of the water tank 8. The second water inlet of the water tank 8 is connected to the water outlet of the steam-water separator 3. The water outlet of the water tank 8 is connected to the water inlet of the water pump 7. The water outlet of the water pump 7 is connected to the water spraying port of the humidifying tank 6.

[0027] When using the hydrogen circulation device provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen of the gas source 1 enters the gas mixing chamber 2 and the humidifying tank 6 respectively. The hydrogen in the humidifying tank 6 is moistened under the action of the humidifying tank 6 and enters the gas mixing chamber 2, so that the hydrogen input into the fuel cell to be tested can better simulate the hydrogen inhaled by the fuel cell under the actual working state. The hydrogen in the gas mixing chamber 2 enters the fuel cell to be tested for reaction, and the escaped hydrogen enters the steam-water separator 3 for separation of water and hydrogen. The separated hydrogen enters the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 through the gas pump 4 and is stored therein to absorb the pressure mutation generated by the gas pump 4 when pumping gas. When the pressure in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 is greater than the pressure at the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5, the hydrogen in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 is pressed out to return to the gas mixing chamber 2 and the humidifying tank 6, thereby realizing the recycling of hydrogen. The separated water enters the water tank 8 and converges with the water discharged from the humidifying tank 6 for storage. The water in the water tank 8 is then pumped to the water spraying port of the humidifying tank 6 through the water pump 7 to moisten the hydrogen in the humidifying tank 6, thereby realizing the recycling of water. That is to say, the hydrogen circulation device provided by the embodiment of the present invention can not only better simulate the actual working state of the fuel cell, improve the detection accuracy, but also realize the recycling of hydrogen and water, reduce the waste of hydrogen and water, and reduce the detection cost.

[0028] In the above implementation manner, the gas source 1 can be a hydrogen station to realize the supply of hydrogen.

[0029] Continue to refer toFigure 1 In this embodiment, the water outlet of the humidifying tank 6 is located at the bottom end of the humidifying tank 6, which is more conducive to the recovery of water in the humidifying tank 6. The water spraying port of the humidifying tank 6 is arranged at the top end of the humidifying tank 6, so that water can be sprayed from top to bottom, enabling the hydrogen to be fully moistened. The air inlet of the humidifying tank 6 is arranged near the water outlet, and the air outlet of the humidifying tank 6 is arranged near the water spraying port, so that hydrogen can flow from bottom to top, that is, in the opposite direction to the water spraying direction, and thus can better ensure the full moistening of hydrogen.

[0030] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank. Combining Figure 2 In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5. The hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 includes a housing 51 and an airbag 52. The airbag 52 is arranged inside the housing 51, and an inert gas is filled between the airbag 52 and the housing 51. The airbag 52 is respectively communicated with the air outlet of the air pump 4, the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2 and the air inlet of the humidifying tank 6.

[0031] In the above implementation, the airbag 52 is used to contain hydrogen, and the inert gas filled between the airbag 52 and the housing 51 is used to maintain the balance of the gas pressure in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5.

[0032] Exemplarily, the airbag 52 can be a rubber airbag 52, so that the airbag 52 itself can expand to absorb the high-pressure hydrogen pumped out by the air pump 4 in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank. Moreover, the expanded airbag 52 can also accommodate more hydrogen. In addition, when the pressure in the airbag 52 is greater than the pressure at the air outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizer, that is, when the air pressure output by the gas source 1 is too low and the hydrogen pressure stabilizer needs to supplement hydrogen, the airbag 52 contracts, and the elastic potential energy generated by the contraction of the airbag 52 can be used to press the hydrogen to the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2 and the air inlet of the humidifying tank 6.

[0033] Exemplarily, the inert gas can be nitrogen, so that the reliability of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 can be improved by utilizing the characteristics of nitrogen being stable in nature and easy to obtain.

[0034] Optionally, a gas charging and discharging port 53 is arranged on the housing 51. The gas charging and discharging port 53 is used to charge inert gas into the housing 51 or discharge the inert gas in the housing 51.

