A testing device for a fuel cell water shunt

Abstract

The application provides a testing device for a fuel cell water distribution element, belonging to the technical field of fuel cells, and solves the problem that the existing testing device does not quantify the water distribution efficiency of the water distribution element and ignores the influence of the flow resistance of the water distribution element on the stack adaptability. The device comprises a gas source, a water pump, a heater, a gas-liquid mixing chamber, a switch valve two, a water collector one, a water collector two, and a first calculation unit. One outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet of the heater, and the other outlet is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber. The gas inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber is connected to the gas source through the switch valve two, and the gas outlet is connected to the input end of the tested water distribution element. The water outlet of the tested water distribution element is connected to the water collector one, and the exhaust port is connected to the water collector two. The test result calculation unit is used to measure the water distribution efficiency and the flow resistance of the tested water distribution element after starting. The device can output the measured values of the water distribution efficiency and the flow resistance, and avoid the situation that the water distribution efficiency and the flow resistance do not meet the actual use requirements of the stack at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a testing device for a water distribution component for a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] During fuel cell operation, a large amount of water is generated at the cathode. Due to the permeation and dragging effect of water, some of the water will seep into the anode. If the water at the cathode / anode cannot be discharged smoothly, it will cause the performance of individual cells of the fuel cell stack to degrade / degrade, and may even affect the lifespan of the entire fuel cell stack.

[0003] Fuel cells typically have water separators at both the hydrogen and air outlets, and the efficiency of these separators is crucial. Inefficient water separators at the hydrogen outlet can lead to high water content inside the fuel cell stack, causing flooding. Prolonged operation with this can result in significant irreversible damage to the stack's performance and lifespan. Furthermore, high flow resistance can lead to the risk of stack penetration / leakage under high electrical density conditions. Similarly, inefficient water separators at the air outlet can allow excessive water to enter the expander, affecting its performance and lifespan. High flow resistance can also lead to current limiting and stack penetration / leakage under high electrical density conditions.

[0004] Currently, existing testing methods for water separators only consider water separation efficiency, neglecting whether the flow resistance is compatible with the fuel cell stack. If the flow resistance of the water separator continues to increase, it will increase the pressure of the hydrogen entering the stack, leading to the risk of stack penetration and leakage. Currently, there is no specific quantitative method for the water separation efficiency / flow resistance of fuel cell water separators, and the steps for mounting and dismounting the water separator on the test bench are cumbersome, making it inconvenient to verify water separation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide a testing device for a water distribution component for fuel cells, in order to solve the problems of existing testing devices failing to quantify the water distribution efficiency of the water distribution component and ignoring the compatibility of the water distribution component's flow resistance with the fuel cell stack.

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a testing device for a water distribution component for a fuel cell, including a gas source (4), a water pump (1), a heater (2), a gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), a second switching valve (6), a first water collector (13), a second water collector (14), and a test result calculation unit; wherein, One outlet of the water pump (1) is connected to its inlet via the heater (2) to form an internal circulation branch, and the other outlet is connected to its inlet via the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) to form an external circulation branch. The air inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is connected to the air source (4) via the second switch valve (6), and its air outlet is connected to the input end of the water separator to be tested; the drain outlet of the water separator to be tested is connected to the first water collector (13), and its exhaust outlet is connected to the second water collector (14). The test result calculation unit is used to obtain the air pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator under test after startup, and to obtain the flow resistance of the water separator under test; and to obtain the water storage volume of water collector one (13) and water collector two (14) within a set time, and to obtain the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test.

[0007] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: By setting up water collector one (13) and water collector two (14) and collecting the water volume inside them, the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test is quantified, preventing the situation where the water separation efficiency of the water separator after testing is insufficient to meet the usage requirements. This avoids the cumbersome up-and-down movement of the water separator under test on the test bench, reduces the test cycle, and makes it convenient and quick to judge the rationality and suitability of the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test. Furthermore, by obtaining the gas pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator under test, the flow resistance of the water separator under test is quantified, preventing the phenomenon that the water separation efficiency meets the standard but the flow resistance does not meet the standard. The combined use of the above structures enables the test device to realistically simulate the water and gas state inside the water separator when the fuel cell is in use, making the test results more consistent with the actual results and effectively improving the user experience.

