A fuel cell external pipeline cooling device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of external pipeline temperature control technology for fuel cell testing equipment, and in particular to a cooling device for external pipelines of fuel cells, comprising a fixed bracket, a finned tube, a pipe clamp assembly, and a fan; the fixed bracket is an internally hollow cavity consisting of a bottom surface and four sides, with an opening at the top, a pipe clamp fixing plate at its end along its length direction, and first grooves on its sides along its width direction; the finned tube is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipeline, and the external tube is fixed to the inner cavity of the fixed bracket by two first grooves; a fan is installed above the bottom surface, the fan is located at the bottom of the finned tube, and a fan air inlet is provided on the bottom surface directly below the fan; the pipe clamp assembly is located above the pipe clamp fixing plate and is movably connected to the pipe clamp fixing plate, the finned tube extends along the horizontal direction of the pipe clamp assembly and is fixed to the pipe clamp fixing plate by the pipe clamp assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of external pipeline temperature control of fuel cell test equipment, and particularly relates to a fuel cell external pipeline cooling device. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a device that directly converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through an electrode reaction. It is recognized as the most ideal power device to replace traditional internal combustion engines. A fuel cell generally consists of hundreds of single cells connected in series to form a stack. If there are assembly errors, it will affect the performance of the stack. Therefore, a stack test bench is required to detect the performance of the fuel cell stack to ensure its safety and stability.

[0003] The stack test bench consists of an air system, a hydrogen system, a cooling water circuit system, a deionized water circuit system, a nitrogen system, a control system, etc.; the hydrogen system is mainly responsible for providing hydrogen supply for the stack, and needs to regulate the humidity, pressure, flow rate, etc. of the hydrogen entering the fuel cell stack according to the operating conditions; the air system provides an appropriate amount of oxidant, i.e., oxygen, for the stack, and needs to regulate the humidity, pressure, flow rate, etc. of the air entering the fuel cell stack according to the conditions; when the gases heated and humidified by the test bench in the air system and the hydrogen system enter the stack, the temperature drop will cause the intake temperature to be relatively low, taking away a large amount of heat inside the fuel cell, resulting in a longer startup time. Moreover, condensation will occur, causing water accumulation in the pipeline, thereby damaging the stack and the internal components of the test bench. When the temperature entering the stack is too high, it will damage the proton exchange membrane, reduce the durability of the membrane, and the performance of the stack will deteriorate. Therefore, a device needs to be connected between the stack and the test bench to regulate the temperature, so as to ensure the stability, accuracy and safety during the fuel cell stack test process.

[0004] The internal cooling water circuit system of the stack test bench adjusts the temperature of the air system and the hydrogen system through heaters, plate heat exchangers and temperature sensors. However, for the external pipeline connecting the test bench and the stack, generally only pipeline insulation cotton and heating tapes are used to control the temperature. Affected by various factors such as the ambient temperature, the temperature of this section of the pipeline may vary under different conditions. When the temperature drops, the heating tape can be used to raise the temperature. However, when the temperature is too high, it can only be controlled through the interior of the test bench. Insufficient heat dissipation may damage the stack and the internal electrical components of the test bench. Since the space of the external pipeline is small and it needs to be frequently disassembled, a cooling device with a small structure and easy installation is required. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a cooling device for an external pipeline of a fuel cell, comprising a fixed support, a finned tube, a tube clamp assembly, and a fan. The fixed support is an internally hollow cavity consisting of a bottom surface and four side surfaces, with an opening at the top. A tube clamp fixing plate is provided at the end along its length direction, and first grooves are provided on the side surfaces along its width direction. The finned tube is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipeline, and the external tube is fixed to the inner cavity of the fixed support by two first grooves. A fan is installed above the bottom surface, and the fan is located at the bottom of the finned tube. A fan air inlet is provided on the bottom surface directly below the fan. The tube clamp assembly is located above the tube clamp fixing plate and is movably connected to the tube clamp fixing plate. The finned tube extends horizontally along the tube clamp assembly and is fixed to the tube clamp fixing plate by the tube clamp assembly.