[0035] Refer to again Figure 1 In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a differential pressure transmitter 15 and a first solenoid valve 16. The air inlet of the first solenoid valve 16 is communicated with the air outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5. The air outlet of the first solenoid valve 16 is respectively communicated with the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2 and the air inlet of the humidifying tank 6. The differential pressure transmitter 15 is connected between the air inlet of the first solenoid valve 16 and the air outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5.

[0036] In the above implementation, the differential pressure transmitter 15 is used to detect the pressure at the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5. When the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 is less than the set threshold of the differential pressure transmitter 15, the air pump 4 starts to work, the first solenoid valve 16 closes, and the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 will start to store hydrogen, and the internal pressure will gradually increase to prepare for the next hydrogen output. When the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 is greater than the set threshold of the differential pressure transmitter 15, the air pump 4 stops working to avoid excessive hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5. At the same time, the first solenoid valve 16 opens, and the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 discharges the hydrogen therein to achieve hydrogen replenishment. That is to say, through the cooperation of the first solenoid valve 16, the differential pressure transmitter 15 and the air pump 4, the overall pressure dynamic balance of the hydrogen circulation device can be achieved.

[0037] In this embodiment, a first mass flowmeter 9 is provided at the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber 2, and the air inlet of the first mass flowmeter 9 is communicated with the gas source 1 and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5.

[0038] In the above implementation, the first mass flowmeter 9 is used to control the amount of dry hydrogen entering the gas mixing chamber 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, a second mass flowmeter 10 is provided at the air inlet of the humidifying tank 6, and the air inlet of the second mass flowmeter 10 is communicated with the gas source 1 and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5.

[0040] In the above implementation, the second mass flowmeter 10 is used to control the amount of dry hydrogen entering the humidifying tank 6.

[0041] In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a back pressure valve 11, and the back pressure valve 11 is connected between the outlet end of the fuel cell 100 to be tested and the air inlet of the air pump 4.

[0042] In the above implementation, when hydrogen enters the steam-water separator 3, due to the different densities of hydrogen and moisture, the steam-water separator 3 can separate the moisture contained in the hydrogen. The moisture flows from the water outlet of the steam-water separator 3 to the water tank 8. When the pressure of the hydrogen is greater than the set threshold of the back pressure valve 11, the back pressure valve is opened, so that the hydrogen can flow through the back pressure valve 11 to the air pump 4. That is to say, the back pressure valve can ensure that there is sufficient hydrogen pressure inside the fuel cell and avoid too low hydrogen pressure inside the fuel cell.

[0043] Moreover, the setting of the back pressure valve 11 can also prevent incomplete separation of hydrogen in the steam-water separator. Only when the pressure of the hydrogen is greater than the set threshold of the back pressure valve 11 can it flow out, so that the hydrogen can be fully separated from steam and water in the steam-water separator 3, ensuring that the dryness of the hydrogen output from the steam-water separator 3 meets the requirements.

[0044] It should be noted that the set threshold of the back pressure valve 11 can be artificially set according to actual needs, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0045] Optionally, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a first one-way valve 12. The intake port of the first one-way valve 12 is communicated with the outlet port of the back pressure valve 11, and the outlet port of the first one-way valve 12 is communicated with the intake port of the air pump 4.

[0046] In the above implementation, the setting of the first one-way valve 12 can prevent the hydrogen in the air pump 4 from flowing back into the steam-water separator 3, thus ensuring the reliability of the hydrogen circulation device.

[0047] Optionally, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a second solenoid valve 13. The intake port of the second solenoid valve 13 is communicated with the outlet port of the back pressure valve 11, and the outlet port of the second solenoid valve 13 is communicated with the outside.

[0048] In the above implementation, under normal circumstances, the second solenoid valve 13 is in a closed state, so that the hydrogen output by the back pressure valve 11 can flow to the air pump 4 normally. In special circumstances, for example, when it is necessary to discharge the hydrogen in the steam-water separator 3, the second solenoid valve 13 can be opened so that the hydrogen can be discharged into the external environment.

