A test device for a solid oxide fuel cell controllable temperature field

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of solid oxide fuel cell controllable temperature field testing device, including strong heat source, strong cold source, temperature control mechanism, heat preservation mechanism and gas pipeline;Strong heat source, strong cold source as variable temperature constant temperature heat source, placed in SOFC single cell both ends;By heating the resistance wire in the strong heat source, the strong heat source reaches the preset temperature, by changing the cold air flow and heating resistance wire in the strong cold source, the strong cold source reaches the preset temperature, realizes the control to SOFC single cell temperature field;At the same time, the heat preservation layer, heat shield, intermediate thermal interlayer and other structures simulate the actual working thermal environment;High thermal conductivity metal is used as heat conducting material, to ensure that the temperature of constant temperature heat source is more uniform, and reduce the hysteresis of temperature change.Compared with prior art, the application not only can simulate the thermal environment of SOFC normal work, but also can regulate and control the internal temperature gradient of SOFC single cell and realize the rapid thermal cycle of SOFC single cell according to the need.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of online testing of solid oxide fuel cells, and in particular to a testing device for a controllable temperature field of solid oxide fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), as a clean energy utilization technology, are devices that directly convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. They offer advantages such as high efficiency, high energy density, noiselessness, and cleanliness, and have considerable application prospects. During operation, SOFCs typically operate at temperatures above 600°C. However, individual cells generate relatively little heat, so individual cells or short stacks require external heat sources to heat the cells to their operating temperature.

[0003] Currently, SOFC testing typically uses single cells or short stacks, with electric furnace heating being the primary method. The furnace heats the furnace chamber using heating wires or silicon carbide rods around the perimeter, raising the chamber to its operating temperature. At this temperature, the SOFC operates in a uniform thermal environment, and the internal temperature of the cell is also relatively uniform. However, in practical applications, SOFCs are assembled and operated as stacks, with good insulation around the stacks. Excess air is typically introduced into the stacks to dissipate the heat generated during operation. The gradual increase in air temperature and changes in heat absorption lead to a temperature gradient within the cell. Temperature gradients are also unavoidably generated during the heating and cooling processes of the SOFC. For SOFCs, the internal temperature gradient not only affects cell performance but also generates thermal stress. When the temperature gradient is too large, the resulting thermal stress can cause the cell's sealing materials and ceramic electrolyte to crack. In high-temperature environments, the leaked fuel gas and oxidant mixture can ignite or even explode, causing serious laboratory safety problems. Therefore, in the experimental testing and characterization of the performance and durability of SOFC single cells or short stacks, it is essential to place the cells in a certain temperature gradient to obtain key characteristics such as output performance, decay rate, and reliability in actual application environments. This is crucial for the actual safe and stable operation and commercial promotion of SOFC.

[0004] Existing testing equipment mostly uses electric furnaces to control the battery's operating temperature. SOFC batteries are located in the constant temperature zone of the electric furnace, where the internal temperature gradient is very small and the temperature field is uncontrollable. Research on the temperature field of SOFC mainly focuses on the measurement of the temperature field, while research on temperature field control is lacking. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems in the aforementioned technologies, this invention provides a test device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). This device regulates the temperature of a localized area (e.g., both ends) of a single SOFC cell using a constant-temperature heat source and a cold source, thereby generating a large heat flux and a temperature gradient within the cell. This allows for temperature field control and rapid thermal cycling. The device not only provides a thermal environment similar to that required for normal SOFC operation but also allows for the regulation of the internal temperature gradient of the SOFC cell and the realization of rapid thermal cycling. Furthermore, it provides an experimental platform for research on SOFC durability, reliability testing, and accelerated experiments.

[0006] The solution adopted in this invention is: a test device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell, comprising a strong heat source, a strong cold source, a temperature control mechanism, a heat preservation mechanism, and a gas pipeline;

[0007] The strong heat source and strong cold source are in contact with the outer surface of the SOFC single cell and can be set in different positions as needed, such as at both ends of the SOFC single cell. The top of the strong cold source is connected to a cold air intake pipe and the side is connected to a cold air outlet pipe.