[0006] The principle of this invention is air-cooled heat dissipation. This invention provides a fuel cell external pipeline cooling device mounted on the external pipeline connecting the test bench and the fuel cell stack. A finned tube is fitted around the outside of the pipeline, and a fixed bracket is installed around the finned tube. A fan is mounted on the bracket, utilizing the fan for air-cooled heat dissipation. This utilizes the principles of convection heat transfer and thermal radiation to cool the internal gas, increasing the efficiency of the equipment. The fixed bracket also protects the finned tube, as the outer fins are very sharp. The fixed bracket prevents operators from being cut upon contact, and the pipeline itself may be very hot, potentially causing burns if accidentally touched. Therefore, the fixed bracket increases the safety of the equipment.

[0007] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] This invention provides a cooling device for external pipelines of a fuel cell, including a fixed bracket, finned tubes, pipe clamp assemblies, and a fan;

[0009] The fixed bracket is a hollow cavity consisting of a bottom surface and four sides, with an opening at the top. A pipe clamp fixing plate is provided at the end along its length direction, and a first groove is provided on each side along its width direction. The finned tube is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipeline, and the external tube is fixed to the inner cavity of the fixed bracket by the two first grooves. A fan is installed above the bottom surface, and the fan is located at the bottom of the finned tube. A fan air inlet is provided on the bottom surface directly below the fan. The pipe clamp assembly is located above the pipe clamp fixing plate and is movably connected to the pipe clamp fixing plate. The finned tube extends out along the horizontal direction of the pipe clamp assembly and is fixed to the pipe clamp fixing plate by the pipe clamp assembly.

[0010] The fixing bracket is used to fix the external pipes, finned tubes and fans;

[0011] The fan air intake is used to supply air to the fan;

[0012] The fan is used for air cooling.

[0013] The finned tubes are used for external pipeline temperature control, and at the same time, the heat dissipation area of ​​the external pipeline is increased to further improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0014] The pipe clamp assembly is used to secure external pipes.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fans are provided, and the number of fans is the same as the number of fan air inlets.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, three fans are arranged at equal intervals.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fan and the fixed bracket are connected by a first bolt, and a fan fixing bolt hole is provided on the bottom surface. The fan and the fixed bracket are fixedly connected by the first bolt through the fan fixing bolt hole.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the bottom end of the fan is higher than the height of the top surface of the bottom surface.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a snap-fit ​​plate is provided at the end of the external pipeline away from the finned tube.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the finned tube, the external pipeline, and the snap-fit ​​plate have the same central axis; the outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​plate is larger than the outer diameter of the external pipeline.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pipe clamp assembly includes a first pipe clamp and a second pipe clamp, wherein the first pipe clamp is disposed above the pipe clamp fixing plate and the second pipe clamp is disposed above the first pipe clamp;

[0022] The first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp have a second groove on their connecting surfaces, and the second pipe clamp and the first pipe clamp have a third groove on their connecting surfaces; the second groove and the third groove form a passage, the inner diameter of which is the same as the outer diameter of the external pipe.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, a pipe clamp fixing plate is provided with a pipe clamp fixing hole, the first pipe clamp is provided with a first hole, and the second pipe clamp is provided with a second hole, wherein the pipe clamp fixing hole, the first hole and the second hole are located on the same vertical line.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pipe clamp fixing plate is connected to the first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp by a second bolt, and the pipe clamp fixing plate is fixedly connected to the first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp by the second bolt passing through the pipe clamp fixing hole, the first hole and the second hole in sequence.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the top end of the pipe clamp fixing plate is lower than the bottom end of the first groove.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first groove is a U-shaped groove.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fan wiring hole is provided on the side of the fixed bracket along its length.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] (1) The external pipeline cooling device for fuel cells of the present invention plays an auxiliary role in cooling the test bench and improves the working efficiency of the test bench.