[0008] Based on further improvements to the above-mentioned device, the testing device also includes a first switching valve (3), a third switching valve (5), a fourth switching valve (9), and a fifth switching valve (10); among which, One of the outlets of the water pump (1) is connected to the inlet of the heater (2) and the first switch valve (3) in sequence, forming an internal circulation branch. The other one is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) in sequence, through the atomizing nozzle at the top of the inner cavity, the outlet at the bottom of the inner cavity, and the third switch valve (5), forming an external circulation branch. The gas outlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is connected to the input end of the water measuring device via the fourth switch valve (9), and its water inlet is connected to the external water injection equipment via the fifth switch valve (10).

[0009] Furthermore, the water inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is located at the top of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), its air inlet is located on one side of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), and its air outlet is located on the opposite side of the air inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8).

[0010] Furthermore, the switching valve one (3) is a ball valve; The switch valves 2 (6), 3 (5), 4 (9) and 5 (10) are rotary valves.

[0011] Furthermore, the testing device also includes a controller; wherein, The controller is used to, upon receiving a test command, first activate switch valve one (3) and close switch valve two (6), switch valve three (5), switch valve four (9) and switch valve five (10) to heat the medium in the internal circulation branch; and, upon monitoring that the outlet temperature of the water pump (1) reaches the set value, activate switch valve three (5); and, upon monitoring that the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target temperature, activate switch valve two (6) to the set opening degree, and after the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target pressure, activate switch valve four (9) and the test result calculation unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the controller further includes: The data acquisition unit is used to acquire the outlet temperature of the water pump (1), the gas pressure and gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), and send them to the data processing and control unit. The data processing and control unit is used to start switch valve one (3), close switch valve two (6), switch valve three (5), switch valve four (9) and switch valve five (10) to heat the medium in the inner circulation branch after receiving the test command; during the heating process, when the outlet temperature of the water pump (1) reaches the set value, switch valve three (5) is started to start the outer circulation branch for testing; during the test, when the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target temperature, switch valve two (6) is started to the set opening to introduce the target gas, and when the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target pressure, switch valve four (9) and the test result calculation unit are started.

[0013] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit further includes: A liquid temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the pipe at the outlet of the water pump (1) to obtain the outlet temperature of the water pump (1). A gas temperature-pressure integrated sensor (7) is installed on the inner wall of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) to obtain the gas temperature and gas pressure inside the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8); Gas pressure sensors (11, 12) are respectively installed on the inner wall of the input pipe and the inner wall of the exhaust pipe of the water separator to be tested, and are used to obtain the gas pressure at the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator to be tested, respectively. A liquid level sensor is installed on the inner wall of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) to obtain the liquid level height inside the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8); Mass sensors are respectively installed at the bottom of water collector one (13) and water collector two (14) to obtain the water volume stored in water collector one (13). Q 1. The amount of water stored in water collector two (14) Q 2.

[0014] Furthermore, the data processing and control unit executes the following program: Upon receiving the test command, switch valve five (10) is activated, switch valve one (3), switch valve two (6), switch valve three (5), and switch valve four (9) are closed, and liquid medium is injected into the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8); During the injection process, the liquid level in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is monitored until the liquid level reaches the set height, and then the switch valve five (10) is closed. Start the water pump (1), heater (2), and switch valve one (3) to heat the medium in the inner circulation branch; During the heating process, monitor the outlet temperature of the water pump (1) until the temperature reaches the set value, then start the switch valve three (5). Monitor the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) until the gas temperature reaches the target temperature, then start the second switch valve (6) to the set opening degree; After the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target pressure, switch valve four (9) is activated, and the test result calculation unit is activated. The opening degree of the second switching valve (6) is adjusted in real time to keep the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) within the set range.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner surface of the pipe between the gas outlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber and the input end of the water separator under test is provided with a corrosion-resistant and heat-insulating layer.