[0008] The insulation mechanism includes an insulation box, a heat-insulating support base, a heat-insulating cover, and thermally conductive adhesive; the heat-insulating support base is installed at the bottom of the insulation mechanism, the SOFC single cell is placed on the heat-insulating support base, and the thermally conductive adhesive is installed on the contact surfaces of the strong cold source, the strong heat source, and the SOFC single cell; the heat-insulating cover is installed at the bottom of the insulation mechanism, and the strong cold source, the strong heat source, the SOFC single cell, and the heat-insulating support base are all installed inside the heat-insulating cover;

[0009] The temperature control mechanism includes an intermediate thermal interlayer, thermocouples, resistance wire one, and resistance wire two; resistance wire one is provided inside both the strong heat source and the strong cold source; the intermediate thermal interlayer is installed inside the insulation box and is composed of resistance wire two and an insulation layer, with resistance wire two laid between the insulation layer and the insulation box; three thermocouples are provided, respectively installed at the center of the bottom of the strong cold source, the bottom of the strong heat source, and any side of the intermediate thermal interlayer.

[0010] The gas pipeline includes an anode gas input pipeline, an anode gas output pipeline, a cathode gas input pipeline, a cathode gas output pipeline, a cold air intake pipeline, and a cold air outlet pipeline; the anode gas input pipeline, anode gas output pipeline, cathode gas input pipeline, and cathode gas output pipeline sequentially pass through the bottom of the insulation box, the intermediate thermal interlayer, and the thermal insulation support base, and are connected to the SOFC single cell; the cold air intake pipeline and cold air outlet pipeline sequentially pass through the insulation layer, the intermediate thermal interlayer, and the thermal insulation cover, and are connected to the strong cold source.

[0011] Furthermore, the strong heat source, strong cold source, and internal resistance wire can be arranged at different positions such as both ends, diagonally, and on the upper and lower surfaces of the SOFC single cell to form different temperature fields inside the SOFC cell; the contact area between the strong cold source and the SOFC single cell and the contact area between the strong heat source and the SOFC can be adjusted to change the heat transfer characteristics and internal temperature gradient between the SOFC cells; the cold air inlet pipe at the top and the cold air outlet pipe on the side of the strong cold source are circular pipes.

[0012] Furthermore, the resistance wire one, resistance wire two, and thermocouple wires are all equipped with insulation layers; the insulation box, intermediate heat jacket, and heat insulation cover have holes for the resistance wire one wire, resistance wire two wire, thermocouple wire, cold air inlet pipe, and cold air outlet pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the resistance wires in the intermediate thermal interlayer are evenly laid between the insulation layer and the insulation box to form a uniform temperature field in the thermal interlayer.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat insulation cover has two partitions inside, placed between the strong heat source and the strong cold source, to reduce the radiative heat transfer between the strong heat source and the strong cold source.

[0015] Furthermore, the heat preservation mechanism also includes a radiation-proof coating, which is applied to the surface of the strong heat source, the strong cold source and the SOFC single cell; the thickness of the radiation-proof coating is 1-3mm.

[0016] Furthermore, a weight can be placed above the SOFC single cell to reinforce the sealing of the SOFC single cell.

[0017] Furthermore, the structural materials of the strong heat source and strong cold source are metals with high thermal conductivity to achieve an approximately constant temperature heat source; at the same time, the contact surface between the strong heat source and strong cold source and the SOFC single cell is relatively thick to achieve a uniform temperature at the contact surface between the strong heat source and strong cold source and the single cell.

[0018] Furthermore, the insulated box includes an insulated box body and an insulated box cover, and the intermediate heat interlayer includes an intermediate heat interlayer body and an intermediate heat interlayer cover, both of which are composed of resistance wire and an insulation layer.