[0030] (2) The external pipeline cooling device for fuel cells of the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to disassemble;

[0031] (3) The design of the fixed bracket in the external pipeline cooling device of the fuel cell of the present invention plays a protective role for both the equipment and personnel;

[0032] (4) The support material of the external pipeline cooling device for fuel cells of the present invention is aluminum, which makes the overall device lightweight;

[0033] (5) The materials of each component in the external pipeline cooling device for fuel cells of the present invention are easy to order, inexpensive, and cost-saving. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of an external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a side view of a fixed bracket in a fuel cell external pipeline cooling device according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a fixed bracket in a fuel cell external pipeline cooling device according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is an axial view of a fixed bracket in a fuel cell external pipeline cooling device according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a front view of a fixed bracket in a fuel cell external pipeline cooling device according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a side view of an external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view along section AA of an external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to the present invention.

[0042] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Fixed bracket; 2. Finned tube; 3. Pipe clamp assembly; 4. Fan; 5. First groove; 6. Pipe clamp fixing plate; 7. Pipe clamp fixing hole; 8. Fan air inlet; 9. Fan fixing bolt hole; 10. Fan wiring hole; 11. External pipeline; 12. Clip plate; 13. First pipe clamp; 14. Second pipe clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This invention provides a cooling device for external pipelines of a fuel cell, including a fixed bracket, finned tubes, pipe clamp assemblies, and a fan;

[0044] The fixed bracket is a hollow cavity consisting of a bottom surface and four sides, with an opening at the top. A pipe clamp fixing plate is provided at the end along its length direction, and a first groove is provided on each side along its width direction. The finned tube is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipeline, and the external tube is fixed to the inner cavity of the fixed bracket by the two first grooves. A fan is installed above the bottom surface, and the fan is located at the bottom of the finned tube. A fan air inlet is provided on the bottom surface directly below the fan. The pipe clamp assembly is located above the pipe clamp fixing plate and is movably connected to the pipe clamp fixing plate. The finned tube extends out along the horizontal direction of the pipe clamp assembly and is fixed to the pipe clamp fixing plate by the pipe clamp assembly.

[0045] The fixing bracket is used to fix the external pipes, finned tubes and fans;

[0046] The fan air intake is used to supply air to the fan;

[0047] The fan is used for air cooling.

[0048] The finned tubes are used for external pipeline temperature control, and at the same time, the heat dissipation area of ​​the external pipeline is increased to further improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0049] The pipe clamp assembly is used to secure external pipes.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fans are provided, and the number of fans is the same as the number of fan air inlets.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, three fans are arranged at equal intervals.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fan and the fixed bracket are connected by a first bolt, and a fan fixing bolt hole is provided on the bottom surface. The fan and the fixed bracket are fixedly connected by the first bolt through the fan fixing bolt hole.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the bottom end of the fan is higher than the height of the top surface of the bottom surface.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, a snap-fit ​​plate is provided at the end of the external pipeline away from the finned tube.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the finned tube, the external pipeline, and the snap-fit ​​plate have the same central axis; the outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​plate is larger than the outer diameter of the external pipeline.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pipe clamp assembly includes a first pipe clamp and a second pipe clamp, wherein the first pipe clamp is disposed above the pipe clamp fixing plate and the second pipe clamp is disposed above the first pipe clamp;

[0057] The first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp have a second groove on their connecting surfaces, and the second pipe clamp and the first pipe clamp have a third groove on their connecting surfaces; the second groove and the third groove form a passage, the inner diameter of which is the same as the outer diameter of the external pipe.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, a pipe clamp fixing plate is provided with a pipe clamp fixing hole, the first pipe clamp is provided with a first hole, and the second pipe clamp is provided with a second hole, wherein the pipe clamp fixing hole, the first hole and the second hole are located on the same vertical line.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pipe clamp fixing plate is connected to the first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp by a second bolt, and the pipe clamp fixing plate is fixedly connected to the first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp by the second bolt passing through the pipe clamp fixing hole, the first hole and the second hole in sequence.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the top end of the pipe clamp fixing plate is lower than the bottom end of the first groove.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first groove is a U-shaped groove.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fan wiring hole is provided on the side of the fixed bracket along its length.