[0016] Furthermore, the test result calculation unit executes the following program: Upon receiving the start signal from the controller, the timer is started, and the input air pressure of the water separator under test is periodically acquired. P 2. Exhaust port air pressure P 3. Calculate the pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port. P 2- P 3; Based on the above pressure difference P 2- P 3. Obtain the flow resistance of the distributor at each moment. r r = f ( P 2- P 3) In the formula, f ( ) represents the fitting function; Determine the flow resistance of the distributor at each moment r Are all within the preset range? Identify whether the water distribution component is compatible with the fuel cell stack; if there is flow resistance at any given moment... rIf the value exceeds the preset range, it is determined that the water distribution component is not compatible with the fuel cell stack and there is a risk of stack penetration and leakage during operation. A stop test command is sent to the controller. Otherwise, it is determined that the water distribution component is compatible with the fuel cell stack and the test continues. When the timer reaches the set time, the amount of water stored in water collector 1 (13) is obtained. Q 1. The amount of water stored in water collector two (14) Q 2; The water separation efficiency of the water separator under test can be obtained using the following formula. λ λ=Q 1 / ( Q 1+ Q 2).

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects: 1. Quickly detect the flow resistance of the water separator under test to prevent the hydrogen / air pressure difference from exceeding the target value. Prolonged operation can lead to cathode / anode crosstalk in the fuel cell stack and excessive back pressure at the rear end, causing all relevant components to be under overload and potentially triggering an accident. If the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test meets the standard, but the flow resistance does not, it will shorten the normal service life of the fuel cell components.

[0018] 2. To prevent insufficient water separation efficiency of the water separator under test, the test cycle is reduced by the cumbersome process of going up and down the test bench. It is convenient and quick to judge the rationality and suitability of the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test. By simulating the water / air state inside the real water separator (by adding atomizing nozzles), the test results are closer to the actual results.

[0019] 3. Switching between internal and external circulation reduces heating time and shortens the test cycle.

[0020] 4. The testing device has a wide testing range and is suitable for testing the flow resistance / water separation efficiency of most types of water distribution components.

[0021] 5. By setting up a controller, human error caused by manually controlling the temperature / pressure of the gas entering the water distributor can be reduced.

[0022] 6. It has wide applicability and can be used for water distribution components or distributors in hydrogen / air circuits.

[0023] The summary section is provided to present the chosen concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. The summary section is not intended to identify essential or necessary features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally denote like parts.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the test apparatus for the water distribution component of the fuel cell in Example 1 is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the test apparatus for the water distribution component of the fuel cell in Example 2 is shown.

[0026] Figure label: 1- Water pump; 2- Heater; 3- Switch valve one; 4- Gas source; 5- Switch valve three; 6- Switch valve two; 7- Gas temperature-pressure integrated sensor; 8- Gas-liquid mixing chamber; 9- Switch valve four; 10- Switch valve five; 11, 12- Gas pressure sensors; 13- Water collector one, 14- Water collector two; 0- Water separator under test; VCU- Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify open inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0029] Example 1 One embodiment of the present invention discloses a testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a gas source 4, a water pump 1, a heater 2, a gas-liquid mixing chamber 8, a second switch valve 6, a first water collector 13, a second water collector 14, and a test result calculation unit.

[0030] One outlet of water pump 1 is connected to its inlet via heater 2, forming an internal circulation branch (for heating), and the other outlet is connected to its inlet via gas-liquid mixing chamber 8, forming an external circulation branch (for testing).

[0031] The air inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 is connected to the air source 4 via the second switch valve 6, and its air outlet is connected to the input end of the water separator to be tested; the drain outlet of the water separator to be tested (generally located at the bottom) is connected to the water collector 13, and its exhaust outlet (located in the middle or upper part) is connected to the water collector 2 14.