[0019] Furthermore, the insulated box cover is composed of a left insulated box cover and a right insulated box cover, and the intermediate thermal interlayer cover includes an intermediate thermal interlayer left cover and an intermediate thermal interlayer right cover, with holes for thermocouple wires to pass through at the mating points of the left and right cover plates.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] 1. The testing device of the present invention can simulate the actual working thermal environment, and the temperature field is easily controlled. The strong heat source and strong cold source are placed at both ends of the SOFC single cell as variable temperature constant temperature heat sources; the temperature of the strong heat source and strong cold source is changed by heating the resistance wire inside the strong heat source and strong cold source and controlling the flow rate of cold air through the strong cold source, thereby realizing the control of the temperature field of the SOFC single cell and realizing rapid thermal cycling;

[0022] 2. The test device of the present invention conducts temperature changes in a timely manner, with the location and structure design of strong heat source and strong cold source, and uses metal with high thermal conductivity as thermal conductive material. Thermal conductive adhesive is installed on the contact surface of SOFC single cell to ensure that the temperature gradient and changes inside SOFC single cell are timely and easy to control, and to reduce the lag of SOFC single cell temperature changes during dynamic temperature field control.

[0023] 3. The testing device of the present invention uses a heat insulation layer, a radiation-proof coating, a heat insulation cover, and an intermediate heat jacket to provide a thermal environment similar to that of actual work. The temperature of the resistance wire can be controlled according to experimental requirements to reduce the radiative heat loss from the SOFC single cell, strong heat source, and strong cold source into the outer box. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a test device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell, as described in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a test device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to Example 1;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Thermocouple wire; 2. Left cover of the insulated box; 3. Insulated box body; 4. Box base; 5. Anode gas input pipe; 6. Cathode gas output pipe; 7. Cold air intake pipe; 8. Right cover of the insulated box; 9. Anode gas output pipe; 10. Cathode gas input pipe; 11. Left cover of the intermediate thermal interlayer; 12. Intermediate thermal interlayer box body; 13. Heat insulation cover; 14. Resistance wire one; 15. Strong heat source; 16. Heat insulation support base; 17. Resistance wire two; 18. Right cover of the intermediate thermal interlayer; 19. Cold air outlet pipe; 20. Strong cold source; 21. Radiation protection coating; 22. Partition; 23. Thermocouple; 24. Thermally conductive adhesive; 25. SOFC single cell. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this invention provides a test apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell. The apparatus includes a strong cold source 20, a strong heat source 15, an insulated box, an intermediate thermal jacket, a thermocouple 23, a resistance wire, thermally conductive adhesive 24, an SOFC single cell 25, and gas pipelines. Figure 2 As shown, the strong heat source 15 and strong cold source 20 are located at both ends of the SOFC single cell 25. The strong heat source 15 and strong cold source 20 are equipped with a resistance wire 14, whose structural material is a metal with high thermal conductivity. The internal temperature is uniform and can quickly transfer heat to the SOFC single cell 25, reducing the lag in temperature changes. The strong cold source 20 is connected to a cold air inlet pipe 7 at the top and a cold air outlet pipe 19 on the side. First, the resistance wire 14 simultaneously heats the strong heat source 15 and strong cold source 20 to the same temperature. Then, cold air cools the strong cold source 20. The cold air flows through the strong cold source 20 and undergoes convective heat exchange, carrying away some heat and creating a temperature difference between the two ends of the SOFC single cell 25, thus forming a temperature field. By adjusting the contact position and area between the strong heat source and strong cold source and the SOFC single cell, the distribution and pattern of the internal temperature field of the SOFC single cell can be changed. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the contact surfaces of the strong heat source 15, the strong cold source 20 and the SOFC single cell 25 are provided with thermally conductive adhesive 24 to reduce contact thermal resistance.

[0031] The insulated box is divided into two parts: the insulated box body 3 and the insulated box cover. The insulated box body 3 is equipped with a box base 4 at the four corners of the bottom. The insulated box cover consists of two cover plates: the left cover plate 2 and the right cover plate 8. A hole for thermocouple wire 1 is left at the mating part of the cover plates.

[0032] The intermediate thermal interlayer is divided into two parts: the intermediate thermal interlayer box 12 and the intermediate thermal interlayer cover plate, both of which are composed of resistance wire 17 and insulation layer. The resistance wire 17 is laid between the insulation layer and the insulation box of the intermediate thermal interlayer; the intermediate thermal interlayer cover plate includes a left cover plate 11 and a right cover plate 18, with three holes for thermocouple wire 1 at the joint of the two cover plates.