[0049] In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a second one-way valve 14. The intake port of the second one-way valve 14 is communicated with the outlet port of the air pump 4, and the outlet port of the second one-way valve 14 is communicated with the intake port of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5.

[0050] In the above implementation, the setting of the second one-way valve 14 can prevent the hydrogen in the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5 from flowing back into the air pump 4, thus ensuring the reliability of the hydrogen circulation device.

[0051] In this embodiment, the hydrogen circulation device further includes a safety valve 17. The intake port of the safety valve 17 is communicated with the outlet ports of the gas source 1 and the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank 5, and the intake port of the safety valve 17 is communicated with the outside.

[0052] In the above implementation, when the hydrogen pressure output by the gas source 1 is too high, the safety valve 17 can be opened to discharge the hydrogen to the outside to ensure the reliability of the hydrogen circulation device.

[0053] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen circulation device for a fuel cell test bench, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation device includes a gas source (1), a gas mixing chamber (2), a steam-water separator (3), a gas pump (4), a humidification tank (6), a water pump (7), a water tank (8), a back pressure valve (11), a hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5), a differential pressure transmitter (15) and a first solenoid valve (16). A first mass flowmeter (9) is arranged at the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber (2). The first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber (2) is communicated with the gas source (1). A second mass flowmeter (10) is arranged at the air inlet of the humidification tank (6). The air inlet of the humidification tank (6) is communicated with the gas source and the outlet of the gas pump (4). The outlet of the humidification tank (6) is communicated with the second air inlet of the gas mixing chamber (2). The outlet of the gas mixing chamber (2) is communicated with the inlet end of the fuel cell to be tested (100). The air inlet of the steam-water separator (3) is communicated with the outlet end of the fuel cell to be tested (100). The outlet of the steam-water separator (3) is communicated with the inlet of the gas pump (4). The outlet of the gas pump (4) is communicated with the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber (2); The water outlet of the humidification tank (6) is communicated with the first water inlet of the water tank (8). The second water inlet of the water tank (8) is communicated with the water outlet of the steam-water separator (3). The water outlet of the water tank (8) is communicated with the water inlet of the water pump (7). The water outlet of the water pump (7) is communicated with the water spraying port of the humidification tank (6); The back pressure valve (11) is connected between the outlet of the steam-water separator (3) and the inlet of the gas pump (4); The hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5) includes a shell (51) and an airbag (52). The airbag (52) is arranged in the shell (51). An inert gas is filled between the airbag (52) and the shell (51). The airbag (52) is respectively communicated with the outlet of the gas pump (4), the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber (2) and the air inlet of the humidification tank (6); The inlet of the first solenoid valve (16) is communicated with the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5). The outlet of the first solenoid valve (16) is respectively communicated with the first air inlet of the gas mixing chamber (2) and the air inlet of the humidification tank (6). The differential pressure transmitter (15) is connected between the inlet of the first solenoid valve (16) and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5).

2. The hydrogen circulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation device further includes a first one-way valve (12). The inlet of the first one-way valve (12) is communicated with the outlet of the back pressure valve (11). The outlet of the first one-way valve (12) is communicated with the inlet of the gas pump (4).

3. The hydrogen circulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation device further includes a second solenoid valve (13). The inlet of the second solenoid valve (13) is communicated with the outlet of the back pressure valve (11). The outlet of the second solenoid valve (13) is communicated with the outside.

4. The hydrogen circulation device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation device further includes a second one-way valve (14). The inlet of the second one-way valve (14) is communicated with the outlet of the air pump (4), and the outlet of the second one-way valve (14) is communicated with the inlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5).

5. The hydrogen circulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the first mass flowmeter (9) is communicated with the gas source (1) and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5).

6. The hydrogen circulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the second mass flowmeter (10) is communicated with the gas source (1) and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5).

7. The hydrogen circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen circulation device further includes a safety valve (17). The inlet of the safety valve (17) is communicated with the gas source (1) and the outlet of the hydrogen pressure stabilizing tank (5), and the inlet of the safety valve (17) is communicated with the outside.

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