[0032] The test result calculation unit is used to obtain the air pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator under test after startup, and to obtain the flow resistance of the water separator under test; and to obtain the water storage volume of water collector 13 and water collector 24 within a set time, and to obtain the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test.

[0033] Specifically, the test result calculation unit further includes a first calculation unit and a second calculation unit.

[0034] The first calculation unit is used to obtain the water storage volume in water collector 13. Q 1. Water storage capacity of water collector 214 Q 2. The water separation efficiency of the tested water separator is obtained. The higher the water output in water collector 13 and the lower the water storage in water collector 24, the better the water separation efficiency.

[0035] Water storage capacity can be one of the following: liquid level, liquid volume, or liquid mass. Water separation efficiency can be... Q 1 / ( Q 1+ Q 2), or Q 2 / Q 1, or Q 1 / Q 2 is a parameter that measures the water distribution capacity of the water distribution component.

[0036] The second calculation unit is used to obtain the air pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator under test after startup, and thus determine the flow resistance of the water separator under test. The flow resistance is related to the measured values ​​such as flow velocity and pressure difference. Since the flow velocity is constant, the flow resistance of the water separator under test can be obtained by measuring only the air pressure difference, or the air pressure difference result can be directly used to replace the flow resistance.

[0037] Compared with existing technologies, this embodiment quantifies the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test by setting up water collector 13 and water collector 2 14 and collecting the water volume within them. This prevents situations where the water separation efficiency of the water separator is insufficient to meet usage requirements after testing, avoids the cumbersome process of mounting and dismounting the water separator on the test bench, reduces the test cycle, and facilitates a quick and easy assessment of the rationality and suitability of the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test. Furthermore, by acquiring the air pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator under test, the flow resistance of the water separator under test is quantified, preventing the phenomenon of meeting the water separation efficiency standard but failing to meet the flow resistance standard. The combined use of the above structures allows the testing device to realistically simulate the water and gas state inside the water separator during fuel cell use, making the test results more closely resemble actual results and effectively improving the user experience.

[0038] Example 2 Based on Example 1, the testing device is improved by further including switch valve 3, switch valve 5, switch valve 9, and switch valve 10, as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0039] Among them, the outlet of water pump 1 is connected to the inlet of heater 2 and switch valve 3 in sequence to form an internal circulation branch, and the other is connected to the inlet of switch valve 3 in sequence to form an external circulation branch.

[0040] The gas outlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 is connected to the input end of the water distribution device via switch valve 4 9, and its water inlet is connected to an external water injection device via switch valve 5 10. Switch valve 5 10 can be used to recycle water, avoiding water waste and the hassle of reheating.

[0041] Preferably, the water inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 is located at the top of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8, the air inlet is located on one side of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8, and the air outlet is located on the opposite side of the air inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8.

[0042] Preferably, the first switch valve 3 is a ball valve; the second switch valve 6, the third switch valve 5, the fourth switch valve 9, and the fifth switch valve 10 are rotary valves.

[0043] Preferably, the testing apparatus also includes a controller.

[0044] The controller, upon receiving a test command, first activates switch valve 3 and closes switch valves 6, 5, 9, and 10 to heat the medium in the internal circulation branch; then, upon monitoring that the outlet temperature of water pump 1 reaches the set value, activates switch valve 5; and after monitoring that the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 reaches the target temperature, activates switch valve 6 to the set opening degree, and after the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 reaches the target pressure, activates switch valve 9 and the test result calculation unit.

[0045] Preferably, the controller further includes a data acquisition unit and a data processing and control unit connected in sequence.

[0046] The data acquisition unit is used to acquire the outlet temperature of the water pump 1, the gas pressure and gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8, and send them to the data processing and control unit.