[0033] The resistance wire 14 is symmetrically placed inside the strong cold source 20 and the strong heat source 15. Three thermocouples 23 are provided, each connected to a thermocouple wire 1. The three thermocouples 23 are placed at the center of any one side of the bottom of the strong heat source 15, the bottom of the strong cold source 20, and the inner wall of the intermediate heat jacket. One thermocouple 23 is installed at the bottom of the strong heat source, another at the bottom of the strong cold source, to obtain the temperatures of the strong heat source and the strong cold source, i.e., the temperatures at both ends of the battery. The third thermocouple is used to measure the internal temperature of the furnace chamber and is placed between the heat insulation cover and the intermediate heat jacket, at the center of any one of the four sides of the intermediate heat jacket.

[0034] It should be understood that although three thermocouple wires 1 are shown here and three wire holes are left at the mating part of the cover plate, it should be understood that a thermocouple 23 can be installed and a corresponding number of holes are left at the mating part of the cover plate.

[0035] The heat insulation cover 13 is fastened to the bottom of the intermediate heat jacket, isolating the strong heat source 15, the strong cold source 20, the SOFC single cell 25, and the heat insulation support base 16 from the four side walls and the top wall of the intermediate heat jacket; the radiation protection coating 21 is applied to the surface of the strong heat source 15, the strong cold source 20, and the SOFC single cell 25; the heat insulation support base 16 is placed at the bottom of the intermediate heat jacket, and the SOFC single cell 25 is placed on top of it;

[0036] The formula for calculating the radiative heat flow from the battery inside the heat shield to the intermediate heat layer is as follows:

[0037]

[0038] In the formula: Φ is the radiative heat flux; A f E represents the radiative heat transfer area. b1 E represents the radiative force of the battery. b2 ε1 represents the radiation force of the intermediate thermal interlayer; ε2 represents the emissivity of the battery surface; ε3 represents the surface emissivity of the heat shield; and ε2 represents the surface emissivity of the intermediate thermal interlayer.

[0039] The gas pipeline includes an anode gas input pipeline 5, an anode gas output pipeline 9, a cathode gas input pipeline 10, a cathode gas output pipeline 6, a cold air intake pipeline 7, and a cold air outlet pipeline 19. The anode gas input pipeline 5, the anode gas output pipeline 9, the cathode gas input pipeline 10, and the cathode gas output pipeline 6 are connected to the SOFC single cell 25 through the bottom of the insulation box body 3, the insulation box, the intermediate heat jacket, and the heat insulation support base 16. The cold air intake pipeline 7 and the cold air outlet pipeline 19 are connected to the strong cold source 20 through the insulation layer, the intermediate heat jacket, and the heat insulation cover 13.

[0040] Furthermore, the strong heat source 15 and the strong cold source 20 are placed parallel to the SOFC single cell 25; the top cold air intake pipe 7 and the side cold air outlet pipe 19 of the strong cold source 20 are circular pipes.

[0041] Furthermore, the resistance wire 14, resistance wire 17, and thermocouple wire 1 are all equipped with an insulating layer; the heat preservation box, the intermediate heat jacket, and the heat insulation cover 13 have holes for the resistance wire 1, resistance wire 2, thermocouple wire 1, cold air inlet pipe 7, and cold air outlet pipe 19.

[0042] Furthermore, the heat insulation cover 13 is provided with two partitions 22, which are placed between the strong heat source 15 and the strong cold source 20 to reduce the radiative heat transfer between the strong heat source 15 and the strong cold source 20.

[0043] Furthermore, the thickness of the anti-radiation coating 21 is 1-3 mm.