[0063] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0064] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0065] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0066] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] This embodiment provides a cooling device for the external pipeline of a fuel cell.

[0069] A fuel cell external pipeline cooling device, such as Figure 1-8As shown, the assembly includes a fixed bracket 1, a finned tube 2, a pipe clamp assembly 3, and a fan 4. The fixed bracket 1 is a hollow cavity consisting of a bottom surface and four sides, with an opening at the top. A pipe clamp fixing plate 6 is provided at one end along its length direction, and a first groove 5 (U-shaped groove) is provided on each side along its width direction. The top height of the pipe clamp fixing plate 6 is lower than the bottom height of the first groove 5. A fan wiring hole 10 is provided on the side along the length direction of the fixed bracket 1. The finned tube 2 is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipe 11, which is far away from the finned tube 2. A snap-fit ​​plate 12 is provided at the end. The central axes of the finned tube 2, the external pipeline 11, and the snap-fit ​​plate 12 are the same. The outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​plate 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the external pipeline 11. The external pipeline 11 is fixed to the inner cavity of the fixing bracket 1 by two first grooves. Three sets of fans 4 are installed above the bottom surface. The fans 4 are located at the bottom of the finned tube 2. The height of the bottom end of the fans 4 is higher than the height of the top surface of the bottom surface. A fan air inlet 8 is provided on the bottom surface directly below each set of fans 4. The pipe clamp assembly 3 is located above the pipe clamp fixing plate 6 and is movably connected to the pipe clamp fixing plate 6. The tube 2 extends horizontally along the tube clamp assembly 3 and is fixed to the tube clamp fixing plate 6 via the tube clamp assembly 3. The tube clamp assembly 3 includes a first tube clamp 13 and a second tube clamp 14. The first tube clamp 13 is positioned above the tube clamp fixing plate 6, and the second tube clamp 14 is positioned above the first tube clamp 13. A second groove is provided on the connecting surface between the first tube clamp 13 and the second tube clamp 14, and a third groove is provided on the connecting surface between the second tube clamp 14 and the first tube clamp 13. The second and third grooves form a passage, the inner diameter of which is perpendicular to the outer diameter of the external pipe 11. The pipe clamps are of the same diameter; the pipe clamp fixing plate 6 is provided with a pipe clamp fixing hole 7, which is a waist hole design to reduce assembly errors. The first pipe clamp 13 is provided with a first hole, and the second pipe clamp 14 is provided with a second hole. The pipe clamp fixing hole 7, the first hole and the second hole are located on the same vertical line; the pipe clamp fixing plate 6 is connected to the first pipe clamp 13 and the second pipe clamp 14 by a second bolt. The pipe clamp fixing plate 6 is fixedly connected to the first pipe clamp 13 and the second pipe clamp 14 by the second bolt passing through the pipe clamp fixing hole 7, the first hole and the second hole in sequence.

[0070] The mounting bracket 1 is used to fix the external pipeline 11, finned tube 2, and fan 4, and to protect the finned tube 2 and personnel, enhancing the safety of the equipment and personnel (the external fins of the finned tube are very sharp, and the mounting bracket can prevent equipment operators from being cut by accidental contact, and the external pipeline itself may be very hot, which may cause burns if accidentally touched); the fan air inlet 8 is used to provide air to the fan 4; the fan 4 is used for air cooling; the finned tube 2 is used for temperature control of the external pipeline 11, and at the same time increases the heat dissipation area of ​​the external pipeline 11 to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency; the pipe clamp assembly 3 is used to fix the external pipeline 11; the fan wiring hole 15 leads the wire out from the side for easy wiring and reduces the wind resistance generated by the fan; several fans 4 are allowed to be installed, and the number of fans 4 is the same as the number of fan air inlets 8; the fan 4 is controlled to open or close by a three-way ball valve; the fuel cell external pipeline cooling device of this embodiment is made of aluminum, making the device lightweight.

[0071] During assembly, the fan 4 is placed above the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 1 and fixed with bolts. The finned tube 2 is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipe 11 and suspended in the inner cavity of the fixed bracket 1 using the first groove and the second groove. Then it is fixed by the pipe clamp assembly 3.