[0047] The data processing and control unit, upon receiving a test command, activates switch valve 1 (3), closes switch valve 2 (6), switch valve 3 (5), switch valve 4 (9), and switch valve 5 (10) to heat the medium in the internal circulation branch. During the heating process, if the outlet temperature of water pump 1 reaches the set value, switch valve 3 (5) is activated to start the external circulation branch for testing. During the test, if the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 reaches the target temperature, switch valve 2 (6) is activated to the set opening to introduce the target gas. Once the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 reaches the target pressure, switch valve 4 (9) and the test result calculation unit are activated.

[0048] Preferably, the data acquisition unit further includes a liquid temperature sensor, a gas temperature-pressure integrated sensor 7, gas pressure sensors 11 and 12, a liquid level sensor, and a mass sensor.

[0049] A liquid temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the pipe at the outlet of water pump 1 to obtain the outlet temperature of water pump 1.

[0050] A gas temperature-pressure integrated sensor 7 is installed on the inner wall of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 to obtain the gas temperature and gas pressure inside the chamber. Based on the gas pressure, the opening degree of the second switching valve 6 is controlled to keep the pressure within the set target pressure range. Based on the gas temperature, the heating temperature of the heater is adjusted.

[0051] Gas pressure sensors 11 and 12 are respectively installed on the inner wall of the input pipe and the inner wall of the exhaust pipe of the water separator under test, to obtain the gas pressure at the input and exhaust ports of the water separator. After the gas in the gas-liquid mixing chamber is uniformly mixed, the pressure... P 2. P 3. Used for measuring flow resistance.

[0052] A liquid level sensor is installed on the inner wall of the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 to obtain the liquid level height inside the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8.

[0053] Mass sensors are respectively installed at the bottom of water collector 13 and water collector 2 14 to obtain the water volume stored in water collector 13. Q 1. Water storage capacity in water collector 214 Q2. After the gas in the gas-liquid mixing chamber is uniformly mixed, the mass sensors at the bottom of water collectors one and two are used to measure the water separation efficiency.

[0054] Preferably, the testing device further includes a TVP particle size analyzer. The input end of the TVP particle size analyzer is connected to the gas outlet of the water separator under test. The TVP particle size analyzer is used to analyze the water mist particle size and determine the water separation effect.

[0055] Preferably, the inner surface of the pipe between the gas outlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber and the input end of the water separator under test is provided with a corrosion-resistant heat insulation layer to prevent the test results from being affected by poor heat insulation due to corrosion after multiple tests.

[0056] Preferably, the data processing and control unit executes the following program: S1. Upon receiving the test command, activate switch valve 5 10, close switch valve 1 3, switch valve 2 6, switch valve 3 5, and switch valve 4 9, and inject liquid medium into the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8; S2. During the injection process, the liquid level in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 is monitored until the liquid level reaches the set height, and then the switch valve 510 is closed. S3. Start water pump 1, heater 2, and switch valve 3 to heat the medium in the internal circulation branch; S4. During the heating process, monitor the outlet temperature of water pump 1 until the temperature reaches the set value, then activate switch valve 3 5; S5. Monitor the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 until the gas temperature reaches the target temperature, then start the switch valve 6 to the set opening degree. S6. After the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 reaches the target pressure, start the switch valve 4 9 and start the test result calculation unit; S7. Real-time control of the opening degree of the switching valve 6, so that the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber 8 is maintained within the set range.

[0057] Preferably, the test result calculation unit executes the following program: S8. Upon receiving the start signal from the controller, start the timer and periodically acquire the input air pressure of the water separator under test. P 2. Exhaust port air pressure P 3. Calculate the pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port. P 2- P 3; S9. Based on the above pressure difference P 2- P 3. Obtain the flow resistance of the distributor at each moment. r r = f ( P 2-P 3) In the formula, f ( ) represents the fitting function, which can be obtained through laboratory calibration; S10. Determine the flow resistance of the distributor at each moment. r Are all within the preset range? Identify whether the water distribution component is compatible with the fuel cell stack; if there is flow resistance at any given moment... r If the value exceeds the preset range, it is determined that the water distribution component is not compatible with the fuel cell stack and there is a risk of stack penetration and leakage during operation. A stop test command is sent to the controller. Otherwise, it is determined that the water distribution component is compatible with the fuel cell stack and the test continues. S11. When the timer reaches the set time, obtain the water volume stored in water collector 13. Q 1. Water storage capacity in water collector 214 Q 2; S12. The water separation efficiency of the water separator under test can be obtained using the following formula. λ λ=Q 1 / ( Q 1+ Q 2).