[0044] Furthermore, a weight can be placed above the SOFC single cell 25 to reinforce the sealing of the SOFC single cell 25; the weight is located below the heat insulation cover 13 and is isolated from the four side walls and the top wall of the intermediate thermal interlayer.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, such as changing the form, location and size of the strong heat source and the strong cold source, replacing the SOFC single cell with multiple cells, etc. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A testing device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell, characterized in that, Including strong heat sources (15), strong Cold source (20), temperature control mechanism, insulation mechanism and gas pipeline; The strong heat source (15) and strong cold source (20) serve as variable-temperature constant-temperature heat sources, and are connected to the SOFC single cell via thermally conductive adhesive (24). (25) The outer surface is in contact with the contact position and area, which can be adjusted to form different temperature fields in the SOFC single cell (25); the strong cold source (20) is connected to the cold air intake pipe (7) at the top and to the cold air outlet pipe (19) on the side. The insulation mechanism includes an insulation box, a heat-insulating support base (16), a heat-insulating cover (13), and thermally conductive adhesive (24); the heat-insulating support base (16) includes a heat-insulating box, a heat-insulating support base (16), a heat-insulating cover (13), and thermally conductive adhesive (24); The support base (16) is installed at the bottom of the insulation mechanism. The SOFC single cell (25) is placed on the heat insulation support base (16). The thermal conductive adhesive (24) is installed on the contact surface between the strong cold source (20), the strong heat source (15) and the SOFC single cell (25). The heat insulation cover (13) is installed at the bottom of the insulation mechanism. The strong cold source (20), the strong heat source (15), the SOFC single cell (25) and the heat insulation support base (16) are all installed inside the heat insulation cover (13). The temperature control mechanism includes an intermediate thermal interlayer, a thermocouple (23), a first resistance wire (14), and a second resistance wire (17); the strong heat The heat source (15) and the strong cold source (20) are both equipped with resistance wire 1 (14); the intermediate heat jacket is installed inside the heat preservation box and is composed of resistance wire 2 (17) and heat preservation layer. The resistance wire 2 (17) is laid between the heat preservation layer and the heat preservation box; there are three thermocouples (23), which are respectively installed at the bottom of the strong cold source (20), the bottom of the strong heat source (15) and the center of any side of the intermediate heat jacket; The gas pipeline includes an anode gas input pipeline (5), an anode gas output pipeline (9), a cathode gas input pipeline (10), a cathode gas output pipeline (6), a cold air intake pipeline (7), and a cold air outlet pipeline (19); the anode gas input pipeline (5), the anode gas output pipeline (9), the cathode gas input pipeline (10), and the cathode gas output pipeline (6) pass through the bottom of the insulation box, the intermediate heat jacket, and the heat insulation support base (16) in sequence and are connected to the SOFC single cell (25); the cold air intake pipeline (7) and the cold air outlet pipeline (19) pass through the insulation layer, the intermediate heat jacket, and the heat insulation cover (13) in sequence and are connected to the strong cold source (20).

2. The testing device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cold air intake pipe (7) at the top and the cold air outlet pipe (19) on the side of the strong cold source (20) are circular pipes.

3. The testing device for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resistance wire 1 (14), resistance wire 2 (17), and thermocouple (23) wires (1) are all equipped with insulation layers; the heat preservation box, the intermediate heat jacket, and the heat insulation cover (13) have holes for the resistance wire 1 wire, resistance wire 2 wire, thermocouple wire (1), cold air inlet pipe (7), and cold air outlet pipe (19).

4. The testing apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resistance wire 2 (17) in the intermediate thermal interlayer is evenly laid between the insulation layer and the insulation box.

5. The testing apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat shield (13) has two partitions (22) inside, which are placed between the strong heat source (15) and the strong cold source (20) to reduce the radiative heat transfer between the strong heat source (15) and the strong cold source (20).

6. The testing apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat preservation mechanism also includes a radiation-proof coating (21), which is applied to the surfaces of the strong heat source (15), the strong cold source (20), and the SOFC single cell (25); the thickness of the radiation-proof coating (21) is 1-3 mm.

7. The testing apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structural materials of the strong heat source (15) and the strong cold source (20) are metals with high thermal conductivity, and the contact surface with the battery is relatively thick to achieve uniform temperature of the heat source.

8. The testing apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulated box includes an insulated box body (3) and an insulated box cover. The intermediate heat interlayer includes an intermediate heat interlayer body (12) and an intermediate heat interlayer cover. Both the intermediate heat interlayer body (12) and the intermediate heat interlayer cover are composed of a resistance wire (17) and an insulation layer.

9. The testing apparatus for a controllable temperature field of a solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 8, characterized in that: The insulated box cover is composed of the left cover (2) and the right cover (8) of the insulated box. The intermediate heat-insulating layer cover includes the intermediate heat-insulating layer left cover (11) and the intermediate heat-insulating layer right cover (18). A hole for the thermocouple wire (1) to pass through is left at the joint of the left and right cover plates.

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