[0072] During use, the temperature at the fuel cell inlet is controlled by the three-way ball valve based on the feedback electrical signal. When the temperature of the gas (air or hydrogen) at the fuel cell inlet is too high, the three-way ball valve is opened, which in turn turns on the fan 4. When the gas passes through the finned tube 2, it is cooled by the fan 4 at the bottom of the fixed bracket 1, thereby achieving the function of temperature control of the external pipeline 11. The finned tube 2 can also increase the heat dissipation area of ​​the pipeline and improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0073] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the interpretation of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling device for external pipelines of a fuel cell, characterized in that, Includes a fixed bracket (1), a finned tube (2), a tube clamp assembly (3), and a fan (4); The fixed bracket (1) is a hollow cavity consisting of a bottom surface and four sides. It has an opening at the top and a pipe clamp fixing plate (6) at its end along its length direction. A first groove (5) is provided on each side along its width direction. The finned tube (2) is sleeved on the outer surface of the external pipeline (11). The external pipeline (11) is fixed to the inner cavity of the fixed bracket (1) by the two first grooves. A fan (4) is installed above the bottom surface. The fan (4) is located at the bottom of the finned tube (2). A fan air inlet (8) is provided on the bottom surface directly below the fan (4). The pipe clamp assembly (3) is located above the pipe clamp fixing plate (6) and is movably connected to the pipe clamp fixing plate (6). The finned tube (2) extends along the horizontal direction of the pipe clamp assembly (3) and is fixed to the pipe clamp fixing plate (6) through the pipe clamp assembly (3). The fixed bracket (1) is used to fix the external pipe (11), the finned tube (2) and the fan (4). The fan air inlet (8) is used to supply air to the fan (4); The fan (4) is used for air cooling. The finned tube (2) is used for temperature control of the external pipeline (11), and at the same time, the heat dissipation area of ​​the external pipeline (11) is increased to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency. The pipe clamp assembly (3) is used to fix the external pipe (11); The fan (4) and the fixed bracket (1) are connected by a first bolt. A fan fixing bolt hole (9) is provided on the bottom surface. The fan (4) and the fixed bracket (1) are fixedly connected by the first bolt through the fan fixing bolt hole (9). A snap-fit ​​plate (12) is provided at the end of the external pipe (11) away from the finned tube (2). The fan (4) is provided in several units, and the height of the bottom end of the fan (4) is higher than the height of the top surface of the bottom surface; The finned tube (2), the external pipeline (11), and the snap-fit ​​plate (12) have the same central axis; the outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​plate (12) is larger than the outer diameter of the external pipeline (11); The pipe clamp assembly (3) includes a first pipe clamp (13) and a second pipe clamp (14), the first pipe clamp (13) being disposed above the pipe clamp fixing plate (6), and the second pipe clamp (14) being disposed above the first pipe clamp (13); The first pipe clamp (13) and the second pipe clamp (14) are provided with a second groove, and the second pipe clamp (14) and the first pipe clamp (13) are provided with a third groove; the second groove and the third groove form a passage, the inner diameter of which is the same as the outer diameter of the external pipe (11).

2. The external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of fans (4) is the same as the number of fan air inlets (8).

3. The external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe clamp fixing plate (6) is provided with a pipe clamp fixing hole (7), the first pipe clamp (13) is provided with a first hole, and the second pipe clamp (14) is provided with a second hole. The pipe clamp fixing hole (7), the first hole and the second hole are located on the same vertical line.

4. The external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe clamp fixing plate (6) is connected to the first pipe clamp (13) and the second pipe clamp (14) by a second bolt. The pipe clamp fixing plate (6) is fixedly connected to the first pipe clamp (13) and the second pipe clamp (14) by the second bolt passing through the pipe clamp fixing hole (7), the first hole and the second hole in sequence.

5. The external pipeline cooling device for a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top height of the pipe clamp fixing plate (6) is lower than the bottom height of the first groove (5).

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