[0058] Compared with the prior art, the testing device provided in this embodiment has the following beneficial effects: 1. Quickly detect the flow resistance of the water separator under test to prevent the hydrogen / air pressure difference from exceeding the target value. Prolonged operation can lead to cathode / anode crosstalk in the fuel cell stack and excessive back pressure at the rear end, causing all relevant components to be under overload and potentially triggering an accident. If the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test meets the standard, but the flow resistance does not, it will shorten the normal service life of the fuel cell components.

[0059] 2. To prevent insufficient water separation efficiency of the water separator under test, the test cycle is reduced by the cumbersome process of going up and down the test bench. It is convenient and quick to judge the rationality and suitability of the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test. By simulating the water / air state inside the real water separator (by adding atomizing nozzles), the test results are closer to the actual results.

[0060] 3. Switching between internal and external circulation reduces heating time and shortens the test cycle.

[0061] 4. The testing device has a wide testing range and is suitable for testing the flow resistance / water separation efficiency of most types of water distribution components.

[0062] 5. By setting up a controller, human error caused by manually controlling the temperature / pressure of the gas entering the water distributor can be reduced.

[0063] 6. It has wide applicability and can be used for water distribution components or distributors in hydrogen / air circuits.

[0064] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or improvements to the prior art of the embodiments, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A testing device for a water-break device for a fuel cell, characterized by comprising: a water-break device; a water supply device; a water-break device test device; and a water-break device test device test device. It includes a gas source (4), a water pump (1), a heater (2), a gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), a second switch valve (6), a first water collector (13), a second water collector (14), and a test result calculation unit; among which, One outlet of the water pump (1) is connected to its inlet via the heater (2) to form an internal circulation branch, and the other outlet is connected to its inlet via the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) to form an external circulation branch. The air inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is connected to the air source (4) via the second switch valve (6), and its air outlet is connected to the input end of the water separator to be tested; the drain outlet of the water separator to be tested is connected to the first water collector (13), and its exhaust outlet is connected to the second water collector (14). The test result calculation unit is used to obtain the air pressure difference between the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator under test after startup, and to obtain the flow resistance of the water separator under test; and to obtain the water storage volume of water collector one (13) and water collector two (14) within a set time, and to obtain the water separation efficiency of the water separator under test. The test device for the water distribution component of the fuel cell also includes switch valve one (3), switch valve three (5), switch valve four (9), and switch valve five (10); among which, One of the outlets of the water pump (1) is connected to the inlet of the heater (2) and the first switch valve (3) in sequence, forming an internal circulation branch. The other one is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) in sequence, through the atomizing nozzle at the top of the inner cavity, the outlet at the bottom of the inner cavity, and the third switch valve (5), forming an external circulation branch. The outlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is connected to the input end of the water measuring component via the fourth switch valve (9), and its water inlet is connected to the external water injection equipment via the fifth switch valve (10). The test result calculation unit executes the following program: After receiving the start signal from the controller, the timing is started, and the input end air pressure P2 and the exhaust port air pressure P3 of the water separator under test are acquired at regular intervals to obtain the pressure difference P2-P3 between the input end and the exhaust port. Based on the pressure difference P2-P3 mentioned above, the flow resistance r of the water distribution element at each moment is obtained. r = f(P2 - P3) In the formula, f() is the fitting function; Determine whether the flow resistance r of the water distribution component is within the preset range at any given time to identify whether the water distribution component is compatible with the fuel cell stack. If the flow resistance r exceeds the preset range at any time, it is determined that the water distribution component is not compatible with the fuel cell stack and there is a risk of stack penetration and leakage during operation. A stop test command is sent to the controller. Otherwise, it is determined that the water distribution component is compatible with the fuel cell stack and the test continues. When the timer reaches the set time, the water storage volume Q1 in water collector one (13) and the water storage volume Q2 in water collector two (14) are obtained; The water separation efficiency λ of the water separator under test can be obtained using the following formula. λ = Q1 / (Q1+Q2) 2. The testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is located at the top of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), the air inlet is located on one side of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), and the air outlet is located on the opposite side of the air inlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8).

3. The testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The switching valve (3) is a ball valve; The switch valves 2 (6), 3 (5), 4 (9) and 5 (10) are rotary valves.

4. The testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a controller; among which, The controller is used to, upon receiving a test command, first activate switch valve one (3) and close switch valve two (6), switch valve three (5), switch valve four (9) and switch valve five (10) to heat the medium in the internal circulation branch; and, upon monitoring that the outlet temperature of the water pump (1) reaches the set value, activate switch valve three (5); and, upon monitoring that the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target temperature, activate switch valve two (6) to the set opening degree, and after the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target pressure, activate switch valve four (9) and the test result calculation unit.

5. The testing apparatus for a water separator for a fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller further includes: The data acquisition unit is used to acquire the outlet temperature of the water pump (1), the gas pressure and gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8), and send them to the data processing and control unit. The data processing and control unit is used to start switch valve one (3), close switch valve two (6), switch valve three (5), switch valve four (9) and switch valve five (10) to heat the medium in the inner circulation branch after receiving the test command; during the heating process, when the outlet temperature of the water pump (1) reaches the set value, switch valve three (5) is started to start the outer circulation branch for testing; during the test, when the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target temperature, switch valve two (6) is started to the set opening to introduce the target gas, and when the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target pressure, switch valve four (9) and the test result calculation unit are started.

6. The testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The data acquisition unit further includes: A liquid temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the pipe at the outlet of the water pump (1) to obtain the outlet temperature of the water pump (1). A gas temperature-pressure integrated sensor (7) is installed on the inner wall of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) to obtain the gas temperature and gas pressure inside the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8); Gas pressure sensors (11, 12) are respectively installed on the inner wall of the input pipe and the inner wall of the exhaust pipe of the water separator to be tested, and are used to obtain the gas pressure at the input end and the exhaust port of the water separator to be tested, respectively. A liquid level sensor is installed on the inner wall of the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) to obtain the liquid level height inside the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8); Mass sensors are respectively installed at the bottom of water collector one (13) and water collector two (14) to obtain the water storage volume Q1 in water collector one (13) and the water storage volume Q2 in water collector two (14).

7. The testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The data processing and control unit executes the following program: Upon receiving the test command, switch valve five (10) is activated, switch valve one (3), switch valve two (6), switch valve three (5), and switch valve four (9) are closed, and liquid medium is injected into the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8); During the injection process, the liquid level in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) is monitored until the liquid level reaches the set height, and then the switch valve five (10) is closed. Start the water pump (1), heater (2), and switch valve one (3) to heat the medium in the inner circulation branch; During the heating process, monitor the outlet temperature of the water pump (1) until the temperature reaches the set value, then start the switch valve three (5). Monitor the gas temperature in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) until the gas temperature reaches the target temperature, then start the second switch valve (6) to the set opening degree; After the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) reaches the target pressure, switch valve four (9) is activated, and the test result calculation unit is activated. The opening degree of the second switching valve (6) is adjusted in real time to keep the gas pressure in the gas-liquid mixing chamber (8) within the set range.

8. The testing apparatus for a water distribution component for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, characterized in that, The inner surface of the pipe between the gas outlet of the gas-liquid mixing chamber and the input end of the water separator under test is provided with a corrosion-resistant and heat-insulating layer.

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